Monday, February 23, 2015

The Cheap Brother... I Mean The KID Brother

As I began this post Sunday evening, it was 33°F/1°C here in New York City. But it was sunny and around 40F/4C earlier in the day. This, apparently, is as good as it gets. Today is partly cloudy with a high of 23F/5C and a low of 5F/–15C. (And that doesn't account for 'real feel.') At least we've got a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean.

THE COLOR- AND PATTERN-COORDINATED DOWAGER DUCHESS.
(THAT'S HER VERY COOL FRIEND ROSALIE IN BLUE AND GRAY.) 
THE VIEW FROM THE BALCONY SATURDAY EVENING. 
A COLD CONCH SHELL ON THE BALCONY.
(WHATEVER WAS INSIDE FLEW BACK TO JAMAICA LAST WEEK.)
FROM THE KITCHEN WINDOWS.
ICE FLOES IN THE NARROWS? (FROM THE DUCHESS'S WINDOWS.)


My Mother The Dowager Duchess has a beautiful view from her windows at Rehab, too. She's back in her first room, with a view of the Narrows leading into New York Harbor. Ice floes are visible!

THE KID BROTHER ... WEARING GEOFFREY BEENE.

The Kid Brother was over Sunday to chill with us for a bit. That 40°-day didn't feel as warm as expected. We went out for lunch at the Parkview Diner and, while we waited out front for the car to pick us up, we all stood with hoods up and scarves wrapped tightly. San Geraldo and I wore scarves purchased for about 3 euros each in Spain. The Kid Brother wore an Italian-made Geoffrey Beene scarf. And since it was the night of the Academy Awards here, I captioned the photo appropriately.

WITH SAN GERALDO FACING AWAY FROM THE WIND.
(THIS WAS THE "WARM" DAY; BACK BELOW FREEZING AGAIN TODAY!)

We had another lunch feast at the Parkview Diner and when the bill came I passed it to the Kid Brother. He passed it back to me like a hot potato.

"THANKS FOR LUNCH, CHUCK!"
"YOU GOTTA BE KIDDIN, WISE GUY!"

Then The Kid Brother headed home and we headed over to Rehab. (The Kid Brother spoke to The Dowager Duchess by phone before we went out to lunch.) The Duchess continues to thrive and we're hoping she'll be home very soon.

MY FATHER'S MAPS AND GUIDE BOOKS GOING BACK TO THE 1950s.
(THESE ARE SOME I DECIDED TO HOLD ONTO.)

Being back here in Brooklyn and in my mother's apartment for so many weeks has been, well, interesting. I now spend about an hour each morning lying in bed and reminiscing (or, more precisely, dwelling) on my past. (I wasn't always the joy-filled, confident, brilliant, witty, and stunning specimen you've come to know on these pages.)

I've been going through closets and shelves and trying to get things a bit more streamlined and less cluttered. I've come across things that bring back bittersweet memories (and quite a bit of dust). I'll share more of my discoveries in coming days ... or weeks ... or whenever I come up for air.

I miss reading all the exceptional blogs I follow. I'll have so much catching up to do once I'm back in Spain. The Duchess told me to send continued thanks to you all from her for all your kind comments, messages, and good wishes. She enjoys feeling the love and support from all around the world. Of course, I thank you, too! So, now it's time for lunch with the heavenly San Geraldo...

And then back to rehab!


Other than that, I can't control my destiny...

14 comments:

  1. This time in New York hasn't been the best for the two of you, considering first your mother's rehab, then the awful weather that has slammed the East Coast this winter. Keep warm, you two.

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  2. Beautiful scarf! Happy to hear your Mother is doing so well. But the weather? Well, my view today looks very much the same... only it's cactus covered with snow... hasn't gotten up to 30 degrees F yet... and won't. So... stay warm. And maybe treat yourself to one of those snuggy scarves....

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  3. Your brother shares your same sense of humor lol :) She does have fabulous views from her apartment and rehab! It is beautiful warm and sunny (not that warm but above zero :) here on the West Coast of Canada. Sending some sun and warmth your way until you can get back to Spain

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  4. Of course you guys are here on the east coast during one of the worst winters in decades! But just remember, it builds strength!! lol
    Happy to hear things continue to move in a positive direction for your mother.
    Good to 'visit' the past on occasion, just don't stay there for too long. Enjoy where you are and with family.
    Stay warm.

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  5. Sending continuing love, encouragement, and warm hugs to all of you! Tell San G that the namesake has developed a sudden 'allergy' to the cold, and refuses to go out without being pushed.

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  6. Glad your mother continues to improve. Hope she can be back in her own home soon. The weather? It will just make you more grateful for Spain when you get back.

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  7. Warm Spain is going to feel like a slice of heaven when you get home.

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  8. I've heard Idina Menzel sing this version live twice. Beautiful.

    Continued cheers to the whole family!

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  9. Those photos make me shiver! When we left Germany it was -2 and two days after arriving in Melbourne it was 40c. I don't like extremes...
    Today however it is a sunny day and a high of 18 - perfect!
    Sending you warm thoughts.
    Kirk

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  10. Oh, it's so good to have news from you. I'm sorry for you and San Geraldo to have nasty weather while you're here... but, wow, what a view!
    Continued warm wishes to la duchesse for speedy recovery!

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  11. So happy to see things are coming along fine for your Mother.

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  12. I wanted to ad that after this adventure she should be promoted to Grand Duchess.

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  13. Yikes everyone looks so gosh-darn cold !

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