Caverns To Canyons

FYI; FallingWater is closed on Wednesdays. We wish we had known that and are determined to do better homework in the future. We visited 'Kentuck Knob' instead, which was only 7 miles away and at least got our Frank Lloyd-Wright fill for the trip. After that we were too late to go to the Caverns Emma wanted to go to so we drove the extra miles and again got stuck with a , shall we say;'less than desirable' hotel. OK, I'm not THAT picky but I refused to get undressed or sleep on their bedding. There was a complete lack of proper cleaning techniques being employed (Don't let the 'sanitized for your safety' strip around the dirty toilet seat fool you) and after running the water for about 7 minutes I gave up on the hope of hot water. Normally this would not have been the end of the world, but if you've ever had 2 days worth of chlorine in your hair from swimming pools and not been able to wash it out, you will feel my pain. Needless to say it was a restless night, but the last night we'll be in a hotel for awhile.

Thursday morning we went to the Lost Caverns in Hellertown, PA. Who named it? I don't know. Were they stuck there and hated it or was their last name Heller? Anybody? Bob, our tour guide reminded me of the actor Charles Durning and was very knowledgable, if a little corny in the hunor dept. It was a good tour and Emma got some souvenirs for her rock collection. Afterward we had a short drive of 1 1/2 hours to NYC. Thank goodness for a short day of driving!

I have seen many kinds of canyons across the country and now that we have landed in NYC I am reminded of what are called the 'Canyons of New York'. You can see a bit in these photos how much the buildings, each different in their architecture and colors, etc. make up a city canyon. And you sure feel your size when you are here in person. I always love coming to NYC. There is a vibration here, from the never ending movement of people, jackhammers, ambulances, honking horns, vehicles and wind that does something to your chemistry. It is a buzz you don't get anywhere else in the same way, and I am inclined to like it. I am so blessed that my friend is so generous and invites us to stay here in their apartment in Manhattan. It is so great to be so close to everything and have a nice base to return to when you need a break. It is always the best way to see anyplace when you have a 'home base'. We arrived at lunchtime on Thursday and I ventured out to Columbus Circle, right around the corner to Whole Foods (HUGE) and got stuff for dinner. Today, Dave went museum hopping and I took Emma and the 'girls' to American Girl Place on Fifth Avenue. It was girl heaven and the dolls each got their hair done in the salon, one got pierced ears and they each got a new outfit and a dog to share. Emma was so thrilled and I even splurged on a cab when we began to melt on the way home. Now I am determined to remain in the air conditioned apt. until Dave gets home and see if we can plan something fun for the cooler evening. For now I'm chillin' in the Big Apple.