Hey Santa!

Hey Santa? How about this gem? I have been a VERY good girl this year...

For a measly $64,000,000 in cool cash you could own the THE HENRY T. SLOANE MANSION

THE MAN

Henry T. Sloane was born in 1846, two years after his father, William Sloane, founded W & J Sloane, an innovational firm that built a national reputation providing luxury furnishings for the home. It quickly became the choice of the elite, functioning as an arbiter of taste for the next sixty years, and was the source for the interiors of The Breakers, the White House, Czar Nicholas II, glamorous Hollywood film sets, ocean-going yachts and even custom automobiles. Mr. Sloane graduated from Yale in 1866 and 46 years later gifted the Sloane Physics Lab completed in 1912 and still in use today. His uncle was married to Emily Vanderbilt, the sister of Cornelius Vanderbilt. One daughter married a French Baron, the other lived at 5 East 70th Street. William Sloane Coffin, Sr. was a nephew: he lived to 91, with homes in Dark Harbor, Maine, Southampton, L.I. and New York.Mr. Sloane's first mansion was built in 1887 at 9 East 72nd Street, where he entertained lavishly with his wife, Jessie, a noted beauty. They divorced after a 17-year marriage in 1899, and Jessie caused a scandal by marrying Perry Belmont, son of August Belmont, five hours after the decree was issued. Mr. Sloane never married again, and he prevented his two daughters from seeing their mother until they were 21 unless she could prove she was "leading a moral life". He then devoted his attention to his thriving business and to planning and building a masterpiece for himself, this time selecting CPH Gilbert to realize his vision.

THE ARCHITECT

The Great House era in New York lasted 50 years, from the opening of the Vanderbilt house in 1882 to the Great Depression. A great proponent of the Beaux-Arts style was CPH Gilbert, a graduate of the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, who designed such mansions as the E. C. Converse house at 3 East 78th Street in 1895, the Isaac D. Fletcher House at 2 East 79th Street, three F. W. Woolworth mansions at 2, 4 and 6 East 80 Street, and the Felix Warburg Mansion at 1109 Fifth Avenue in 1908; the mature years of this construction, approximately 1901 - 1918, saw buildings created in America inspired by European styles which surpassed those being built in Europe, and the crowning achievement was this mansion.

THE MANSION

Designed at the peak of this prolific explosion, this masterpiece is a synthesis of grand scale and exquisite proportion, with the great authority of experience, infused with the styles of Europe but expressed in an entirely new American luxury architecture. Built on a plot 36 feet wide by 100 feet deep, comprising approximately 19,300 square feet, with stunning terraces and ceilings on several floors ranging from 13 to 15 feet, this home features 15 bedrooms, 17 baths, and 11 fireplaces; it was reported in the New York Times on October 3, 1941 that this mansion is notable for "the spaciousness of its rooms, its marble staircase and its costly wood paneling" and was ideal for the next owner's "extensive art and antique collection." The reporter continued that it "serves as an example of the type of home which leaders in business and the social world of a generation ago put up in an era of gracious living". Generations have passed and the page of history turns again. A new era beckons to the next owner who will now have the extraordinary opportunity to acquire The Henry T. Sloane Mansion.

Or, if that is a little more than your holiday budget can stretch, how about this tiny treasure?

One bedroom but completely renovated....

Rare opportunity to own an exquisitely renovated junior one bedroom apartment on the top floor of a full service Condop building steps from Gramercy Park and across from the Gramercy Park hotel. Partial views of Gramercy Park, beamed high ceilings, parquet floors, a windowed newly renovated fully equipped kitchen and a plethora of closets make this a very desirable home. Park Gramercy is a full service Condop with a laid back board that has no minimum down payment requirements, is investor and pied de terre friendly and sets no term limits on sub lets. The building has a full time doorman, a beautiful roof deck, bicycle storage and a central laundry in the basement and is pet friendly.

Personally? I love cute and cozy with a super view over glitzy and grand any day. Hmm...but I wonder where my butler, old Jeeves, would sleep? That is a concern...I must ponder this...

Well, maybe I will just stick with my little Midwest house that cost a 4th of that apartment. There are SOME perks that come along with living in Ohio and home prices are a big one! Still, it is fun to look isn't it? As a confirmed Lookie Louise, I could spend hours browsing homes and seeing the grand (and the cozy) interiors of homes from all over the US and abroad. Gosh but I love the Internet!

