New York, New York

Rachael finally got to see WICKED on broadway! It exceeded all expectations. We both loved every minute, and agree that Kerry Ellis and Kendra Kassebaum were just as good as the original cast.


I have been changed for good.


The "Guh" is silent.

The MESA GRILL. Bobby Flay's first restaurant. Words can't describe the euphoria evoked by our pilgrimage to this fount of culinary inspiration. It may sound like an oxymoron, but what I felt was solemn giddiness. For so long we have watched the master grill, but seeing and tasting are two very different sensations.


The best meal I've ever eaten.

Richard ordered the pressed roasted pork sandwich with grilled red onion, arugula, and ancho mayo, served with southwestern fries.


Rachael ordered the Grilled Mahi Mahi with roasted pineapple-cascabel chile sauce and caramelized pineapple-green onion salsa.




The view from the top of the Rock.


The happiest place on earth... ("pick one")


We didn't confer about happy / serious faces before taking this one.


Someone stole Harry's glasses.


Three of the toughest guys in the galaxy.


The happiest place on earth ... the 7% drop in the DJIA that day had nothing to do with out visit.

Rachael's take on the NYSE.

We are standing where George Washington stood when he was sworn in as the first president of the United States.
It was on the steps of the federal hall (seen here) where traders went to grieve after the stock market crash of 1929. (It was also pretty busy when we were there).


Rachael with the Big Apple and the Little Apple.


The best part about Ellis Island was not having our eyelid pulled back with a button for a medical exam.
I told Rachael to pack light...
Land that I love.
The start of a perfect day.