KEYS!

HIT
Hanging in Town, Torrington, CT.

DAT
Driving around Town, Places close to town.

AFT
Any Fun (Fine, Freaky, etc.) Town, and Any Fun Thing actually.

Monday, May 5, 2014

AFT! Looking down from the Empire State Building, New York, NY

Climbing adventures are not for everyone.   The tower itself, sometimes used as a symbol of New York, represents ambition to reach higher, and for the skies. 




It was a great day, although a touch chilly and windy.   The time was early... for me.  It was also spring break for a lot of schools. Unbeknownst to us climbers, the Ford Mustang was already at the top for a car show special.   Needless to say, although arriving early, there was a two hour wait to get in.

The hotel did not have access to Express tickets that allow priority and fast access.  Those have to be gotten online.  The line was dense, wrapping around two sides of the building.  Remember, the Empire State Building has its own zip code.

The online site states "The Empire State Building is not in any way affiliated with the street sales agents, who approach visitors outside the building."  Upgrades were gotten from street agents, for the Skyride. (Adventurers sometimes have to step out onto a limb.) This ticket gets you in right away to another event first, a simulated tour of the building and interesting sites of New York, and then right into the line inside the building.  This is actually priority access privileges to the 86th Floor Observatory Deck, cutting time off the climb.

The top of the Empire State Building was originally designed for mooring zeppelins (airships), but no one ever actually receives that upgrade.  The line inside the building is also thought provoking.  However, this line has an electronically guided tour with pictures and headphones winding past exhibits.  (There really is a test at the end but taking it is optional.)  The guided tour is interesting, especially for history buffs and those in the game for more than just getting to the top. 


The Australian competitor, Paul Crake, climbed the first 86 floors at 9 minutes and 33 seconds and holds that record.  (The upgrade itself was probably around that for time.)  Once through the tour, troops line up at the elevator for the top.  Almost to the peak, climbers get off that elevator and into a line for another elevator for the very "tippity" top.   Tough enough to opt for the stairs for the last six floors? Climbers may actually want to pace themselves.  Strangely enough, the altitude was starting to take its toll.


This is the first building to have 100 floors, but it actually has 102 floors. Views from the top are stunning.  The 50th Anniversary 2015 Ford Mustang had made it days before our party.  We take selfies,  and photos, hanging our phone cameras precariously out at high atmospheres pointing down at the city.  Seeing cabs running down the streets looking like matchboxes, a sense of achievement, of arriving, expands within.   Once documentation is done, back into the line for the elevator, past the gift shop.   They sell a photo snapped somewhere on the climb.  Memory fails me now where that is.

We had nearly lost two people in our long journey to the top but all made it.  Successful climbers went back about life with a free 50th Anniversary Ford Mustang carry bag as a proud trophy.


Next climb we will know to get tickets online first. "All online ticket buyers can skip the ticket line at the entrance and go straight to the observation deck."  The official site recommends times to visit that are busy.  Time of year and holiday schedules can affect this as well.

Climbers taking this challenge have to have the time for it and it IS fun.  Climbing tips accepted for the next time.  Our party will be taking on Top of the Rock!



Empire State Building Official Site:
http://www.esbnyc.com/observatory_visitors_tips.asp

Ticket Prices at Official Site
http://www.esbnyc.com/buy_tickets.asp

Friday, May 2, 2014

HIT! LA Consignment, Safe Shopping and Major Brand Names!




All of the Fun!  All of the Finds!  Not All of Your Money!


Find high quality and affordable clothing, including brand names at LA Consignment, 83 East Main St , Torrington, CT 06790. Also find great shoes and accessories.  This is a major stop at prom time with dozens of beautiful gowns to choose from in an assortment of sizes.  Clothing selections for men as well.

Lucille, owner of LA Consignment, is fun and helpful and full of helpful suggestions for your shopping trip.

Shopping consignment stores is cost effective, good for the environment because you are reusing resources, and actually some merchandise is NEW!   Go shopping and tell everyone how efficient and savvy you are while saving the earth... then show them your designer handbag! SCORE!

For hours call 860-489-5226 or like and check out LA Consignment on facebook!


Wednesday, April 30, 2014

HIT! BAM! Joe Kopler Art that Jumps Right Out at You!



Joe " Taco " Kopler is passionate about his art and business.  Creating unique art is Joe Kopler's personal dream and goal in life. By the time your done talking with him, you leave with a positive attitude and an inspirational feeling as well.  He is just contagious that way!

