Drawing at the MET

This past Friday I was trying to plan a fun activity for the young women in our church. In researching, I thought about doing something fun at The Metropolitan Museum of Art since we live so close to it, but the question was what!? As I delved into it a little bit more I stumbled upon a Friday evening art class, where they provide you instruction, materials and subject matter ALL FOR FREE!

I thought the night was so fun as it was a very casual setting and had people from all different art levels participating. It was even more fun that Pat came since he oversee's the youth in our congregation.

My only wish is that we could have stayed longer. Even though the class was 3 hours long, we only had 45 minutes to draw before we had to get the girls back home. I hope that I am able to go back sometime, as it was so relaxing to sketch and I felt so cultured sitting in the gallery and drawing from the Masters.

Beekeeping in NYC

This past weekend I fulfilled one of my childhood dreams of beekeeping. My only wish is that it wasn't so short lived and I had a place to have a beehive of my own. 

For the past couple of years I have been trying to find a place where I could take classes on beekeeping or at least just experience beekeeping in some way. I couldn't find anything! Finally, on one such occasion I stumbled upon a once-a-year beekeeping workshop right here in the Bronx! I couldn't believe it. I found it on the internet in January, but the registration wasn't until March. The anticipation pretty much killed me. We were able to register with our friends, Nate and Ashely (fellow animal and I guess insect lovers), and I couldn't wait until we were finally able to charm the bees. 

We were actually scheduled for the beekeeping workshop last weekend, but due to bad weather the class was postponed a week. But alas, the wait was well worth it, as all four of us were able to learn all about bees and the miracle of how honey is made. 

The workshop was at the most beautiful private park, Wave Hill,  in the Bronx right next the Hudson River. I hope we can go back and explore this area more, as it was such a vacation from city life, and was only a 20 minute drive. 

In anticipating the registration for this class, I was scared that it would quickly sell out as they only allowed 12 people in the class. However, when we went the class only had 8 people, including us, which made more a more personal and interactive experience. 

Our instructor was great, as he really loved bees and beekeeping. He really inspired me to one day have my own beehive. 

Ashley

Nate

Pat

Lindsay

The smoke that was used to "calm" the bees. We actually learned the reason
why smoke calms bees is because they think there is a fire so they start eating
all the honey to preserve it and then get all sluggish from over eating.
Hahaha silly bees!

These bee canals that you see really excited our instructor. Apparently this means that the bee colony is divided
and another Queen bee was prepared and there was going to be a take over of the hive. 

Fresh honey

 

The day was absolutely perfect and so much fun. I learned so much about beekeeping even though a lot of it went over my head. I now have a huge respect for bees and will no longer fear them. I think it is absolutely miraculous how they are able to make honey and hope some day to enjoy the process first hand!

Sleepy Weekend

Unlike last weekend, this past weekend was more relaxed. I took some pictures and realized the only pictures I took were of Montee and/or Pat sleeping. I just found these moments precious and wanted to remember them.

The boys taking a Sunday nap

Everyday when I come home from work this is what I find:
Montee sleeping like a person in our bed.

In not so good news, Montee had another seizure yesterday while we were at work. We knew because we found vomit and urine in the right proximity to each other. The test results came back from the last time and we still don't know what is wrong. Hopefully we will find out soon.

But to end on a good note, last night I saw the Broadway show "Once." It is up for 11 Tony's so I knew I had to see it before the tickets were sold out for years and the price sky rocketed. It was such a unique experience and one that I loved and to follow in my love for seeing movies alone I took it one more step and saw this Broadway show alone after work. I just found out about the play on Sunday so I went online on Monday and bought myself a ticket. Pat's not one for musicals so there was no sense in wasting the money on him, and I didn't want to feel bad about inviting someone to spend so much money to see it with me and then for it not to be that good. By going alone, I didn't have to worry about anyone else, all I had to do was enjoy the show!

I knew I would love the show even before it started. As you arrived the bar was right on stage, so you could go up and get a drink while standing right next to the 13 actors who were in the performance. The show was more play like than an elaborate Broadway musical production. The stage never changed but rather the viewer used their imagination as they went through the story line. But most of all, the music was incredible. It was totally up my alley in the type of music I like: Folk/soft rock/dance around the apartment fun.

Don't leave Hatlers!

About a month ago we had a fun day with our friends, Maria and Matt Hatler. They are leaving the city soon to "start their lives" as Matt just graduated from Medical school. They are some of our best friends here in the city and we are going to miss them greatly. 

Since they are leaving the city they have been on a mission to check everything off their "New York City To Do List" and they were nice enough to let us come along. 

Our first time on the agenda was to have some "Soul Food" in Harlem at Amy Ruths. Pat and I have been here before years ago when Pat was doing his internship, but we haven't been back since, even though the food is to die for. Literally, this food will make you die....most likely from a heart attack. 

Next we took a stroll through Central Park down through Harlem Meer and through the Conservatory Gardens.

It is hard living in a city where everyone is transient and only stays for a couple of years and then moves on to "start" their lives. We really are going to miss the Hatlers, but I know that we will be life long friends no matter where the future leads us.

Good Luck Hatlers. Oklahoma is so lucky to have you. 

Pat and his bicycle

Pat had a date on Memorial Day. This date was not with me but was with his friend, Klane, and their bikes. They set out in the morning and rode all along the west side of Manhattan -- 25 miles total. 

I am glad that Pat has friends that he can do his hobbies with, because even though I had the greatest of intentions and ambitions when I bought my bike last year, it seems that I always have an excuse as to why I can't ride my bike. This time it's was "I'm pregnant."

But it looks like Pat had a great time, and was able to snap some awesome pics with his phone.