day 26, thankful

It has been 26 days since we have last been in our home.  Thanks Sandy....insert all sorts of expletives here.   Regardless it is Thanksgiving and we have much to be thankful for.  Our neighbors in surrounding areas didn't get as lucky as we did with Sandy.

Our annual Thanksgiving traditions still stood even with our interruption of living situation.  The morning was clear and beautiful for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade  The 17th floor on 6th Avenue once again offered prime viewing.  The crowds were massive and happy.

My favorite new balloon was Hello Kitty.  The little feline had the number one spot in leading the paraders down the lovely streets of little old Manhattan.

Favorite float is once again Santa.  He and the Mrs were looking fine and rested to start off their incredibly busy season. We should  have the work ethic & spirit of that family!

An amazing lunch was held again on Stone Street.  Spots of Stone didn't fare well with Sandy's vengeance.  Fortunately our favorite place to eat turkey made it through the surge.   Colombia, Germany, the UK, Australia and of course we Americans joined together with plentiful food and the best of friendships.  The children enjoyed their annual game of tag on the cobblestone of Stone.  After a few hard weeks it felt perfect be in the comfort of friends who represent our NYC family.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

dear sandy....

you might have tried but NY and NJ will win.

The most incredible photo.

the good people of new york

Thank you to the anonymous man who gave us a lift from 39th Street all the way to the one neighborhood with lights so Halloween could happen.  Cabs are at a premium and mass transit is still at standstill.  This kind soul made it happen so an almost 10-year-old could celebrate with displaced friends.  Sandy took away a lot but she cannot take away the spirit of people.

the most beautiful vision...

Witnessing a lovely woman was in her very late 80s wait for the high tide. Once the tide came to the shore she was helped into the North Sea by her daughter, son-in-law and grandson.  Upon arrival in the water she swam and swam and swam, like Esther Williams.  This beautiful lady could have been 17 years of age by the way she moved once in the water.  It was an amazing vision of the beauty of life.  I almost felt as I was watching a very private family moment yet in a public place.  

Frinton-on-Sea, UK.

across the pond.

Luck was once again on our side and we got the opportunity to spend a few weeks in the UK.  It was in its post-Olympiad glow and looking mighty fine.

Well said at the Albert and Victoria Museum of Childhood.

The Queen herself looking fine made of Legos in Hamleys.

An inside look of the fantabulous Roald Dahl's writing hut.  Great Missenden, UK.

The Olympic rings looking amazing. Tower Bridge.

Church of St. Peter and St. Paul.  Lavenham, UK.

Winston Churchill. 

So many sights, so many stories.  It was a wonderful journey.  It provided the perfect way to cap off a busy summer full of travel.

power

august

Summer is officially over.
It was in one word...amazing.
More to come.
Soon.