The Park Avenue Church

I met my husband Wednesday at the steps of The Park Avenue Christian Church on the upper East Side for their Lenten Service. We have tried several churches since moving here a year ago, and this one felt the closest to "just right." Even my husband, an Episcopalian, commented that he liked the message and the efficiency of the service--meaning he was out of there in under an hour.

I appreciated that Park Avenue is a Disciples of Christ denomination with close ties to the United Church of Christ, my home church. The building was built by the Presbyterians in the early 1900s
and sold to the current congregation in 1945.

We felt welcomed, and the choir was amazing. They sang beautiful, meditative and simple songs, and during the first part of the service, were scattered around the church to encourage participation. The choir director knew what he was doing and almost seemed to be praying as he led us. I know we'll return. Here is a picture from their website.

The Papaya Dog

I had lunch at the Papaya Dog yesterday. It's located just west of Washington Park, a neighborhood on the edge, if you ask me. But it seemed safe in the day time. I ordered a fish sandwich. This is something my husband will make fun of me for. I don't know why, but I tend to order the wrong things at places that specialize. For example, I ordered a veggie burger at Hamburger King in Miami. And I frequently order fish at steak places. The fish sandwich was good here, but I should have ordered the dog, of course. As for the name of the place, I DID choose a papaya drink which was excellent alternative to a bottled water or Coke.

Still Pinching Myself

 

I am among the luckiest, blessed, and/or fortunate--whatever your world view--persons in the world! This picture was taken from our new apartment in Long Island City, and that's just looking west. 

We also have a completely unobstructed north view of the East River and all its commerce. 

Yesterday a helicopter flew over that said "TRUMP" on it. Do you think The Donald was in it?

DO Tour Grand Central!

I highly recommend doing the self-guided tour of Grand Central Station, built in 1871. You can stick your earphones on and stand around gawking all you like for as long as you like. 

It's a miracle that this awesome structure is still standing. Apparently, people have been trying to tear it down for years. How grateful we should be to those groups who fight to keep our old buildings!

Getting Stuff Home

 

Most stores offer delivery service for a fee if you buy something really big and heavy. At ABC Carpet, our sales person admonished us, "You don't want to pay a delivery fee! Put it in a cab!"

When I got here, I was careful not to take up too much of a taxi driver's time. A good taxi driver, I have learned, should pull over, roll down his window to answer your questions, hop out, open his trunk, and even take the time to help load your stuff.

After all, they work for tips, too.

By the way, ABC Carpet and Home is something to see. The carpet store takes up one huge building, and across the street, the Home side, takes another. An article in the New York Times says, "It's like an estate sale for your packrat dowager aunt, albeit with impeccable taste." You can read the review here.

Postal Carriers

On my way to a post office today--just a few steps outside my apartment building, I asked this nice lady mail carrier if she, by chance, had any Change of Address forms with her. She did! I didn't  have to walk all the way to 35th Street! And she let me take her picture. She told me she used to be a Girl Scout, and therefore was always prepared.

Doormen

The doormen in my building wear a suit and tie to work. They are always friendly and attentive. . . like a good waiter at an expensive restaurant.

You want your shirts back by Tuesday, "No problem." You have a problem with your AC? He'll send someone up right away. They make an effort to greet you by name. They are never grumpy. They will converse with you if you like, or simply look up and nod if you are in a hurry.

I am surprised to find myself wanting to take them with me to my new building. I'll miss these guys.

Renny

Danny