Yale Reperatory Theater:New Haven, CT- 4/27/12- 19:59

Few theaters hold as many wonderful theatrical memories for me as this one. The walls are sprinkled with photos from them and I well remember seeing the one pictured-"The Piano Lesson" by August Wilson- when it premiered here. Also Meryl Streep as an undergraduate in "The Idiots Karamotzov"! Tonight's world premier was "The Realistic Jonses" by Will Eno, of "Thom Pain" fame,  directed by Sam Gold. An interesting play which we were glad to see, but only gave a rating of 6 out of 10. Glad the Rep is pushing the boundaries as there are plenty of revival and long runs to be seen other places.

Heirloom at The Study:New Haven, CT- 4/27/12- 19:08

This looks like an expensive spa restroom more than a trendy hotel/restaurant one. Notice the choice of cloth or paper for drying your hands. Hard to see, but the flat surface with the kleenex box is lit from underneath. Totally cool. The food was good as well. Loved the fresh taste of the olive oil on the light, crusty slices of bread. Some unusual offerings liked smokes, sauteed ramps and kale salad. Everyone in the group of 5 was happy.

Wadsworth Atheneum:Hartford,CT- 4/27- 11:00

31st Annual Fine Art and Flowers this week at the Atheneum and the theme reached into the restrooms as well. I went for a lecture by Stephen Orr, Editorial Director of Gardening at Martha Stewart Living. No dirt on Ms. Martha, just a story about how she brings baskets of eggs in for the staff from her chicken coops, but lots to say about sustainable gardening, the topic of his new book "Design and Inspiration for a New Age of Sustainable Gardening". One of the friends I was with remembered coming to this event 29 years ago. Guess we were early on the flower cart. 

Essex Meadows:Essex, CT- 4/25/12- 19:33

What a surprise this restroom was. Chic and cheerful. Maybe I will have to reconsider my old age plans or not. Happy to report that I was only here for the Essex Auxiliary of Child and Family Agency's 11th Annual Fashion Show. Cute event but I was tired and most of the outfits were not my style. I did enjoy all the children modelling fashions from The Red Balloon- where I used to buy my 30 something children clothing. Glad some businesses have survived.

Majared:New Haven, CT- 4/25/12- 13:42

Sorry I could not get ALL of the art on the walls of this restroom in the funky part of town. Homemade everything, including humus. Loved the food and the art all over the walls and the restful local atmoshpere away from all the trendy Yale establishments.

Quinnepiac Club:New Have, CT- 4/25/12- 11:53

Sometimes the old club look is reassuring. Thankfully I got permission to park in the Citizen's Bank lot next door. Others at the Read To Grow Development Committee meeting had to keep running out to feed the meter. Not easy to park in downtown New Haven.

Officers Open Mess,Coast Guard Academy: New London, CT- 4/24/12- 12:41

What a pairing... an antique desk with fake flowers and white wicker. Still, I was expecting something much more sterile from this setting. I had never, despite all my years in business in New London, been to the Academy. What a spot overlooking the Thames River and beautifully planted and manicured. Can't say much for the lunch which I thankfully did not have to eat as I had a prior lunch date. Did hear a survivor of Hitler's death camps and a Vet who was part of the liberation of Dachau speak of their experiences. One can never stop being stunned at what we do to each other in the name of some higher goal. Yet we continue to let it happen.

Ocean House:Watch Hill,R.I.- 4/23/12- 12:16

Can't believe it has been 3 years since this dilapidated old hotel was given the multi-million dollar facelift and this is the first time I have been. A friend took me for lunch and though the meal was disappointing- he is a regular and has never experienced this- the setting was fabulous. how cute is this anteroom to the Ladies' room? Every detail of the Hotel is pleasing to the eye, luxurious, but simply stated. Can't wait to go back for my overnight on May 5. More to come then.

