New York, New York!

Alexandra and I returned last night (rather, ve-e-ry early this morning) from a mother-daughter trip to New York City. Scratch one off my bucket list.

Our friend Amanda Simkins works for Great Performances as an event planner. So she hosted us in her Manhattan flat for four nights and five days of non-stop culture, introducing us to stuff the locals love like black-and-white cookies, the Shake Shack, and Central Park in the rain.

We saw Mamma Mia! (with Amanda's discount), The Screwtape Letters (Amanda's discount), the MoMa (free, thanks to Amanda), the Met (cheap, thanks to Amanda)...

We also caught a performance of the NYC Ballet. And inhaled the haunting aroma of Linden trees in Central Park. And ate hot dogs and pretzels from street vendors. Heard the roar of the subway and smelled the diesel. Stayed up till two. Worshiped with the multi-ethnic congregants at Redeemer Presbyterian. Cruised by the Statue of Liberty. Saw the city at night from the Top of the Rock.

Alexandra learned to hail a cab. And got her photo made with Johnny Depp--about a hundred times, since his figure in wax stood outside Madame Tussaud's.

Gary has been in Kenya for about two weeks, and we leave in a moment to go get him. We'll be glad to have the family all back together in the same city. Heck, on the same continent. My fab sis called to say she's bringing dinner, which is great since the fridge has only some wilted lettuce and sour milk...