PERSONAL NEWS #189

Friday, October 1st, I had an appt with a new lung specialist at my neighborhood clinic. Learned that my previous lung specialist has retired, and he spends his time in Florida for 6 months and India for another 6 months each year. Anyhow, the new lung specialist’s brother is my chiropractor, who has his practice in my neighborhood. Small world isn’t it. Went through a bunch of tests and discussed were I’m at with regards to my lungs. Need to get X-rays and CATSCAN done soon, as the last time I had those was back in August 2008 when I was in the hospital. Dr Abbott also put me on the inhaler called Symbicort to use at least once a day or when needed.

On Saturday, October 2nd, I joined other “Brooklyn for Peace” activists in taking a bus down to Washington DC for the “One Nation Working Together” march and rally at the Mall. We activists had to be at the meeting spot next to the Brooklyn public library in Grand Army Plaza by or before 6am. Ouch! We all paid $50 each for the bus, and left around 6:20am, as we had to wait for two individuals. The ride down was uneventful with one pitstop on the turnpike, and I chatted with Eloise, who sat next to me. I also chatted with Joanne, whom I had hung out with back in early May at the “Nuclear Free” march in midtown Manhattan. Our group leader, Matt, handed out Metro cards to everyone, and we each paid $5 for our individual cards. Arrived at our destination next to RFK Stadium, and as a group walked to the Metro station for the ride Federal Triangle stop. Once there we walked several blocks to the Mall and the rally itself. We couldn’t have asked for better weather that day. It was gorgeous, not a cloud in the sky and picture perfect. Along the way I took photos with my camera, picked up flyers, and took in the whole amazing scene of many Americans gathering for the “One Nation Working Together” rally. It was an awesome sight and even more so as we got closer to the Lincoln Memorial around 12:15pm.
At times our group got separated, but knew that we had to be back to the bus by 4pm. There was so much to take in, listen to and observe, plus photograph along the way. After awhile many members of “Brooklyn for Peace”, including me, camped out next to the “reflecting pool” about a ¼ of the way down from Lincoln Memorial. Video screens and loudspeakers were positioned all over, so that everyone could see and hear the speakers, singers, etc. For me, the best and most powerful speaker was Harry Belafonte. Radio personality, Ed Schultz, was the rally MC and did a fine job of it. Around 3pm our group headed back to the Federal Triangle Metro stop for the ride to our bus. The crowds of humanity were intense and sometimes “things” were not working at the Metro stations. Frustrating, to say the least, plus we didn’t get to leave Washington DC area at 4pm, but closer to 5pm. Chatted with Eloise on the ride back, and got out for a good stretch at our one pitstop on the turnpike. Also spoke with Ed about becoming a member of “Brooklyn for Peace” and joining the Peace Fair committee. After attending rallies like this one, I have the strong urge to be even more pro-active than I already am. We arrived back to Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn around 9:30pm, and with Eloise’s assistance got car service to take me home. Whew, it was a long day, but a terrific one at that.

On Sunday, October 3rd, around 12pm I joined Timdalf at the entrance to Ft Tryon Park and we strolled through the gates to the 26th annual medieval festival. For the most part, it was a nice day, until it got cloudy and cooler towards 5pm. Also, for the first time since 2005, I was not volunteering at the fair, as my friend Eileen was no longer the artistic production manager. She got booted out several months before by upper management. Bloody buggers! Around 1:15pm I bid Timdalf adieu and hung out the rest of the afternoon with Margaret, Denise and John. It was quite the experience hanging out with Timdalf for an hour, as he was dressed in full Gandalf the Grey costume, and it seemed everyone wanted their picture with him. The day in the life of a wizard is never dull. It was fun hanging out with Margaret, Denise and John. We checked out vendors and several “events” at the tournament field and pageant wagon. Along the way we stopped to watch my ex-beau TJ tell a wonderful medieval story, and he was assisted by his daughter Aislin. At one point TJ spotted me in the crowd, winked, and we both bowed slightly to each other and he continued on with his tale. As it got closer to 5pm, we decided to call it quits and go our separate ways. The weather was chilly and we didn’t want to fight the crowds to see the joust. Also, throughout the festival, I ran into members of TGTSNBN. Many of them were attired in wonderful costumes and getting into the spirit of it all. Overall it was a great day that capped off a terrific weekend.

Monday, October 4th, I had lunch with Julia [ie: BSC EA] at work to discuss a stained glass mirror project she’ll be creating for my apt. I’ve chosen the colors and general design.

Tuesday, October 5th, I listened in on the Peace Alliance conference call.

Thursday evening, October 7th, I attended a dinner party in honor of Howard Shore and Doug Adams. Mr. Shore scored the music for all three LOTR films by Peter Jackson, and Doug Adams wrote the wonderfully detailed book called “The Music of LotR Films”. This dinner party, which was organized by Timdalf, was also to celebrate Howard Shore’s birthday. Nice turnout for the dinner party and Timdalf had a bakery in NJ create Bilbo Baggin’s birthday cake. The one that shows up briefly in the FotR film and it was lovely to see.

