The BIG Apple!

Ever have one of those days that just stand out in your memory. One where you can remember every little detail. Of course you have! We all have . . and sometimes they are big and important days and other times they are just run of the mill type days.

As we approach summer and the 4th of July with all it's patriotism . .I thought I'd share one of mine. It was a day in New York . . . the Big Apple and I LOVED it!

The Big Apple . .*sigh* and what do I love about the big apple???? Wow . .I guess because it is just that BIG .everything is larger than life -- - Broadway, the Statue of Liberty, the museums, the billboards, the lights . . .everything . . .but most of all the people. . Yes THE PEOPLE!

As a West Coast girl, I was very apprehensive about visiting New York City for the first time . . .I guess out here we just believe too many of the negative stories about the Big Apple and it’s people. (Personally I think these are perpetuated by people from Los Angeles – the big apple of the west - - out of jealousy) What LA misses out on . . New York has - - hands down. The first time I went I was so astounded by the friendliness of the people . . .many times we met folks and they loved to share their city. You just don’t find that in every big city. Nineandahalf and I took the New York Harbor dinner cruise one evening around the Statue of Liberty . . and while eating met a fella from the Bronx . . who said he and his family owned and Italian restaurant and invited us to his place! He gave us his business card and we learned so much about the city and the people from him. That evening was one of those once in a lifetime experiences that I don’t think we could every experience again . . . .it was magical!

We were late to the boat . . . and had brought our dress up clothes ( and yes despite being almost 50 at the time . .my 4 inch heels) and we ended up having to change in the car - - something we will laugh about today . . . .and we rushed in just barely making it . . . .it was a fun evening and the food pretty good - -- but the New Yorkers marvelous. It wasn’t tourist season yet and the boat had a lot of New Yorkers aboard out for a nice dinner cruise. . . the best part . . .dancing with my honey to “New York, New York” as we went by the Statue of Liberty. Then as the sun went down and the stars came out the boat paused and everyone spontaneously held hands on the deck and sang “God Bless America.” Are you teary eyed yet? I am . . .everytime I think about it - -

Ah yes .. New York . . . .what a marvelous place!

And yes . .. I did take this picture!