Joe is always busy capturing scenic beauty, portrait likenesses, change of seasons and his own funny slant on quotes. Joe's hometown of Torrington, Connecticut, has pieces of his artistic talent tucked in businesses all over town. His murals include the " Party Store ", " Salerno's Deli " and most recently " The Torrington Middle School. "  He sends art pieces to California, Florida, Arizona, Maryland, Oklahoma and as far away as England.

Joe's signature textured technique, discovered while repairing his home, is a method he calls  "Sculptured Painting." Instead of canvas, Joe works off of plywood for the base. Famous Movie stars, Historic Events and some Local Scenery seem to reach right out at you! Anyone that has visited Joe Kopler's Gallery will tell you that his work must be seen in person to really capture the detail, raised effect and magic.

Joe's Gallery in Torrington is by appointment only, and is very laid back.  He is, motivated, fun and happy and you won't be disappointed!  There is something here for everyone with pieces starting out from about $30 up to others at a few thousand dollars.





Call : ( 860 ) 626 - 8226 to set up appointment to see the gallery or visit Joe Kopler / Freelance Artist on FACEBOOK.

Above, a great big Beatles piece!

Right, photo of Joe in his studio surrounded by his art!






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Tuesday, April 29, 2014

DAT! Catch the Early Bloom! Daffodils on Wigwam Road, Litchfield.


It is time for the once yearly, short and happy pilgrimage to walk the daffodils.  This is a sure sign of spring we so deserve! Visitors are filled with the wonder of standing in the midst of thousands of blossoms akin to a movie scene stuffed with  poppies ...only yellow.

The blossoms are ready to view now and will be around their peak in about a week.  No picking allowed, no picnics and no dogs.  This is just a easy stroll allowing for lots of gorgeous photos that look like heaven on earth.  Typically, the display lasts for six weeks in April and May of each year with the best weeks varying on the weather conditions.

Narcissus, the botanical name for the daffodil, is named after a son of a god and a nymph in Greek mythology. He fell in love with his own reflection and ended up turned into a flower.  However, you can still capture few beautiful shots without getting too carried away. Take friends for some long range photos of you to get that full movie set effect to enjoy at home.

The Laurel Ridge Foundation is private land that is only open for a few weeks in the spring for visitors to enjoy the fully flowered rolling hillside. It is a flowered oasis as well as an other worldly experience looking upon Narcissus for sure.





Directions http://www.litchfieldct.com/wigwamrd.html
More information can be found on http://www.litchfielddaffodils.com/



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Monday, April 28, 2014

DAT! Slain by the Dragon! Whiting Mills Open Studios


Watch out for the dragon!!!

Touring the studios, bands serenading the masses in hallways, snacks, and great art lurking around every corner is amazingly great and tasty.  The old elevator tour is absolutely charming and complete with lights and an operator in a bowler too!  There are too many artists to actually see in a single day, but you will have two. Expectations are surpassed and burned right out of minds taking in the beauty of the golden dragon in light and movement.   

My friends will be there, as well as twenty-five artists and 12 guest artists.  There will be surprises around every corner, with a full house of people on top of their art.  At the very least, make the advance in and see the dragon fire.


Robin Proz, nationally recognized resident artist, will not only have a golden dragon there but Pegasus and child as well! Above photo is Robin Protz's dragon mobile made of thousands of buttons.

Whiting Mills
100 Whiting Street
Winsted, CT


Open Studios on May 3 and May 4, 2014 11:00 - 5:00 PM


www.whitingmills.com

860-738-2240

Saturday, April 26, 2014

AFT! New York, NY. Madame Tussaud's

Welcome to Selfie City!

Madame Tussaud's New York
234 West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036


Hang out with all the major stars and take photos galore without annoying anyone at all!  Spend the day taking movie star and other famous selfies! 

Snapping photos was a major blast! The last Pope was there, a few U.S. presidents and a whole bunch of movie stars. Who did we really see in New York?  Michael J. Fox was there getting picked up after dinner as we were going in to catch a bite.  We were happy to see he looked great too!We did not even bother him for a photo because we had had enough of famous people for the day. 

Photo of me and James Brown plus many more!


Friday, April 25, 2014

DAT! Face Off Season 6! Congrats to Tyler Green!


Tyler Green , Litchfield, CT Native Rocks Grand Finale!

Creating beautifully frightening creations each week and now looking to collaborate with his friend and final winner of Season 6 Rashaad Santiago!  Share your interest on all of your social media if you are interested in seeing more of this dynamic duo!  You can find more about this very possible project on Facebook under

Monster Men!


"All winners and no losers."

Top photo of Tyler and his dad, Greg Green.
Below photo of Tyler Green's signed creations card!