Jivamukti: Manhattan- 1/31/12- 9:06 EST

This looks like some sort of mineral sample to me. Did not put me in a Zen mood, but then again it was a middle aged muddle morning. Dressed for the 8am class, but thought I would be late, so decided to go for the 9am. Then I left my mat at the apartment, so had to go back for it, so had to take a cab in order to arrive just at 9 and all in a sweat, but class was really at 9:10. An hour and a half of deep breathing and stretching and I am good to go.

Cafe Boulud: Manhattan- 1/30/12- 22:05 EST

This fellow feels a bit stern to me. Not who I want peering over my shoulder while I am on the toilet. Dinner was delicious, though I am not as in love with the monied, modern decor of the room as I once was. No sign of a recession here as every table was full.

Dr. Pressman: New Haven, CT- 1/30/12- 14:07 EST

Can you explain having little paper rose hearts in a podiatrist's restroom? And it isn't even February yet! Actually, this is the second heart motifed podiatrist I have been to in the past week.  Maybe it is "Love Your Podiatrist" month. Wish he had told me the injection I got for my neuroma was going to ache for hours and turn the top of my foot black and blue.  That would have been a lot more loving than hearts in the john.

Private Home: Old Lyme, CT- 1/28/12- 19:40 EST

I love the idea of accessories as wall hangings.  Nice color for a single woman's bathroom.  MAkes me want to light a candle, draw a bubble bath and find some hadsome guy to do my nails.

Elgart, Pinn, Elgart: Old Saybrook, CT- 1/28/12- 10:12 EST

Shoreline professionals certainly like their sailing art work. A bit on the conventional side for my taste.

Destinta Theater: Middletown, CT- 1/26/12- 16:28 EST

Classy look I think. How many movie theaters have color coordinated waste cans on top of being reasonably clean? Saw Iron Lady. Meryl Streep is my hero. She is an amazing actress and I thought it was a good film despite being from the dementia affected point of view of Mrs. Thatcher.

Booth Theater: Manhattan- 1/24/12- 20:34 EST

I know, another out of sequence shot.  I am getting all cleaned up and will be back on track now. My querry here- no surprise- is why is there ALWAYS a line outside the Ladies' room at the theater and rarely the Mens'? Went to see Other Desert Cities. Not as big a fan as the critics. Good acting, but I didn't like a lot of the dialogue or the twists that the story took.
Next week is Richard III with Kevin Spacey. Can't wait for that.

Private Home: Chester, CT- 1/22/2011- 19:11 EST

Another tardy entry, but my friend will be disappointed if I don't include it. She went to all kinds of trouble to clean up her bathroom for me to photograph and I must say on a chilly January night, this was a warm(the heat was up to 75 at least) and inviting place to pull down your pants. We have been getting together every Sunday to watch Dowton Abbey and it has been great fun having company for the series.(No, the ranunculus are not real, but who cares.)

Private Home: Manhattan- 12/27/2011- 14:22 EST

Rather late posting this photo, but I couldn't resist doing it. This bathroom is in my 97 year old aunt's apartment. She has been doing needlepoint for most of her adult life- gave it up a decade ago when her eyes became bad- and decided to do something artistic with the left over yarn. I hope one day to inhert this acrylic column and mix in my extra yarn. Yes, she taught me how to needlepoint too, but I have never made rugs as she did. Copies of Miro paintings no less!

Gzen: Branford, CT- 1/27/12- 20:20 EST

There was nothing about this vegan restaurant that felt aisan or zenlike except the name and this statue in the restroom. Must be something going on I was not aware of. This space used to be a place called "Suburban" which I thought was excellent and I was disappointed when it closed. This is an equally good substitute and the only vegan restaurant I know of along the shoreline. Not a place for a light dinner necessarily. I came away stuffed.  Terrific organic wines as well as food.

66 High St: Madison, CT- 1/27/12- 16:15 EST

Intersting what you find in restrooms once you start to take notice. I can only guess that this building at one time housed a factory with chemicals. Why else would there be eye wash in the restroom? I was there for the Insane Sidewalk Sale. Lots of shop kiosks with great bargains and a convivial crowd, many of whom I knew, wandering around with bags of loot. Good fun.