Lyme Art Association:Old Lyme, CT- 4/22/12- 16:10

Great that the Art Association is honoring the wonderful Miss Forence who housed those early Impressionist artists, but did they have to pick a picture of her looking like Brunhilda in a Wagner opera? Say she is dressed for the "Frolic" masquerade. I doubt anyone was likely to frolic with her.

Cooley Gallery:Old Lyme, CT- 4/21/12- 14:36

Love a restroom with a view. Given the tiny proportions of this one, it is a good thing. This is far from the only view in a frame to be found at this gem of a gallery known for its offerings of Lyme Impressionist painters, but more and more frequently presenting contemporary work as well. This month's exhibition by local artist Judy Friday is terrific. My son bought a small painting. Even the little ones in this show pack a big punch. And then there are the woven pillows and rugs that she is producing on her new loom.


Hartford Stage:Hartford, CT- 4/20/12- 21:14

WOW! Knew it had been a while since I went to the Hartford Stage, but did not realize they had renovated the lobby and installed all new restrooms. This is only half of the stalls. No more spending the entire intermission waiting for a chance to pee at this theater. Will make for better concession sales! Love this center island with back to back sink arrangements where everyone has their own mirror towel dispenser and trash hole. The play was equally delightful- Bell, Book and Candle with New London's own Kate MacCluggage. Only 4 days left to see it.

Old Lyme Inn:Old Lyme, CT- 4/20/12- 18:19

The newly renovated Old Lyme Inn is the place to be it seems- at least the night I went to dinner. Didn't seem like anyone I knew had stayed home. Loved the Spring Pea Soup which was minty and fresh. Also the lamb chops which were rare and delicious. The interior is much lighter, cleaner and entirely welcoming. Think this will be a great asset to the area, especially when the jazz club in the back gets started.

Quest Lab:Essex, CT- 4/20/12- 10:21

Just in case you never peed in a cup, this restroom offers detailed instructions. Probably few of us are sanitary enough about it. What I don't get is why there are separate instructions for Female and Male patients, especially since they are identical when you read through them. Our insurance fees- or tax dollars- probably paid for this!

Oyster Club:Mystic, CT- 4/19/12- 18:24

I love places that have WCs so no one has to wait in line unnecessarily. That's a seashell on the wodden sign and you can see a glimpse of the sea blue inside the restroom, oicking up the theme of this seaport town. This totally charming new addition to the Mystic restaurant scene boasts a chef fromChester's  River Tavern and a maitre d from Hartford's Firebox. They are a winning combination. Well worth a half hour drive to eat or simply to have a drink in the cozy bar or, when the warm weather holds, on the outdoor terrace.

Lyric Cafe:New London, CT- 4/18/12- 13:06

Having spent a decade of my life deeply entrenched in this city and having been a bystander of its goings on over the past two years, it is a shock to now discover the new places that have sprung up during my inattentiveness. This little restaurant, in the first building I thought of buying in the city, is a perfect example. A cute spot in the middle of State St. with an interesting menu and a long walk to the restroom which is in another part of the building. Such is New London.

Mitchell College:New London,CT- 4/18/12- 11:59

This is the message in the restroom on this college campus.  Warning about ATD...Airborn Transmitted Disease.  This was in the Men's room actually, so cannot say what is in the Women's. It was the closest restroom after going up the stairs and I would have had to pass through 2 classrooms, turn right and then left to get to the Women's. As the area was empty and the classroom unlit, I took a chance. Was in and back to my meeting in a flash.

Ross Adult Day Center:Norwich,CT-4/16/12

Get ready those who are entering their 60's like I am... this is what may lie in your future. Not only handicapped railings, but a chair for the shower guard.

Clinton Crossing:Clinton, CT- 4/16/12- 16:49

Don't see too many of these around the restrooms I frequent. Decided to treat myself to a new purchase to celebrate my wonderfully successful cleanse.  Lighter in body and mind.

