HAPPY BELATED 2ND BIRTHDAY TO BENJAMIN!

Benjamin's 2nd birthday was on Friday, May 6th. So this would be a belated Happy Birthday post. I just realized that the post about Benjamin 1st birthday last year was also late. What a terrible mother I am!
It is the same excuses - watching NHL playoffs games, getting depressed after my beloved Red Wings were eliminated (again by the Sharks) and side-tracked by other activities.

I am pleased to report that Benjamin has grown up happy and strong. He still has all seven yellow strings on top. These photos show Benjamin in a flying pose just like the Man of Steel.

Though the tag reads, Made in China, Benjamin has always been proud to be an American and ready to defend the United States against all foreign and domestic enemies.

Based on genealogy records, Benjamin Saturday was born in Bensonhurst (thus the name Benjamin) and was presented to me by my nephew JL on Saturday, May 6, 2009. Qaptain Qwerty corrected me that his area actually is Bath Beach but I am not sure if the name Beth or Becky would fit, therefore the name Benjamin is much better.

So please join me in wishing Benjamin a belated Happy Birthday and many more years in a peaceful and happy world.

BENJAMIN BACK IN THE HOOD

You probably wonder what’s up with Benjamin. Of course, we would not be visiting NYC without bringing Benjamin. On Thursday, we brought Benjamin along to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade and that was a bad idea! After about five minutes, he said that he was hungry. We tried to find a street vendor among the millions of people at the parade. After finishing eating a hotdog and a pretzel, Benjamin complained that it was too crowded and that he could not move freely. Another five minutes and he was already bored to tears! We finally were able to find a coffee shop with WiFi connection and Benjamin was happy staying there playing games on the iPad.

The next few days, Benjamin decided that while we visited my godparents and went around City, that he would just hang out with his buddies from the hood in Bath Beach/Bensonhurst.

On Monday, November 29th, Benjamin came along when we went to Rockefeller Center to see the Christmas tree. Seeing the ice skating rink reminded Benjamin of the time when he and his girlfriend, Ophelia, used to spend many hours there. Sadly, the relationship came to an end when Benjamin moved to St. Louis. Ophelia did not wish to leave her employment with the New York Rangers. We heard she was seen going to dinner with Henrik Lundqvist even though she thought Martin Biron as a goalie with the most beautiful eyes!

Benjamin wanted to go to the Museum of Natural History but we did not have enough time. There was so much to see in NYC. It is a place to be if you have money, free time and a youthful body to enjoy everything the City has to offer!

TOTA IN NEW YORK CITY

How appropriate to see the survey (photo below) and the famous quote from Benjamin Franklin, “Guests (or out-of-town relatives), like fish, begin to smell after three days”, while we were waiting for our flight back to St. Louis after spending 6+ days visiting my family in NYC. We enjoyed quality time with the family but it was always good to be home. I was sure that everyone was glad to have things back to normal after our stay.
Our flight from St. Louis on Tuesday, November 23rd was sort-of smooth flying. It was not crowded at Lambert International Airport when we left St. Louis. We experienced turbulence but it was not a major “shake-up”. We actually arrived at the gate about 20 minutes before scheduled landing. LaGuardia Airport was not as busy either. We knew that tomorrow, Wednesday would be different as it would be the day before Thanksgiving, a historically most travelled day. My brother, VL, picked us up and it was much appreciated. Later we had a nice dinner, delivered to the house from Tay Ho Vietnamese restaurant.

The next morning, after we took JL to school, we stopped by McDonald for breakfast. I noticed that most of the old men that used to hang out at a local Italian bakery, were now spending their time at McDonald. The bakery closed almost two years ago when the owners decided that they had enough and moved to Florida (well, it was a long story!).

One of items on our “wish list” was to get a Nathan’s hotdog (well, it was on my husband’s list. For some unknown reasons, I could no longer digest hotdog and would get sick for a day or two after eating one.) We took the D train to Coney Island, walked around the boardwalk (it was a bit windy and cold) and then to Nathan’s. It was crowded when the lunch rush started. More photos of Nathan’s in future post.