Those of us from “New York Friends of Tolkien” were Timdalf, Mary, Kathy, Carole, Dennis and I. Got to meet and socialize with party attendees, as well as sit across from Mr. Shore and occasionally engage in brief conversations. I especially enjoyed talking with an English language teacher [Sam] from Long Island, who was also quite pleasing to the eye. Overall a most enjoyable evening, and a delicious meal with wine.

Friday evening, October 8th, I volunteered with City Harvest at the Union Square farmers market.

On Saturday, October 9th, I went to NY Methodist hospital’s radiology department for chest x-rays, which will be sent to my doctors regarding my lungs. Afterwards, I went home briefly to change, and then headed up to the Westside of Manhattan to meet with my friend Dennis to check out the 70th birthday celebrations for John Lennon at Strawberry Fields in Central Park.

With the weather being such a perfect, warm, sunny autumn day, well, it naturally brought many out to this area of Central Park. It was crowded with everyone taking pix and singing Beatle songs. Many had on Beatle or Lennon t-shirts, and I purchased an “Imagine Peace” button from a vendor. Afterwards, Dennis and I strolled through the park and viewed many cool sites. One of which was a blocked off area with funky music and folk grooving on roller skates. I love living in NYC and experiencing cool, free things like this. Days like today make NYC so very special and precious. We even walked past the ole Plaza Hotel and onto 6th Avenue near RCMH to join many of our “New York Friends of Tolkien” fan/friends at Heartland Brewery for dinner. We enjoyed a quick, fun, delicious meal with many good laughs. Then it was off to RCMH to experience the LotR TTT concert/movie event. Dennis, Timdalf and I sat in the front row of the second mezzanine and our view of everything was perfect. The whole event was awesome and at times emotional. Afterwards, I strolled down to 42nd Street with Carole, before going our separate ways on the subways.

Tuesday, October 12th, I was joined by fellow NYDoP member, Howard, in giving a presentation on Dept of Peace and Resolution 14 to the “Housing & Homeless Committee”. This committee is part of Community Board Manhattan #6 and they had invited us to make this presentation. It went very well and Howard did a great job, especially in fielding questions from the committee members.

On Wednesday, October 13th, I took a vacation day from work, as I had much on my plate to accomplish. First of which was heading up to CT to visit my friend Katherine, and while there I renewed my driver’s license for another six years. Had lunch at a Chinese buffet, and spent abit of time at her home. Back in NYC I raced home to do some laundry and then hopped on the subway for Carroll Gardens in Brooklyn. I was attending my first “Brooklyn for Peace” Peace Fair committee meeting at Charlotte’s home. Interesting and productive meeting, plus Mukti provided us with a delicious vegan Indian meal. She also gives lessons on how to cook Indian food. Hum, may just take her up on that. Afterwards, on way to the subway, Veronica and I engaged in diverse conversation on many political topics.

Thursday, October 14th, I volunteered at the WCW national office and assisted with phone calls to supporters for donations.

Early on Saturday, October 16th, I joined other members of TGTSNBN up in the Sleepy Hallow region for an Autumnal CosPlay. I rode up on the 8:07am MetroNorth train with Deanna, Dyanne, Beth, Lisa and Saribel. I was wearing my costume and long grey woolen cloak with scarf I had crocheted. I went as a Hogwarts teacher, Hufflepuff house, and this was my first time wearing a full, complete costume. As well as including a choice of not one, but three wands that I now own. The Phillipes Manor train station is perfect for our first photo shoot with Ashley. Many of us, including me, were wishing for nicer weather; as it was cool, very windy and cloudy with some sunshine. While at the train station Christine and Cassie assisted me with fine tuning my costume. Tweak it more in certain places with pins and such. After the train station, we all popped into cars of fellow TGTSNBN members and drove the short distance to Sleepy Hallow cemetery for another photo shoot. At one point, we looked like a convoy driving through the cemetery trying to find the POTTER tombstone. So, naturally, cemetery security stops us for questioning and ascertains the situation, and then assists us. Many thanks go out to Ashley and Christine’s smooth talking the situation. Throughout the day Ashley also had the task of taking “solo” pix of our 25+ group, and it did take ALL day to do this. Mon dieu!

The Sleepy Hallow cemetery is really quite nicely situated, and we even noticed two “walking tours” of folk learning its history. Throughout it all, I am wearing new boots I had purchased the day before at Payless, so in a sense, I was breaking them in that day. Ouch! Sigh! I also borrowed black leather gloves from Jennifer to keep my hands warm, and so glad I brought my Hufflepuff scarf. Amen! There were many in our group who came prepared with several costume changes, so they could “act” in “Deathly Hallows” vignettes that Ashley photographed. Several costumes stand out in my mind as being truly amazing and inspiring. Christine’s “Lily Potter” in white ghostly wedding gown holding a bouquet of silk Lilies was one, and then Margaret in her many costumes as Molly Weasley was another. Bess always does a bang up number as Bellatrix, and Cassie was terrific as Lucius Malfoy. Jennifer has many costumes and wigs to portray Tonks, and Ariel did a version of steampunk Hermione that was adorable. Also, about a dozen members donned black attire and masks to portray “death eaters”. After the cemetery, we piled into cars once again, and drove through Tarrytown towards Lyndhurst Manor. This was the final destination and photo shoot of the day before we lost what remained of the sun. Plus it was getting cooler out, and everyone was a wee bit tired at this point. We also made a point of having a late lunch with food and drink we’d brought, as many of us were very hungry.

