life outside the city

A few weeks ago Robin and I talk about going to Costco together; she has a car and I don't.

Today we make it a full-day adventure. 

Robin picks me up at noon. "We're having lunch at Blue Hill," she tells me as we're driving up the FDR.  I've never been there, and know the restaurant only by reputation.  It's formal and expensive. But then Robin adds, "They have an informal place where we can eat outside."

The restaurant is about 45 minutes outside Manhattan in Westchester county. Halfway there we hit a torrential downpour. While yesterday was in the 80's, today is 20 degrees colder. Not exactly outdoor eating weather.

But by the time we arrive, the rain has stopped. I get a small salad; Robin gets cold asparagus soup, and we split a piece of toast topped with beet and goat cheese — that alone makes the trip up here worth it.

lunch at Blue Hill at Stone Barns

meal with a view

After lunch we go to see the movie Weiner at a local strip mall.




I can't remember the last time I paid for a movie, but here in the burbs, and being of-age, it only costs $7.



As expected, the theater is empty.  And, we are maybe the youngest people here.
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The movie begins with Anthony Weiner being interviewed.  I hear a woman (making no attempt to whisper) say to her husband, "You know, that's the real Anthony Weiner." Did she think this was a documentary with actors playing the actual people?

After the movie, Robin gives me a little tour. She lived up here for 13 years. 



Before hitting Costco, we stop at "the Disneyland of dairy stores" according to The New York Times.




It's almost 8 before we are back in the city. It feels like we've been gone a week to another country.

But the best part of the day? Getting to know Robin better. I think we've moved past a professional working relationship into one of friendship. I hope so.

Oh, and I almost forgot.  The theater let me have some tap water with no charge at all for the cup! There's a lot to be said for the suburbs.