Visitation Rights

Friday:

Jim and Pam arrive in New York
BBQ at Fette Sau




Saturday:

Join Jim, Kerry, and Higgins for off-leash in Prospect Park
Joe, Pam, and Jim go shopping in lower Manhattan
Paulie Gee's for pizza
Joe and Gili attend Jenny’s 30th birthday party



Sunday:

Visit Brighton Bazaar and other Russian food shops in Brighton Beach
Coney Island
Shop at Brooklyn Kitchen
Go to the Sarandon Fest and watch Thelma and Louise; Susan Sarandon speaks at BAM
Sri Pra Phai for dinner



Monday:

Joe's parents fly back to Iowa
Joe and Gili go to work
Valentine's dinner at Cafe Habana
Oscar Nominated Live-Action Shorts at IFC





(Some photos were taken by Joseph.)

Would you mind picking up that name I just dropped?

Natasha Lyonne, Laura Linney, and Christina Ricci on stage all in one weekend.

Bedazzled.

I feel like suing my parents

I just discovered that my parents withheld an essential casserole dish from my childhood. I thought we had covered all the bases, what with the Corn Flakes, tuna, and white sauce casseroles. But no. Seems like nobody really cared about me, just as I suspected. Neglect. Neglect, people.

Joseph just introduced me to the world of Tater Tot Casseroles.

I want answers. A Midwestern family without the defining cuisine. I'm considering this to be one of the biggest gaps in my ability to grow into adulthood. I came of age without access.

There are the haves and the have nots.

Please contact the authorities.

Things I do in order to disassociate

(In no particular order)

1. Stalk my friends
2. Stalk my family
3. Watch television online, currently Top Chef D.C.
4. Read distracting books, currently Lolita
5. Listen to the same song on repeat, currently Neko Case’s cover of Thanks A Lot and Lone Justice’s brilliant, Working Late
6. Watch Nukah sleep
7. Watch Nukah eat woodchips at the dog run
8. Watch Nukah play at the dog run
9. Cook. You read that right. Cook a surprise Rosh Hashanah kugel for Joseph
10. Look for work
11. Dance around the apartment
12. Attempt to work on writing projects
13. Take photographs of the cat and dog
14. Check my email
15. Make lists of ways to disassociate

*A very warm embrace to my big sister on this Rosh Hashanah.

Mixmastermarriage

To celebrate our legalization, my parents gave Joseph and me the Mixmaster that my parents received when they got married. I'm talking old school, almost forty years. They handed off the Mixmaster because I asked them to bring it up from Florida for a super special secret project that Joe and I have in the works. More will be revealed in time.

Winding down

A quiet, rainy day in Duluth.


Uncle Steve took Joe, Nukah, and I for a drive and a walk in the woods.



My family celebrated Joe's approaching 30th birthday at the New Scenic Cafe.



The wine took the edge off a longish afternoon.



I ordered the delicious duck.



Joe's sea bass with asparagus flan was sensational.



The desserts sealed the deal. We all shared three unique choices including goat cheese cake. I'm full and happy (and in love).

Appreciating Zaddie

Today was my zaddie's unveiling.


The ceremony was more emotional than I anticipated.


My Uncle Steve read a beautiful prayer for Zaddie.



We walked by Bob Dylan's parents' graves, which are in the same cemetery.



After the unveiling, we went out for lunch with family and friends.



I haven't seen my cousin, Sara in a long time. She looks more like Joe's family with her curly blond hair than mine.



At the head of the table, my bubbie told it like it is.



After lunch, Joe, Nukah, and I walked down to Lake Superior for sunbathing and swimming. Most of our social obligations for this trip are over; the rest of this trip is all about relaxing.

Busy, busy, busy

Just catching my breath in between engagements.

Yesterday, we had brunch at Bonnie and Darwin's. Then Joe and I drove up to Duluth. We took the puppy down to Lake Superior before dinner with the family.

In an hour, we've got the unveiling for my Zaddie.

Can't keep up

We arrived in Minneapolis yesterday afternoon and had a quick reunion with Kasey in Powderhorn Park.



We looked away for a minute and Nukah was swimming in the lake in pursuit of the ducks.



It turns out Nukah is a natural swimmer; he seemed unphased and a great fisher of algae.



In the evening we went to a Mexican buffet hosted by Jessie's family and then we made a trip to Mall of America.



This morning, I exposed Joe to the brilliance of Al's blueberry pancakes.



We spent some time and money at The Bookhouse where I used to work; they really cleaned up the joint.



Then we rocked the Walker for a dash of artsy tourism.



In the evening, we rushed to Jessie and John's wedding, but we were still a few minutes late.



I think the wedding made us feel romantic. Or maybe it was the wine.



My family. Love them.



It was fun to hang out with my big sister.



Bonnie looked beautiful.



So did the bride, Jessie.



Finally, I've caught up with my blog, but tomorrow promises to be another busy day. Time to rest.

Location:Central Ave NE,Minneapolis,United States

Never a dull moment

The action-packed vacation continues.


We started our second day with continental breakfast and an iPhone tutorial with my parents.



Joe's parents came to the hotel for a walk along the lake.



And Nukah finally got to meet his second set of grandparents.



It was nice to revisit the spot where I like to sit and meditate in Duluth.



And then after much anticipation, our parents finally met over lunch at Fitger's Brewery.



It was fun and weird and sweet. Joe and I were relieved.



Then Joe and I went shopping with his parents. Pam found a fabulous (and inexpensive) new dress for me to wear to Jessie's wedding this weekend.



To complicate matters, we decided to invite my Uncle Steve and Bubbie to dinner.



I love this picture of Pam, who seemed very entertained by Bubbie.



Everyone was in a silly mood and we tried to rope our waiter into the mix.

I regret that I forgot to take pictures at breakfast this morning. Joe and I met up with his parents, his Uncle Earl, and his Aunt Barb, who were delightful. It's great to begin to meet Joe's extensive extended family.



After brunch, Joe and I walked Nukah down to Lake Superior.



We were surprised at Nukah's climbing abilities.



Now we're driving down to the Twin Cities to continue the reunions.



Let the adventures continue!

Location:Duluth, MN