I am sorry not to have sat down and finished my time in New York. That was fantastic. Mary and I took off Friday also. Mary graded papers and I read. I was feeling better, but wanted to be able to really go far on Saturday. Steve and David took off to Atlantic city and had a good time. I enjoyed being with Mary. I was reading a book written by a good friend of hers. She had even helped her edit some of the writing. It turned out to be one of the best books I have read in the last few years. I could not put it down. Steve even took pictures of me sitting on the couch with Mary’s cat “Boogie” laying on my legs. Both of us were very comfortable and settled in. (Since I came home, I have been promoting the book to all my friends.)
Saturday, we took off for Manhattan while Steve and David took off to find a game of pool. I wanted to see NYU and Greenich Village. I was disappointed. I thought it would resemble the artsy area of New Orleans with artists on the sidewalk. But it did not matter. I enjoyed going to see it and taking pictures of fifth avenue, NYU and other interesting sights. I did buy Mary’s friend’s book. I knew that I could not finish it and I wanted a book by an author from Louisiana.
We left Sunday early in the morning. We were worried about getting there too late. We ended up there very early and were able to eat breakfast before leaving. The plane ride was fine, but we knew we were going back to the real world. Nothing makes it more evident than landing in New Orleans. Though the worse destruction is not in our landing path, the “famous” blue roofs are rampant throughout the area we travel over. For those unfamiliar with this, “blue roofs” are blue tarps put over the house with roof damage. Some have even been put on by National Guard to assist the owners. Insurance will not even look at your roof, if they are not covered in that way. I truly felt sorry for the people of New Orleans, but I know now that no one can truly understand it unless they go through it. Each person has their own and separate grief through their loss.