I must say though I am with most of you in your assessments about such grand homes...er...so called *grand* homes. The local one I showed? Well, like most of you, I would rather have my own little place. The upkeep on these mansions alone would be daunting and cost prohibitive. And like our dear Pamela commented, my moral compass would never let me rest if I COULD move in. Even in my little nest I am often overwhelmed with guilt that I can't do MORE for those who have less. *sigh* When I see homes going for millions and millions of dollars my mind turns to the children who go to bed at night wondering if they will live to see the sun rise. It is especially true at this time of year. Don't get me wrong! I take no issue with anyone who lives in a large home who worked hard for it and enjoys it! But, for me, less is more. And like our sweet Alice, I am a cozy clutter girl. So, I guess, grand just does not befit THIS Princess. Now, if you see a small log cabin somewhere we will talk! And old Jeeves will just have to adjust.

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q

Aha!

Edited: Hello everyone and thank you for your sweet comments. Lilly asked about paint color. This is Laura Ashley #5 purchased at Lowes. The chandy was a closeout from Lowes as well, purchased last year. The shades and cord cover came from Hobby Lobby. The rabbit tray (Just as wonderful as you think it is!) came from our own Penny at Lavender Hill Studio! ````` Hey there dear friends! Our Pamela over at "The Dust Will Wait" is the only one that caught my *deliberately* misspelled word!! Or, perhaps you thought it was truly a faux pas on my part? I mentioned that the dining room re do was achieved with "2 cans of pain" and I meant that literally!! The results are well worth it (which I can say now that it is over!) but using that deep burgundy in a satin finish was...was...well, let us just say it was not Heaven. Ahem. Nope. And even after using a tinted primer, covering up that rich navy blue was torture. What? You are asking if we are experienced painters?? (Okay, so pretend you asked that.) Hmm...what gave us away huh? That answer would be a resounding "NO, oh NO, Help us NO Stop us if we attempt to paint again NO " but it does look oh so gosh danged purty. Then there was the putting everything back where it belongs but only after weeding out and cleaning and polishing and, well, you get the idea. But it is done and my Billy did good. He was the one on the ladder painting around the crown moulding which, contrary to all the rumors, is not really a laugh inducing activity! Especially since he is married to this chubby blond who would drive him batty if there were burgundy paint anywhere on the white moulding. Can you imagine? She really is a battle ax I am telling you. Thank you for your very dear and generous comments about the room. Several of you asked if I put the pictures up in my files at HGTV's Rate My Space and that would be a yes. Yes with a cute little asterisk. Yes, but I was almost sorry I did. I was initially bombarded with bad ratings but hey. I know how many users there are. I have seen the ugly comments left for others so I am grateful not to have received many of those. Just a few *very average* and *Ehhh* ratings. Like it or not, *I* love my room re-do and phooey to those who do not. Hmpf. My home is not grand and will never cause anyone to lose consciousness from design delight (and we all know how painful that can be) but I think it is pretty swell. I will never be asked to host an HGTV show but heck. I know how to do a room on a budget, create a home from many a blank, dingy canvas (Just ask any military wife!) and do it all while belting out Broadway show tunes. When was the last time you heard Clive Pearse or Donna Freeman singing "Annie Get Your Gun"? Any takers? Hm? I thought so. And speaking of New York, and when am I NOT speaking of New York, thank you for providing me with some comfort as I grieved the fact I would not be at The New York Public Library last Monday for the Irish writer and theatrical producer Josephine Hart's poetry evening which was here in the United States for the first time. One Mr. Brian Dennehy was there to read and I was, quite sadly, not. *sniff* I am still suffering but I will put on my brave face. Brian would expect that. I have posted a photo from the library's web spaces that was taken Monday evening. Now, I have no idea who this Susie Q he is reading about could be but we all know it can NOT be moi. Poor Brian had to endure the night without me at his side but I am glad to see he persevered. Heck, he even wore a tie! I am really impressed!

Love and Hugs, Susie Q

Up For A Trip To The Big Apple?

Ah, New York City. Amazing at any time of year but oh it gleams and sparkles during the holidays. You all know how much I LOVE New York City. I am totally over the moon about this gem of a city. I have visited during all 4 seasons but have yet to be there during the *holiday* season. Sad isn't it? I can see your eyes pooling with tears already...no? Ahem...but I know that our Kat is on her way to the Big Apple and don't I just envy her? I have turned the most vile shade of green and a crooked, pointy hat has magically appeared on my wee little head. Ooh! I should try out for one of the lead roles in "Wicked"! I SO look the part! But I will play nice and just say that I SO look forward to seeing her photos and reading all about her trip. Have fun dear Kat...maybe next year I will get there for Christmas! Oh, and Kat? If you see Brian Dennehy, give him a hug for me.

