Sorry about that lack of continued blogging yesterday--my computer was NOT cooperating AT ALL! Turns out the mouse needed replacing...I did manage to figure out how to use the keyboard to look at my mail, but I couldn't answer it, or save it, or anything! Today I went out and purchased a new mouse and installed it all by myself! Hubby usually does this stuff, but he has been really busy with work lately so I wanted to handle it on my own, and I did.
I also had a dental appointment this afternoon for replacement of a deteriorating filling. My face is numb all the way up to my eye! But it is done and I don't have to go back for six months unless I choose to or there is an emergency.
Now, I left off after Becca's Baby Shower on Sunday. I forgot to mention the birthday party for Tom's niece Cloey at Annie's Playground the day before. I think her entire family made an effort to be there. There were lots of people I haven't seen in years and had to be reminded of names and relationships. It was sort of fun. The playground is amazing, but honestly not the ideal location for this event. The kids just want to go play on the equipment and the adults who want to visit are interrupted by the need to be with or watch the children. There was also a woman there from another group who shared the pavilion we were using who brought her pet pig along. The animal-loving member of our group was enthralled and kept feeding the pig, much to the obvious consternation of the owner. The owner never really spoke up, though, which I found odd and annoying. If you don't want your pet to be fed people food, say so, don't send pleading looks to onlookers and expect them to stand up for you. When the pig wanted more, it began to squeal. LOUDLY. It was not a pleasant sound. So my thoughts--no pigs at playgrounds or parties.
Wednesday was Jen's birthday. Jay arranged carry-out from one of Jen's favorite restaurants in Bel Air. He got caught in traffic, so I picked up the food with the two little boys in tow. They were very well-behaved and very helpful. Truly I just took them along to get them out of the house for a few minutes. Cabin fever was affecting everyone! We picked up cut flowers, ice cream and dinner. Jay got the cake on the way home and we had a lovely dinner at the house. I had Chicken Madeira and it was yummy.
Thursday, I was off to NYC to meet Kimberly, my British friend Carol's oldest child. She is twenty-one now and I have known her since she was eight months old. I took Amtrak, which actually worked out quite well as I was able to walk to my hotel. They helod my bags so I could check in when a non-smoking room was available, and I was off to find the YMCA, where Kimberly was staying. I found it and left a note for her. She telephoned me and we hooked up in the city, walking to Ground Zero where we both misted up a bit as we paid our respects. Then we walked through the city to our respective hotels to get what we needed for the play we were seeing that night. We arrived at the theater just in time, were seated and saw a lovely performance of "Rent." After, we grabbed a 'quickie' something to eat and headed to my room for the night. Kimberly's sister Kelly arrived the next morning at Grand Central Station. We weren't sure which train, but we got lucky and spotted her walking along the concourse. It was very sweet seeing the two of them look at each other, thinking 'is that her?' before wrapping arms around each other with tears streaming down their faces. They hadn't seen each other in person in nine years! While this was going on, I introduced myself to Chris, Kelly travel partner, then handed them both tissues. I considered pictures, but decided they wouldn't appreciate the intrusion. I have pictures from later in the day.
Walking toward the subway--first picture together in nine years! That's Chris (Kelly's ex) on the right.
Kimberly in Central Park
Kelly in Central Park. That's Kimberly's finger, about to point at something.
Sisters in Central Park. 
Kimberly pets a palomino...poor Kelly, we forgot to tell her we were stopping for a photo...she didn't like getting too far ahead!
Together for lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe.
The end of Kimberly's last evening in the Big Apple. 
Sammy, Kimberly and Joan--waiting for the bus that takes the group to the airport. Sammy reminds me of my friend, Barbara.
Miss Liberty as seen in "M & M World."
The Cozy Coup on the Toys R Us Ferris Wheel!
The view outside my hotel room...looking left. Directly across was an office building. It is very odd to wake up, open your drapes and see someone looking at you from behind his desk!
The church across the street from my hotel. That's all mosaic work. Isn't it gorgeous?
Grand Central Station.
Jen, Jay and the kids left to visit Jay's family shortly after dinner, but I stayed until last, as is usual for me. I am a very social person...and maybe a bit annoying. Knowing that Cathy and Jim had an early appointment, I *did* leave right after Mom and Dad. 
