a nothing special — soon to be forgotten — very nice day

First, there's Jack, my nephew.  Today he heads off to begin his freshman year at Quinnipiac.  He is happy; his puppy Roxy (Music) is not.

I gave up the practice of weekly manicures in January, and my nails have been so much healthier. I am now into short nails; they are easy to maintain, and almost always look good.  But a sign like this is hard to resist.

I'm lucky and get Madhu. 

Her English is weak but everything else about her is strong. The massage she gives is amazing. 10 minutes (I think she actually does 15), followed by a hot towel rubdown. I leave without the aching lower back pain that's been tormenting me all summer. $30 well-spent.

Then I see Lico. She is the consummate professional — excellent at everything she does. Her coloring skills are outstanding. That's why I see her.  But her long, luxurious head massages are incredible.

Blue Blocker is a small unassuming salon on East 75th. No glitz at all. But surprisingly they have a pull-down white screen for photos.  I love this place. 

While I'm waiting for my color to take, I get an email saying I am one of 6 winners in a vendor contest. I'll be getting $250 in KENZO merchandise that I choose.

And my not-special-but-nice day will end with some good TV. I'm watching the 7th and next-to-last episode of an excellent HBO series. It's smart, nuanced and suspenseful, with great characters and story.

Today is an uneventful day that will easily be forgotten. But the experience of it  — like so many — is nice.