Happy Birthday! Please Join Me For A Day In New York City....

...but not just any day in New York! No, not for MY 51st birthday! I plan to take you to the New York City of 1956. October 26th, 1956 to be exact. I am so glad you were all able to come. I do hope your train tickets arrived early enough. And, for those of you from overseas, yes, I DO see you Sophie..there in the back! Welcome! Were your flights comfy? Pan Am has the best reputation! They gave me such a good deal! Oooh! I am just so glad to see you all! Andi and Brenda and Teresa and Tammy! I am thrilled you are here. Cheryl and the 3 girls!! Rhoda...you are here! Sweet Pea!! And there is Sheila and her daughter Lisa from Chicago and Sheila from Canada! And dear Sheila, you brought Blue, Deb and Kate with you as well! Valerie!! I KNEW you would come. Melissa AND Anna Marie! Kat, Kim and Donna!! Did you arrive together? Terri!! So glad you are here...Susie! Jolene! Cassie! Connie! Mari-Nanci! I am so glad you made it! Corrine! Ginny...I love seeing you all! Pam! Paula! And here is Sharon Kay! Anna, I do hope you are feeling better! There is Kim and Claire! Heather and Jacki and I think even our Gretchen is here. Ms. Greenie Garden and our Mom2Fur too! Ms. Strawberry Lane rode all the way here on her horse Royal! Janet! Cindy and Cherry too! Dear Charlotte and Cassandra were able to come! Hi Barbara and, wait! Do I spy a sweet Brown English Muffin?? Hi Michelle and Kayla! Rosie and Sandy! Welcome to you all! To all the Sues, Susie Qs and Sioux...I am so glad to see you! Why even Andrea was able to come along! Hi Diane! Hi Chris! Wendy! Ooh! It's Pat! And there is Rosemary and Karla! There is Robin...oh and Alice too! Carolyn and Betty Jo! Marie and Lidy and Manuela! Lynn and Mama P! Lisa and Jill! There's Missy! Jen with Emily! Dawn AND Jayla!! You DID come after all! I see Sandi and Kari, Penny and Mary...you all look so pretty! Gee, please forgive me...I just can't call out all of your names! I have run out of breath! So many of you! I am looking and I see ALL my dear blogging friends have come here to New York!! I see all of your smiling faces and I know we will have the best time. You all look positively radiant! Do you all have your white gloves? Oh, silly me. I need not have asked that! So, let's go. Grace and I have so much to show you today!

Isn't the city just amazing? If you listen closely you can almost hear it breathe...listen... Oops! Here come our limousines! You did not think I would let all of you ride in just any old vehicle now did you? Here we are on top of the Empire State Building! Isn't it just beautiful?

What a view! Here we are! The Plaza! This will be your home away from home today. Your every need will be met of that I can assure you! You have only to ask! Be on guard now, we just might run into a mischievous little girl named Eloise. I hear she lives at The Plaza and causes all sorts of havoc! Grace is looking forward to catching up with her...we will have to keep our little girls close to us so no trouble ensues. VALERIE! I did not think I had to worry about the adults too!! You march right back here and behave yourself! Tsk Tsk... Gather in now...it is time for tea! And where else would we meet than The Palm Court right here at the Plaza!

From the lovely harpist in her glittering gown to the waiters' impeccable service, from the gilt-edged marble columns to the crystal chandeliers, from the towering palm trees to the pink azaleas blooming all year long, the setting is simply magical here at the hotel's Palm Court.

