Eric was up and out on time, as usual. We were both hoping he would get out of work early and we'd get an early start to New Paltz, but that didn't happen.
I woke up at 9:00am and left the house at 10:00am for my pedicure at SUNSHINE NAILS in New Hyde Park, which now resides in the spot where my shop was! Where SUNSHINE NAILS was there is now a small convenience store. I meant to go inside and check it out, but I was in such a rush.
It was great to get a pedicure at Cindy's shop (SUNSHINE NAILS -- 2217 Hillside Avenue in New Hyde Park). They treat you like royalty and they do such a great job. The shop looks great and she's even trying to sell some furniture and decorative items on consignment, like I did. I don't think she's doing well at it, but it's just because she doesn't have things arranged to look their best. When I come back in the spring, I'm going to go in there and whip things into shape!
After my pedicure, I headed back to the apartment. I felt guilty not stopping into the Vet's office, the picture framing place, or the sign shop, to see my old friends, but I knew it would take time, and lots of explaining, and I just wasn't in the mood.
I went to CASCON to pick up a cheesecake sampler, a pecan pie (Rich's favorite) and a pound of cookies (for tonight) and then went to Calamita (the tailor) to pick up the belt Anna had fixed for me, which I needed for the wedding.
Then, I went back to the apartment and packed my little pink and black suitcase for the trip. I didn't need to take much as I usually wear the same thing coming and going and just needed to bring my toiletries, my pillow, my pajamas, and clothes for Thanksgiving.
Eric called to let me know that they were standing outside waiting for their checks and he couldn't leave until they came. That's the boss' way of making sure the workers don't leave early, because they know they're not going home without their checks. Bastard!
He did manage to get his regular bus and was home by 3:30pm. He showered, got his clothes together and we were out the door by 4:00pm. We figured even with bad traffic we'd be in New Paltz by 7:00pm.
Lenae was making panninis in her pannini maker and was serving her homemade spinach soup and we were so excited! I tried to stay up with Eric, to keep him company, but there's nothing like a car ride to get me napping! I fell into a deep sleep and woke up just as we were exiting the thruway.
We reached their house at about 6:45pm and everyone was there. Lenae, Rich, Keri and Ed all looked great and they were a sight for sore eyes. Eric and I realized, except for me seeing Rich in San Diego, we haven't seen them since July '07, which is WAY too long. Keri and Ed just keep getting more and more beautiful and they're so great. We're proud of both of them. Lenae and Rich did such a great job with them and they're both reaching their full potential, which makes us all proud.
Lenae set out trays of cheese, ham, sauerkraut, avocado, tomato, pesto, etc., etc. and had two types of fresh-baked bread (which she had purchased) -- garlic and seeded wheat. We sliced the bread and each made our own sandwiches, and then Lenae put them in the pannini maker and we were in heaven!
Mine was mozzarella, pesto, tomato and avocado. It was SO good. The cheese gets all melty, and the bread is crisp and toasted. I love grilled cheese (as you all know from reading this blog for so long) and this is taking it to another level! I told Eric I'm definitely buying him one of these, because he loves anything between two slices of bread, and if it's toasted -- so much the better!
We enjoyed our soup and panninis and talked, catching up on all that had been going on in all our lives. Then, we retired to the den and watched some TV. Keri and Ed got dressed and went out, because -- apparently -- the night before Thanksgiving is the biggest social night of the year for young people. Who knew? I don't remember that when I was young, but then I don't remember much at all!
Lenae and I watched STYLISTA. She was pretty horrified by the whole show, because even though it's a reality show about working as a junior editor for ELLE magazine, it's mostly about a bunch of back-stabbing, bitchy young people who could not be meaner or crueler to each other -- on camera! I love it, because I just enjoy seeing people at their very best and very worst, but Lenae thought this was the worst of the worst -- yet we watched the whole thing!
Eric had worked all day, so he was pretty bushed and went to bed pretty early. Then, Lenae went to sleep. I went into the room where we were sleeping and Eric had been watching basketball, but he fell asleep, so I changed the channels. THE KING AND I was on, but it was getting to the end and I knew I'd be crying like a baby (it's one of our favorite movie musicals and we saw Yul as THE KING on Broadway before he died), so I changed the channel and just watched Leno instead.
I turned the TV off at about 1:00am. It was such a great night. It seems like we never left NY and San Diego just seems like a dream when I'm here. I can't believe I'll be going back there next week. I almost wish I didn't have to go. I'm getting adjusted to being back in NY already! I do have a lot of loose ends to tie up, before I can come back here to stay, but I'll be working on it as soon as I get back!