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How many of you are Downton Abbey fans? Even though the show is long over I still love it. To celebrate Valentine's Day my husband and I decided to take advantage of the mild February weather and traveled to New York City. We visited the Downton Abbey Exhibition and then went out to dinner. It was a perfect day to celebrate!

We were greeted by Mr. Carson who reminded visitors that he keeps a strict count of the silver.

Standing in Mrs. Patmore's kitchen was awesome. I felt like I should get busy helping or at any moment a bell might ring summoning attention in another room of the house.

The dining room was impeccably done. Portraits of the Crawleys decorated the room with lots of good information about the characters.

In a video, "Protocol with Mr. Carson," Mr. Carson reminds everyone of the proper behavior that is expected in the dining room. Missteps quickly identify one as---not one of the elite. Clips from characters are shown on the screen. The old-fashioned Dowager has plenty of advice for everyone.

Lady Mary's bedroom is complete with her lingerie.

The Dowager is highlighted stating some of her more memorable quips.

Lady Mary and Lady Edith ready to party. Glass cases display their jewelry.

Lady Edith's Wedding Dress

There was no shortage of fashion at the exhibition. It was so much fun viewing all the costumes. Pictures of the characters wearing the outfits with brief descriptions identified each one.

Downton Abbey is hiring household help. I filled out an "application." It appears I am on the list to be interviewed by Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson for the position of housemaid. After reading my educated responses, someone decided that training to become a housemaid is the job I am best suited to do! WHAT??

The outfit of my dreams? Yikes! Help me Anna Bates!

If you are a Downton fan, it is a real treat to visit the exhibition and get a little closer to the Crawleys and learn some secrets about the show's creation. The exhibition is touring across the country. Google it and see if it will be near you. The New York City exhibition closes in March.

After two hours of humoring me at the exhibit, a venue I chose, we walked over to the restaurant my husband chose. Loved it! Dinner was delicious, complete with a Swiss chocolate wrapped in a Valentine heart-shaped box with a red ribbon. So sweet!

How did you celebrate Valentine's Day?

Downton Abbey fans tell me what you think.

#downtownexhibition #valentinesday

This year I feel so blessed to share Christmas with all 5 of my grandchildren, albeit not at the same time. My three granddaughters, two are 7 and one is 6, all wanted to see The Nutcracker Ballet in the worst way. The two boys did not. Neither did the "big boys." So it was decided all of the girls would go--two different girls' nights out. One night in New York City and one night in Atlanta.

First, my daughter, seven-year-old granddaughter and I went to the ballet at Lincoln Center in New York City. It is always a special event and everyone is riveted to the performance as the enormous Christmas tree "grows' from the floor of the stage until it is a size of enormous proportions. I believe this scene is unique to Lincoln Center and it is spectacular!

Mia with a display at Lincoln Center

Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center

At Mia's request we visited the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center that seemed especially beautiful this year. It seemed to be much wider than usual and was just so bright. The area was super crowded on a Sunday night but it was so festive.

Christmas Tree at Bryant Park, Midtown, Manhattan

Here we are posing under the tree

Bryant Park was our destination for dinner. It was impossible to get a cab so we were hoping to walk off all the calories we were taking in. It was a great night! Mia's already making plans for next year!

A few days later I was visiting with my two Atlanta granddaughters, Alexa and Abby. My daughter-in-law drove us to the city. We were lucky to have a beautiful night to take in the city and it was delightful. We had dinner at the hotel directly across from the Fox Theater and the girls were so excited as the lights were glowing brightly into the window and across our table. The ballet was wonderful and our two little ballerinas were quite attentive. It is a night they won't forget!! They loved it!!