Day 603: Helping out

We drove across the state through fog and bumper to bumper traffic to NYC today.  The drive was easy in the west, but then right after Monticello, cars slowed to a crawl and backed up for miles.  Finally,  about 4:00 we arrived in White Plains and parked the car in a garage there.  The tricky part was figuring out the payment machine.  Fortunately, an officer helped us and we moved the car to the basement.  The Metro North train ride took only forty minutes.  Then we got on the four train at Grand Central, changed trains at Atlantic/Barclays and exited at 36th Street.  We were feeling pretty pleased with ourselves.  Although it was long and stressful, we learned a great deal that would make another trip much easier.

The hotel choice was not great, though.  Even though it is only three miles from Colin and April's apartment, Prospect Park lies between us and there is no subway connection.  All the money we saved by getting a cheaper hotel will go into paying for cab rides.

Dinner was at a fantastic Mexican restaurant called the Lincoln Arms Tavern, which sounds like it should offer traditional English food, not authentic Mexican.  I had tortilla soup with guacamole on top and a spicy, cheesy ear of corn.   Delicious!

The new apartment is huge by NYC standards!  Plus it has hardwood floors, granite counter tops, new appliances and fresh paint.  Here we are in Brooklyn the night of the VMAs that are being performed nearby.   We are just delighted to be able to spend these few days helping them out and being with our sons and daughter.

Mexican tortilla soup with guacamole