At this location I finally got my chance for a “solo shoot” with Ashley that went okay, and I just wish I’d freshened up my makeup. Oh well, it’s a done deal. At least I got better “solo” pix with my camera early on at the train station. The manor, greenhouse, field full of scarecrows, and landscape property was really quite nice. Sadly, we missed the last tour of the manor, which had started at 4:30pm. As the sun finally set around 6:30pm we slowly made our way back to where the cars were parked, and decided on next course of action. About six of us, including me, decided to head back to the train station and head to NYC. We didn’t feel like going out to a diner for dinner and getting home around 11pm. Jennifer and Clay drove us to the Tarrytown train station, so that we could hop on board the 7:15pm to NYC. Dyanne, Beth, Michelle, Alex, Lisa and I rode back to NYC in a tired but chatty frame of mind. Despite little hiccups here and there it was a terrific day.

On Sunday afternoon, October 17th, I celebrated my 52nd birthday and joined friends [ie: Mary and Dennis] at a musical parody called “Fellowship!” on Westside of Manhattan. Before going into the small theater, I was given birthday gifties from Mary and Dennis, plus later on they treated me to our late lunch. [Many thanks to you both for the cards and gifties.] The musical parody was fun, very entertaining, a lot of laughs and the chap who played Aragorn was quite a hottie. Afterwards we had a leisurely, tasty late lunch, along with delightful conversation, at Empanada Mama on 9th Avenue. Really good food and I highly recommend this establishment. Then it was time to part company, and before heading home I stopped by Westerly’s for some Vegan goodies. Yum!

Tuesday, October 19th, I attended a panel discussion on international law, detainees, terrorism and war crimes at the Brooklyn Law School in Brooklyn Heights. This was the second of a three-part panel discussion, and the final one is being held in November.

Wednesday, October 20th, I volunteered with eight other E&Y folk to assist City Harvest at the Union Square farmers market. This volunteer project is part of the EY Connect initiative. This is also the one-year anniversary of my going Vegan. WooHoo!!

On Thursday after work, October 21st, Chris Archer and I attended the “Quality of Life Committee” meeting with CB Manhattan #1. NYDoP CCR team had been invited by CB M1 to give a presentation on Dept of Peace and R14 for this particular committee. Chris gave a good presentation, answered questions and I handed out brochures and flyers.

On Friday evening, October 22nd, I utilized the gym at the Y in my hood for a good one hour cardio workout.

On Saturday, October 23rd, after Dana finished cleaning my apartment in the AM, I took the subway up to Riverside Park to watch TGTSNBN play Quidditch. Two games were played and each team won a game. I was on the sidelines keeping score for Marcy, as Jonathan was at this game. Had my new boots on [third time since purchasing them] and still working on breaking them in. It gets easier every time. Afterwards, a group of us headed to TOAST on Broadway for a tasty, leisurely fun brunch. Then I headed down to Madison Square Park to the MAC store to purchase some eye shadow and get a makeover by Sean.

Tuesday evening, October 26th, I attended a “free intro” at the Kabbalah Centre on East 48th Street. (Back on October 12th, after giving a presentation on Dept of Peace, at the CB Manhattan #6, Howard and I sat down to nosh on Subway sandwiches and he told me about the Kabbalah classes he is taking. Howard also mentioned the book below [The Power of Kabbalah], and I really liked the sound of it all. He mentioned how Kabbalah really, for him, dovetails into spiritualism and non-violent action, which we practice with the Dept of Peace campaign. Definitely want to get this book and take classes to learn more about Kabbalah. This is very exciting. Thank you Howard for your enthusiasm, thoughtfulness and explaining it in such a down to earth manner.) The “free intro” was fascinating, and the gent telling me and 3 others about Kabbalah, was very thorough and took time to answer questions. It seemed to me that I was the only one of the four “newbies” who “got it”, as the others expressed skeptism etc. Down in the Kabbalah Centre’s book store I purchased two books, one of which is by Michael Berg called “The Way – Using the Wisdom of Kabbalah for Spiritual Transformation and Fulfillment”. Definitely plan on taking classes in Kabbalah, but will have to wait until January or February 2011, as I have other important things that require immediate assistance.

Wednesday, October 27th, participated in a CCR Team conference call with Joe and Kevin.

Friday, October 29th, I had my second appt with my new lung specialist, followed by a much needed manicure.

On Saturday morning, October 30th, the National Grid serviceman came by to turn on my new gas meter, and fix my gas stove. Afterwards, I completed many errands, plus grocery shopping and laundry, then headed down to Park Slope and Grand Army Plaza area to volunteer with City Harvest at the farmers market. Usually I do volunteering at Union Square, but City Harvest needed volunteers at this location, so I said “why not”. Back at home I rented a few Horatio Hornblower TV series DVDs and noshed on a slice of Vegan chocolate cake. Both were very enjoyable.