Cherished Memories During Our Family Visits to New York

There Is no other place like Times Square in New York. The sights, amazing lights with moving commercials and billboards as well as hundreds of delectable restaurants can be captivating. My family and l spent three days sightseeing, eating delicious food from various restaurants like Carmine’s Family-style Italian restaurant. lmagine family size plates of Eggplant Parmigiana, Fried Calamari and their famous Classic Italian Cheesecake. For our safety we did a lot of room service and door dash. Yes. Times Square in New York is back with numerous sounds flowing from theaters into the atmosphere. Musicals performances on the red steps in Times Square advertise that Broadway Is Back. Our family stayed at the beautiful New York Marriott Marquis which is surrounded by Broadway theaters. Major musicals such as The Lion King, Tina:The Tina Turner Musical and Phantom of the Opera surrounded us but we were not brave enough see any of these due to the ongoing pandemic. We look forward to attending in the future. Live television programs were also developed right before our eyes such as Good Morning America with celebrities that waved to the crowds.

It was intriguing to see masks requirements and proof of Covid vaccines in various restaurants for the public’s protection. The majority of people on the streets wore a variety of colorful masks. The pandemic still looms everywhere. Spending time with my family for three days in Times Square was just what the doctor ordered. With so much going on mentally within so many families, it was just a nice getaway that l will never forget. I was a little apprehensive about this trip to New York because of the pandemic. It took a lot of prayers and remembering such scriptures as Psalms 113:6-9 which states, “He stoops down to look on heaven and earth, Raising the lowly from the dust. He lifts up the poor from the ash heap In order to make him sit with nobles, With nobles of his people. He gives the barren woman a home As a happy mother with children. Praise Jah!” These powerful words reminded me that l must always rely on Jehovah God for protection in Jesus Christ name. He watches over his peop which makes me “a happy mother with children.”

Family togetherness is vital for the continuation of life on earth today. Our entire existence is reliant upon our constant support of this threatened institution. #Divorce and separation, continue to deplete the love of parents and children in staggering numbers. Previous marriages with famous individuals, which include children such as #Jennifer Lopez and Mark Anthony, Heidi Klum and Seal, as well as Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore, are some of the families eliminated before our very eyes. The arduous detail of maintaining family togetherness should cause each of us to find creative ways to spend precious time together. My family decided to spend the day in #New York, as audience members of the television show, Live With Kelly. After the show, we enjoyed a sumptuous meal at Lincoln's Ristorante, located at Lincoln Center on Sixty Fifth street.

My family and I arrived at Seven Lincoln Square, where the television show Live With Kelly are taped. After two hours of driving in dismal darkness and rain, we finally came at the studio in time to be a part of the audience, as we received tickets that were reserved and of course, free of charge. One of the advantages, we appreciate about living two hours within a major city such as New York, with its variety of free television shows that we can enjoy together as a family. With great anticipation, we discovered that Carrie Ann Inaba, of the famous #Dancing With the Stars, would serve as co-host with Kelly. It was also gratifying to see Gillman, the Executive Producer, give instructions as to how and when we should applaud. He also explained, the importance of a live audience and then Gillman, graciously thanked us for coming. It was now showtime, as the camera crew and other staff members positioned themselves. It was interesting to see the hard work of the team before the production.

Memories, flooded in my mind when my husband and I, previously produced our award-winning television program, in the late seventies and mid-eighties. It was inspirational for my daughters NeNe and JoJo, to see what goes on behind the scenes of television productions. We previously reminisced about the hard work and effort; it takes to be involved in this type of work. It was encouraging for my daughters to see what it entails, firsthand.

Finally, Kelly and her co-host Carrie Ann Inaba arrived at the set. After being seated in the midst of loud applauds, Kelly teased Carrie Ann, about the beautiful pronunciation of her name on Dancing With the Stars. The way this gentleman pronounced her name, caused Carrie Ann's life to change, as it enhanced her career. Kelly and her co-host then laughed as they explained the popularity of the bun, previously worn by warriors, is now a new style for individual men. Each of them demonstrated this hairstyle, by putting their hair up in a bun. It was hilarious to see how youthful Kelly and Carrie Anne looked. There was also a discussion about a wedding in Hawaii for Miss Inaba, who was proposed to, on a previous show, while Regis Philbin was still hosting. Kelly and Gillman both agreed that they would love to do that for her. We will look forward to that possible development. A tremendous uproar of applauds also occurred when Kelly mentioned that everyone in the area, looked forward to the New York Giants, playing and possibly winning the super bowl. We will all wait and see what happens with great anticipation.

Kelly and Carrie Ann laughed profusely about such additional issues as how much money we spend on coffee, which was estimated to be about, a thousand dollars a year. Kelly's sense of humor is terrific. She joked about how when purchasing coffee; Kelly felt that she was robbed because of regularity. So in the end, Kelly would say concerning her money, "Here just take it all." It was also hilarious when Kelly, gave the experience of a woman who had been stabbed but survived, due to her silicone breast implants. Both women joked about, this being a good reason for them to consider implants. Kelly's timing as a comedian is impeccable. She helped my family and I to enjoy our visit as audience members.

