10/22/17, Went to see the Statue of Liberty and then to Ellis Island

We are breakfast at the hotel and then got on the bus and went to Battery City to get on the ferry that took us to Liberty Island to see the Statue of Liberty.  I have always wanted to see it and it was breathtaking just as I had imagined it would be.  We went in and walked around and then took the steps up to the viewing area  we could go out on.  Bill told us we were going a different way to get on the elevator but before long we realized we had to walk all the way up because we had come too far to turn back.  I felt bad for Charlie and Sue.  They made it but had to take it very slow.  There was a beautiful view of Ellis Island and also the New York Skyline. A nice couple behind us took our picture with the skyline in back of us.  I took pictures for a few couples too.  We ate lunch on Liberty Island and then went through the gift shop.  Took the ferry over to Ellis Island.  Bill and I went to the top of the ferry.  It was 76 and beautiful out.  We got some great pictures.  We spent two hours at Ellis Island.  The building was built in the 1800’s and was absolutely beautiful.  They would have 15 immigrants come through a day.  We looked up relatives, but only found Grandpa Frederick S.
We paid $7 for a half hr to search on their computer.  We looked for Wes and Gayla’s relatives too but didn’t find them.  Took the ferry back to Battery City and got back on the bus.  It took a long time to get out of the city and to our restaurant because the traffic was so heavy.  Got to our restaurant and had a wonderful buffet and listened to a couple play instruments and sing.  Lots of people danced.  We danced by our table.  Dad and I were dancing on a stairs.  He’s so funny!

10/26/17...Met Angie and Shani for breakfast, Went grocery sh opping, Went to Melissa's, Picked Peyton and Isaac up from school, Came home and Vikki came from work and we made cloth arms for their bracelets for the bazaar, Went to do Bingo for residents at CommunityPeyton. Village

Peyton

Isaac lost his tooth and is showing me it's in his hand

We went to Bob Evan's to meet Angie and Shani.  It was freezing in when we got there and took a while to warm up.  We had a nice time visiting and spent about an hour and a half there.  Bill had an appointment so we left and he went to his appointment and I went to get some groceries.  I went to Melissa's and visited with her for a while before I picked Peyton and Isaac up from school.  When they each came out, they ran to me with arms wide open and gave me the biggest hugs and told me they missed me.  It was so sweet.  Vikki had to work late, but when she got out she came over and we worked on cloth pillow arms for her bracelets for the bazaar.  Isaac pulled his tooth out.  He was so happy.  Peyton's is loose, but not as loose as his.  Vikki cut the material and I sewed them on the machine.  Peyton and Isaac helped Vikki stuff them.  We had a nice time working together and they turned out so nice.  At 6:30 we went to help the residents at Community play Bingo. Bill called the numbers and was so funny.  All the residents had a good time and so did we.

10/21/17....Went to 9/11 Memorial, saw Statue of Liberty from a distance. , went to China Town, ate at Chevy’s Ate at Chevy’s Fresh Mex Restaurant. Spent 1 1/2 hours in Time Square

Our New York Tour Guide (He is an actor in plays)  He was very good.  Knew about  pretty much everything and also knew where the stars live.

Bill by the amazing fountain where World Trade Tower used to be

Me

The different shaped building in the background on the right is the Fredom Tower

New World Trade Centers.  Still working on the one in the back

Fountain from a distance

This is by the memorial

In the memorial looking down at a beam from the World Trade Center and the slurry wall that was build to keep water from the Hudson River out

Bent up beams from the World Trade Center

Picture they had hanging up

Survivors Stairway

Many people survived because of this stairway

Rose someone left by a name on the fountain

This was gorgeous with the water flowing down the sides and then into the  square hole in the center. The names of those killed are on the outside of the wall

Wes, Gayla, Sue, Charlie, Me and Bill infant of the fountain

Bill

e

New World Trade Centers

Cafe right across from the World Trade Center that  wasn't destroyed.  It was covered in dust, but as soon as they cleaned it up they opened it and fed the rescuers free food while they were working

We got muffins and hot chocolate from the restaurant.  They had a sit down area to order off the menu, but we knew we were going to be eating in three hours, so just ate light.

This is where we ate. Sue got an ice cream cone from the pink and turquoise ice cream truck and it was a single for $5

Bill by his buddy

So many tall buildings.  Lots of police all over too which I was thankful for

The Empire State Bldg. in the background

Police, Police and more Police

Gayla and Wes in China Town

Wes walking in China Town

Bill, Wes and Gayla finding deals

We ate at Chevy's
Fresh Mex Restaurant in Times Square

Times Square

In Times Square where the ball drops on New Years

Times Square

The Statue of Liberty walking around trying to get people to have their picture taken next to it  it  and buy it.

Bill and I in Times Square with the Place they drop the ball in the background

Times Square at Night

Bill by the Marine Emblem and flag in Times Square

Hard Rock Cafe and Paramount Pictures in background

Guy in green on the right sat ahead of us on the bus and at our table for breakfast.  We couldn't believe it when we saw him out in the street with these others that were going to let the guy in the red hat jump over them

Bill in Times Square

We ate breakfast at the hotel.  Had two nice Christian couples sit with us.  We left at 9 for New York. The skyline was beautiful.  Loved seeing the Statue of Liberty in the distance.  We went and met our tour guide for the next three days.  We went to the 9/11 Memorial.  It was very emotional.  Saw lots of pictures and videos from the sequence of that sad day!  Also saw destroyed fire trucks, ambulances, equipment, etc,    So blessed to see it and honor those who were killed.  The fountain that is where the first tower stood is absolutely beautiful.  So moving because all the names are on it and hard to imagine that such an enormous building could have fallen and be gone.  We went and got muffins and hot chocolate to eat.  Didn’t want to eat to much and be full when we were eating again at 4:30.  We walked around a little and then got back on the bus.  Went to China Town and shopped.  Wasn’t wild about that.  Lots of the same stuff and everywhere we went someone was asking us to come in the store.  eWe went to Chevy’s Freah Mex Restaurant after that and had the buffet.  It was in Time Square.  We walked around Time Square for an hour and a half after that.  Took pictures of where the ball drops on New Years Eve.  Lots of people walking around.  The lights are so bright on the marquis it seemed like daytime even though it was dark out.  The side roads sure were dark.  I took lots of pics.  Had two couples get lost, so we had to wait for our tour guide to find them.  We were a half hour late taking off.  We sure were happy to see them.  We were all tired after such a long day so we’re happy to get back to the hotel.