You will not blog today, nor will you buy a pretzel...

overcast, humid, storms threatening, temps 85

It's quite sticky, but not too bad at all! Having a great time here...slept like a log. Didn't set the alarm. Can't remember the last time we didn't set the alarm and didn't wake up with a stinky, moist, disgusting fluffy chew toy in our faces. Can't say we miss it, at least, not for a few days.

Rolled out of bed around 8am - showered - then headed around the corner to a place called Friend of the Farmer, on irving place. Sat outside with coffees and had omelets and sausages and toast. Before leaving we watched the Today show and saw this band of storms moving toward NYC etc. forecasting torrential downpours and thunder and lightening. But aside from a few sprinkles, nothing has happened.

On our way back we walked up and down the street fair on Park Avenue. Blocks and blocks around Union Square were closed and there were kiosks selling doughnuts and roasted corn and jewelry and hats. Got Michael a new hat. We each had a psychic reading. Apparently we'll both live into our 90's. According to her, I was married before, have two children and while I have a smile on my face my heart is aching. At least she knew I was a tall woman. But even that might not have been clear to her.

Michael had a job he worked hard at and is good at helping people. He is often hungry before eating, and tired before going to bed. (I added that last part, to help the psychic out).

I bought a sundress and a shawl, and a hand stitched (apparently) coat.

Then got a NY Times and headed back for an ice tea at the hotel.

Then we changed...Michael to have a rest and I slipped into my new sundress for lunch at the Union Square Cafe - to celebrate my friend Dan's birthday. We shared a started of calamari, then we each had grilled steak salad with arugula and mushrooms. And the waiter brought Dan out a lemon tart with a candle. I started to sing happy birthday but the look of torment on Dan's face made me stop.

We parted after lunch and I walked back to the hotel, past the street fair. God, I'm loving this city. A bit of a mess - but so alive. Jazz to London's symphony. Each magical, but totally different. Bought Michael a pretzel - one of the giant ones from a street vendor. all warm and soft and salted. Arrived back to a very hungry guy whose eyes fixed on the pretzel...I could have hypnotized him with it.

I believe the psychic would have divined that he wanted it. Actually, I think she'd have said he didn't.

He took it and while I poured us some diet coke he sat up in bed and munched away...the new york skyline beside him out the window.

Off for a Lebanese dinner tonight. Yum. Then flying back to Burlington and driving up to Montreal tomorrow. Hoping to start the third draft of book 7 on Monday.