Author Topic: The Library (Read 2330885 times)

Steph · « **Reply #12720 on:** January 12, 2014, 10:22:04 AM »

The Library

Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat is always out.
Do come in from daily chores and spend some time with us.

We look forward to hearing from you, about you and the books you are enjoying (or not).

Let the book talk begin here!

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I loved Philomena and have bought the book as well to read..Also bought Monuments men to read.. I will skip the movie Gone Girl. Just really disliked the book.

jane · « **Reply #12721 on:** January 12, 2014, 11:05:00 AM »

In case you wonder what happened to some posts. There was some sort of server glitch/error and nobody could get in to SeniorLearn. So, the server people had to reset/restore the discussions back to a "safe" time....and that was 11:00 pm the night before. Bad stuff happened, but we're back.

JoanK · « **Reply #12722 on:** January 12, 2014, 03:27:31 PM »

Pedlin: " when reading online or anytime, is to get up, walk around, look out the window -- refocus the eyes on something distant for a while. It seems like a good idea, but I don't always remember to do it."

Yes! when I spend some time outside, my eyes are always better, because you naturally change focus a lot. An alternative is to do yoga eye exercises, which basically, just change focus.

http://yogainternational.com/article/view/4-yoga-exercises-for-eye-strain

Palming is wonderful.

pedln · « **Reply #12723 on:** January 12, 2014, 05:50:42 PM »

Those are good exercises, JoanK. Thanks. I'm going to try to remember to do some of them throughout each day. That page was an interesting site. There was also something about using Yoga to help one concentrate on not letting little things pile up. So, with that currently in my mind, I'm going to go do some little things.

Steph · « **Reply #12724 on:** January 13, 2014, 09:23:09 AM »

Yoga, tai chi and pilates are all in my body flow class on Tuesdays and we end with a 10 minute meditation. I love the class and although I am certainly not limber the way I was earlier in life, I still try and feel good for trying.

maryz · « **Reply #12725 on:** January 13, 2014, 10:26:53 AM »

Sounds like a great experience, Steph. Glad you've found it.

JoanK · « **Reply #12726 on:** January 13, 2014, 03:37:06 PM »

I take a "Chair yoga" class for Seniors which is a similar mix, and love it. If only I could make myself practice at home between classes.

BarbStAubrey · « **Reply #12727 on:** January 13, 2014, 03:56:45 PM »

Looks like several of us are doing good things for our body to stay active - I have had a Nordic Track Ski machine for over 20 years - I do a few days and then stop - it was in a spare bedroom than moved into the Den and now in the Front Living room next to the piano - I kept saying if I do not use it for 30 straight days I should sell it - I promised and promised - Well this year I hit the nail on the head for keeping on - I have started with only 10 minutes that I will not push but already after 5 days I went 11 minutes - the trick was to think of it as if I was a Vegetarian -

They never say Oh I am tired so I will stop and pick up a hamburger - or - Everyone else is eating a hamburger so I better order one as well - or - How can we celebrate such and such holiday without such and such traditional meat dish - they simply quietly decide and when they call themselves Vegetarian they may have various levels of what they will or will not eat but they are not swayed by it being difficult or by others.

I realized no one is making me nor do I have to pass some test - I either do it or I feel again regret - so armed with my Vegetarian concept I have been daily doing my Nordic Track as well as, spending time each late afternoon on the Piano - as long as I was waiting for the perfect time I could wait forever and so two things that once I am confident I have them down just like brushing my teeth then I will add taking a daily walk with a weekly long walk on the many trails here in Austin.

Finally I am doing a few things that make me smile without first feeling that I have to do this or that which is expected.

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #12728 on:** January 13, 2014, 04:33:35 PM »

I agree Barb, that is the way to approach it. I try to do a long walk or a swim most days, and like you I try not to let myself fall back on excuses, especially the 'I'm too tired' or 'I'm too busy' one. It doesn't mean I always succeed, but at least I try!

Rosemary

Steph · « **Reply #12729 on:** January 14, 2014, 08:47:01 AM »

I learned years ago when I was changing how my life was at 50.. that for me, I regard my exercise classes as an appointment.. Put it on the calendar and never ever cancel them for something else. Only way for me. I regard my walk as mandatory since I have two dogs and do not live where I can fence.

