The fall has been busy with school beginning. I took a short getaway trip to Florida to visit some old friends, and Janet and I have enjoyed weekend drives through the lakes region to see the beautiful fall colors.  This Thanksgiving we decided to visit Autumn and Jim and take Autumn to the parade in NYC. We drove down Wednesday night so we could get to the city early. We took a six o’clock train to get into the city by 7:30. Even that was somewhat late if you wanted a good spot along the parade route. We found a great spot along the West side park blocks just north of Columbus Circle.

We couldn’t have asked for a better year to visit. The weather was in the mid to upper 50’s and not a cloud in the sky.  I had marched in the parade in 1980 and remember it being freezing. We were so lucky!  The parade was certainly something to be remembered with the balloons, floats, and performers.  We certainly enjoyed teasing Autumn about seeing her favorite characters, Pikachu and Hello Kitty as balloons.  Getting out of NY after the parade was an experience in itself. The trains are crammed with riders going to their respective Burroughs and towns. The transit authority is well prepared for the event and didn’t charge for trains exiting the city.

Janet and I had arranged for Boston Market thanksgiving dinner which we picked up on the way home. The night was spent watching movies and having a great time.

Friday, Janet and I made our way back into the city for our 3rd annual tour of the department store windows along 5th avenue.  Macy’s celebrated 50 years of a Charlie Brown Christmas and was probably the most memorable.  We finished the weekend watching Allegiance, George Takei’s musical about American Japanese internment camps during WWII.  It certainly wasn’t my favorite musical, but the story was compelling. Lea Salonga and Telly Leung joined George Takei as Broadway stars we could add to our list of live performances.  Here’s to new holiday experiences!

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” – Helen Keller