Delayed update post: Week eight+ 11/27 -12/4 , our last week in NYC for this visit, plus a side quest for Kim to Philadelphia, and then Florida for our next multi-month stop.

Despite it being our last week, it pretty much followed the routine of all our previous: Monday morning I was in the gym and the rest of the day was spent choring. If our recent prior weeks were about the joys of food and drink, this last week was about the joy of nature, art, and entertainment. Tuesday, I met the charming artist, PJ O’Rourke. That evening we went to see the Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular, and I can confirm that it is appropriately named. The night was brimming with the holiday spirit. Decorations were twinkling and the store window displays — especially Saks — were mesmerizing.

Wednesday early morning I went out pre-dawn to witness Manhattanhenge, the special time of the year when the sun lines up perfectly with the city grid. Wednesday evening Larry unveiled a surprise: he brought me to see Hamilton. I was stunned and delighted! We were fortunate to see Hamilton once before, five years ago or so with the kids in London. And while that was incredible, there is something indescribable about seeing it in Manhattan (the greatest city in the world). It was a world-class performance of the official musical for the Underhill family. Speaking of world-class, Thursday night we went to Brooklyn to see Allison Russell. She and her band rocked the house! I was blown away with her talent and pure, beautiful essence. 

And then it was Friday and time to leave. 

We loaded the car* and kissed goodbye. Larry went to work in the office before heading to the airport. I drove to Philly to meet my friend, Dave, and to play all weekend long at Pax Unplugged. I always have such a great time at this con, and Dave has introduced me to some really lovely people who have kindly folded me in. We also took the opportunity to pop over to Philly’s German Christmas market. Crowded but really impressive. On Sunday Dave and I drove to Richmond. I spent the evening with him and his lovely family and then hit the road early Monday morning. Twelve hours later, I was in our place in Florida.  My to do list is long, and getting longer, but I am so happy to be back in close proximity to my parents. 

*Obviously this is a very short summary (see reference of my VERY long to do list), but had I the time I could write an entire essay on my neurosis connected to the loading and unloading of the car as well as the special anxiety I manifested about parking a loaded car for two nights in Philly. There’s even an extra subsection about the twists my mind took while considering transporting a car full of our possessions between Philly and Florida. Honestly, I don’t know why fretting is my default setting in certain situations, but clearly it is.