JeanneP · « **Reply #12730 on:** January 14, 2014, 04:42:00 PM »

I finely gave up on exercise classes of any kind ..never have been able to stick with them. Throw money away. I love walking and do lots if that but should try more muscle type things as I can tell now I am loosing some.

Still trying to stay with reading " the book thief" it's not exciting me at all. Maybe soon.
Wish I had seen Philomena. Before it left. Have to see if library have it yet. I like to watch film like that onthe big screen

Steph · « **Reply #12731 on:** January 15, 2014, 08:51:45 AM »

Philomena was really nice in a big screen.The scenery is interesting and her face is remarkable..

ANNIE · « **Reply #12732 on:** January 15, 2014, 01:33:12 PM »

Barb, I was so glad to hear about your staying with your Nordic machine. I just started using my treadmill again after months and months of putting it off. I, too, have started with 10 minute walks in the morning. I plan to try that twice a day. I do have the time. No excuses are acceptable!

Mary(my sister) and I plus my daughter, Barbara are talking about taking on NYC in September again. Anyone want to joins us? We hope to get into Leo House but they are remodeling and we don't know if they will have rooms available. Old ones? or new ones? If you go to their website, the plans for the old place are right there. And you can donate towards their fix up plans, if you want.

JeanneP · « **Reply #12733 on:** January 15, 2014, 02:01:59 PM »

Once the " Leo house." Through remodeling I am going to try and stay there. Heard only good things about them. GD lives iConnecticut and I always stay there but maybe will invite her to stay at Leo house a night

JeanneP · « **Reply #12734 on:** January 15, 2014, 02:09:59 PM »

I could not find were they show their remodeling plans.

MaryPage · « **Reply #12735 on:** January 15, 2014, 02:26:09 PM »

Someone told me that the real "Philomena" was introduced at the Golden Globes, but I missed that portion. I kept switching over to Downton Abbey during the second hour, and that must have been when they had her on. You can Google search her under Images and find her, though. Fine looking woman, and she says she was thrilled to have Judi Dench play her.

ANNIE · « **Reply #12736 on:** January 15, 2014, 02:30:36 PM »

Well Jeanne, I guess they might have taken them down.

We plan (for now, not set in cement) to arrive on Sept 9th and leave on Sept 17---7 nights.
Did you read their rules for making reservations? We are planning on taking a family room as there will be four adults in our room. But, we will have to wait until April to make reservations.

For those who don't have the link: https://www.leohousenyc.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=51&Itemid=56&lang=en&
custom_page=resv_form&Itemid=56

You can also email them at: LHreservations@332west23nyc.org

If you have any suggestions pertaining to their remodeling, you can drop them a line. I intend to ask them to put up handbars in all their showers. They gave me their email address just so I could do that.

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #12737 on:** January 15, 2014, 04:22:30 PM »

My husband has surprised us all by suggesting that we should go to NYC just before next Christmas. If anyone can recommend a nice hotel (not too expensive) I would be very grateful. The consensus seems to be that we would rather stay in a nice 'edgy' hotel outside the centre rather than a very basic one right in the middle - so long as there is reliable public transport for us to get in and out. It's 30 years since I visited New York, so I imagine it's changed a little! We'll be looking to visit some art galleries, but mainly just to walk about and look at everything.

Thanks in advance,

Rosemary

ANNIE · « **Reply #12738 on:** January 15, 2014, 05:45:18 PM »

Rosemary,
Did you not look at our favorite hotel, Leo House? They are where most of us from SL stay often. And, they are doing some serious remodeling.

Here's my post:

We plan (for now, not set in cement) to arrive on Sept 9th and leave on Sept 17---7 nights.
Did you read their rules for making reservations? We are planning on taking a family room as there will be four adults in our room. But, we will have to wait until April to make reservations.

For those who don't have the link: https://www.leohousenyc.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=51&Itemid=56&lang=en&
custom_page=resv_form&Itemid=56

You can also email them at: LHreservations@332west23nyc.org

If you have any suggestions pertaining to their remodeling, you can drop them a line. I intend to ask them to put up handbars in all their showers. They gave me their email address just so I could do that.

