NYC: There and Back

Here's the report of my day trip into NYC. 

It was a really good day.

Busy. But I got a lot done.

My heart is full but also has a pang...

how will NYC be after this winter?

Will Tea and Sympathy still be here? 

Will my favourite stores still be there?

I never knew, just how much I loved it all...

Here's my report on today... 

The PATH train into NYC...

(Christmas stuff at Michael's...)

My favourite diner, RIP :'(

(These are the things at TJ Maxx that I did not buy! to see what I did buy, 

go to end of this long blog post :) )

I was struck with how faded and old the awning was... poor NYC... 

(My dear library!!!)

(because I was going from West to East in Manhattan, the cab drove through

Central Park, the above picture is from that)

I had been wanting a smaller cake stand for years!

Got this + the tray at TJ Maxx!

***

Here's a report of my day...:

Thankfulness list.

1. A year ago I had not realized, to the extent I do now, how normal things are really such glorious adventures. I am thankful for a bunch of these today...the first one being point number

2. I went to NYC today! By PATH train.

First time since late February.

I wrote a KN95 mask with a (clean) fabric mask over it.

And plastic gloves.

And, as always, I had my (what you wear when you mow the lawn) big ear protector headphones on.

Husband laughed at me, finding that I looked so funny.

I get it.

3. The PATH train station, at 9:17 AM, was almost empty. I had 2 seats empty on each side of me. SO VERY different than before.

4. I was in NYC. That alone is huge.

5. I went shopping. Trader Joes, Michael's, Blick Art Supplies, TJ Maxx.

6. Then I took a cab to Tea and Sympathy (a British teashop that's like a British Teashop Pub really) and had a most delicious Cornish Pasty. And a salad. And 1 scone with jam, and of course a pot of tea.

7. Later I went to my library in East Manhattan picked up 10 (!) books for me and 2 for my Hubby! (And returned 3 of the 16 I got last week, LOL!)

8. The PATH train home (I took it at 33rd station, a great choice as my cart was loaded down and there was an elevator) I had 1 seat on either side of me empty. It was about 3:30 or a bit later, so it was a fuller train. I doubled-masked again and wore gloves (the gloves I immediately take off from the wrist and throw away in a nearby garbage can). On the way in, only 1 or 2 at most on my train had their nose showing when wearing a mask. On way back, 2 had 'chin guards' and some noses showing. Most people in NYC while walking around outside are wearing masks.

9. I took a cab home (always having my window open for ventilation) and my Husband met me there and helped me bring in all the goodies! :) It was so wonderful to have a shopping and library day in NYC like I used to do. (Well other than that I cabbed when in NYC instead of taking the subway as my Husband wants and I desire also).

10. I am super stocked up on some favourite things in our freezer and am beyond grateful.

NYC, the cab drivers all were saying (I had 5 today in NYC) how different it is,

how empty NYC is and how the business people are gone.

There were still people, but the cab drivers would know; how driving is easier;

one told me how if you went out at the height of lockdown to try to work

by driving cab you would maybe get ONE person wanting a cab ALL DAY.

That's unheard of.

Pretty much every one working in stores now when you leave they may wish you a good day

but they will for SURE say "Stay safe"...

And elevators, they have 'stand here stickers' or signs 'only 4 at one time'

(like NYC elevators, like to the PATH at 33rd, used to be 'let's get as many in as can possibly fit + 5 more people')

.... This won't be forever, but it is right now.

I just told everyone (esp cab drivers)

we must not give up HOPE and hoping for better.

A lot of the cab drivers are concerned about all those out of jobs.

Lord have mercy.

I made a point to go to Tea and Sympathy

(as I have I think 2x before since August)

BECAUSE I want them to stay in business.

My favourite NYC diner

(Ridgeway on 6th Ave near Trader Joe's but on the other side) is gone.

It was such a sweet little dinner, quiet, kind, blond wood tables and chairs,

green padded seats.

I went there so many times.

I wonder what the workers, who I recognized after

visiting there for the last 8 years;

what are they doing now? do they have a new job? are they OK?

So many to remember. To say a prayer.

But I am thankful - I can say a prayer to Christ.... ❤