More Wallbanging and the Big Apple

Cousin of Legendary Laugh and Husband in Manhattan

My wife, along with the Neighborhood Mafioso, were escorting our visiting Panamanians to New York City yesterday so I was left to my own devices following work. Since I had this huge pile of retaining wall blocks issuing their siren call, Buddy and I started work on the second terrace which was delayed by hosting duties this last week. This wall was a lot easier because I didn’t have to carve out a huge hunk of the hillside before starting the bottom row. I was happy with the result as I was able to get the entire bottom row, except where I have to weave it back into the hill on either end. Of course the weather cooperated with sultry summer like temperatures instead of the required September autumnal weather I was hoping for.

As Far as I Got After Work Yesterday

The NYC trip got off to a late start due to a tardy Italian hair dresser. I didn’t delve too deeply into that event; I’ve learned a few things in my marriage. They followed out usual tactic of driving to New Haven and catching a train into Grand Central Station. They were in the Big Apple around 1pm. The plan was to jump on one of those circulating tour buses that traverse Manhattan regularly. They made the mistake of choosing the Open Loop bus company who provided terrible service. There were a couple of hour long waits when one bus was taken out of service and others failed to show up. If you’re going to New York – do not use this company, they failed spectacularly.

On the Train

Group Selfie

This pushed their return trip later and later so I was forced to entertain myself in the Man Cave after relinquishing my wall work. The Cali-Daughter rode to the rescue with a FaceTime call with the First Blog Reader. My granddaughter was fighting her first ever cold but was buoyed by the promised return later that night of Wingman, at long last. The cold prevented my usual quota of scrunchy faces but I did get more than a few of her trademark smiles which made the grandfather in me exceedingly content. I had just signed off when I received a return call from them to report that Wingman had caught an earlier flight and surprised them at home. My granddaughter had a firm grip on her daddy and looked completely content. My daughter also seemed “mildly” pleased. I was promised lots of photos but none have showed up. I think they have better things to do out there. EDITOR"S NOTE:  AFTER READING THIS SCATHING REBUKE THE PROMISED PHOTOS WERE PROVIDED AT LAST AND INCLUDED HERE! I think you can tell how happy a certain young lady is!

Why Won't This Guy Give up His Seat?

The Cursed Bus

The Panamanians eventually escaped New York around 9pm and didn’t roll into Worcester until well after midnight. I think I’ll get a fuller recounting of their adventures today as they were still in deep recovery mode when I left for work this morning. Today’s their last full day in country and I’m taking some time off this afternoon to run down to Rhode Island with them. I’m sure there’ll be some shopping involved.

Times Square at Night