Private Home:Manhattan- 4/14/12- 21:30

You know how sometimes you get rushed into leaving a party by the people who are giving uyou a ride home and only when you reach the car do you realize you need to pee? Well that's what happened to me this night and we had at least a 2 hour drive back to CT, so I asked the doorman if there was a restroom in the lobby- they have to go somewhere right? So here it is. Much better than the one in my building. Guess Fifth Avenue overlooking the reservoir vs. lower Park Avenue buildings have more differences than one could imagine.

Niobe:Manhattan- 4/14/12- 15:37

A neighborhood nail salon whose restroom is minimal, but striving to add a bit of interest. The staff is entirely Aisian, which is pretty common, and the manicures are quick and efficient. I was heading to my son's engagement party, so wanted a sprucing up of my minimal and uneven nails. One day I will stop picking them I hope. Feels like I am calm enough after this spa week to manage it.

La Gamin:Brooklyn, NY- 4/14/12- 11:45

Here's a restroom sign I haven't seen before. Fits the character of this charming and popular eatery. I have twice had brunch in the back open courtyard and it is a treat both for the setting, with lots of plantings along the edges, as well as the food which is fresh and well proportioned. This morning we, my two sons and their brides, had a brand new waitress, so the service waas a bit confused, but with the sun and warm air pouring over us, who cared.

LaGuardia Airport:New York- 4/13/12- 21:27

This is not the handicapped stall, but still had lots of room for my roller bag. And was clean and modern. I like flying in and out of this airport and it is under half an hour from my New York apartment if there is no traffic. Not bad.

Palm Springs Airport:CA- 4/13/12- 10:52

This is the section of the airport that greets you once you have passed through security. Yes, it is a huge outdoor square with departure gates and retail stores off of it. In fact, the rest of the airport is open air with just a roof over it. Tells you a lot about the climate here. I was sorry not to have more time to hang out and work on my tan on one of the grassy knolls like the lady in this photo is doing.

We Care Spa:Hot Springs, CA- 4/10/12- 12:57

This is one of the restrooms in the colonics section of the the main building. The entrance is discreetly tucked away near the pool so it can be used by those relaxing in the sun as well as those pre and post treatment.  Fortunately I did not experience, or hear of, any occupancy issues. Believe me, after a colonic you don't want to be standing around waiting for the toilet. I enjoyed the serene quality of the purely decorative cabinet with its empty glass bottles and little vase with a fresh flower.

We Care Spa:Hot Spring, CA- 4/9/12- 10:21

Another example of the Mexican influence in this charming sink in one of the restrooms off the main lounge.

We Care Spa, room 100:Hot Springs, CA- 4/8/12- 14:15

So far, so good. The spa is lovlier than the online photos and I am living in splendor in a large room with a sunny, quiet outdoor lounging area where I can catch the morning sun and watch the evening sunset. I love the Mexican influence in my bathroom with the tiles and sort of wall separating the toilet from the tub. Plenty of room in here with a long shelf for all my stuff. Oh and the old shower space is now the closet. How do I know? They left the shower head in place!

Palm Springs:CA- 4/8/12- 12:14

Not so clean. See the paper towel on the floor under the wate bin? Believe me, this barely represents the trach that was strewn around this restroom. And the sink...I'll soare you the grime in there.

O'Hare Airport:Chicago- 4/8/12- 8:41

Not all airport restroom are alike. Suprisingly clean and attractive. Quick connection to my CA destination, so no time to sample any of the retail offerrings.

Bradlee Airport:Hartford- 4/8/12- 6:31

Who can come up with pithy bathroom commentary at this hour of the morning? Not me. On my way to CA for a 5 day liquid cleanse. Many more restrooms to come.

Fox Hopyard:East Haddam, CT- 4/7/12- 18:28

It takes a super thoughtful host to stock the restroom with fresh tulips, chocolates and Happy 60th Birthday towels for your private party. This is a surprisingly elegant golf club set in the middle of nowhere. Don't play golf, but hear it is a good course and the setting is great for dining on the porch in the summer when you don't care what the food is like. Otherwise, best to stick to a hamburger.