ANNIE · « **Reply #12739 on:** January 15, 2014, 05:46:37 PM »

For an edgier place you will have to converse with Ginny as she goes other places when visiting on her own.

ginny · « **Reply #12740 on:** January 15, 2014, 09:20:17 PM »

Rosemary, how exciting!!!

I'm not any help on this one because this is one city I don't like to say out, in, actually. I like to stay in, because when leaving a show after 11 pm, your chances of getting a taxi are nil and I'm not keen on public transportation that hour of the night.

The Leo House is in Chelsea which is quite trendy now.. But it's still somewhat out, being on 23rd street and still a fairly long (unless you get the express) subway ride from 5th Avenue, Central Park, Times Square, the Met, and the Theater district. I've had some resistance from taxi drivers in Times Square to going there, it's too far, they could make 3 times the money hanging about the center of town. They fill up FAST too for Christmas reservations. But it's nobody's idea of luxury. It's homey. I guess. It's kind of indescribable, actually, and has changed a lot since our first trip there. Pearson is the one who knew about it originally, it's gotten very famous since. Bathrooms down the hall, which some rooms have, is as edgy as I ever want to get. In fact that is actually too edgy for me. hahahaha

But the hotels in NYC raise their prices at Christmas a LOT, just unbelievable, and the sweet little Leo House, if reservations can be gotten at that time, is a good bargain. They have always been very kind to us.

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #12741 on:** January 16, 2014, 03:59:13 AM »

Thanks both, I will look at that.

I don't mind bathrooms down the hall, but daughters would have a fit. I stayed at what might be a similar place in Harvard - Irvine House - when I went to the Pym conference. I did not have my own bathroom but there was one right across the hall and I seemed to be the only person using it. However, my friend Susan, who has stayed there for many years, felt the hotel had 'gone off', was more expensive and less special than it used to be. It certainly was not cheap, and this was not at Christmas.

We need to start our research! I am not too bothered about taking public transport as husband will be with us (though unfortunately not my son, who is over 6 feet tall and built like a wall of steel...) I have heard that New York is a lot safer than it used to be, but I suppose it's all down to which area you are in, just as it is in London and even in Edinburgh - tourists would not be advised to venture into some of the peripheral housing schemes here (the 'schemies'), but I can't imagine why any of them ever would, as they are not on the way to anywhere. The centre is pretty safe and always people around, especially in the festival.

We have nearly completed the purchase of our new flat in Edinburgh - so exciting. It is not smart or in the New Town, but the area is a family one a couple of miles south of the centre, lots of local shopping (it's near, but not in, Morningside, as in 'Maisie Comes to Morningside' for any of you whose children or grandchildren had those books), facilities, etc and you can either take a long walk or a short bus ride into the city centre.

Rosemary

Steph · « **Reply #12742 on:** January 16, 2014, 09:19:24 AM »

Am I right, that you are moving out of a house with garden, etc to a flat.. Which I assume would mean high rise here.. or perhaps a townhouse.. attached houses. As I remember on the bus from the airport there were a lot of the townhouse types on the way into town.
NYC gets very expensive at Christmas.. But I must admit, that I like to stay as close as possible to the museums, etc when we used to go there. Just easier to get around. Then if you get tired, you can pop back into the hotel , lay down fora while and then off to the theatre, etc.

ginny · « **Reply #12743 on:** January 16, 2014, 09:52:50 AM »

Well that's the thing. I keep thinking about that family from the UK who were killed (big boys in it too) riding back on the subway from the US Open. Late at night.

There are places you don't go and times it's dangerous TO go to them in NYC and unfortunately living now in SC like I do, I don't know them any more. I remember at the time saying who would take that subway at night and my husband said, what, is there some sign up or something, how were they to know? That's a good question.

Lucylibr here IS a New Yorker and she goes everywhere on the subway, etc., she would be a good one to talk to about that.

Quite frankly the business with the knocking out stuff bothers me. This new "game" is not one I want to expose my grandson to, no matter how many people are in the party. We had planned to go in the spring. I had hoped to get together with some of the Latin students also this year. Let me ask Lucy to come in here, she lives in NYC and knows it.

Lucylibr · « **Reply #12744 on:** January 16, 2014, 02:59:43 PM »

I live a long subway ride away from mid Manhattan, around 2 hours, and feel no hesitation about riding any time of day or night. When I am coming home from a concert in the evening, there are many ordinary people going the same way, students and people who work in the city, and it does not seem dangerous. My stop is quite desolate, but I walk straight home, a short walk, and go by a rowdy pub which I think provides a degree of safety since there are people around.

