Such a true passage…….
Ya know, Bonaparte is so good to me. He always makes the best cuppa Joe every morning. He treats me like the pretend royalty that my delusions have me believe I am.
I really am lucky! Bonaparte makes sure I have my morning cawfee, princess style. In bed!
Come and sit with me while we share a cup!
The past few days were busy. Bonaparte knows that I’ve been feeling ridiculously sorry for myself, wallowing in self-pity, being quite a pain-in-the ass , a bit depressed lately. I miss New York City something awful. I just don’t have an emotional connection with the Philadelphia area nor do I have a connection with the people. Each day becomes more and more crippling for me, but I do struggle to make the best of the situation! After all, I’ve got Bonaparte, my kids,Chippy, and a great home!
Seriously, I may be office poison and can’t get a job due to my age, but I have a nice life. I’ll bitch and moan, but between my kids and Bonaparte, I’m only lucky lady! Oh..and Adam blew my hair out on Friday. Lovin’ my waves!
Anyway, yesterday Bonaparte decided to take me into New York. Jake and Roman met us for a nice brunch at Les Halles, Anthony Bourdain’s restaurant where we had a most enjoyable time.
Hey, would I lie to you? Trust me, if you are in Manhattan any time soon, have lunch or dinner at Les Halles. It isn’t “haute cuisine”, but the food is consistent in being good. It’s easy simple and non-complicated French bistro stuff. Nice ambiance too–and the wait staff is great! It is our “go-to” NYC place! Can’t go wrong here!
It’s just very comforting when I’m in New York and with the kids. Its amazing how one afternoon spent back in New York City, for just a few hours, can bring my spirit back up to a good place. It’s even better when the boys are able to meet us. If only Oona were back in New York……….
We had good food, good conversation, and the weather was perfect for driving and walking around!
The skies were overcast as we entered the city. But….
By the time we finished brunch and headed downtown the sun and blue skies took over!
We dropped Roman off at the new WTC site. I think I’m almost ready to venture and explore the “new” downtown.
It’s always fun to go to the City because it’s also an excuse for me to get dressed a bit.
Do you like my outfit? I got to wear my new J. Crew Regency blazer and my new front-zipper Pixie Pants also from J. Crew. The Repetto ballet flats I got for a steal of 93 euros this past summer were so comfortable. THE perfect shoes for walking in the City!
It was just one of those really great days. Traffic was on our side, no wait to get through the Holland Tunnel in both directions. It was a nice way to finish the summer!
Oh wait. I didn’t tell you? I had an interview with a staffing agency last week. I just about had a full-blown anxiety/panic attack about it too.
They “tested” me on my Excel skills! Excel—that unforgiving little program that Microsoft changes from year to year. Microsofties think that they do us a favor by revamping and “improving” the program. They aren’t—they just make it easier for rocket scientists and MIT students. Your average administrative and executive assistants just become frustrated and stressed.
Anyway, I had to deal with Pivot tables, charts, formulas, page layouts, workbooks, sheets….question upon question upon question and I thought the small amount of gray matter in between my ears would burst! Then my anxiety peaked in anticipation of my “Word” skills test immediately following this Excel judgement. So I finished the test, my confidence was in the sue-ah (that’s NY talk for sewer). Then I heard an announcement. I had a perfect score. 100% correct! Because of this perfect score the “Word” testing was waived!
That was pretty cool, I have to admit. My confidence was rising…
Oh! I almost forget. Saturday evening brought about a great dinner dish! “Poulet a la Provencale”.
This recipe is amazing and so easy. I’ve altered it a bit though.
I altered the recipe just a bit–mostly in the procedure of cooking it. Have a click and let me know if you try it! Poulet a la Provencale
See this book?
Take it from me, if you EVER see this book in a store, grab it and take it home. It will be invaluable!
Hands down, it’s the best French home-style cookbook of all time. My copy is so dog-eared and so filled with spills and crumbs. I picked it up at the now-defunct “Borders” book store for about six dollars maybe eight years ago. Bonaparte says it is the most realistic French cookbook ever!
Serve with a salad and a nice wine and you’ve got a nice light dinner! Perfect for the end of summer and into early fall!
It was a nice few days. Not overly ambitious, and not boring. Fun but just enough to fill those last lazy days of summer….
..which fits in well with today’s song? “Lazy Day”. Spanky and Our Gang. I loved Spanky!
Oops! Our cawfee is now iced because I tawked too long! XOXOXO!!!
Good for you, Cath… 🙁 My wife hates coffee.. just tea.. and I have to make coffee only for myself.. 🙁
And nice to hear about the good time you had 🙂 Except for the Word and Excel part haha.. take care… 🙂 Hugs and Kisses..