The interviews for the show consisted of best selling author and star of three television shows, Chelsea Hammer. She explained how she could not dance because Chelsea had to wear a back brace. Kelly told that when she hugged Chelsea, it felt like she was wearing a bulletproof vest. Chelsea's television show, Chelsea Lately, would have its final episode this coming Sunday, with guest Jane Fonda. Another interview Kelly conducted was, information given on how we should care for our dogs during the winter months. Tips on grooming were also provided, to help pet owners take better care of their dogs. After the interview, Kelly explained that all three dogs present were up for adoption. Both Carrie Ann and Kelly, cuddled these beautiful creatures as though they might be the next proud parents of each dog.

At the end of show Kelly, thanked Carrie Ann for co-hosting with her. She did a great job and also reminded us that the new season for Dancing With the Stars, would begin March 19th, 2012. My family and I enjoyed our opportunity to see, Live With Kelly and experience firsthand Kelly's, many sources of comedic talent. We were also fortunate enough to finally meet, the beautiful and talented Carrie Ann Inaba, who served as Kelly's co-host. The morning had developed into a memorable experience, but now it was time to shop a little and finally enjoy a delicious meal. Our family outing had been very successful thus far, and we were thankful.

After two hours of shopping, we arrived at the beautifully designed, Lincoln Ristorante, located on the second level of the Lincoln Center. I had read great reviews online about the spectacular food and impeccable service. The ambiance was a source of pure elegance and style. The waiters consisted of about three different people; each served such things as beverages, homemade bread, appetizers and our entrees, They were attentive and willing to explain various facets of the exciting menu which helped my #family and me to choose so that we could enjoy every morsel of our food. My daughters had previously thought they would not enjoy their meal because it was a different experience for them. In the end, they were not only impressed but appreciative of this excellent dining experience. The beautifully plated appetizers consisted of Calamari with capers and potatoes, Black Sea Bass Crudo with Maine sea urchin, sea beans, and jingle bell peppers. The appearance of the plates was creative and delicious. My husband, Walker, was so pleased with his appetizer, which was a delectable dish of fried eggplant, covered in an array of seasonings and sauce. It was so delicious that he was tempted to order a second serving.

For lunch, our entrees were as adept in taste. My youngest daughter JoJo had Herb Roasted Chicken with creamy polenta. My oldest daughter NeNe enjoyed Mandorle-Flounder with artichokes, lemon, and sprinkles of almonds. Both of young ladies enjoyed their meals so much that the remainder of bread was used to soak up the sauce that lingered in their plates. The Reginett Verdi Al Ragu Bolognese with veal, pork, beef and fresh parmigiana, was also enjoyed by Walker, as he smiled and consumed every bite. I chose the crisp, Red Snapper with fennel and saffron potatoes, along with a seductive salsa, which left me wanting more. Complimentary dishes of pate, on a lightly toasted cracker, was sent to us by the Chef. For dessert, we had an elegant Crosta with cranberries, Bosc pears, topped with a cranberry crisp. We also shared a Chocolate Gelato with hazelnuts and whipped cream. The Chef also graciously sent an elegant complimentary arrangement of hazelnut cookies and chocolate covered miniature candies, filled with caramel and peanuts. Our entire meal was a delicious eating experience. My whole family agreed that we would return for another delightful dinner. Lincoln Ristorante, had proven to be worth every penny for each tasty morsel.

We returned to the garage where our car was parked. On the wall were these classic photos of families out on the town, apparently in New York during the roaring twenties. Family outings were vital during those times, as much as they are today. These type of trips can draw our family closer together as we create cherished memories. We passed through the Lincoln Tunnel, once we were on our way back from the big apple to the country where deer and foxes roamed freely. Suddenly, a quiet hush filled the car because our trip and time together were coming to a close. During the week, our family is busy working and in the ministry proclaiming the good news about God's kingdom which will bring all families on the earth complete happiness. Until that time, It is imperative that we acknowledge our Grand Creator's love for the family arrangement. Ephesians 3:14, 14 states, "On account of this, I bend my knees to the Father, to whom every family in heaven and on earth owes its name."

Never would we want to avoid spending precious time together, enjoying the company of each other. Each member is in need of the encouragement and support of each other. Therefore do not give up on each other by subjecting your family to divorce or separation. After all, it is one of the necessary arrangements given to us by our Heavenly Father. It is up to each one of us to protect and cherish this institution. Spending valuable time together can only enhance each member of the family. Whether we spend that time doing spiritual things together, eating a meal or doing a family outing, we should attempt to make the best of it and cherish every moment. After all, the family is vital for the continuation of the earth. We should always continue to treat it as such. For more information on the family arrangement given to us by our Grand Creator Jehovah God, go to www.jw.org

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