The knock out game has made me reluctant to walk alone at night any distance in areas that are not well populated. It doesn't matter where. I don't think it's a matter of the quality of the neighbborhood but whether there are people and businesses nearby, and above all subway and bus stops. And whether there are people using public transportation that time of night. They say you should not get into an empty subway car, but I do anyway. I was going to a yarn store after an early concert one evening, and said, "whoa!!" that's not smart at all and I did not go.

As for staying in NYC in more interesting places, I would look at listings of boutique hotels and bed and breakfasts. There are many! They can be expensive. But as visitors, again you need to be near subway and bus stops, and not a few blocks away that will necessitate a walk through unknown streets after dark. If unsure about a place, call them and discuss your concerns and take your time choosing. You want to be near places to eat and do errands and do banking. Even a few blocks can be too many when you are exhausted from a day of sightseeing. Avoid a place where they bus you in for the day. I did this in Atlanta and felt very limited. I can look at an address and facility in person when I am in the city and tell you what I think.

Lucylibr · « **Reply #12745 on:** January 16, 2014, 05:56:42 PM »

Ginny, et al.: Is anyone interested in meeting in Philadelphia for the Pompeii exhibit at the Franklin. It's only a couple of hours from NYC by train or bus. I am tentatively planning to attend.

Steph · « **Reply #12746 on:** January 17, 2014, 10:14:47 AM »

Pompeii... be still my heart.When is it and is it other places in the south as well. I want to see it.

maryz · « **Reply #12747 on:** January 17, 2014, 10:55:42 AM »

There will be programs about Chattanooga on the Cspan networks this weekend. I think this is the schedule:

Saturday:
C-Span 2 (BookTV) - Noon - 1:15 pm ET
Repeats, I think, on Sunday, 10:45 am - noon

Sunday:
C-Span 3 (American History TV) - 5 pm ET

Frybabe · « **Reply #12748 on:** January 17, 2014, 11:00:56 AM »

http://www.fi.edu/pompeii/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtyaHrSzjh0

Steph, it is a traveling exhibit but I can't find any info on a 2014 schedule. Philadelphia may be its' last stop. If anyone finds otherwise, please post.

ginny · « **Reply #12749 on:** January 17, 2014, 12:18:47 PM »

Oh Lucy, what an inspired idea for anybody in the area! I am also hoping, Steph, that this comes South or somewhere accessible for us, they usually travel around the country, but this one has a different title and it appears it's ending April 27. That's an odd time. It says to me that possibly it's going somewhere else.

Meanwhile, Lucy, we had talked of some of the NYC Latin students getting together, there are a lot of them. I wonder if they (and anybody else interested) would like to meet there and see the exhibit, how perfect!!! before the thing departs?

I'm up for it! Philly is my original home town, as I've said, and I love the Franklin Institute, haven't been there in ages, it's a wonderful museum. There's a great IMAX with it too on Volcanoes, we could make a day of it and eat lunch there, surely there is a place to eat at the Franklin.

I'm up for it. Let's see if we can get anybody else interested. Thank you for the idea! It's inspired!

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #12750 on:** January 17, 2014, 02:31:00 PM »

Wow, thank you so much for all that advice Lucy - I am truly grateful. We haven't got very far yet, I've just had a look at Leo House, I think it looks lovely, but I would have to persuade my husband about staying anywhere run by any church. I'll show him though - Madeleine & I love the idea of the home-cooked breakfast and the baking. What's Chelsea like? Chelsea in London is very exclusive and expensive.

I'll have a browse through some sites and come back to you Lucy, thanks a million for offering to check places out.

What a great site this is (how many times have we all said that?)

Do wish I could come to the Pompeii meeting too - sounds great.

Rosemary

ANNIE · « **Reply #12751 on:** January 17, 2014, 05:50:12 PM »

Lucy, what a wonderful exhibit that is going to be.

Rosemary, why don't you take a day with your family and go down to Philly to the Franklin Insitute to see Pompei exhibit? What a pure joy!

