Don't Fear the Rain, We Have the "Ducky of Death!"-Jan '14 **Bonus TR DCA 9/1 x2

[khertz]

Great pictures from Beauty & the Beast! It's pretty great for a condensed version of the movie. The soundtrack to the movie is so wonderful and classic that I don't mind that the show is pretty much just the soundtrack choreographed.

I had to laugh when you mentioned the Lumiere, Cogsworth, etc. performers falling over because of the lack of wiggle room for their feet. Have you ever seen the YouTube video of Mrs. Potts falling over and struggling to get back on her feet? She gets a nice round of applause when she manages it!

 

[afwdwfan]

I had FP+ reservations for DW and DSIL for ToT so they went off while my brother and I took the kids in to the covered theater. It was raining a bit so I was very happy that it was covered!

I'd say that your DW and DSIL win for getting to ride ToT, but I guess having a spot to wait out the rain isn't a bad thing. And that show isn't bad.

It sort of reminds me of a CliffsNotes version of B&B where it goes through all of the songs from the movie in accelerated fashion.

I truly enjoy the format of that show. I mean the music from that movie is classic, and it has a lot of great songs.

When these folks make their entrance and are “dancing” around the stage, I always worry they will trip and fall. The costumes don’t seem to give much wiggle room for their legs and feet.

I've seen a video somewhere of Mrs. Potts taking a tumble.

The songs are classic

Hey, that's what I said! They certainly are though.

The show always puts me in good spirits by the end and the kids and I were humming the tunes on our way out.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Beautiful BAtB pictures! Definitely not my favorite show but it is still enjoyable and the kids liked it last time

Yep, I agree. There are other shows I would rank ahead of this one but it's enjoyable. It's a Disney show after all.

Great pictures from Beauty & the Beast! It's pretty great for a condensed version of the movie. The soundtrack to the movie is so wonderful and classic that I don't mind that the show is pretty much just the soundtrack choreographed.

I had to laugh when you mentioned the Lumiere, Cogsworth, etc. performers falling over because of the lack of wiggle room for their feet. Have you ever seen the YouTube video of Mrs. Potts falling over and struggling to get back on her feet? She gets a nice round of applause when she manages it!

I hadn't seen that video until you and Andy mentioned it. Just pulled it up on Youtube. So funny! Thanks for letting me know about it.

I'd say that your DW and DSIL win for getting to ride ToT, but I guess having a spot to wait out the rain isn't a bad thing. And that show isn't bad.


I truly enjoy the format of that show. I mean the music from that movie is classic, and it has a lot of great songs.


I've seen a video somewhere of Mrs. Potts taking a tumble.


Hey, that's what I said! They certainly are though.

My brother and I did get to go on ToT a little bit later so it was all good. You know how much I like ToT and there would be no way I would miss it!

Thanks to you and Kristy, I have now seen the video!

 

[scrpbookr]

Amazing Cherry Blossom pictures! Now I know what all the fuss is about. I live an hour and a half away but have never visited for this. Your pics may have just talked me into it!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Amazing Cherry Blossom pictures! Now I know what all the fuss is about. I live an hour and a half away but have never visited for this. Your pics may have just talked me into it!

Thank you! Despite the crowds, the cherry blossom sceneries are very beautiful!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Last week I crossed a milestone in life that usually provides clichéd and sometimes hilarious material for TV shows. I had my 40th birthday. The four oh. No purchases of convertibles were involved. Had a nice dinner with DW to mark the occasion. It was also spring break for the kids last week as well and DW took them to visit my in-laws in Ohio for the week. Once again, I couldn’t come because I had a few days including Easter weekend that I couldn’t get off work.

I was able to get a couple of days off mid-week though and decided to take my mind off the number that starts with “4” and treat myself to a mini-trip to NYC. Ended up putting together a quick itinerary and stayed one night at a hotel in Times Square. You won’t be shocked at this point to hear that a good chunk of my plans revolved around photographing the city and here are a few of them I wanted to share. There’s a lot more posted on my website.

It was something I wanted to do for a while. I thought this would be the best opportunity considering I was solo. I also snuck in a matinee and an evening show on Broadway on day 1. Matilda The Musical by the way was awesome and I’m making plans to take DD back with me to see it. The recently re-opened Les Mis was great as always.

In between and after the shows, I took some pictures in Times Square which was packed with spring break visitors.



