Lain's Log: Back to school and NYC dreaming

September 2/13.

It's hard to believe another summer has almost passed us by,

and the kids will be go back to school tomorrow.

It's been so great having them at home for more than two months, but now, they have to buckle down and get back to work.

Kate is heading into year 2 at Ryerson's Journalism course, - (this pic taken during PRIDE week),

and Max, (here with his new Paul Stanley cracked mirror guitar), - heading for a "Victory lap" at Rosedale Heights School of the Arts for more fabulous music courses and to nab one or two credits he needs for college.

We were lucky enough to have a five-day August vacation in New York City together,

as arranged by Sam.

The Big Apple was as wild and crazy as ever.

We saw three Broadway musicals, including Matilda, (which truly was magical),

The incredibly popular religious satire The Book of Mormon, written by Matt Stone and Trey Parker -

(creators of TV's South Park),

and starring a favourite of Kate and mine in the role of Elder Price - the fabulously talented Matt Doyle.

The last of the three shows

was the one I liked best - the funny, moving and imaginative Kinky Boots!

Book by Harvey Fierstein and music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper,

and starring the powerhouse performer, Billy Porter (Tony award for Best Actor in a Musical - 2013, for his complex drag queen role as Lola). So glad I got to see this incredible actor in action! Unforgettable.

We stayed at a hotel in the heart of Times Square (The Edison),

where they serve the best Martinis in town at the oval bar inside the famous Sofia's Restaurant.

(sadly, this was their last night before closing up for good). - Cheers!

Tried to get into the trendy Shake Shack, but ditched the idea every time we passed by, due to the long lineups to get in. (Is any milkshake worth a one-hour wait)? - Fuhgetaboutit!

What WAS worth the lineup was the trip to the very top of the Empire State Building!

The 102nd floor is very impressive!

Fabulous vista views of the city!

Central Park,

and in this shot, you can JUST see the Statue of Liberty way off in the background.

Later, Kate wanted to pay a visit to the Museum of Sex (known as MoSex) on 5th Avenue,

where you are welcomed with open arms (what else?) - and signs like this one.

There are three floors of displays to explore,

with keyholes to peep into and see some pretty interesting goings-on,

photos to check out,

even artwork of animals in action.

Plus of course, there was a giftshop with all kinds of kinky trinkets - (and naturally, we picked up a few!)

To balance out the sexy stuff, we also walked to the New York Public Library,

which is quite a lovely sight to see,

complete with beautiful ceiling paintings

everywhere you look,

and a massive room filled with books and computers where anyone can go to do research or work on projects. Simply spectacular.

Later, we stopped by Bryant Park, (very handy to the library), where we saw lots of people playing chess and just digging the day!

In the summer, they show free movies on Monday nights at the park. The final three included Norma Rae,
The Women and on the day we had to leave, the evening's program was to be E.T., but we had to miss it to catch the plane home.

We also shopped at a massive outdoor street market,

strolled Times Square at night and had several delicious dinners out,

looked up at billboards like this one. (I told the kids I sure wish I could do this with MY leg!) Wow!

The trip took us into lots of bizarre stores - I particularly liked this strange juxtaposition!

Dropped by the Ed Sullivan Theatre where Letterman was going to tape that day, but too bad, -

- sorry Dave, we had no time for you, being heavily booked with other shows! (sure would like to have seen him!)

Spent some time shopping on Canal Street,

where Max bought some curly cue shoelaces, guaranteed NOT to come untied!

Then wandering through the giant Sam Ash Music Store,

Kate picked out a new ukelele,

and Max fell in love with the drum room!

He ended up choosing a new cymbal for his home drum kit.

We travelled by subway quite a bit. There was always entertainment at the stations. Max (a fellow busker) was always ready to hand over a buck or two if the music was good!