After Coney Island, we took the Q train to Times Square. We thought we could try to get tickets for a Broadway show. We did not really search for a particular show but most of them were sold-out since it was a holiday season with lot of tourists in town. We purchased tickets to see Wicked on Saturday.

Seeing the Freedom Towers was on my husband’s wish list, so after Times Square, we took the E train to the World Trade Center. We walked around the area and watched the construction workers leaving the site since it was already almost 4:00 p.m.

From the World Trade Center, we walked to the Brooklyn Bridge. Then it was time to take the #7 train to Flushing to meet up with my friend, MG and her family for dinner.

We did not get together when I visited last year, so it was 2 years since we saw each other. MG’s daughter, TA, picked us up and drove us to their house, about a few miles from the subway station. How time flies! It seemed just yesterday that TA was born and now she would be graduating from college. We went to a “punky” Korean restaurant. This large bow of seafood was one of the special items featured on the menu. After dinner, we all got into the van and MG took us back to Brooklyn.

It was our first full day in NYC and I felt so at home. You could take a New Yorker out of New York, but you could never take NY out of a NYer’s heart!

WHERE IS BENJAMIN (AT THE PARK)?

We went to the park last week. After all the rains, thunderstorms and the constant threat of tornadoes, we were so happy to be outside on a sunny day. I was chatting with another parent about the NHL playoffs but when it was time to go home for lunch, I could not find Benjamin anywhere. Would you help me find Benjamin?

BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO BENJAMIN SATURDAY

I am back! It has been more than two weeks since my last entry, did you miss reading all the intelligent discussions, profound ideas, and deep thoughts, from my writing? Ok, you could stop laughing now and help me celebrate Benjamin's belated birthday. Since moving to St. Louis, Benjamin has been active in the community, attending council meetings, serving on the Board of Adjustment and participating in discussions on how to improve various aspects in the neighborhood. Photo above shows a representative from the Mayor of City of St. Louis presented the key to the City and a jewelry box to Benjamin, for his contributions to the community.
Since I am not sure when Benjamin was "born" (the tag only reads Made in China, is there anything made in America anymore?), so I based his birthday on the day my nephew gave Benjamin to me, May 6, 2009. I drafted this post in April to make sure I would not forget to timely celebrate Benjamin's First Birthday on May 6th. Then I got sidetracked with NHL playoffs and was so depressed after the Red Wings were eliminated. It was painful watching my beloved hockey team down 0-3 in Round 2, came back strong in game 4 (7-1) but it was not good enough to make a comeback and the Wings were eliminated (1-2) in game 5. There I go again, talking about hockey while writing a belated birthday post! If there was a category for the worst mother, I would be in my own league. Benjamin told me he still has nightmare about being dropped in the middle of the 4-lane busy road. He still felt the tires running over his back with his face mashed down onto the asphalt while trying to keep all eight of the yellow strings intact to his little head.
Sorry, I did not bake a cake (did I ever bake anything?) and it is too late to buy a cake, so let's just wish Benjamin a Belated Happy Birthday and may his future be as bright as his ever smiling face!

PALM SUNDAY AT ST. MARY MOTHER OF JESUS ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

These photos were taken last year when I was in New York on Palm Sunday. Actually I came in on Wednesday, April 1st, the day before my Mom was scheduled for an operation. The surgery went well and I spent the next few days at the hospital, sitting by Mom's bedside. I was committed to make the trip because I would never forgive myself if the operation did not go well and I was not there with my family. Last year, Palm Sunday was on April 5th. My husband laughed when I told him that I attended 8:15 a.m. Mass. He almost did not believe me because he knew I did not like to get up early. I explained that I had to since Mom was scheduled to be discharged that morning. I flew back to St. Louis the following Tuesday after we were able to secure a nurse and a homecare aid to provide medical follow up and assistance with chores.

