Sometimes we all need an adventure.  Yesterday  was one - to Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, the true 'Little Italy.'  Shopped for fresh mozzarella, sweet Italian sausage, right-out-of-the-oven olive bread, marzipan cookies.  Had dinner at old-style Italian restaurant -- Marios - on Arthur Avenue with husband and kids.  Veal parmigina.  Highly recommend.  Then, we drove to Pelham Parkway.... stopped along Williamsbridge Road and Morris Park Avenue, and remembered being four-and-a-half, living here.  We drove further down Pelham Parkway and found what we were truly looking for The New York Christmas House (yes, someone's actual home - the Garabedien family - a family of costume designers!) decorated with over 200 costumed mannequins  --from Cinderella to Cher to Mickey to Santa on the roof -- and lights --and crowds all in good cheer at the spectacle!  An adventure!!

Last thought:  looking for a different holiday present -- signed copies of LIE now available at Barnes & Noble in Carle Place and at Book Revue in Huntington!  (And yes, that's Michael Jackson behind Cher).  Joy of the season to all!!