I also made a quick visit to Top of the Rock right before Les Mis. This is the observation deck for Rockefeller Center and you get a 360 degree view of Manhattan.



I was hoping to have gone up again after the show to catch some nighttime views but there wasn’t enough time for me to catch the last elevator up at 11:15pm.

My photography tours usually means very little sleep. Went to bed around 1am and woke up at 5am with plans to head over to Central Park for the sunrise. I had a specific spot picked out for the sunrise pictures – Bethesda Fountain and Terrace. One specific picture I had in mind was taking a picture from the Terrace looking out towards the fountain but that plan was foiled as they were setting up a breakfast event. I still like this other shot I got.



The manager who was setting up the event came over to chat and talk about photography. I walked around the park a bit more before heading back to the hotel and checking out.

Then I went to Battery Park. I had bought tickets for the ferry to take me to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island but the line to get on the ferry was insanely long. Like TSMM long. I decided that I would have to do this on another day and be satisfied with this picture. If you look closely you can see the massive line of people waiting for the return ferry at the docks on the island to get an idea how crowded things were. The line at Battery Park was about three times that.



Instead chose to head over to the Brooklyn Bridge.



I crossed it and back which was a very cool experience and got lots of cool pictures. Topped that walk off with a late lunch at Shake Shack. Tried it for the first time and loved it! Then I spent the last hour walking along the Hudson River. Took this picture of One World Trade Center during that stroll.



Had a great short trip to NYC and enjoyed the photography opportunities!

 

[chattadisser]

Beautiful pictures from NY! I can't believe how long that line was at Liberty Island! I've always heard that the lines to come and go from there are really long. Which would explain why I've never gotten over there. I haven't been in NYC in at least 8 years, such a fun city. You must have really walked a lot getting all those shots! I'd love to take the girls at Christmas time when all the stores are decorated.

I too will cross the 4-0 mark later this year, it just makes you feel like you should be doing something momentous.

Christine

 

[Credit Man]

Great pics of NYC! Makes me homesick.

 

[khertz]

Lovely NYC pics!! That's a place on my bucket list.

 

[jordansmama]

Great pics of NYC!!-My office is right by Battery Park and that line for the ferries is always insane!! We avoid that area at lunchtime- it gets ridiculously packed the nicer the weather gets!

 

[MEK]

Happy Big 4-0! Working in health care does make it hard to have off during the typical school breaks, but how nice you got an overnight to NYC. Did you take the train? Just curious.

It goes without saying that you pictures of stunning. I particularly like the Brooklyn bridge. I remember driving out to Long Island a couple years ago and I just couldn't take my eyes away from that bridge - which was a problem since I was the driver. Oops!

Thanks for sharing your pics!

 

[teekathepony]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! A bit belated, but truly meant all the same! Don't you know 40 is the new 30? No shame in an age if you're living well.

Oh wow, oh wow, oh wow! Love those NYC shots so much! I've always wanted to go there, just to see it. I live in the tiniest town imaginable so I feel overwhelmed just looking at the pictures. That first shot should be in a magazine, it looks like a travel poster! It worked, it made me want to see the city!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Beautiful pictures from NY! I can't believe how long that line was at Liberty Island! I've always heard that the lines to come and go from there are really long. Which would explain why I've never gotten over there. I haven't been in NYC in at least 8 years, such a fun city. You must have really walked a lot getting all those shots! I'd love to take the girls at Christmas time when all the stores are decorated.

I too will cross the 4-0 mark later this year, it just makes you feel like you should be doing something momentous.

Christine

I love Christmas time in Manhattan! Especially along Fifth Ave and of course the tree at Rockefeller Center.

After I cam home, I tallied up the miles I walked on that second day using Google Maps. 12 miles - my legs were definitely feeling the effects the following day.

Great pics of NYC! Makes me homesick.

Such a great city!

Lovely NYC pics!! That's a place on my bucket list.

You should make an East Coast trip out of NYC and Washington DC!

Great pics of NYC!!-My office is right by Battery Park and that line for the ferries is always insane!! We avoid that area at lunchtime- it gets ridiculously packed the nicer the weather gets!

I can appreciate avoiding the tourist crowds - that's what I do here in DC during tourist seasons in the summer. Only take the kids to the museums and National Mall during fall/winter time.

I think next time I'll plan on catching the ferry to Liberty Island from the Jersey side. I'm going to guess it's less crowded.

