THE New York Public Library (April 30, 2022)

We've all seen the front of the New York Public Library for years in films.  The lions are Patience and Fortitude.  I'm not sure which one I'm standing beside. Connie and I took in the Treasures exhibit while Sharon rented a CityBike to ride along the Hudson River.

The original Teddy Bear that inspired the Winnie the Pooh stories. Yes, author A. A. Milne's son was Christopher Robin Milne, and the bear on display is the very bear owned by Christopher.  He donated the bear to the book publisher who then donated it to the New York Public Library. I had to see the bear for three reasons: (1) When Mya was 2, she lost Papa Bear at this very library but Brandy got him back. So Papa Bear has his own adventure to recount. (2) Tom and I were supposed to celebrate Eeyore's Birthday with Jim and Jan Roberts on April 30; instead, I sent Jan a photo of the exhibit, complete with Eeyore. (3) We got to meet the inspiration for Winnie the Pooh.

We saw so many treasures: an original page from Mozart's composition; a lock of Beethoven's hair; rare books and letters dating back to the 1500s and earlier.  The architecture itself is a treasure. Had to admire the woodwork in the ceiling.

Patience or Fortitude? Human's head, lion's head, pigeon's head.