Quest Diagnostis: Essex, CT- 1/27/12- 10:07 EST

Some of these medical restrooms have some pretty scarey stuff in them.  I rinsed my hands in warm water and left as quickly as possible. Don't know why I used this office as they are always snarky and keep you waiting even if you have an appoinment.  My advise is to go to Old Saybrook. Runs on time and everyone is cheerful.

Obstetrics, Gynecology& Menopause Physicians, PC: Essex, CT-1/26/12- 9:02 EST

With a name like this group of doctors has, is it any wonder that there are so many rules about how to behave in the restroom? Best not to use it unless  instructed to I say.

Puket Cafe: Wethersfield, CT- 1/26/12- 19:32 EST

I am catching another trend in solo restrooms these days... the ability to lounge by yourself before or after using the toilet.  Or invite all your friends in to watch you pee?  Think you get a good feel for the decor of the restaurant and I must say the food was mighty tastey in this tiny strip mall Thai cafe.  Look for the Dunkin Donuts sign as it is right next door and easy to miss.

Amtrak N. E. line- 1/25/12- 15:49 EST

This is what I think of as the Metro North look.  Is this another result of government cutbacks?

Les Halles: Manhattan- 1/25/12- 14:51 EST

I much prefer this method of providing adequate toilet paper to the all too pervasive huge metal structures found in most restrooms. In the old days Anthony Bourdain used to preside over the kitchen here.  He still consults and can occassionally be found holding court at one of the banquettes. A good place for solid French bistro food.

Orso: Manhattan- 1/24/12- 19:12 EST

This is one of my favorite pre or post theater restaurants. I have had many a delicious meal and seen many a lucious star here. Better be brushed up on your Roman heros however or you might end up in the wron rest room.  Hint: Women should enter the door with Medus'a head.

National Academy Museum: Manhattan- 1/25/12- 11:53 EST

This is one of the lesser known gems of the New York art world in my opinion.  The old mansion is a beauty and the art is never hung in a way that detracts from its original beaux arts architectural features.  There are always well and lesser known artists to discover in the bienniel show which is on now.  Love the funky, phallic light fixture too.

Museo del Bario: Manhattan- 1/25/12- 10:22 EST

The museum recently finished a major renovation which included redoing the exterior facade of the building.  Judging from the condition of this sink in the ladies' room for the administrative offices, they did not lavish any of those dollars on themsleves.  A far cry from the fun, tile lines restroom off the main gallery!

Applejack Cafe: Manhattan- 1/25/12- 10:05 EST

Every once in a while I just cannot wait for the Laidies' room to be empty, so I use the Mens'. Only if it is a one holer of course.  I was quite surprised to find this promotion in a Greek owned cafe with only bearable food and unbearable service. Can't remember the last time I met such a hauty waitstaff. Must be a connection between that and this poster, but I haven't figured it out yet.

Bodrum: Manhattan, NY- 1/25/12- 15:11 EST

Like a quick trip to Turkey with the blue tiles and the green plant and the little white porcelain soap dispenser. The food was as fresh and delicious as anything I had in the city of Bodrum which I also recommend for a not so quick visit.

XO Yoga: Chester, CT- 1/23/12- 9:05 EST



Not glitzy like the New York yoga studio I visited.  Just a simple message of love for the outside of the body as well as for the inside with the wheat grass juicer.  Tip on how to drink wheatgrass: put some cinnamon on your right hand(like salt for a shot of Tequila), suck it off and quickly down the juice.

Eneslow: Manhattan- 1/24/12- 13:10 EST

My first trip to this large show store which specializes in comfortable, mostly fashionable, shoes for people with foot problems. Even the restroom is set up for a sale!

The Kate: Old Saybrook, CT - 1/21/12- 14:50 EST

Nice combination of tiles in this ladies' room.  Also great programming.  I go here to see the Metropolitan Opera in HD performances. Today it was The Enchanted Island.  Magical costumes, a wonderful take on Shakespearean themes of mistaken identity and a cast of fantastic voices and production staff.