The finger sandwiches are delicate and crustless, with cucumber sliced so thin it offers just a whisper of a crunch. Do remember to keep your pinkie up just so! The scones go so perfectly with the clotted cream that no jam is needed, but who can resist sampling the tiny jars of orange marmalade and blackberry preserves? Not me! Of course we will also have the most splendiferous birthday cake absolutely ever! May I offer you a slice? Oh! Two! My, you ARE hungry! I hope you enjoyed your lunch...that ride over was fun! I think I spied Joe DiMaggio and Yogi Berra! You did too? Wow! Do you see where you are? The heart of the theater district. Broadway! How I do love it so. I have, through a very secret source which I simply MUST keep private, been able to purchase tickets for ALL of us to this afternoon's performance of the smashing new hit, My Fair Lady! I hear that Julie Andrews may be a huge star! That Rex Harrison is pretty dashing as well. It should be quite enjoyable! And now for some serious shopping! Don't worry, just have your purchases added to my tab! Anything for you! There is Macy's and Gimble's, Bloomingdale's and Sak's Fifth Avenue. I simply must get one of those new pill box hats everyone is talking about! I think I shall look for one with a little veil. How about you? Central Park in the Fall. Is anything more beautiful? I have arranged to have dozens of Hansom cabs waiting for us at the park's entrance. The horses will all be young, high stepping, shiny coated and ever so peppy! Each of the drivers will be suitable attired in red jackets and a jaunty plaid cap and will have hot tea and chocolates for each of you. Oh the stories they will regale you with! Oh, and do go around the park a second and third time...I don't know about you but I am simply famished again! And I see that our carriages have arrived in front of Tavern On The Green! I have reserved the crystal room just for us! Do order whatever your heart's delight may be! It will be so magical watching the sun set and the millions of twinkling lights come to life...ooh...did you see that man at the door? I do believe it's Frank Sinatra! I see that he is being told we have the room all to ourselves this evening. What do you think? Should we invite him to join us? What are you having? Lobster? Yummy! Now, what better way to end our absolutely smashing day in New York City then with a nightcap at Birdland. We will have the place all to ourselves tonight and the management has promised me that the great Sarah Vaughn will sing for us. What an amazing end to an even more amazing day! Hmm...is anyone up for a late snack at the Carnegie Deli? You are? I will race you! Now, let's see...is anyone thinking what I am? It is SO late and we are all exhausted. We could stay over and tomorrow we can go to Radio City and dance with the Rockettes!! No problem. Your rooms are ready at the Plaza. Sleep well dear friends! Thank you so much for sharing my birthday with me...I loved being with all of you!

I *Heart* New York

Grace had to do a paper about her trip for the class. She had to read it to the class and answer questions...oh my. But her teacher said she did quite well and that it was obvious she had a splendid time! I thought I would transcribe it here for you to read...just for fun. I am including the mispellings as well...part of the charm I think! She had asked me to write down the names of some things...did not do too badly! Oh, when we were changing airplanes in Detroit, she threw several coins into a pretty fountain...made several wishes that we all go back to New York City very soon!

My Trip To N.Y.C.

By Grace

On my trip to New York City I took 2 planes. One was late and we had to run a long way. But we got there. I rode in many taxi cabs. When we got there we went to our hotel and it was nice. Then we went to a bakery and got fancy cupcakes. It was in Grinwich Village. We ate in the park with our friends who live in Sand Frinsiso. WE went to Times Square and it was very brite. We ate at Bubba Gumps. I had fish and some shrimp and it was good. We ate by a windo that was in front of the ABS tv studios and the world's biggest Toys R Us!

The next day we got up early and met our friends Emily and her mom Jen. We all walked alot. We went to American Girl Place. I took my dolls with me. My friend Emily bought a doll and she was so happy. Her doll was so pretty. I got some cool things for my dolls. We ate a spicil lunch in the cafa. It was good.

We saw alot of tall buildings and an old church and FAO Swartz. That is a big toy store. We drank drinks and ate ice cream there to. We went to Tiffanys jewlery store but it cost alot to buy things. So I did not. We went to Central Park and saw horses.

That night we ate dinner at Tavern on the Green. It is in Central Park. It is a fanous place. The food was good and it is pretty there.

The next day we met our friend from Florida. We ate at a Irish pub and the food was so good. Then we went to see a play. It was called Inharit the wind. My mom was so happy becaise Briian Dinahe was in it. She was excited. It was a good play I think. My mom thinks he is cute. I think he is to old! But he is good.

That night we went to Serendipity for dinner. It was good and fun. We had frozin hot chocolate for our desert.

On our last day we walked a lot and went into tall buildings and looked around at things. We went into the Toys R Us and saw a really big Barbie house!

I also saw Analise Van der Pol!!!!! She is Chelsey on my favorite show. She is Belle in Beuty and the Beast in a play in NYC. She is so pretty.

We also saw them filming a TV show my mom watches. It is called law and order. My mom saw 2 people from the show but did not have her camera!

Then a van came to our hotel and took us to the airport. We flew in 2 planes and came home. We got home very late. I was so tired but I was happy. I had fun. I want to go back really soon.

