To Bee or not to Bee

To Bee or Not to Bee.  That is the Stinger.  I would have brought my Honey (that would be The Boyfriend) to the party but we work at different universities.  Happy Hallowe'en. 

Newbie in New York City

Thursday, Oct 18th - Sunday, Oct 21st

When Miss P. suggested I join her in NYC for a weekend getaway, I was like, YES.  I've been to NYC before with The Boyfriend, but, this time, Miss P. and I took in a lot, and I mean a lot.  Here we are crossing the Brooklyn Bridge.

We stayed at the Pod Hotel at Times Square and boy that was conveniently located.  Miss P. found the hotel and it's a deal.   We walked everywhere or took the subway or bus to soak in NYC.   The city is loud but nothing compares to its skyline. 

The sights were spectacular.  I especially liked visiting The Met and NYPL.  We saw a show, "Kinky Boots". My first NYC show!  We had breakfast with 2 of my nieces at the Westaway Diner, a destination for sure. 

I'm glad I had the opportunity to visit New York City especially taking in the 9/11 memorial. Did you know that white roses are placed next to the names of those who died on 9/11 on their birthdays.  Made me tear up.  NYC is not for me.  But I truly enjoyed the experience. 

It was Hard

Donny's club ride today had my legs screaming from the get go.  You think you're in shape ....  We started on Black Road.  Donny had me take a short cut (Gist) to help me catch up with the rest of the cyclists.  Yep, as usual, I was the slowest.  The short cut was harder than Black.  Here we are passing a Christmas tree farm.

Next we did a bit of Skyline and Summit before the long descent on Zayante.  Did I mention the long descent.  The road surface was really bumpy.  Ah, but, a little humor as the photo shows, helps.

We biked through Scotts Valley and onwards to Conference Drive, a road I haven't biked before.  Unfortunately, a locked gate meant that we had to retrace our steps and climb Mt Herman. My legs continued to scream.

Yay, a break.  The gang ordering sandwiches.  But, we're not done yet.  Oh phooey, I had more photos but they got corrupted.  Anyway, we still had to climb Bean Creek, Glenwood, and Mountain Charlie.  Oh my god, have I mentioned my legs were screaming.  Somehow I managed to make it back thanks to the gang cheering me on.

Just the Stats:

40.44 miles
4434 feet of climbing
8.5 avg mph
32.5 mph descending
4 hr 44 min.

Afternoon at the Symphony

After visiting SF this morning doing a stairwalk in Potrero Hill, I found myself at the California Theater in San Jose for a performance by Symphony SV.

I am forever grateful that the former Fox Theatre was saved so that we may continue to enjoy this spectacular building and the performances held here.

I was in the 5th row.  Here are the musicians fine tuning their instruments.  I cried listening to them perform Romeo and Juliet.  Til the next time.

Stairwalking Potrero Hill

The Boyfriend and I have been stairwalking various San Francisco neighborhoods the last several Sundays.  Perhaps I'll post the previous stairwalks we've done someday soon.  It's a fantastic way to explore a neighborhood, see wonderful views, and get in some exercise.

Today we explored Potrero Hill.  There were signs with 21% gradient for much of the walk and boy, I felt it.  Here I am trying to appear as cool as a cucumber.  It was pleasantly warm.

Here you can see how windy it was!  Each road we took was named after a state.  The BF joked, "Hey honey, we're in Arkansas and now we're moving on to Connecticut."  Okay, he didn't really say "honey".

This sign was posted at one of the stairs.  Sweet.  Another wonderful walk getting to know SF after years of living in the Bay Area.

B7

Today was a treat!  I attended a lecture by SJSU incoming Director Dr. Eric Buurman of the Beethoven Center and SJSU Symphony Orchestra, performing Beethoven's 7th at the Hammer Theatre in San Jose.

We were celebrating:  a first edition score of the Seventh Symphony, inscribed by Beethoven to Antonie Brentano, the woman some believe was his “Immortal Beloved" now available for viewing at the Beethoven Center at the SJSU Library.  OMG.  Thank you Patricia Stroh, interim director of the Beethoven Center for your part in this incredible discovery and acquisition.

And it comes to an end.  Most enjoyable way to spend a Saturday afternoon.