Happy Big 4-0! Working in health care does make it hard to have off during the typical school breaks, but how nice you got an overnight to NYC. Did you take the train? Just curious.

It goes without saying that you pictures of stunning. I particularly like the Brooklyn bridge. I remember driving out to Long Island a couple years ago and I just couldn't take my eyes away from that bridge - which was a problem since I was the driver. Oops!

Thanks for sharing your pics!

Thanks Mary Ellen for the well wishes! You're right about some of the inflexibilities of our work schedules in health care. Same goes for DW which is why it's very hard to find time when we're both off.

I actually drove up to NYC. Parked on the Jersey side of the Hudson at one of the ferry terminals and took the ferry across into Manhattan.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! A bit belated, but truly meant all the same! Don't you know 40 is the new 30? No shame in an age if you're living well.

Oh wow, oh wow, oh wow! Love those NYC shots so much! I've always wanted to go there, just to see it. I live in the tiniest town imaginable so I feel overwhelmed just looking at the pictures. That first shot should be in a magazine, it looks like a travel poster! It worked, it made me want to see the city!

Thanks Wendy! It's such a fun city that moves at a fast pace and lots and lots to do.

 

[momabbate]

Happy Birthday! Your trip to NY looks like a fun way to celebrate. I use to remind people age is just a number, its how you feel that matters. I now laugh at that saying. Wishing you the best year!

 

[afwdwfan]

So instead of a convertible, you bought a T-Top???

Happy Birthday!

Looks like a great trip to NYC! As always, great pictures!

 

[emmysmommy]

Happy belated Birthday Dave! I remember ours are around the same time. However, seeing as how I have a full decade on you I need much more of a distraction to make me forget the big 5-0 so what's better than another Disney trip? Seriously though, what a great treat to go to NYC for a photo tour. And by treat, I mean for us (me) to see your great photos. (I browsed your site and I love the collection.)

Anyway.... back to your TR since it looks like I didn't remark on the incredible job you did for the B&tB show. I'm not sure why the angry mob (aka villagers) dress in tattered robes while even poor humble Belle seems to dress decent.

Once again, awesome Cherry Blossom photos! Makes me want to take a trek to DC just for that lovely sight.

 

[saintstickets]

Happy 40! Glad you could take some time to make it to the big city for a photo tour. Double win in that you had a good time and we get to enjoy your fantastic pics!

Then I went to Battery Park. I had bought tickets for the ferry to take me to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island but the line to get on the ferry was insanely long. Like TSMM long.

Love the reference about how long the line was at Battery Park. Your readers will be able to relate!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Happy Birthday! Your trip to NY looks like a fun way to celebrate. I use to remind people age is just a number, its how you feel that matters. I now laugh at that saying. Wishing you the best year!

Thank you so much! I really enjoyed my time in NYC!

So instead of a convertible, you bought a T-Top???

Happy Birthday!

Looks like a great trip to NYC! As always, great pictures!

Thanks Andy! Always happy to share my pictures!

Happy belated Birthday Dave! I remember ours are around the same time. However, seeing as how I have a full decade on you I need much more of a distraction to make me forget the big 5-0 so what's better than another Disney trip? Seriously though, what a great treat to go to NYC for a photo tour. And by treat, I mean for us (me) to see your great photos. (I browsed your site and I love the collection.)

Anyway.... back to your TR since it looks like I didn't remark on the incredible job you did for the B&tB show. I'm not sure why the angry mob (aka villagers) dress in tattered robes while even poor humble Belle seems to dress decent.

Once again, awesome Cherry Blossom photos! Makes me want to take a trek to DC just for that lovely sight.

Thanks Brenda! I think your birthday and mine are just a day apart.
And I'm with you - A Disney trip is good for any occasion!

That's a good point about the villagers outfit!

Happy 40! Glad you could take some time to make it to the big city for a photo tour. Double win in that you had a good time and we get to enjoy your fantastic pics!

Love the reference about how long the line was at Battery Park. Your readers will be able to relate!

Thank you! Honestly these days whenever I see a line for anything I'm trying to measure the length of the line in Disney terms.

 

[princess_momma]

Happy belated birthday!! Love your pics in NY!

 

[khaleesi]

Happy belated birthday!!! Sounds like an amazing way to celebrate to me! My 40th birthday plans two years ago involved driving an hour an a half with some friends just to get Chick-Fil-A. LOL.