A Lovely Day

A beautiful day in the city. The church bells rang promptly at 7:00 and I got up and went to the quiet room (library) to do some yoga. I'm glad no one comes in there when I am stretching. It's nice to have it all to myself. I looked out the window and watched the crowds of people below hustling to work or wherever they were going. When Jim got up we went into the kitchen. It was crowded this morning. We managed to snag the last empty table. There are three and an island with a few barstools. Today was George's last day. His smile was infectious because he was going home. Home to his wife and children. Home to his job. Home to drive his car again after 6 months without it. Home to his life. Like Jimmy, George had a bone marrow transplant. His sister was his donor. He had complications along the way which landed him back in the hospital more than once. Now he is 100+ days out and would walk the 2.8 miles from the hospital to the Hope Lodge. Maybe we should set that as a goal for the future.

Since today was a free day we took the shuttle up to the hospital to walk to Central Park. Before we started the walk we ducked into St. Catherine of Siena next to the hospital and lit two candles, one for Jim and one for a little 18 month old who just went through a bone marrow transplant and is having a tough time of it. After leaving the church we went to the post office and then on to the Park.

Central Park was full of people but we managed to find some less populated trails where Jimmy could take his mask off. We saw a ballerina mime who was so good. She stood motionless on top of a box until money was put in her bucket then she twirled around like a little ballerina who spins around when a music box is opened.

We walked to Belvedere Castle which is an ornamental building with a mock tower sitting on one of the highest points in Central Park. Turtle Pond, a man-made body of water, next to Belvedere Castle is home to five species of turtles who live in the Pond year round. It is said that many of the turtles were pets at one time in city apartments and then released to the Park by their former owners. We saw a lot of Red-Eared Sliders basking in the sun on logs or rocks near the water.

Taking a break in the shade we snacked on dolmas and corn chips. Kind of a strange combination but it was easy to pack and did not have to be kept cold. We passed three different brides on our walk. It must have been difficult for the photographers to take pictures with so many people in the background. We passed two sand volleyball games being played. The various street musicians provided nice entertainment.

We winded our way to the southern entrance to the Park and hailed a cab through Times Square back to the Hope Lodge. Our total walk was 4.0 miles. Jim is doing really well walking. We take breaks and rest along the way but his strength and stamina are impressive. He will sleep well tonight or should I say he is sleeping well.   It was a good day!!!