"Where all the women are strong, all the men are good looking, and all the children are above average." ~ The News from Lake Woebegone - Garrison Keillor

Last year, Bruce and I were in New York City to see A Prairie Home Companion, with Garrison Keillor.  We had a wonderful time and as I shared the experience with my mom, she said, as I knew was true, that she had always wanted to see his show.   

I had remembered that while we were there, Garrison Keillor had acknowledged a group in the audience who had travelled from Syracuse by bus, sponsored by WRVO, an NPR station.   With that knowledge - I began contacting  WRVO early this past summer to see if they had such a trip planned again.  Bonnie, from WRVO, and I began earnest communication for a couple of months while the station made arrangements, and seats for a December show were secured.  

So - this past Saturday, my mother and I joined nearly 100 other travelers on two buses headed south to New York City from Syracuse to see A Prairie Home Companion.  It was our good fortune that they picked us up, and dropped us back off right here in Cortland on the way.

The traffic into the city was incredible - the Lincoln Tunnel seemed like a huge funnel!  Eventually though, we made it and were dropped off at Bryant Park.  The weather, while overcast, was really perfect - not too cool, not warm, and not windy.

With a few hours of free time, Mom and I headed to Rockerfeller Center to take in the tree and all of its splendor.

Next we headed to St. Patrick's Cathedral.  I would have loved to have gotten a shot of the outside - which is spectacular, but it is covered in scaffolding as repairs to both the outside and inside are underway.  I did get some shots of the interior - it's just amazing- which these pictures just can't convey.

We then returned to Bryant Park, where there were dozens and dozens of lovely little outdoor shops to browse.  Imagine my mother's astonishment (not mine, as it had been carefully planned), when, as she was strolling along, she "bumped into" my sister Alison and her beau Mark!  What a wonderful surprise! We then all headed to an early dinner (since A Prairie Home Companion is broadcast live - you have to be in your seat by 5:45 as it begins promptly at 6:00).  

Mark had made dinner reservations for us at Saju Bistro, which turned out to be an absolutely charming restaurant just a block from the theater.  Our meal was just wonderful, with all of us enjoying our food, the atmosphere, and most importantly - the company.

After dinner, on to the show!  While Alison and Mark were not seated with us, we knew that they were in the audience enjoying it as much as we were.  It was wonderful in every way - you can listen to is in its entirety if you'd like!  I even managed to capture a few shots of Garrison Keillor during the intermission!  The music, the humor, the uncanny timing and synchronization - it was a delight from beginning to end.

Finally - back to Bryant Park to wait for our bus and our return trip home.  Mom and I were seated in the very front of the bus - so the city's holiday lights were on stage as we left - it was beautiful!

I'm so glad that my mom and I got to do this trip together, and that Alison and Mark were able to join us.  It was a wonderful, wonderful day!  Thanks Mom!