Obama Mania in Harlem!











Last night was one night I was proud and excited to live in Harlem.

All day there was a buzz in the air.
The voting booths were packed, people were bringing their cameras and children while Shepard Fairey posters of Barack were plastered in every window.

Lucy made a hearty stew for dinner and Rod came up to watch election coverage. As soon as the race started favoring Obama the streets of Harlem grew louder and louder.

Lucy and I decided to head out to the Federal Building on Adam Clayton Powell and 125th Street. There was a jumbo tron, a stage, and loads of people. We really got a laugh at the Aunt Jemima and White Castle vans parked outside serving up snacks to the masses. I have to wonder it was marketing or pure happenstance that the jumbo tron was angled to look as if the statue of Adam Clayton Powell was glued to the tube.

We listened to Jeremy Piven give a quick speech and then took a tour around watching the drum circle and the Euros with their banner 'France for Obama'. We headed home where I picked up Frankie and Rod for another twirl outside. By the time we got the wine poured and the cameras ready the crowds had swelled two fold. The drums were louder, cars had parked in the middle of the street and people were dancing on rooftops. I have never seen Harlem so HAPPY. African American Day parade is always a disaster and there is usually gun violence, but this night was full of positive vibes and smiling faces.

We headed back home for bed; I loaded my pictures up and got into the sack. But the horns were so loud, the screams were so intense Frankie and I both said-screw it! And we went out for a third time to join in the revelry when Obama actually won.

We went back to hear his speech but it was too loud. A marching band got everyone dancing and the streets turned into one huge party.

We were not out for long but I cracked my windows when I finally went to bed at 1am to hear the happy voices as I passed out.

Finally an historic event in New York that doesn't involve terrorism or black outs!

Amen

Little Ladies hit the Big City






Last weekend mama brought two of my nieces up to visit me and get the grand tour of Manhattan.
Grand it was!
Danielle had been up here before when I lived with Rick in NoLita. That was in 2002.
This time she was a little older and able to appreciate everything more and had the energy to keep up with her old uncle!
Last time she was up here she said she never knew her feet could hurt like they did. Ha.

The troop arrived late Thursday night. Wired with nowhere to go I suggested a tour of Harlem in the pajamas.
I have never seen them so excited. "Our mom's never let us leave the house in our PJ's!" they exclaimed in unison.
"Well you're in Harlem now kids. Thats the style du jour around here!" I replied.

We walked over to Harriet Tubman and toured my block at 1am to their delight. The cops pulled up asking what we were doing. I touted my Block President status and they bid us a great trip.

Friday we spent most of the morning at the Natural History Museum which was great fun. I haven't been there in ages. Then we headed to POP burger for some lunch fuel and as we headed to The Plaza for a peep two rickshaw drivers offered us a tour of Central Park. Why not? We had a blast. The boys knew all the ins and outs of the park including loads of history. Not to mention they were cute and never used the breaks flying down hills. The girls saw Bethesda Fountain, Strawberry Fields and Tavern on the Green. We even saw the hot air balloon installed just for the summer.

That night we got dolled up and took Fay, Olivia and Frankie with us to the Lotos Club. I thought the girls may find it a yawn but it was a real highlight. I guess it isn't everyday one gets to dine in an old Vanderbilt mansion.

Lucy had a party that night so we headed over there for a night cap. The girls loved her friends and amazing house. I was thoroughly in love with the bottle of wine Lucy anchored in front of me. Whoops.

Saturday we took the Big Red bus tour all over the City. OK people, it's not that bad! I had a great time! We stopped off in Soho and ate at Elizabeth , bought up H&M and hit the Puma store where Danielle found some new kicks.

We took the bus back around to Time Square and then hit the road back down to the South Street Seaport for the sunset cruise to see the waterfalls. Another highlight for the girls and Mama.

Wearily we headed to the Maritime for a quiet dinner and we were in bed by 11pm.

Sunday was the traditional brunch at Melbas. Divine as always.

They packed up, whined about going back to their 'boring old lives' and hoped in a taxi for LaGuardia.
If I don't get the title of Uncle Mame for that trip then I surrender.