Nevertheless Navigating New York

 

 

A Covid Christmas to remember 

 

 

  

 

I can't say that I was surprised by the heaps of Covid infected souls surrounding me as I navigated the streets of the city that never sleeps. Like a deer in the headlights of an onrushing car -- my travel plans put me in straight into the center of that Omicron Covid mess along with 10 million others people doing the best they could during Christmas in NYC. Nevertheless, I navigated New York. Cancelling Christmas was unthinkable as I was really looking forward to spending time with Family in snowy Vermont. 

The reality became a myth as NYC was definitely sleeping on the 5 nights I was there. The subways were quiet - the streets barely bustling - and the Rockefeller tree not quite a twinkly. I didn't even have to line up for coffee at the Times Square Starbucks. What?? 

 Everyone on the subway wore a mask but as you can see in the pix above, folks were a bit more cavalier on the streets. In retrospect - I think that did not help. I understand 1 in 25 New Yorkers had Covid when I left in late December.

 

 

 

No Ordinary Pie

 

 

 

 

In my quest for amazing pizza, I canvassed hostel staff, friends (thanks Carla) and other New Yorkers. The name John's in "The Village" came up again and again so on a very cold windy night I made my way to "The Village" for a pie. A 40 minute lineup greeted me at John's and as I stood there shivering I marveled at the will of people to withstand so much discomfort for a good pie. I felt immensely proud to be among true believers!! 

The Grinch with a cattle probe and bull whip couldn't have gotten more diners into John's as I eventually squeezed into  a seat and ordered the medium sausage asiago cheese and basil pie. Equally necessary was a pint or two of their nice cold IPA from a not surprisingly generous selection. The combo was truly delicious. So too was the atmosphere that while chaotic was also somehow comforting. Truth be told -- I don't like eating alone - but do really enjoy eating so what's a boy to do? John's was comfy. Slightly less comfy was the bill for $70 Canadian for two beer and a medium pie. WTF I thought?  Mind you -- this was no ordinary Pie 😋

 

 

 A perfect place for Christmas

 

 

 

I can't thank my brother and his wife enough for a wonderful Christmas in Vermont. No matter where you looked, there is yet another postcard/ Christmas card view to enjoy. The smell of wood smoke and the twinkling lights reflecting in the snow gives rise to feelings of comfort and joy. Mind you - it was a bit cool for a guy who generally lives in 20C+ degree weather but nevertheless it was fabulous (*note to self -buy warmer coat) 

 

A hot fire and snow piled outside the cabin made for a warm and cheery time and an opportunity to reconnect with my "little" bother. I've always been proud the the thoroughly decent man he has always been but even prouder of the man he has become. His patience and generosity have few boundaries and his pleasant disposition seems to rub off a bit on all the people he meets. Thanks brother John!!!

 

 

 

 

Skiing at Mount Snow (great name) in South Western Vermont. Very pretty!

 

 

 Another Semester for Jake

 

 

 

 

 

This coming week will see young Jake going back to school for another semester at Le Pic to do a bit of learnin'. Yvonne & Jake are extremely thankful to Gail and Paul for their generous donation to help pay for his schooling. If you have a bit to spare -- that would be very helpful.

If you would like to assist with a donation

E-interact laynemahon@live.com or Paypal laynegmahon@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Thanks for reading .... Layno in the snow!!! 

** ps -crossing guard rain pants are way cheaper than snowboard pants in a pinch 😁