So good they named it twice

Except they didn't actually name it "Twice" they named it...

NEW YORK, NEW YORK!
(see what I did there? GENIUS! ;oD)

Rah's bouquet.

Several weeks ago we were on a fantastic jaunt. Feels like a dream. It felt like a dream when we were there too. So different from our real life. The juxtapositions were huge. Firstly I was without children for 6 days and had Mr C completely to myself. Secondly I was spending time with my old friend Rah who I rarely see as she lives 12 hundred miles away in a different country. Thirdly we live in a very quiet area deep in the countryside which is about as different to New York as you can get. And then there was all the food eating, the sleeping all night, afternoon napping and dressing in very nice clothes everyday knowing I wouldn't get bogeys or spew on them. I even carried a real handbag about not an oversized nappy changing bag. I plucked my eyebrows everyday and applied proper make up. I painted my nails and knitted in bed (I made some ill fitting booties that I now can't locate). I got to chat with my husband with out interuptions whilst we walked about holding hands and debating when we should next stop for coffee. We did grown up shopping too, in gorgeous stores, the best one being PURL SOHO!!!! Who is now looking like The Grinch and is green with envy?

We flew with Virgin Atlantic in Premium Economy and I loved every minute of both flights. I used to be cabin crew for Virgin so it was like a trip down memory lane. Although much has changed there's still a lot still very familiar to me. The smell is exactly the same. Eau de Boeing. That's what we used to call that distinctive smell. A combination of engineering, fuel, food, perfume and blow offs. Did you know air expands by something like 30% when you're 37,000 feet up! 

I had to keep all my excited observations to myself as Mr C had already said "Oh please don't start!" when I exclaimed with delight that they had changed the uniform a bit and had ditched the black shoes and gone back to red only now they were red patent leather. Squeal! I'd love those. At least the ground staff I saw had red shoes on, the crew still have black flat shoes on when doing the services. The tights are nude again now rather than barely black. Oh this must be so boring for you lot but I was there when the old uniform was updated and I loved the crazy old 80's style uniform designed by the Emanuel's who designed Princess Di's wedding gown. We all rather liked the new John Rocha suit, much neater, but the red shoes had gone and it all seemed too bland compared to the over the top one with gold buttons and massive shoulder pads.

Anyway I wont carry on blathering about the changes, suffice it to say I really REALLY enjoyed sitting on my backside being waited on hand foot and finger, watching movies and crocheting. Yep. I crocheted on the plane. I took a plastic hook on board. I took my Shawl of Dreams (remember that?) to work on as the yarn can be snapped off so I didn't need scissors. However, plastic hooks and Kid Silk Haze do not a happy marriage make so I only managed 3 squares. Rubbish. It's more like the Shawl of Nightmares now. Not even sure I like it any more. It's nothing like the one I remember. Problem is I now have such a faded memory of that one that I don't think I could ever replicate it. It has turned into one of those mystical unobtainable magical items in my head.

So, back to New York, as you know we went there because Rah and Mr Rah got married! It was a magical day. The temperature was around 15 degrees and the sun shone all day long. They got married in The Ladies Pavilion in Central park and it was magical. Just the four of us plus the registrar and the photographer (Beowulf was a joy to meet, such a lovely man and a wonderful photographer). It was perfect and I felt so emotional, so privileged that we were able to be there when they tied the knot. 

My little posy and the sliver sixpence I gave to Rah to go in her shoe.

There was something about our feet that appealed to me. I liked how they were kind of "holding hands" whilst Rah nervously waited for the photographer to arrive.

She's such a pretty girl. She has fine bone structure and I think she looks as though she wandered out of a Jane Austin novel.

On our way to Central Park. That's the bridal taxi!

My flowers and sparkly dress

Just married

New York honey bees!

Mojitos baby!

Rock on!

My only duties in my bridesmaidial role were to make up the bouquets and button holes and find a restaurant which ticked all the boxes. Finding a restaurant that caters for a vegetarian, with in budget, in the right location, with the perfect atmosphere was a bit tricky to do via the internet. I was worried I'd get it wrong. How can one tell what the atmosphere would be like? I didn't relax properly till we arrived at the restaurant and saw that the reviews and the website were telling the truth. We had super meals and The Rah's were treated royally by the staff with a warm welcome and complimentary champagne and finally a congratulations pudding. Phew. I'm so glad I didn't let my girl down.

The end of a fantastic happy day. 

I have to confess to not talking any other photographs of the delights of New York. Also we didn't do much by way of touristy stuff as we have both been to New York quite a lot and have been to the usual haunts. We were just happy to wander about and bob in and out of parks, diners, shops and bars. We had some superb meals out but by far and away the best thing was the company. We ended up having some very silly giggles over jokes that would mean nothing to anyone else. I guarentee that when I next see The Rah's (as I'll now call them) one of us will say "a la mode" or "Beer or wine" and we'll all crack up. There's little point me explaining any of these phrases as they are jokes that will only be funny us.

Now I'm going to show you my yarny purchase from Purl Soho and my two ultra soft cashmere sweaters.

The sweaters are on the back of the chair. I couldn't get them to look good.
But then I didn't try too hard I must confess.

Sock yarn. 2012 will be the year of DPN's and socks.

Herringbone cowl yarn. Swoon.
See here for pattern

There's a caplet in here I am hoping to have a go at.

Could this be the most happy basket I have ever met. Yes I think it possibly is.

And there we go. Finally I have managed a post. This has been the longest absence I have had since I moved to blogger back in February. I realised a few weeks ago that something had to give if I was to keep my spirits from slipping back into that black pit. I couldn't do all my usual day to day stuff and fit in all the festive stuff with out getting my knickers in a twist. I have had to bake a lot for the schools, attend a variety of carol concerts and Christmas parties. Do present shopping and wrapping. Make a shepard costume, make some gifts...you know how it is. So I haven't blogged. I haven't commented on the blogs I enjoy, indeed there are many posts I will have the pleasure of reading over Christmas as I haven't even been reading blogs. I'm looking forward to that. I have missed keeping up with everyone very much. The only internet stuff I have done is shopping and pinterest as I have the pinterest app and I am rather addicted!

It feels weird blogging now having had a longer than expected break. There's a part of me that is a bit nervous about hitting the publish button. How silly is that!

xxx