Essence: Old Saybrook, CT- 1/20/12- 13:06 EST

Not only can you have any kind of spa service known to man here, but you can also find out what is happening in town or who will clean your house or watch your pet.  That's full service.

Private Home: Lyme, CT- 1/18/12- 22:22 EST

Simply elegant.  And the informal dinner for three in front of the fire was just delicious and what winter is all about.

Murtha Cullina, LLC: Madison, CT- 1/18/12- 13:26 EST

Coast of CT lawyers are likely to be sailors.  I wouldn't mind going out on this boat for a day.  Hope I didn't help to pay for it!

Bradlee Airport: Hartford, CT- 1/16/12- 21:36 EST

I got kind of fascinated with how the force of the air coming out of this turbo dryer flattened the skin on my hand. Maybe you have to be over 50 for this to happen.  For those who like the rings- and I mention this only because I get many compliments on them- check out www.dinavarano.com.

Pusser's Landing: Sopers Hole, Tortola- 1/15/12 - 13:59 CT

Pusser's has several locations on the island.  This is the one with the most outdoor seating and though it is not memorable, it is fun to look at the boats and even more fun to wander through the shops. All the buildings are painted in bright Carribean colors- see a hit of the purple shutters- and there is a good small grocery store. Nice to have a toilette with a view. 

Smuggler's Cove: Tortola, BVI- 1/15/12- 13:20 CT

Nothing like sitting in the hot sun trying to stay hydrated while listening to the waves breaking on the beach to make me  heed nature's call even more frequently than normal.

Smuggler's Cove: Tortola, BVI- 1/15/12- 13:10 CT

Nice beach.  A bit crowded, but everyone was focused on the water rather than what I was doing behind the trees.

The Clubhouse: Frenchman's Cay, Tortola, BVI- 1/14/12- 21:49 CT

No one is going to bother you in this stall.  Rather inelegant for one of the best appointed and most delicious restaurants on the island.

Willy T: Norman Island, BVI- 1/14/12- 14:19 CT

Think this shot gives a better idea of the kind of vessel the Willy T is.  An ingenious way to handle the paper towel dispensing though it is a bit fragile.  I found out later that the staff works on a 4 days on, 4 days off schedule and has to live on the boat while on. And that they share their quarters with some sea worthy rats.  Don't let that put you off.  I have never seen one on deck.

Willy T: Norman Island, BVI- 1/14/12- 13:28 CT

The Willy T is actually a clunker of an old boat that is permenantly moored in the waters off Norman Island where we love to go to snorkle.  We made a pass for lunch on the 12th and the boat was packed with revelers and the music was blaring.  This day we were the only one's on board and totally enjoyed the suprisingly good fare and the conviviality of the owner and staff. 

BVI Yacht Sales: Nanny Cay, Tortola- 1/14/12- 11:37 CT

What did you expect in the restroom of a yacht broker?

Jolly Roger: Sopers Hole, Tortola, BVI- 1/13/12- 21:18 CT

I am getting into a rest room lock jag here.  This one looks like it was scalvaged from a long sunken vessel.

Long Bay Restort: Tortola, BVI- 1/13/12- 14:01 CT

To my mind, fresh flowers make any bathroom special.  Even more so a well used one on the beach. Don't tell anyone that I washed my feet in the sink and it had just been cleaned. I did make sure to rinse it out completely.

Peg Leg's: Nanny Cay, Tortola, BVI- 1/12/12- 9:22 CT

Do you think this stall has sufferd multiple break ins or could the carpenter just not decide where to put the closure?

Sensus Gym: Tortola, BVI- 1/11/12- 10:08 CT

Cute, eh!  There is nothing cute about the spinning class I can assure you.  Or the woman who commandeers the only large fan in the room.

Admiral's Club: San Juan, Puerto Rico- 1/10/12- 13:50 CT

Such pretty and exotic fresh flowers are available on this island. What a shame that they use silk ones.  Still a cleaner and lovelier ladies' than the others in the airport and with a 3 hour layover, it got lots of use.

