Friday, May 4

Nightcap at the dive bar

Thomas, Emily & Eliza

Lunch at Nick's

Talk about a perfect day ............. I woke up early and enjoyed a run along the Hudson River walkway ......... the ferries were running fast and furious as were all the worker bees .......... our agenda, on the other hand,  was to simply enjoy this great city in the company of friends.
We met Bill and Shirley Jenks at their West Side apt. and enjoyed a great lunch at one of their favorite neighborhood restaurants.  It was the kind of place we would have never found on our own.
Charlie and Bill first met over business during the Northwestern States Portland Cement Company days. Bill was our most effective advocate with Morgan Guarantee Trust during the 1980s, the most difficult time in the company's (and maybe Iowa's) history.   Although our paths don't often cross - we so enjoy it when they do!
By late afternoon we were back at the marina and decided to hop on our bikes and head out on the Hudson River bike path - what a great way to get some exercise and take in the city.
We topped off the day on an extra special note - an invitation for drinks & dinner at Thomas and
Emily's Apt.  We have shared a long friendship and were especially excited to finally meet their 8 month old daughter Eliza.  She is just adorable & what a joy - her smile & laugh just melts your heart.
Their beautiful apt is in a restored warehouse type building - we loved the view of city life from their many windows and and the diversity of people & places in the neighborhood.  In keeping with Thomas's deserved reputation, they live above a Maserati dealership.  We got into Thomas's wine and savored a delicious steak dinner.  Thomas joined us for a nightcap at the neighborhood dive bar - it was great, Rolling Stones on the stereo........ probably a good thing that we had to get up early and showed the good sense to go back to the marina before being "over served"!  (A term I was introduced to by the aforementioned Mr. Jenks and one I still appreciate).

We continue to enjoy this journey of ours, but we do miss our family & friends, making this day extra special to be in the company of friends again (Kathy REALLY misses her Granddaughters & black dog).