We returned to Boston again on June 10 for a 50th anniversary party at the Hampshire House which is two doors away from our home. Tom Kershaw purchased the Hampshire House on June 10 1969 and slowly over time converted it from the Hampshire House Hotel into the Hampshire House and the Bull & Finch Pub in the basement of the building. In 1982, the sitcom Cheers based its show on the Bull & Finch and the rest is history. The “Cheers” bar has been a huge tourist attraction in Boston and the Hampshire House continues as a wedding and corporate events venue. We have utilized the beautiful second floor library for two fund raising events for FAME, an organization entirely focused on advancing quality medical care in rural Tanzania, which was founded by Jim’s cousin Frank Artress and partner Susan Gustafson. After sitting in on the first fundraiser Tom Kershaw would not let us pay anything for the event which had included use of the room, appetizers and an open bar. We have also had a Christening party for our granddaughter Natalia in the third floor function room and have enjoyed many Fourth of July Parties at Tom’s home in the penthouse of the building. Tom and his partner Lindy Roethlisberger have been good friends during our years in Boston.
We had also returned to Boston for the 8th grade graduation of our eldest granddaughter Katia.
We returned to New York the night of June 13 after Katia’s graduation for our last few days in this city that is pulling us under its spell. Friday was spent exploring the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens and its surrounding, Prospect Heights. The Botanical Garden seemed small and we were not overly impressed with it. Sandy decided that we would not live in Brooklyn if we move to New York some time in the future.
Saturday we went for a very nice exploratory run in Central Park. The beauty of Central Park is its ever-changing landscape and there are always new places to be discovered.
Another moving place in Central Park is Strawberry Fields, a memorial to John Lennon who lived and was murdered at the nearby Dakota
Saturday evening we had our final meal with Mike and Caryl Erdos at The Greek Kitchen which offers traditional Greek fare. It was quite good and will go on our recommended list. Mike & Caryl are scheduled to close on their Central Park West Co-op on June 18, quite exciting. We sincerely thank Mike and Caryl for all that they have contributed to our having another wonderful time in NYC. It was really great to spend so much time with you away from the old stresses of work.
Our final full day in New York, Monday June 17. We take a long subway ride from 81st street to 190th street and then walk through beautiful Fort Tryon Park along the Hudson River to The Met Cloisters.
We had a very small lunch at the Trie Café, not really recommended, and took the first of two free hour long tours, Gardens of the Met Cloisters.
We spent at least four hours at this charming little museum devoted to the art and architecture of medieval Europe. This is probably a record for us as an hour is our usual tolerance level in a museum. This is a highly recommended NYC site for a number of reasons. It is easily accessible by subway with a beautiful walk through Fort Tryon Park. It is quite small and does not overwhelm you with vast collections of art. There are no crowds or lines and the free tours are very well done and occur throughout the day.
We had nine days at our second home in Melrose with Jennifer, Rob and Jackson before leaving for London. As usual our time was a whirlwind of meals with friends, Dentist and hair appointments with the added stress of trying to finish up the bedroom renovations after the flood at our condo in Boston. The really good news is that we have signed a lease with new tenants from August 1 for one year. This means that we have to continue traveling for another year as we have no permanent home to return to.
4 responses to “Goodby New York City, we’ll be back”
Kathleen von Pohle
Ahhhh, another fabulous adventure. Thank you for blogging and taking me along with you. Beautiful art, gardens, friends, food/drink.
Your renovation is stunning. Ya’ll look great. Congrats on the lease for another year of travel! Awesome 👍
Love, best wishes and hugs to you both.
Kathleen
God you guys I am out of breath just trying to keep up with you “kids”. love living vicariously through you and MISSS you so much. Thank you for sharing…love you
KK xoxoxo
Love love love reading your blog and keeping up with you!! I am glad to see you both looking fantastic and staying so active! You are an example for everyone!
I have not been to NYC in many years. I love the history of the old buildings/mansions. I know the ones that were not torn down had been converted for other purposes (schools etc). Are there markers to indicate what their previous life had been? Do you know who’s home is in the posted picture?
I hope you enjoy your stay in London as I know it is a favorite. Keep blogging and thank you for sharing your fantastic lives with the rest of us!
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