New York City

Jessica, leaves Welton and Susan's NYC apartment to catch her plane to Fairbanks, Alaska.  From there, she will go to the Arctic Circle where she will study, along with other researchers, the effects of global warming on fauna and flora.

On our way to the Met

We start with modern sculpture and art.

There are probably more pieces of Georgia O'Keeffe's work here than there are at her museum in Santa Fe.

Pieces of paintings

Reflections of sculpture

I especially like this Romanian artist's work.

Matisse

Meeting Alyssa in Greenwich Village

We had some tea before she left to meet her cousin for dinner.

Back on the subway and heading back to Columbus Circle from the Village.

Meanwhile, the kids are busy with their friend Emma in Connecticut.

Two baristas working hard for their customer.

Kentucky to New York

Off we go, leaving Lexington with Rick, Emmy and Eli in tow. Here we are at our first campsite.  They have a nice pool and it's just warm enough to swim.

Emmy "surfing" on Rick!

"Uncle Ricky, could you please make sure all the stuffed animals are well organized?"

Another pool in West Virginia.

Neal and Rick surveying the land.

Back to New York, the grandkids with Gramma Sue sue and Poppy.

Let's have a party.  Rick bonding with Gwen.

Poppy bonding with Jess.

Jess with Gwen.

Gramma Sue sue bonding with Bruce, Zac and Janice.

Jack and Poppy

Aunt Anne helping nieces and nephews.

Enjoying the hotdogs and the company.

Eli and Danny chatting.

Emerson shows us her moves.

Wow!

OK Sara, can you compete?

A humorous interlude. You had to be there.

Go Eli!

After our big party we are

off to New York City!

Back East to Kentucky

On the way home we stop in Dodge City, Kansas where Phil plays conductor in a real train.

A stop in the Missouri Ozarks.

In Kentucky at the "Land between the Lakes," our neighbors give Gwen and Phillip horseback rides.

And at stables we take more horseback rides.

"Got a carrot?"

"Or some oats?"

Phil takes a ride.

Gwen and Neal take to the trails.

Arriving in Lexington, KY,  Rick comes by to serenade us.

And celebrate Gwen's 7th birthday.

The kids making art at our campsite.

Outlining everything in sight.

Making art

with lots of color

Maybe I'll frame this.

And I never knew Neal could play the guitar! (a little) It feels  great to be back in the east.  Now on to New York.

Taos to Angel Fire, New Mexico

Rio Grande Gulch Bridge near Taos.

People can raft or take air balloon rides.

Neal looks out over the famous river.

On to far northeast New Mexico.  We pass near Angel Fire where Neal notices  a sign advertisement for horseback riding.  It can be done. Nancy, the woman who owns the horses is on the way!

Off we go!  Phillip is a complete natural on his horse.  Relaxed and comfortable.

They get a quick lesson.

Nancy has many cattle and horses.  She gives Gwen lessons on how to handle a horse. She gives Neal meat from an Elk she had hunted.  He said it was very good.

This horse's name is "Judge"

Gwen starts to feel more comfortable.

"Look at me!"

"Good Bye New Mexico!  What a beautiful place."