SOCIETA DI LICODIA EUBEA - EST. 1929

Last April, during one of my walks around the neighborhood of Bensonhurst (or Bath Beach or Gravesend, whatever it was), I was pleasantly surprised to see the sign, "Societa di Licodia Eubea - Established 1929 - Donated by Chieto Family" on the building (above) tucked between a Chinese Super Box Buffet and Nails 86, probably a Vietnamese or Korean owned business. With "always in my bag" camera, I took a few photos because I did not wish to take a chance that the next time I visit this neighborhood again whether this "Licodiesi Brotherhood Society" would be around, or most likely would be taken over by another Asian or non-Italian business.

I understand that neighborhoods, particularly in New York or any big cities, are in constant changing as new immigrants are moving into the area. Walking along 86th Street, you will see various cultures such as Russian, Hispanic and most prominently Asians by looking at the storefronts, listening to the languages being spoken by the shoppers, you witness the living history of Bensonhurst being written, just like the Italians and the Jewish people when they settled in this community in early 1900s.

According to Wikimapia, "Bensonhurst (also known as "Brooklyn's Little Italy") is a neighborhood located in the south-central part of the New York City borough of Brooklyn. Bensonhurst runs from about 14th Avenue to 25th Avenue and from Gravesend Bay to 53rd Street, encompassing Bath Beach, New Utrecht, and part of Dyker Heights and bordered by the Bath Beach, Bay Ridge, Gravesend, and Borough Park sections. For many generations of Jewish and Italian residents, Bensonhurst's geographic boundaries have been defined by the streets where the ethnic mix of Bensonhurst begins to fray. Interestingly, since about 1993, the rapid expansion of the population of Orthodox Jews in neighboring Borough Park, has encroached deeply into Bensonhurst, such that the ethnic geographic boundaries now begin from about 18th Avenue to 25th Avenue and from Gravesend Bay to 60th Street. This 1.4 square mile change represents an expansion of Borough Park and a shrinkage of Bensonhurst, as defined by traditional ethnic boundaries. It represents a historical parallel to the shrinkage of Manhattan's Little Italy as a result of the expansion and encroachment of neighboring Chinatown."

The first time we attended St. Mary, we realized that 9:30 a.m. Mass was entirely in Italian. Just like when we attended Mass at Our Lady of Paris - Cathedrale Notre Dame de Paris (Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris) and last year at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, we loved the structure of the Roman Catholics Rite of Mass. No matter where we are and what language is being spoken, the universal sense of belonging, of being connected in our faith, we always know what to expect of the celebration. The traditional Mass begins with Introductory Rites, then Liturgy of the Word, next is Liturgy of the Eucharist, Holy Communion Rite and ending with Concluding Rite. The only time we might feel out of place would be if the presiding priest told something funny during his Homily and we would be the only people who did not even crack a smile or looking around wondering why other people are laughing! Also, we would be reciting The Lord's Prayer in English instead of French or Italian!

According to Wikipedia, "Today, the Italian American community numbers over 50,000, or more than one-third of the population. Despite increasing diversity, Bensonhurst is heavily Italian-American, as its Italian-speaking community remains over 20,000 strong, according to the census of 2000. However, the Italian-speaking community is becoming "increasingly elderly and isolated, with the small, tight-knit enclaves they built around the city slowly disappearing as they give way to demographic changes." [3]".

TASTE OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

May 6, 2009 - After spending time at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, my sister CH and I visited The Brooklyn Pizza Factory to get something to eat as we were hungry but it was late afternoon and we had a dinner reservation at 7:00 p.m.

We were greeted by Vacchello who was the owner of this cute pizza place. I ordered a slice with mushroom and pepperroni and CH selected sausage and extra cheese. We both decided on the orange soda and drank straight from the cold bottles! We sat down at a table near a large poster of the Beattles. It was Wednesday afternoon and Vachello was not busy so he decided to stay and talk with us when he brought us the food. He asked where we were from and told us about his new business. We complimented his good food and the place was inviting for neighborhood gathering. We wish Vachello all the best and CH promised to come back soon since she lives around the corner. I told Vachello maybe someday he would expand his business nationwide be sure to include St. Louis!

