After a late night bedtime (Di and I talked for hours after we got home at 11:00.. you do the math), I slept in until 10. After the necessary morning coffee and shower, we were off to see the world.
Oh my, but there are some lovely buildings in Brooklyn.
I found myself in Paris Mode, snapping photos of random building details that made me happy, but forgetting to take photos of things like actual New York landmarks.
A short walk later we were wandering through the farmer's market near Prospect Park.
There were some lovely things for sale, and the center aisle was nice and wide so there wasn't that congested, grumpy feeling some markets get.
With donuts and fresh cider in hand, we walked a short circuit through Prospect Park. I was, I must admit, a little sad that there was no fall color. Honestly, as much as it pains me to admit it, there was more fall color at home in the PNW.
See this monument? It's across from the park, and walking underneath it, I could hear French being whispered by the statues.
These rosettes, from underneath the arch? It was like being in the Orsay, with its train station turned museum architecture.
I was fascinated by this statue with its scaly legs, webbed fingers, and anemone third nipple. (Click on the photo above, you'll see what I mean.)
And then, it was time for me to navigate my way on the subway to the Baby Shower.
With a hop, skip, one wrong train, and a whooosh later, I was on the street in the Garment District, retracing my steps from the previous night. Until I took a wrong turn, and had to back track 2 blocks. My mistake probably had something to with constantly looking up, and taking photos of random building details.
But really, look at this building? The stone work, the reflections in the windows? How's a girl supposed to keep her directions straight? Happily, when I came across the most amazing store front filled with showgirl rhinestone necklaces/shirts, I knew I'd made a wrong turn. Did I take a photo of that? No. What was I thinking?
Of course, once I arrived, there was food, and drink, and so much conversation. Time flew by, baby names were suggested (I submitted "Mini Meegs" as a joke (there were a whole lot of serious names at this shower) and Bette as an honest choice), and throughout the men were completely absent.
It turns out that they were touring the Intrepid, a WWII aircraft carrier that has been decommissioned and turned into a museum. See now, I'm glad I knew nothing about this side trip, because I'm just not sure I could have withstood the conflict. Baby shower vs Aircraft Carrier. They men? They got to ride the elevator that moved the planes to the flight deck.(!) I did get to watch Meegs open the baby quilt I made for her (Yay!) and I got commemorative lip lotion and I ate a cream filled Bombolini* and there was that cool conversation thing going on... but...
*(Oh! look at this cool list of donut varieties!)
Anyway, time did that flying thing it does, and then it was 6 pm, and I had to get back to Brooklyn. Hugs were exchanged, and I returned to the subway. Hey, I got to see a real live New York City Subway Rat while waiting for my train.
Then, I was home at Di's apartment. With a quick chat, we were out the door for dinner. We met Di's other half at Flatbush Farm for a decadent, relaxing dinner. The ricotta gnocchi were like little tasty clouds, and there were oysters, and oh yes, dessert. Yum!
I would like to say, Di and I went straight to bed after returning to the apartment, and didn't stay up until 2 am talking, but.. I can't.