American Airlines: Hartford, CT- 1/10/12- 7:06 EST

The plane hasn't even taken off yet and the bowl is already full of sudsy water.  Why is it so hard to drain and wipe the bowl?  Okay, at least to drain it.

Talcott House: Westbrook, CT- 1/9/12- 16:24 EST

A friend of mine runs this quirky and charming B&B.  You can get a sense of her aesthetic from this dainty sign perched next to the toilet in the powder room. It was my first walk on the beach in Westbrook. It was low tide when these amazing sand flats, which feel spongy underfoot, appear along the shore.  It was fantastic.  Our dogs got along great.  Had to take mine into the shower when I got home as he was full of salt water and sand.  Worth the trouble.

Valley Regional High School: Deep River, CT- 1/8/12- 14:52 EST

This is for Faculty Women at the high school.  Kind of interesting sink arrangement, though it is made of molded plastic. Who do you think sits in the funky green arm chair? I was treated to a two hour performance by the unparalled opera star Frederica (Flicka) Van Stade as the opening event in this season's Essex Winter Series.  A full house of about 600. What a priviledge. How could there be a better part of the US to live in?

Private Home: Locust Valley, NY- 1/7/12- 10:38 EST

Everything a geriatric bathroom should have: a glass bowl with a shower cap, a pile of gripper petals to line the tub, extra toilet paper, a candle lest the electricity fails, a decorative object on the back of the bowl- in this case an elephant- and, in case you don't recognize the yellow handle, a stratigically placed plunger.

Riverdog Yoga: Old Saybrook, CT- 1/8/12- 8:34 EST

Sunday morning yoga was supposed to start at 8:30, but it was a little late today due to the post New Year catch up chatter. The decor seems to have an appropriate zen quality. I enjoy a variety of classes here and am especially fond of the occassional visits from the owner's 3 year old Korean daughter who knows me by name and loves to make stacks of the blocks from which she will not spare one for my use. I know she will outgrow this, but I hope not for another year.

Fresh Salt at Saybrook Point Inn: Old Saybrook, CT- 1/7/12- 20:02 EST

Never heard of a swordfish chop?  Me either, but I can tell you that I have had this dish twice now and it is delicious. This is now on the top 5 on my local restaurants list. Like the clean and spacious "W" room and the Holiday decorations.( Notice the ponytailed young woman reflected in the mirror who was doing a quick wipe down on a busy Saturday night.)

Daryl Roth Theater: Manhattan- 1/6/12- 19:58EST





Can you see what I saw? The still water in the bottom of the sink? The ragged and warped edge of backsplash meeting countertop? The peeling paint? Okay, so the ladies room was gross, but the show which my son took me to see "Fuerza Bruta"- Brute Force- was unlike anything I have experienced. So I will quote their promo: " floods the senses with a nonstop collision of dynamic music, visceral emotion, and kinetic aerial imagery. And best of all, you are at the center of the action" for 70 amazing minutes. 

Saks Fifth Avenue: Manhattan- 1/6/12- 16:07 EST

Funky Saks with spangled chandeliers- even if one was burnt out- and marble trough sinks. I remember when you had to go to the 4th floor or the hair salon to find a toilet. Now they have them on every floor.

Asia Society: Manhattan- 1/6/12- 14:15 EST

Look closely and you will see what caught my eye about this sign.  It was the cute little dragon undr the message found in every public toilet in town. I don't always love the exhibitions here, though I have seen some fabulous ones. What does draw me back is the shop, which has the most wonderful assortment of items especially jewellry, and the cafe which boasts three live trees plus a refreshing and delicate menu with a massive tea selection. Like eating in the park no matter what time of year.

Rue 57: Manhattan- 1/5/12- 19:31 EST

I have passed this restaurant innumerable times, but had never been in before. Felt land looked like a great Paris bistro and I thought the legs on the door to the toillette were a great touch.  Sadly both the food and the interior of the toillette were quite mediocre.