The next day, after we ate breakfast at The Usual, (where Mike the owner gave me the Canadiens hat), we were walking along on Sterling Place, we heard someone said, "Hi Girls, where are you going?" It was Vachello. We said, "Hello. It was good seeing you again so soon.". We wished each other, "Have a good day". It was a wonderful day in Park Slope, Brooklyn. We met two nice people that providing services and sustaining the neighborhood, the kind of small businesses that keep the charm and connection within the people living in the community. The best part was I got a Montreal Canadiens hat from a real hockey fan - it sure was a beautiful day in the neighborhood!

I did not go into this Brooklyn Gourmet Market Place (on 86th Street) but it looks very nice and there were people in the place waiting in line when I walked by. Below is Pho Tay Ho, a Vietnamese restaurant, also on 86th Street in Bath Beach (not Bensonhurst, or somewhere in Brooklyn). The restaurant, Pho = beef noodle soup; Tay = West; Ho = Lake; is one of my family's favorite restaurant, a regular customer for delivery at least once or twice a month. Each time I visited Qaptain Qwerty, I enjoyed listening to my mother placing the order and then went on to tell the person at Tay Ho about "my older daughter and her American husband are visiting from St. Louis". One time when I met the delivery person at the door to pay for the food, he smiled and greeted me warmly, "Chi ve tham gia dinh vui ve = I hope you have a nice visit with the family." It made me feel as if I could move back and live in New York again with very little adjustments!

BENJAMIN IS IN GOOD HANDS

This "Caring Hands" sculpture by Leon Bronstein is on displayed in front of a Skilled Care Center and Residential Community on Big Bend Boulevard, near Daugherty Ferry Road in the City of Valley Park. As you could see, Benjamin is in good hands and quiet comfortable :)

BENJAMIN LOVES AMERICA

Benjamin in front of the mural, a beautiful memorial tribune to the heroes and the victims of the September 11th attack. The mural is on 86th Street and 20th Avenue in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. Photos taken on Thursday, May 7, 2009.

BENJAMIN SATURDAY

My adoring fans and faithful readers, please join me in extending a warm welcome to Benjamin Saturday. Isn't he adorable? Benjamin was a gift from my World Best Nephew (WBN) during my visit to Bensonhurst (thus Benjamin) on the 6th day of the week (thus Saturday). Above photo shows Benjamin (aka BEST) in front of Brooklyn Public Library and Grand Army Plaza in Park Slope.
For 10 days earlier this month, I was in NYC having a wonderful time with my Mom celebrated her 70th birthday and a nice family dinner at Tropical Malaysian Restaurant for Mother's Day. (I was pleasantly surprised that Mom agreed to let us treat her to a dinner and did not insist on cooking instead.) My sister and I visited the Brooklyn Botanical Garden and had dinner, just the two of us girls, at Blue Smoke BBQ on 27th Street, near Union Square in Manhattan (the owner is originally from St. Louis but we did not receive a discount). I was trusted to take my WBN to school in the morning, and one evening when both my brother and his wife attended a function, after homework, I helped WBN with a bath and read to him at bedtime. I hope that proved that I could be trusted as a good babysitter :)
Special thanks to my brother TL for his understanding in making sure that I would not miss any NHL playoffs games, especially when the Red Wings were playing. I even managed to turn WBN into a Red Wings fan and hopefully he will become a hockey fanatic like me :)
More about my visit and of course, plenty of photos of BEST, my visit to Hunter College, my former work place on Exchange Place, Wall Street area and Coney Island, with lot of stories, in future posts.

ST. MARY, MOTHER OF JESUS CHURCH

St. Mary, Mother of Jesus Church in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn.

Happy Mother's Day to all MOMS and to all those who love and take care of others just like Mothers would without the official title.