Girls Weekend

This past weekend was Girls Weekend in New Jersey!  David and his dad had a similar weekend in Vail Colorado, skiing with some male friends that they called "Dads and Lads".  Roni came up with the idea to have a fun weekend ourselves, gathering at David's parents house in New Jersey.  Now, this is way out of my box, and Roni knew this, but asked anyway, and to her surprise, and mine, I said yes!

So, Jean and Roni Jo and I had a super fun girls weekend.  We went to museums in New York City, and Newark, NJ.  A couple long walks with Rosie the dog (good thing Rosie is a girl too so she could join us!), watched the Olympics, worked a jigsaw puzzle, had lovely visits with long time friends of Jean whom I am quickly becoming attached to as well, and lunch one day at the famous Millburn Deli.

I got kind of caught up in the fun of the weekend, and didn't take as many photos as I intended and probably should have, but following will be a smattering of images from a few of our activities.

This is an example of creative marketing.  The train station in Shorthills doubles as a bar and restaurant in the evenings, called Box Car  It was so cute!

This is not my first time on the NYC subway, but it's an experience nonetheless.

A subway musician entertaining busy travelers.

This is the building where John Lennon of the Beatles lived.  It continues to be a tourist draw.

Walking along Central Park Ave. West.  It was a cold day, but lovely to be outside.

The iconic horse drawn carriage ride through Central Park.  

Jean and Ellen with Central Park and NYC in the background.

We popped in to the Museum of Natural History for a brief tour.  It currently houses the largest know dinosaur called "Titanosaurs"!  Roni Jo and Alicia went  through a huge dinosaur phase when they were young.  They would have flipped over backwards at the displays in this museum!

The view of Central Park from Peter and Ellen's apartment.  I can only imagine how beautiful this is in the spring summer and fall.  Winter has it's own kind of beauty as well.

Saturday morning, in the pouring rain, we ventured in to Newark to this wonderful museum that housed a permanent art collection as well as the home of the Ballentine's that has been beautifully preserved.  It's so interesting to glimpse in to the past through the thoughtful preservation of artifacts.

The Ballentine dining room was historically preserved.  But, there was a modern display as well, from an artist who did this staging of fabric on headless mannequins.  It was an interesting juxtaposition of past and present.

Another, yet more traditionally staged room in the Ballentine mansion.

Leaving the museum was this clever statue which at first glance looked like someone sitting on a chair, contemplating life.

As you walked past, you noticed that the sculpture is all shoes!  So cool!

Monday morning, before I was due to fly back west, Jean and Rosie and I went for a walk in the woods.  Again, winter beauty, with the promise of more to come with spring, summer and fall!

Rosie loves her walks in the woods.  She's such a beautiful dog.

And lunch at the Millburn Deli which David has been telling me about for several years.  There is a reason it's a local favorite!!!

I need a little practice with taking selfies, so just kind of ignore how goofy this photo is!

Meanwhile, back at the farm, lots is happening.  We're gearing up for spring work.  I am so grateful that I was able to take a few days to spend with Roni Jo and Jean.  It was a real treat!