Glad you enjoyed! Oh…Excel–it’s so not “Excel-lent”. It is the bane of my professional life–but I”m glad I was able to score a perfect number in the testing! XOXOXOXO!!!
😀 Yes… good show..
I prefer iced coffe over hot coffee any day! 🙂 The city looked lovely that day and I am jealous about the place you ate, so I will def have to put that on my NY bucket list! And that out fit is to die for! Love it! XO
Hi Megan. Oh…speaking of iced coffee, I love me some Starbucks iced coffee–it’s nice and strong! Yeah, yesterday ended up being a fantastic day to be in the City. It’s cool because both of my sons felt the same way. Jake rode his bike from Brooklyn into the restaurant and Roman took the time to just walk around and explore after we left. I used to LOVE days like that when I lived in NYC! Definitely put Les Halles on your NY bucket list–you won’t be dissappointed. Ohhhh.I’m glad you liked the outfit! XOXOXOXO!
I just love days like that!
A 100 on your test, wonderful news! And by the way, I make sure the coffee is ready every morning for my other half. Thanks for sharing, I always enjoy reading! 🙂
Hi Spear. Yeah. A Perfect score. Oona brought up a good point though. She said that perhaps I just may be overqualified as an Exec. Asst. for many of the available positions. I honestly never thought of that. Ohhhh..you sweetie. I think it’s great that you get that coffee ready for your other half! XOXOXO!!
I looouuuvvveee coffee….and wouldn’t mind sharing an entire pot with you! Why stop with a cup when we have the entire pot!? 😉
Wouldn’t that be great? Sharing an entire pot of joe? That would be so much fun!! XOXOXO!!
I feel the same way about the mood-elevating properties of Chicago, but it’s a 5 hour drive for me so it doesn’t happen very often. 🙁
Best of luck with the staffing agency! Microsoft never checks with us first before changing things up – so annoying!
Oh. Luckily I’m two hours away from NYC by car. I don’t think I could ever live farther away than what I do now. I really miss city living. I’m not a suburb person. I just feel more comfy among the dirt and concrete! Oh don’t even get me started on the fact that Microsoft never notifiies about changes. ARRGH!! XOXOXO!!!
Wow nice!
Thanks Lynn! XOXO
Aw, sorry you’re having a tough time in Philly. I think we’re all just cranky because our sports teams suck! Ah, who am I kidding… Anyway, looks like you and a beautiful day in a fab outfit with some people who love you! Doesn’t get any better than that!
HI Meg. LOL. I’m a displaced NY’er who loves the Red Sox..and they do suck this year! We did have a great day with the boys–glad you liked the outfit! XOXOXO!
Great news on the score! Impressive. What keeps you in Philly? Any chance of returning to NYC? Loving where you live is a life changer. I’ve dreamed of living in SW Florida since my late 20s. A lifetime ago. Went to the beach yesterday and I never tire of it. My Starbucks on my lanai every morning. I feel so lucky. I’m such a big goober it gives me a thrill to write my return address on an envelope. And it’s been 3 years. Now if I could just freeze time.
In Philly because that’s where Bonaparte’s business is based. He has many clients here. But–the good thing is that he loves going into NYC as much as I do–it’s easily accessible. You are incredibly lucky and fortunate to be living in a place that you truly love. It’s wonderful to even read about it! Enjoy that cawfee–especially the Starbucks. Yum! XOXOXOXO!!!
Oh my Catherine! You opening quote is just my favorite! I loved the photos, too! Thank you for posting such a funny article. 🙂
Sounds like a lovely afternoon – good food and family, what more could one want? 🙂
gk, it was so perfect. There’s not much more anyone could want when you have those days! XOXOXOXO!!!
While I did invite everyone over for coffee (the assignment demanded it) I love my cardamom tea that wifey prepares. For coffee it’s HEBREW in our house too (so you know why it isn’t my favorite.)
Hi Anand, LOL…Hmmmmmm…I should try grinding the cardamom that I have and putting it in with the brewing tea that I make in the winter. I LOVE the taste of cardamom and I actually chew on the seeds after I’ve had a garlicky meal! It’s so much fun to see how many “He’s” brews coffee! XOXOXOXO!!!
As I said, cardamom tea doesn’t have an ingredient that I despise – my effort, so for me it’s always the winner.
Well, I am going to steal that quote and plaster it all over for The Husband to see. He will be brewing henceforth 🙂 Lovely post. Made me smile
Hi Jacqueline! Oh…you won’t be stealing at all. I “borrowed” that quote from an unknown source but it is now printed and placed on the fridge! XOXOXO!!!
Thank you for the granted permission 🙂 Kind regards.
Sounds like a beautiful, beautiful day..