Just wanted to report that the Mrs and me and several of them kids that
follow us around managed to visit NYC yesterday.  We had a fine time.
These real friendly guys in Battery Park must have known I was a
visiting dignitary right a way.  Special, just for me several wanted to
sell me a Rollex at half price!  When I suggested that it might not
REALLY be a Rolex, the gentleman was hurt.  I hope he gets over it.  How
would I know?  I've only seen real Rolex's at a polite distance.

We did generally agree that the natives were friendlier than we had
remembered from past experience.  It was also very clear that the one
thing I got right in my childhood was the decision that I did not want
to be one of them guys who rode that train into the city and back
everyday...like my pa.  Pa came along.  Got a bit confused from time to
time, but generally did a fine job of navigating us.  It was observed
that we had seen more high heels in one day then we probably have seen
in a year back home...except in advertisements and TV...which come from
NYC anyway.  Odd thing to notice I suppose, but they are so damn noisey.

My compliments to the pinheads who have worked in the city.  I
particularly enjoyed how spiffy Grand Central is now.  Did find myself
wondering about the scale of the maintenance issues.  The work at Ellis
Island has me thinking a lot.  Its a monumental project with interesting
and difficult challenges.  Good work.  Interesting story.  What a
country!

Well, that's about all I have to say about that.

-jc