Dinner With Dad

As my Dad and Janis' visit came to a close, we went out to dinner Tuesday night at an authentic Italian restaurant in the neighborhood called Sette.

We chose to sit outside under the awning because the weather was so nice. 80 degrees with a gentile evening breeze after a hot day it seems like the obvious choice to eat al fresco. Right on the corner of 7th ave and I think 3rd St., we had a good view of our fellow Park Slopers walking about.

The food and atmosphere were perfect. I wished I had taken pictures to better record the moments in time. However, it made such an impression that I won't have trouble remembering it.

I learned what desert wine is when they brought us all a little shot-sized glass with the check.
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NYS Supreme Court

Darn it! I didn't get one of Janis AND Dad. Oh well, they have more so be sure to hit them up if you're interested.
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Lady Liberty

Dad, Janis and I took the Staten Island ferry (free) from Lower Manhattan to northern Staten Island. The view of Manhattan's skyline and The Statue of Liberty was phenomenal. We took pictures in front of the NYS Supreme Court which I will post after the jump.
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Oh, the Places You'll Go!

The Old Man and Janis made it out to Park Slope Brooklyn! After 12 grueling hours and shot-nerves later, we led them in for the final mile of their journey to Florida (Janis is stopping off in NC to visit her Son). They got caught on the circle at the North entrance to Prospect Park, where I can imagine everyone takes a wrong turn at least a dozen times before they learn how to do it (Keisha and I hosed it just the other day).

Tentatively planned is breakfast at Little Purity Diner a few blocks away, then a train ride to Manhattan's Times Square for lunch. If everyone is up for it we will do The Top of the Rock (30 Rockefeller Plaza's observation decks). I figure we will head back to Park Slope for an ice-cream and a stroll in the park before dinner. Who knows, we may see folks riding the horses, or take the ride ourselves?

I am happy they are here. More on the visit after the break...
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Daily Commute

It's been so hot these last few weeks that once I walk out the door I'm sweating. I head down towards 8th Ave. and 9th St. which is my entrance to the F train's 7th Ave. station. It's less than a block away yet we can barely hear the trains in out place (she can't but I hear more than most).

I get to the stairway entrance down and the heat and humidity multiplies. I should now mention that the subway has a smell. It's not a horribly bad smell but it's only tolerable. Relief comes when you enter your "car". They are all air conditioned and the older ones even more so. Us fortunate ones that live along the F train line have shiny new cars with a better ride (updated tracks and better suspension). However, it seems the new trains have the worst conductors. They lack gradual starts and stops, jerking us at every station. Even though there is more room to cram us in like sardines during rush hours, we still manage to bump each other during transit.

I get my best views from the F between 7th and Carrol. I have posted a picture for your viewing pleasure.

My Old Man and my Step Mom are coming to visit this coming Monday so I will be posting more frequently those days. I am excited to share my new surroundings with them. I have not planned a thing, but I have a few suggestions if they're interested ;)
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Friend's Loft

Williamsburg, Brooklyn was mostly industrial spaces which are quickly transforming in to residential. Some say it's the fastest growing residential area in Brooklyn. Rents are still fairly cheap ($2000-2500 per month) for NYC and it's in close proximity to Manhattan which make it attractive to younger artists and musicians.

You could literally play football or any other sport in this wide-open living space.
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Keisha's Job

Keisha had a job the moment she set foot on this historic land. Her first day was July 7th and her last day there was July 7th. Described by her, it was in the "hood" of Red Hook and her office was NOT up to date. The bathroom was intolerable. She said it was worse than the bathrooms in our apartment when we first moved in. Needless to say I am glad she didn't return on the 8th.

Her job search continued and she has been on several interviews, keeping busy daily. It is reminiscent of when we moved her from Detroit to Rochester, NY. She is so driven, so ambitious and I must admit these are some of the qualities I most admire in her. She is what helps keep me focused.

One of the two agencies she is a member of has placed her in a very promising situation. Her first day there today went very well and the excitement she exuded has us both hyped up even more so.

We remain hopeful that she can develop this opportunity in to an enjoyable, satisfying career step towards her goal to own her own accounting firm, of which I have no doubt she will one day achieve.

Her office (she actually has her own office!) is on the 6th floor on the opposite side of the street from the New York Times.
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