New York

I'm off tomorrow to NYC to have a family reunion with my siblings, Bobby, David and Mary Bird. The occasion is David's visit to his daughter Dorothy, who has just completed her Masters at Drew University in New Jersey, and the rest of us, from various parts of Texas, are going to see him. We've got tickets to see Angela Lansbury in Blithe Spirit on Broadway.

It's too bad Byron isn't coming, because we saw Angela Lansbury 43 years ago in Mame while we were on our honeymoon. I've written her to see if she will autograph my 1966 program. We'll see.

We stayed at the Plaza on our honeymoon, and several years ago - before they tore most of it down to make condos - they had a promotion that if you could bring a bill from your honeymoon, you could stay there for the same price. Of course I couldn't find the bill - but I have since found it. $31.50! I do remember ordering room service and Byron was horrified that it cost $7.50 (for coffee, eggs, toast and bacon).

We are planning to have some wonderful meals, visit and play some bridge in memory of Mother and Daddy.

Girls' trip

My high school girls group met in Dallas and we had a great time. Age is creeping up with us, though, as Lynn is suffering from Parkinson's, which is a really terrible disease. We met in Dallas to make it easier for her - but nothing is easier for her. Her darling husband (also a classmate and former date partner of the four of us who didn't marry him) stayed with her to make sure she got her medication on time.

Somehow, even though we weren't the best of friends in high school, we have become dear friends now. You just never know.

Unlike another group with which I travel, this group stays in nice hotels - with a spa that offers massages and facials. We all have a separate room, so no worrying about snoring, farting, inability to sleep, wanting to read, needing to smoke, etc. My other group even books places which requires two to a bed - which is OK but suboptimal.

The spa at the Stoneleigh was great - as was the whole staff, who got to know us and waited on us hand and foot. The only drawback was the slow food service in their restaurant Bolla. Great food and a bargain at 4 courses for $40 - but slow, slow. It took about 10 minutes to get granola for breakfast. How long should it take to pour granola into a bowl?

On another day, I had hashbrowns for breakfast - topped with red onion chips and sour cream. Yum! But not served quickly. I wonder if they hoped that keeping the few diners they had at the table, they seemed more busy.

We visited the Dallas Arboretum (always worth a visit, highly recommended), Sam Moon (king of inexpensive jewelry, luggage and stuff), Half-price Books, Taco Diner and Sprinkles!

My friends are ready to come back next year.