Family Visits

We had nice visits from both sides of the family in the past few weeks. Jeremy's Uncle Pete, Aunt Laurel, and cousin Colin came and stayed for a few days during their first trip to NYC. They had terrible weather but great attitudes.

My parents came for five days and set a good example of not over doing it in the big city. We took them to the "regular haunts" that we seem to encourage all visiting tourists to see: the Lower Eastside Tenement Museum (I'm a member), a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, and the awesome Italian restaurant a half-block from our house. They also enjoyed the Ellis Island Museum (I can't get enough of the immigrant history) and we all visited the Brooklyn Botanical Garden for the first time, which was amazing. Ah, to be in so much natural space for once, including a really large area dedicated to native flora (so close to my heart, and surprisingly--to me--similar to many natives in MN). Check out the photos of the decidedly non-native but spectacular blooming azaleas and wisteria.

Spring Open Studio Night

Jeremy had a successful Spring Open Studio a few weeks back, and tomorrow it his last class! He is pretty excited for the summer. He'll be doing some part-time letterpress printing work, but mostly just painting. Ah, the good life.

Spring Goings On

Important update... we have a house plant! As strange as it seems, it took us this long to let the outside world in. There are practicalities involved in finding a decent garden store for the plants and supplies and getting there. We chose Rasta Garden a few blocks away where the Lionel Ritchie music is blasted on outdoor speakers so loud you can't hear yourself think about the plants, much less discuss them. In order to transplant the new plant into its new pot, we had to use the tree pit on the sidewalk outside our apartment. Our friend Heidi came along to help.

Spring has arrived in New York! Here are some nice shots of the blooming trees and bulbs around Harlem on my way to work...






Jer had a great time sitting in with his old friend Mike Storey's band at a bar in Williamsburg. Jer needs to find some other people who like to rock on a more regular basis!