Auntie Em

Much of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast is experiencing a Nor'Easter today- torrential rains and 50 mph wind gusts.  A perfect day to go see South Pacific at Lincoln Center.  (Nothing like a play to get you out on what could otherwise be a sit-in-all-day day.) 

Walked to Penn Station to meet a friend, hopped the subway, had a nice, slow lunch right near Lincoln Center, and off to the show.  It was charming.  I felt like I was watching an old Hollywood movie.  I wanted to see it because of the cultural impact it has had on our society.  (Seems like many people of a certain age are aware of the songs and/or story in some way.) 

Plus, I've been aware of James Michener for years.  ("Fan" would be too strong a word, which is why I used "aware.")  I listened to some of his novels - for example, Alaska - on a long drive from Philadelphia to Grand Rapids, Michigan (or on the way back?).  In the 1990's, I read his autobiography The World is My Home as I desired to live a life like his.  I was given one of Michener's business cards from a friend who once worked at his estate in Bucks County.  I keep it in my copy of his autobiography.  (Interesting fact:  Michener wrote his first novel at age 39 and won the Pulitzer. I think that first book was Tales of the South Pacific.)

Back into the storm and a quick-paced walk to the subway took us downtown where we walked over to 9th Ave.  We had dinner at Room Service, a reasonably priced and good Thai restaurant.  The real draw is the beautiful interior - an enormous chandelier with several mini-chandeliers throughout.  Mirrors and contemporary furniture added to the ambiance.  Interestingly, the background music was like club music.  I didn't mind it at all, but it seemed an unusual choice.

Hunkering down tonight with hot tea, newspapers, and the sound of rain slapping against my 20th floor window.  Now I just need to remember to set my clock one hour ahead before I go to bed.  Spring is on the way, which means Nor'Easters are on their way out for the season.