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"Return to New York": Part One
8 years ago
For the first time since 1994, I am returning to the state of New York - mainly to attend the impending wedding of my niece Corynne and her betrothed Hector (both of whom I'd last seen in person - at the home of one of the groom-to-be's relatives in Orlando, Florida last January)...
It also marks the first time since July, 2001 I'd flown north from south Florida. (Back then, I was attending "AnthroCon" - when it was still being held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.)
On Wednesday, June 21st, my brother Glenn and I took a Delta commercial jet from Fort Lauderdale International Airport - with tickets acquired by our sister Rhonda - leaving at about 12 Noon, and arriving at JFK Airport before 3:00 PM. Rhonda picked us up, and drove us to the Rockville Centre home of Corynne and Hector - where we hung around for several hours (and had freshly-cooked White Castle hamburgers for dinner).
Later on, Rhonda drove us to her own residence in Wantagh (which she shares with her daughter - and my other niece - Erica), and we were greeted by her three Papillon dogs, 'Estrella', 'Chewy', and 'Zipper' (the latter of which having just turned 20 years young, earlier this month). My bro and I slept in the living room - I, on the couch, and Glenn on an air mattress.
On Thursday, June 22nd, Rhonda prepared a light breakfast (of scrambled eggs, English muffins, and coffee) for the four of us, and dog food for the Papillon trio. Afterwards, Glenn and I helped our Sis do a little shopping at some 'dollar stores' (including some stuff we forgot to pack for our trip: shaving cream for me, and a toothbrush and mouthwash for Glenn). Then, Rhonda drove us to Merrick, where we took in Norman J. Levy Park - which had (among its attractions) a collection of live goats, a pier overlooking a waterway north of Jones Beach, and an elevated section on top of a hill with an accurate 'human sundial' feature, numerous birdhouses, and a telescope (where visitors can see the New York City skyline - including the Empire State Building, the Freedom Tower, and the Verrizano-Narrows Bridge).
Later on, we stopped off to pick up a take-out dinner (of pastrami and corned beef sandwiches and potato knishes) at the Pastrami King deli. Back at Rhonda's home, while dining on the kosher meal, Glenn and I had already discussed our plans to take in the 'Big Apple' on Friday, June 23rd - using the L.I.R.R. (Long Island Railroad) as our transportation to Penn Station in midtown Manhattan...
(To be continued...)
It also marks the first time since July, 2001 I'd flown north from south Florida. (Back then, I was attending "AnthroCon" - when it was still being held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.)
On Wednesday, June 21st, my brother Glenn and I took a Delta commercial jet from Fort Lauderdale International Airport - with tickets acquired by our sister Rhonda - leaving at about 12 Noon, and arriving at JFK Airport before 3:00 PM. Rhonda picked us up, and drove us to the Rockville Centre home of Corynne and Hector - where we hung around for several hours (and had freshly-cooked White Castle hamburgers for dinner).
Later on, Rhonda drove us to her own residence in Wantagh (which she shares with her daughter - and my other niece - Erica), and we were greeted by her three Papillon dogs, 'Estrella', 'Chewy', and 'Zipper' (the latter of which having just turned 20 years young, earlier this month). My bro and I slept in the living room - I, on the couch, and Glenn on an air mattress.
On Thursday, June 22nd, Rhonda prepared a light breakfast (of scrambled eggs, English muffins, and coffee) for the four of us, and dog food for the Papillon trio. Afterwards, Glenn and I helped our Sis do a little shopping at some 'dollar stores' (including some stuff we forgot to pack for our trip: shaving cream for me, and a toothbrush and mouthwash for Glenn). Then, Rhonda drove us to Merrick, where we took in Norman J. Levy Park - which had (among its attractions) a collection of live goats, a pier overlooking a waterway north of Jones Beach, and an elevated section on top of a hill with an accurate 'human sundial' feature, numerous birdhouses, and a telescope (where visitors can see the New York City skyline - including the Empire State Building, the Freedom Tower, and the Verrizano-Narrows Bridge).
Later on, we stopped off to pick up a take-out dinner (of pastrami and corned beef sandwiches and potato knishes) at the Pastrami King deli. Back at Rhonda's home, while dining on the kosher meal, Glenn and I had already discussed our plans to take in the 'Big Apple' on Friday, June 23rd - using the L.I.R.R. (Long Island Railroad) as our transportation to Penn Station in midtown Manhattan...
(To be continued...)
I'd been living in the NY area from my birth (in 1954) to the year I'd left to try to live independently (1992), Since 1994 (after over a year in Reading, Pennsylvania), I'd relocated to Margate, Florida - the new homes of my mother, my brother, and one of my aunts - and had not returned to "The Empire State" ever since.
My sister Rhonda and her family stayed behind, living in Wantagh (a part of Long Island). Only on rare occasions did Sis and/or her daughters fly down to Margate to visit us. (The last time was over four years ago, when Rhonda came down alone.)
Returning to New York was just my way of seeing how many changes took place since my departure over two decades ago. My brother and I wanted to know what business establishments and tourist attractions (in New York City and Long Island) are still around, changed hands, or closed down altogether...
Part One: http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/8287821
Part Two: http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/8290561
Part Three: http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/8294880
Part Four: http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/8298255
Part Five: http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/8313786
Part Six: http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/8316848
Part Seven: http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/8325704
Part Eight: http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/8446571
Part Nine: http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/8453054
Part Ten: http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/8473972