The holidays , they delighted the outer and inner. Four New Yorkers came to Philadelphia and we all stayed at The Four Seasons; it was a merry place. On Christmas day we walked a bit around Philadelphia (most everything was closed), played with seven-months old Sophie, had wonderful conversations, enjoyed carry-out from McCormick & Schmick on Christmas night as it seemed to be the only restaurant opened, watched Sophie sitting up straight opening her first Christmas gifts ever (mental note: tell Alicia and Michael she would have been completely happy with a piece of wrapping paper as a gift). Sumi and Toshi, – just teasing. Then, while Toshi put Sophie to sleep, we three – Sumi, Emi and I, quietly left the room for the lounge where The Four Seasons pampered its guests with scrumptious desserts and drinks on the house in a lovely setting.
The two days you were here were lovely, and I thank you, you New Yorkers, for coming to Philadelphia and making Christmas in Phila a truly beautiful one! www.fourseasons.com/philadelphia
www.mccormickschmick.com
The following Sunday I left for Raleigh on Southwest Airlines to spend New Year’s eve with nineteen-months old Sebastian, and Alicia and Michael. Southwest lets you choose your own seat. And that’s fine if you’re in the “A” line. I wasn’t, but that was all right, as one of the flight attendants had the kind of humor that kept us laughing for most of the trip. Don’t let it stop, flight attendant. It was good to see Michael’s smiling face at RDU Airport waiting. RDU is looking big and pretty spiffy. The city planners are keeping up with all the new residents moving into the Durham/Raleigh area. It wasn’t so long ago that a salad in Raleigh consisted of some lackluster lettuce leaves, a few slices of tomatoes, lots of bacon bits and croutons, and a heavy creamy dressing. Whew! Not anymore.
www.southwestairlines.com
Alicia and Michael spent New Year’s eve out and about on the town; Sebastian and I played until he was ready for bed at 7:30. During the week we spent time at a few well-designed playgrounds, drove to Earth Fare for some organic foods, cooked, talked and talked, ate carry-out from Cheesecake Factory at Crabtree Mall. Then on the day before I left, Alicia suggested Michael and I dine out. Thank you, Alicia. We went to Taverna Agora, 6101 Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh. Taverna Agora is cozy, comfortable, friendly, with pleasant service, and, of course, tasty food. It feels like a well-liked, dependable neighborhood restaurant. We had a good time. On returning we found Alicia happily sitting in a corner of a couch, surrounded by big fluffy pillows, spending some down time catching up on missed tv programs. Sebastian was fast asleep; his little body only stops for naps and bedtime.
www.earthfare.com
www.cheesecakefactory.net
www.TavernAagora.com
Michael, thank you for your post. It’s always interesting and enjoyable spending time with family in Raleigh.
Now we’re ready to give 2008 our best shot. Right?