Friday, June 8, 2018

NYC and Escape to Margaritaville..............


I have been missing in action for a very good reason my friends.  Last weekend I flew up to NYC to visit my sister Claudia and my BIL Don to see his brilliant performance in Escape to Margaritaville.  More on that in a bit.


I flew out of Tampa early and arrived in the city in time for a bit of fun with two people I absolutely adore.  


After stowing my bags we headed off to the Clinton Community Garden, it was so beautiful.  Right there in the middle of the city with  big buildings all around, is this special spot full of beautiful plants and allotments.  I imagine it gives those who live in this area such a wonderful sense of peace to be able to pop in and just surround themselves with nature.  



I could not love Claudia and Don anymore than I do.  They are the kindest and most generous of people.  We can sit and talk for hours, and boy do they make me laugh!  Really Claudia can make me laugh more than anyone.  They are beautiful inside and out.




We took a walk around Bryant Park and took a quick trip to The New York Public Library.  Really everywhere you look in the city there is something incredible to see if you just take a second to notice.


We ate wonderful lunches and dinners.  We had amazing chats and just spent time being together.  It was so wonderful I can't even tell you.  Hope this is not too much Meredith overload, I am not one for putting my photo out there too much.  Isn't my sister gorgeous?  


But the main reason for this visit was to see my incredibly talented BIL Don in Escape to Margatitaville, on Broadway.  This production was really incredible.  Everyone in the audience just loved it.  We all laughed and sang, it was so uplifting and fun.  Really I can't say enough about how wonderful it was and not because Don was so wonderful, which he was, it was the entire musical.  It was delightful and just what we all need in these heavy times, we need something that sweeps us away with fun and joy for just a few hours.  Don was fantastic by the way, he is incredibly talented and this part was just made for him. 



The big surprise at the end of the show was a surprise visit by Jimmy Buffet.   He sang two songs and the audience went wild.  We were all singing and dancing and having the best time.  You can see Don just off the right of the photos above.  He knew Jimmy was going to be there but kept it a secret from us.  We actually got to meet him backstage which was fun.  He is a kind and lovely man.


But really it was all about seeing my dear BIL in this wonderful production.  He is so generous.  After the show he signed autographs and talked to all of those people waiting in line.  He made their night, I am so glad he is a part of my family.  I adore him.

Just prior to my visit the cast found out this amazing show will be closing on July 1.  It is just so heartbreaking for all of them.  It is such a wonderful production, so full of happiness and fun.  It breaks my heart to see all of these incredibly talented people, who have worked so hard, have to stop performing this show.  Claudia and Don are just devastated.  I am so glad I was able to see it before it closes.  It was amazing.


Saturday afternoon Claudia and I took a subway trip to Purl Soho.  More on that next time.

 Hope you are all well.  I am so far behind from my visit and an intense two weeks at work.  I'll try to catch up.  By the way Claudia and Don are big Instagram fans, they talked me into getting active over there.  I can't promise I can post a lot but you can find me at Mereknits if you are interested.

37 comments:

Lilbitbrit said...

What a wonderful time with your sister and BIL, so happy you got to see the show. It's great to have a sister and even more so as you get older. I was sad to here the show is closing. Happy memories for all.

Betsy said...

Looks like you had an absolutely wonderful time in New York Meredith. How sad the show is closing already. I had heard some good things about it from friends who visited New York and saw it. I just don’t understand what makes some shows go on and on and what makes them close one so quickly. Especially when everyone seems to love this one and it’s so upbeat. I’m glad you got to spend time with Claudia and Don. Many blessings, Betsy

Between Me and You said...

Such a breath of fresh air this post was and look how happy you two sisters are to be together! Such a shame about the production coming to an end but hopefully there will be something else on the horizon for all those involved. That's the nature of showbiz, I suppose. Can't wait for your Purl Soho post, Meredith. So great to see you looking so well and happy. xxx

Araignee said...

Good times!! Those are great photos. You look so happy!

Teresa Kasner said...

How totally fabulous! You getting to go on such an exciting trip all on your own, your wonderful sister and BIL, seeing a Broadway show starring said BIL.. OMG.. you're living the life, Miss M! And you and your sister are both gorgeous. I adore Jimmy Buffett and his music and saw him live at least once, so I'm a parrot-head and jealous you got to see him live and meet him. I'm so happy for you!!! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I loved following along on your visit. I am so glad you got to see Don before the show closes. I a heartbroken. I was so hoping to make that trip to see my first Broadway show and meet Don and Claudia in person. Summer is so busy but it sounds like a great trip. Hugs!

Joyful said...

What a fun trip you had. The musical looks like a lot of fun. I hope it gets a long run. I love NYC though I haven't spent a whole lot of time there. It's great your sister and BIL live near a peaceful garden. I love the area judging by the photos. Do they live near Bryant Park?

Joyful said...

Okay, obviously I breezed through the post too quickly. I now see that the musical has come to an end. But one never knows. It might be revived :-)

Gracie Saylor said...

It is so good to see you enjoying time with your dear Don and Claudia, Mere! Your adventures remind me of mine in NYC...good memories...but although I saw much, I never made it to a yarn store. I look forward to hearing about your visit to Purl SOHO. Happy Weekend! xxxxxxx

Kris said...

What great fun! NYC! Family time. And a fun show too! Great post!
XO Kris

gaia said...

