Our view from the room was considerably less spectacular than yesterday's expansive view from Suzanne's 24th story apartment of the NYC skyline (we overlooked a parking courtyard, and could only see a slice of sky) but the great news was that the sky was a lovely shade of blue this morning and the sun was shining brightly.

We got ready in a leisurely manner, had a relaxed continental breakfast, and after we checked out strolled to the train station, where we caught the 9:20 train into the city - which (because we were quite early and not at all rushed for time?) turned out to be an express, getting us to Penn Station quite quickly. With almost 3 hours to kill before our train I went to the ticket counter, and was able to switch to an earlier train for a very nominal fee. There was still plenty of time to kill, but we people-watched until our redcap Mike escorted us (via two different elevators) to the train where we settled in.

It felt strange to be riding without a seatbelt, but the 2 1/2 hours passed without event.  Sandy was waiting at the station when we arrived. and Pippa was waiting at the house with her usual warm greeting. By the time we got to Riderwood Mom and I were both hungry (never really did have lunch) so we planned an early dinner - though that didn't quite work out as expected.

Tired from the weekend, I headed back to Mink Hollow as soon as we finished dinner.  Tom had asked me to call when I got back, which is when I found out that he had seriously put his back out yesterday doing some yardwork, when he was "just picking up a lemon".  It sounds like his pain level rivaled mine when I tore my gluteal tendon last year, and for 3 days I just wanted someone to shoot me and put me out of my misery! This morning he called a neighbor to take him to the doctor, who gave him a shot that helped some. Hopefully he'll feel better tomorrow.

Andy and Sandy and I played a couple of games of Rummikub and then listened to some of Bill Maher's monologues while I did a load of laundry, and I'm hoping that it's dry now because it's definitely time for bed!  Maybe tomorrow I'll find time to load the (few) pix I snapped in NY.