Mercy Center:Madison, CT- 4/6/12- 15:52

This might have been the best room in this house which is a spiritual retreat rental facility. The shoreline setting and well kept grounds, however, are pretty spectacular.I wonder if these shells were gathered on the beach out front? Maybe I will have a birthday celebration here... remains to be seen.

Pennylane Pub:Old Saybrook, CT- 4/6/12- 14:29

Happy Birthday Susanella! Not a lot on the menu for someone like me who is on a pre-cleanse diet- no dairy, no meat, no bread, you get the idea. Opted for the spinach salad sans bacon dressing. It was fresh and delicious. Maybe not quite as delicious as the portabello and asparagus pannini that the birthday girl enjoyed. What this print has to do with anything, I don't know and why there were two identical ones in the same restroom is a bigger mystery.

International Center of Photography:Manhattan- 4/4/12- 15:49

This was a trashed restroom. Almost as much of a crime scene as the photos by Weegee that I came to see. What a strange guy he was. Another mind I would not want to enter to delight in taking pictures of violent deaths and both the voyerism and despair that they can bring.

Barrow Street Theater: Manhattan- 4/3/12- 19:31

The curtain ws due to go up at 7:30, so was kind of on the run for this one. Actually there is no curtain at this little theater in the west village. It is in the round. Does great plays and Tribes was no exception. Deep and difficult on the topic of deafness. However, there is always the joyous consumption of a delicious gelatto at the shop next door. I had terra misu, but wished I had gone for the mango that my friend let me taste. Yummy.

Prune: Manhattan- 4/3/12- 18:42

On the other side of this charming door is the restaurant... no hall, no divider..straight into the tables of which there are only about 8. A bit disconcerting to be so close. My friend had raved about the place. It was good, but not worth the trek.

529 W. 20 ST: Manhattan- 4/3/12- 16:14

I have been coming to Chelsea more often in recent weeks, but had not been to this building in over a year. I forgot how many good galleries are housed here. Can't say much for the "artistic" graffitti in the restroom.

Uncle Nick's: Manhattan- 4/4/12- 14:03

I believe they are going for a weathered Greek look here. The non-descript exterior and rather plain interior of this restaurant belies the authenticity of the food. This ws simply some of the best and freshest Greek food I have ever had. Glad it is on 29th and 8th, so not too far from my apartment. I will be back.

Lincoln Center: Manhattan- 4/2/12- 20:57

Okay, so this is a boring photo. However, the reason I was at Lincoln Center, and really there was nothing interesting to shoot in the restroom, was not boring. I was a guest at the Chaplin Award ceremony which was honoring Catherine Deneuve. She was divine. At dinner I was seated next to Glenn Close. She was lovely and down to earth. What a fun evening on what could have been a devestating day.

East restroom:Grand Central Station, NY- 4/2/12- 15:52

Tried to get a shot without any people cause I didn't want to get yelled at by anyone. Impossible. Thought the side by side entrances was different. Kind of like the blurry effect. Look out Gerhard Richter!

Union Station: New Haven, CT- 4/2/12- 13:44

I haven't seen this much graffitti on a stall door in a long time. Haven't been taking the train from New Haven for a while it seems. Poor Mikolinski.

XO Yoga: Chester, CT- 4/2/12- 8:57

A new session of Yin yoga has started and on the first anniversary of my husband's death. Good timing. Got a difficult day off to a wonderful start. Thank you Marjorie! Like this hot new red tee that the studio is offering.

Private Home: Old Lyme, CT- 4/1/12- 20:47

This feels exactly like the bathrooms in my grandmother's house did. The owners are actually in their 50's, but have that old world sense of living. Quite enjoyable to experience. The occassion was a reading of a play by Alan Ayckbourn. This group gathers every other month for this purpose. The reading was followed by a dinner of Stouffer's lasagna, salad and deixie cups of ice cream.  You can draw your own conclusions as to whether or not to be envious.