Start Spreading the News . . . Part I

We survived our whirlwind long weekend in New York! There is so much to tell, I don't even know where to begin.

After taking advantage of an ultra-cheap Southwest Airlines flight to Philly, we rented a car and drove on to Queens to stay with Dr. J's godparents, Aunt Arlene and Uncle Joey. They have a stunning, original 4-bedroom colonial home, which even has a maid's quarters and an old-fashioned bell system in each room that lets you ring for the maid (except that there is no maid at this house, hee-hee!) But this historic home is also steeped in celebrity, as it was the home of tennis ace John McEnroe (and his family) from the ages of 13 - 21. In fact, Dr. J and I slept in Johnny Mac's bedroom!!! Of course, this made us all the more randy, knowing that Johnny Mac has undoubtedly scored some hot chicks in this very bedroom! And I couldn't resist throwing in some of his classic lines -- when Dr. J tried to put the moves on me, I would exclaim "YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS!" -- just like John McEnroe would yell at the tennis umpire and judges during a match when a call didn't go his way.

With Aunt Arlene as our tour guide we set off bright and early on a Thursday morning for the Metropolitan Museum of Art. We first traveled by train, then by subway, and finally by bus, to get there. I must take this moment to give a shout out for the subway -- it is much cleaner and safer than ever depicted on television shows or by people who just like to bitch and moan (but usually haven't ever ventured underground to try it). The Met was huge, and despite seeing lots of amazing art, we probably hardly scratched the surface of its many treasures. Thank goodness Arlene knows her way around the museum!

After lunch we went on a Circle Line Cruise around Manhattan Island. It was a very cool way to see many things, in a short amount of time, such as Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and Governors Island. It was truly a blue sky kind of day, the kind meant to be out on the water! The tour guide had that wonderfully thick NY accent you crave to hear, and provided a lot of cool anecdotes that visitors just eagerly gobble up.

Following the cruise we walked down to The Footprints, a.k.a the former site of the Twin Towers. Having last been there on December 20, 2001, a strange mix of emotions was felt by Dr. J and I . . . sadness, tears, hope, and mainly anger.

We then walked around NYC seeing some of the wonderful architecture up close, before walking down to the TriBeCa neighborhood to meet up with Uncle Joey for dinner. We then had a delicious meal, with several outstanding bottles of wine, at Landmarc.

The next day, Friday, had Aunt Arlene in a historical mood. We drove to Oyster Bay and toured the home of President Teddy Roosevelt, Sagamore Hill. It was really interesting to see his beloved home, full of mounted game, as well as full animal skins on the floors of the rooms. Our guide provided some great stories about President Teddy. Though many knew him as a Rough Rider and hunter, we learned that he was also a warm and loving father, he was a much published author (he needed the money, having lost much of his inheritance on an ill-fated buffalo ranch attempt in the Dakotas), and was always trying to rid all levels of government of corruption.

After our tour, we had lunch at one of the many million diners that are everywhere on Long Island. Of course, this made Dr. J happy!