Taking A Bite Out Of The Big Apple

Hello all! We are back, tired, with aching feet, but happy, our heads filled with great memories. I still have to retrieve most of our pictures from Bill's laptop (He downloaded from the camera).

OH! *waving at Jen and Emily* We met Jen and Emily! How cool was that? We had a wonderful day with them. We loved them both...and Jen, Bill did too! He really is just quiet and seems to enjoy watching his *girls* do their own thing. That's just him...he loved meeting you two and we were so thrilled to see Emily and Grace have so much fun together! Grace keeps talking about Emily and asking when she can see her again! Gosh we walked a lot didn't we? And then we did it again the next two days too. I KNOW I am too, ahem, ample, and yes, I blew out my knee a few years ago....BUT! When your 9 year old tells you that HER legs are tired and SHE needs to rest, you know you t'ain't doin' as bad as you thought!

I love New York, the rhythm of the city, the people, the noise. I adore the theaters, the little restaurants, the shops, the taxis.

I will write a bigger report with lots of photos soon. Till then, know we had a great time, that I missed you all and will check in with your blogs this weekend!

Until I can post more pictures...here are a few things I was tickled with....

Our Hotel....The Belvedere The Empire State Building

Some guy named Brian Dennehy

The Magnolia Bakery in Greenwich Village.

Central Park

That guy named Brian Dennehy

Rockefeller Plaza

That guy named Brian and his buddy, Chris, in a little play....

St. Patrick's Cathedral

The Big Apple

Well, I just wanted to say bye for now....tomorrow we jet off to the Big Apple!

I just can not wait to see Grace's face in New York City! I will always remember the first time we took Danny. He was so excited...as were we to show it all to him!

We will take lots of pictures (Bill bought me a new camera as a surprise!) and tell you all about our trip when we return.

Of course, on Wednesday, we will be seeing two of the "Lions of Broadway" perform in "Inherit The Wind". Uh huh...Brian Dennehy and Christopher Plummer. How cool is that? In Today's "Parade" insert someone asked about Brian and Christopher...where did they stand among the greats....the paper chose Brian as number 1 of stage actors working today. Chris was 4th I think...

And no, it was not ME who wrote the article!! But seeing them work together will be a dream. AND....we will be meeting our Jen and her daughter!! Now how really COOL is that?? I am just a little excited...can you tell? Okay, the dancing feet and tapping fingers and shaky knees and incessant humming gave me away huh? I will miss you all and will catch up with your blogs at the end of the week. I WILL be thinking about you and wish you a safe, happy and *Spring weather like* week ahead! Be good to yourselves....you are all SO special to me. So, so special.

Hugs,

Susie Q

And The Award Goes To....

Okay, so this is *probably* not what Mr. Dennehy

will be wearing for his role in the play

but I like the picture okaaaay? Gee whiz...

Little pieces of paper that are worth so much to me.... If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere...

In the category of

*Husbands Who Do The Wonderfully Unexpected*...

the award goes to.....

Bill!

*insert wild applause, foot stomping and cheering*

...For his role in buying the tickets for us to see "Inherit The Wind", *ON BROADWAY*, in May.

Can you see my smiling face from where you are? Did you hear my whooping and hollering? Um, have I mentioned who is starring in this little production? Yes, Christopher Plummer to be sure...wonderful, delightful, Captain Von Trapp, yes. Anyone else? Hmmm...? Oh...that's right. Brian Dennehy! HE is in it TOO. Uh huh. I know, I HAVE seen him on the stage but never ON Broadway. We saw him, and the rest of the Tony winning Broadway cast do "Death of a Salesman" in St. Louis. Yes, I HAVE been to NYC but have yet to see a play on Broadway. One of my life's goals (Silly I know but oh how I do love the theater). I am just a little bit excited...just a weensy, teensy, bleensy bit excited. Bill had arranged the hotel (We are staying in a great little "European" style place a half block from the theater district, the airplane tickets and had everything ready to surprise me. Of course, our Grace is beside herself with happiness! She thinks of NYC in the same way as one of her favorite characters, Eloise, does. It is "evah, evah, evah, so, so, beeeeauuutiiifuuul." A carriage ride in Central Park, visiting the American Girl Place for tea with Grace's doll, Olivia. Dinner at Tavern on the Green, taking in the sights from the observation deck of the Empire State Building. All are on our list of must dos. I first saw NYC when I was Grace's age and it left an indelible impression on me. I think I will see it do the same for Grace...