Yes,the St Agnes nuns run the Leo but its still a hotel w/decent low prices and it advertises that its the safest hotel in NYC. And the breakfast is to die for! Everyday, they are cooking what ever you like for breakfast. The bake goods are scrumptious,too.

If you are looking at it online, you can see the new computer room,too. That was where the chapel was. They have moved it to another building, next door. The Leo is the quietest place I have ever stayed and that's probably because it was built with lathe and plaster walls. Those are not used anywhere in new buildings anymore.

Another place you and family might like the Library Hotel up by Central Park. Or, The Algonquin which is also very old. Its where many of our older authors gathered for breakfast over the years. And, of course, there is another about a block south of the Leo that's another famous author hangout of years gone by. I will go look for links for you,

ANNIE · « **Reply #12752 on:** January 17, 2014, 07:25:02 PM »

Here's the Algonquin Hotel write-up.

http://www.orbitz.com/hotel/United_States--NY/New_York/The_Algonquin_Hotel_Times_Square%2C_Autograph_Collection®.h206200/?keyword=%20algonquin%20%20hotel%20%20nyc&crid=32041249978&WT.mc_ev=click&mtn=b&WT.srch=1

And here's the Library Hotel

http://www.libraryhotel.com

Ginny is absolutely right about the cost of rooms going up during the Christmas season. The $199 or $152 a night is off season cost. At special times, it rises at least $200-$300 a night. Phew!! Too much for my budget.
If you would take a family suite at the Leo, they run $207 a night. I didn't price them for holidays. But, I don't think they rise in price but you ought to check. Oh, yes, the suite has private baths also. In fact when they are done remodeling, all rooms will have a private bath.

rosemarykaye · « **Reply #12753 on:** January 18, 2014, 08:06:16 AM »

Thank you very much - I am away to look at those links!

I did notice on the Library Hotel website that the cost actually went down over Christmas itself - maybe not so many people want to stay away for that. I'd love to (no cooking!) but my children would not be happy, and we'd also need to take my son as well, which would add on another room - so maybe not!

R

Steph · « **Reply #12754 on:** January 18, 2014, 09:28:25 AM »

I am up for a trip to Philadelphia for the Pompeii.. I can take the train and end up in center city, which would suit me. When would it be.. I am relatively free until Mid May..

JeanneP · « **Reply #12755 on:** January 18, 2014, 07:28:35 PM »

One has to be aware now no matter where you are. People think NYC has a lot of crime. Chicago has lots more.
I live South of there in a large University town. 45 thousand students but not a large population other than that. We now average out, going per capita, when it comes to crime like robbery, Purse snatching. Store and bank old up. Sexual insults almost as bad. even murders now are high. Just have to be careful.

Now on Hotels. I still miss the older ones. special in Ireland, UK. where not all rooms had bathrooms in them. They usually were but a couple doors down. You gave the desk a time, they had you bath ran, towels warmed. Would call or knock on the door when it was ready. Most would have a sink in the room and In Europe a Bidet.

Frybabe · « **Reply #12756 on:** January 19, 2014, 08:24:24 AM »

JeanneP, Ann Arbor or East Lansing? I spent a weekend, years ago, at Michigan State while attending a conference on campus. We stayed at the college run hotel and had college made ice cream. We also got a tour of the "portable" centrifuge they were building at the time. Unfortunately, we did not have a chance to get out to the dairy farm. Except for the humidity, we had a wonderful time.

Steph · « **Reply #12757 on:** January 19, 2014, 08:48:13 AM »

Googling the Pompeii., It is a Day in Pompeii and comes from Naples, which is really good, since they have an enormous amount of stuff. The best I can determine the show will be at the Getty at some point, somewhere in Colorado and Cincinnatti..The last one threw me.. No idea about the museum there at all. No southern stops.. Philadelphia would work for me.

Frybabe · « **Reply #12758 on:** January 19, 2014, 09:37:24 AM »

My sister says she saw that it goes out west next. I thought it just came from Cincinnati, but maybe I got my dates wrong. Will look again. I actually had trouble finding an itinerary for this one, so thanks for looking Steph.

marjifay · « **Reply #12759 on:** January 19, 2014, 10:05:00 AM »

I just realized today is Sunday. I'm curious. Does anyone still attend church every Sunday?

Marj

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Author Topic: The Library (Read 2330885 times)