Wonderful!

mamasmercantile said...

Such lovely times with your family, creating some amazing memories to treasure. How sad the show is closing so quickly. Such a great surprise that Jimmy Buffett was part of the show. You looked radiant Meredith, like your sister beautiful both inside and out.

CJ said...

Broadway can be brutal can't it, I'm so sorry the show is closing, but I'm very glad you got to go and see it. Your sister is indeed gorgeous, as are you, and the photos of you together are beautiful, I can see the love and happiness in them. The Clinton Memorial Garden looks wonderful, it's great to have things like that in the middle of cities. So glad you had such a good trip, it was very well deserved. Wishing you a good weekend. CJ xx

CJ said...

Sorry, I meant Community Garden, not Memorial Garden, oops! CJ xx

Jo said...

A wonderful trip, I'm sure seeing the show was the icing on the cake. What a shame that it's coming to an end. I think it's lovely that you've got such a special relationship with your sister, and that you get on with her husband so well too.

Karen said...

I love seeing so many pictures of you and Claudia together! What a great time you had. I read on Claudia's blog about the closing of the show. SO disappointing. We are going to NYC in the fall and it was on our list of things to do. I'm glad you had such a wonderful weekend with two people you obviously adore:)

Jeannie Gray Knits said...

What a fun & exciting trip! I'm so glad you got to see the show before it closed, and how fun it must have been to meet Jimmy Buffett! (Yes, I'm a parrot head. :) )

Andrea Ostapovitch said...

Oh, how fun! How lucky you are to have such wonderful people in your life.

Have a wonderful weekend,
Andrea

Melanie said...

I'm so glad you got a chance to get away and go visit Claudia and Don. I saw some of the photos of you and Claudia on IG and they made me smile. You can "see" the love between you two. Heartbreaking that they are closing Escape early...glad you got a chance to see it and that you had a fabulous time.

Anonymous said...

That sounds like a wonderful trip. AND .... you got to meet Jimmy Buffet. Okay, I'm a bright shade of green right now.

Christine W said...

Nice pictures! Looks like a very good time together.

kathy b said...

Hooray for a fantastic vacation for you. Well deserved. When sisters fill up our empty tanks, there is just nothing like it! I LOVE all your photos. Love Jimmy Buffet! I will find you on Instagram today!
Purl Soho!!! Cannot wait !
This post, seeing you so happy, makes me happy!

Willow said...

I totally understand the busyness and not posting or popping around to read others' blogs. Life happens, doesn't it? I loved seeing your photos of your sister and brother-in-law. I feel that way about my bro and sil.

I've never been to NYC. My hubby has wanted to take me but big cities---well, I lived in LA and that was enough for me. But I know everyone loves NYC!

Anonymous said...

wonderful pictures of all of you!
do the NY critics not realize that the name Parrot Head is an institution signifying LOVE for life?!!! not everything is always pain and sorrow and woe to me. we must also have the JOY. and we needed it now more than ever.
the good thing is they had the experience with this old wonderful legend.
and he showed up and you got to meet him! and You and Don and Claudia are jewels. XO

Carla from The River said...

Thank you for sharing your travels. FUN!!
Sending hugs as you catch up .. I hear ya, I had a week of that too.

Anonymous said...

So glad you had a good time in New York City visiting your sister and brother-in-law. I had seen most of these photos on Claudia's blog. It is a shame that the show will end soon. Thank you for sharing these photos.
Marilyn

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

What a fun getaway to NYC! The photos are great and looks a fun time with Claudia and Don. Sorry to hear the play is closing down. So much work done to get it going and rehearsal....thanks for visiting my blog. Good to hear from you my friend. Hope all is well in Florida with your family. Hugs!

Olga Poltava said...

Oh, what a wonderful and fun trip! I'm glad you were able to take some time off and enjoy yourself in NYC with your sister and BIL! Great photos!

Olga Poltava said...

Just found you on Insta! :)

Anonymous said...

Wonderful! You and your sister are both gorgeous people! I'm truely glad for
you that you had some quality time together, a chance to reload your batteries. A heartwarming post, I love it! Sisters are best friends for life, I've got one too :-)

Christina said...

Two beautiful sisters in New York! You look so so happy on all the photos. I am so pleased you got to see Don's show before it closes. I was sad to read about the show closing over on Claudia's blog and was naively hoping the decision would be reversed, for Don the rest of the cast and all the people who still wanted to see it. Wishing the cast luck and hope they all find a new project very quickly.

I am already excited about your Purl Soho post. I often browse their website (never shop, mailing costs are prohibitive). One day I'll visit myself. xx

Sandy said...

Looks like you had a wonderful time and then some. What a fun visit and the surprise of meeting a celebrity. The garden is so peaceful looking and I'm sure gets lots of visits in such a big sprawling cement type city. People need nature in their lives.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Sorry to hear that the show has been cancelled. It's great that you were able to get there to see it. And that Jimmy Buffet made an appearance. You can't help but dance and sing when he's on stage.

Delighted Hands said...

I've never been to NYC so it was nice to see some highlights; I'm glad you had a break and a perfect time with loved ones made it all the better!

Vera said...

What a wonderful derful trip! So glad you had the chance to go.

Amy at love made my home said...

So glad you had such a wonderful time!!

Chris said...

Wonderful! You all look so happy and are having a great visit. Nice to see you and your sister having fun!