I have so many things to tell you this week. Still not fully unpacked, but had to take a day yesterday for my mom. We went into the city for a doctor's appointment at the medical center. When the valet attendant there helped me get her out of the car, she was so cute and told mom she looked like she was headed for a Broadway show. Got my wheels turning.
In and out of the office in record time and back out to the beautiful autumn day. I love to drive in the city and headed down Broadway through Harlem, Columbia, upper west side and into Central Park. I've done this before with her- just driving around the old favorites on 5th Ave. But this time ....
I just pulled in and that gentleman right there on the left made it all work seamlessly. Yes, madame, this way please. Out of the car and into a secret lift by the legendary steps, into the gleaming lobby with the fanciest of the fancies.
Lunch at the Oak Room, one of her favorite spots.
Quote of the day: after I pointed out to Mom that they had steamed brussel sprouts on the menu, she looked at me over those reading specs and said, "I didn't come to the Plaza to eat brussel sprouts!"
We enjoyed a delicious, lingering lunch in the quiet afternoon, laughed and chatted as if we had just returned from a day of shopping at Bergdorf's (which is where she got that marvelous hat 40 years ago.)
The hallway is decorated with enormous photos of the glams from long ago. Her vintage. (Sometime I should tell you about my hankie that was Jackie's!)
Frank and Mia and Grammy. (She blew a kiss to Frank.)
We poked around the hotel and took full advantage of every spec of elegance.
It was quite wonderful!
More than the average wonderful. It was "simply fantastic!"
I love my mom.
looks like you had a splendid day
and your mom looks like she had a blast
what a good daughter you are!!
xo
Posted by: kl | November 18, 2010 at 11:43 AM
I love the stories about your Mom!!!
So nice that you keep every moment with her close to your heart.
Posted by: Laura | November 18, 2010 at 12:43 PM
Hello Charlotte,
Well, or course, your Mom has charisma and a very elegant style...she looks like a celebrity!
~ Gabriela ~
Posted by: Gabriela | November 18, 2010 at 12:51 PM
Just lovely, Charlotte! Your Mom is beautiful!!!
Posted by: natalie hansen | November 18, 2010 at 01:33 PM
Looks like the two of you had a wonderful day!...Charlotte (the 1st) always looks like she's been traveling with her own personal stylists. Not to be interpreted that Charlotte (the 2nd) is a slouch.xoxo
Posted by: Jeff | November 18, 2010 at 01:59 PM
Another great post about your Mom. You are both just wonderful.
Posted by: Yvonne Welty | November 18, 2010 at 02:02 PM
What a lovely day. You are both beautiful and the love you share is just wonderful!
Posted by: Lorrie | November 18, 2010 at 02:06 PM
Love that first photo of your wonderful Mom - a celebrity in her own right! It sounds like a most incredible afternoon, Charlotte.
Posted by: Zita - Mlle Magpie | November 18, 2010 at 02:11 PM
She positively sparkles....xox Corrine
Posted by: Corrine | November 18, 2010 at 02:11 PM
how cute is your mom!!!
and her quote was priceless!!!
how could you not love her, you're so lucky charlotte!!!
ox,meleen
Posted by: meleen | November 18, 2010 at 02:13 PM
Charlotte what a wonderful way to spend the day with your mother.
She is looking so well
Alison
Posted by: Alison Gibbs | November 18, 2010 at 02:33 PM
What wonderful outings you & your Mother have! Thanks for sharing it with us. Hugs to you both.
Posted by: Troy Louise | November 18, 2010 at 03:40 PM
What a wonderful time with your Mom! You are both so lucky to have one another. Charlotte thank you for sharing your stories & your mom.
Laura
Posted by: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1470685926 | November 18, 2010 at 03:53 PM
How sweet. Love her quote of the day! Hugs, Heidi
(giveaway on my blog)
Posted by: Heidi Woodruff | November 18, 2010 at 04:07 PM
Your Mom is beaming! How wonderful to be able to still share special times like this together. She sounds as if she is quite the lady!
Take care, Laura :)
Posted by: Laura @ 52 FLEA | November 18, 2010 at 05:24 PM
Charlotte, it looks like you 2 have a fantastic time together. I want to look that snazzy when I'm her age. Okay, I want to look that snazzy right now. Tell her that she's such the cutie, although I love me some Brussels sprouts!
Posted by: Jemellia | November 18, 2010 at 06:04 PM
Looks like so much fun! Reading this post makes me want to shout that I'm so glad you got your mom back. And it makes days like this all the better, doesn't it?
p.s. Next time, I'll meet you there!
Posted by: Amy Powers | November 18, 2010 at 07:45 PM
Thank you again, Charlotte, for sharing these delicious slices of your mom with all of us. C'est magnifique!
PS She looks so happy and so well. What a fantastic memory you gave to her, and, to us.
Posted by: Suzy McQ | November 18, 2010 at 08:38 PM
Makes me misty eyed and the heart go pitter patter. Just the sweetest. You and Her:)
xo
Posted by: Cherie Wilson | November 18, 2010 at 08:39 PM
You know, you are simply a wonderful daughter. And your mom is just elegant. She sparkles!
Hugs,
Suz
Posted by: Katsui Jewelry | November 18, 2010 at 09:55 PM
I miss my mother so much. Enjoy her..she is so glamorous and you have her eyes. Thank you for sharing. You made my day.
Posted by: Eugenia | November 18, 2010 at 11:02 PM
How very, very special. Thank you for sharing your day with us. XO
Posted by: Donna | November 18, 2010 at 11:53 PM
Thank you for the continued stories and sharing your beautiful Mom with us. I love these stories. She is one classy woman!!
Posted by: Heather | November 19, 2010 at 12:53 AM
Gas money for the drive...money for lunch...wonderful mother/daughter relationship? Priceless!!
Posted by: Jo Johnston | November 19, 2010 at 06:39 AM
I love the stories about your Mom! I think as we age, looking good becomes more difficult, but your Mom is just gorgeous. Love her style, the hat, the black coat with gold buttons, the leopard blouse, she really wears it well. And God love YOU. I think you must be an Earth Angel- The Real Deal. :D Such a wonderful day you gals had! Also love the pics of NYC, it's so beautiful in the fall! Have a great weekend.
Posted by: mary | November 19, 2010 at 10:46 AM
What a grand Lady you have there. Looks like she's alot of fun. She's a keeper. Thanks for sharing her.
Posted by: Alaska/p | November 19, 2010 at 01:52 PM
Thanks everyone for the sweet notes about Mom! I just went over to her apartment and pulled them up so she could read them. I cannot tell you how much it means to her (and to me) that you take the time to say such nice things. She is so grateful! Me, too!
Posted by: charlotte lyons | November 19, 2010 at 06:17 PM
How blessed you both are to have each other!
Posted by: judy | November 19, 2010 at 09:45 PM
L. O. V. E. love it! You are both lucky women! I love my mom too! Jamie V in MT
http://rem-nants.blogspot.com
amzanioli@yahoo.com
Posted by: Jamie V | November 19, 2010 at 10:17 PM
I love me MOM and love spending time with her. I can feel that in your post. I want to HEAR about the hankie!!!!!
Posted by: jenny elkins | November 20, 2010 at 08:29 AM
I can only dream about going where you and your sweet mother had lunch.
I am so glad to see her wearing her vintage in style hat.
I hope you have many more trips together. ( I miss my Mom )
Janice
Posted by: Curtains in My tree | November 20, 2010 at 08:38 PM
thank you! thank you!!
this post has brought tears to my eyes and a HUGE smile to my face (and my heart!)
love you charlotte!!
have a very blessed thanksgiving!
xoxo...danielle
Posted by: Sngbrd1997 | November 22, 2010 at 01:28 PM
Charlotte,
Your mom has great style and grace! And also the biggest s-m-i-l-e on her face! One can see you both had the most enjoyable day!
Posted by: Jan | November 22, 2010 at 06:36 PM
Your Mom reminds me of my own ~ so elegant, lady like and with a bit of sass. Charming! What a lovely day the two of you shared and thanks for sharing it with us too. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo
Posted by: Susan Freeman | November 23, 2010 at 10:38 AM
You and your mom are so cute! Looks like you have lots of fun together too. Thanks for sharing your day out and putting a smile on my face. Lori
Posted by: Lori | November 23, 2010 at 01:40 PM
I love The Oak Room at the Plaza! The most wonderful place in NYC. So happy for you and your day together with your Mom.
Cheers!
Rita
Posted by: Rita May | November 23, 2010 at 04:09 PM
Your mom is gorgeous! What a blessing to have a day like that with her. I have wonderful memories of fun times spent with my mom and I miss her every day.
Deb--glisteninthesunshine.blogspot.com
Posted by: Deborah | November 23, 2010 at 07:55 PM
Your Mum is beautiful, so stylish, and looks like she is so much fun to be around! What wonderful fun you two must have. Thanks for sharing your day.
Posted by: cami | November 27, 2010 at 10:04 PM
OMG You have a hanky that was JackieS! Please , please, please do tell, I adore the Kennedys, even though I am in Australia and have never been to the US, my sons middle name is Fitzgerald in honour of them :-)
Posted by: Brenda | November 28, 2010 at 12:37 AM
I totally agree with your Mom! Who would go to the Plaza to eat Brussel Sprouts!What about Mai Tais in the old Trader Vics?.....I bet she did that!
Posted by: connie | December 03, 2010 at 09:26 AM
Did you see Eloise?
Posted by: susan | December 08, 2010 at 03:15 PM