Doggie Disneyland

Doggie Disneyland


Today we went to Doggie Disneyland, but more on that later. We have done so much in the last 24 hours, I need to catch everyone up.
My vacations started Friday at 3:00 at InSpa. I had the greatest pedicure and manicure and wondered why I even needed to go to Italy at all. I could have just sat there for 2 weeks with a bottle of wine and a box of chocolates, my feet wrapped in towels and my hands soaking in Lilac scented bubbles...and Jim could pick me up when he got back. But my 2 hours of luxury came to an end, and we meet up with Dan and Jennifer for dinner at a great place called Pies and Pints. We had a great meal...something called a pie float...spinach and feta cheese turnover floating in soup....and of course a pint of beer. I will definitely be eating there again. Let the vacation begin!!!.
Early Saturday we flew Jet Blue to NY and I am now a huge Jet Blue fan...great flight with my own tv...lots of leg room and a quick 4 and half hours to NY. A client of Jim's insisted we call his cab driver brother for our ride from JFK to Brooklyn. He had a brand new Hybrid Escape Taxi so we had a very enjoyable ride. He pointed out all the different areas and I especially loved driving thru the Jewish neighborhood. Beautifully manicured streets, with big trees and brick apartments...one after the other. The Jewish men were in their "top hats" playing cards on picnic tables...the women sitting on benches chatting. It was fascinating and went on for miles. Finally we arrived at Mike and Elisa's and Zoka was very happy to see us (so were M&E but Zoka was more fun) Their apartment is adorable and fixed up so nice. Very efficient and stylish...they have done so much in the time they have been here. It is very comfortable with the four of us...and it won't be half bad when there are all 7 of us.
We bought a couple of bottles of wine and walked to a Greek restaurant...good food in a small little place on the street. I can't believe I am finally here after all these months of planning. As we drank our wine (no corking fee...gotta love that) Mike and Elisa shared all their news...there is always "new" news with these two. Elisa got a new job, just a few hours before we got here. She will be working at home from her computer and have more time for dance lessons and auditions. We walked the neighborhood and grabbed some ice cream...it was a beautiful warm night and we are falling in love with Brooklyn. When we got home, Mike and Elisa "ran her lines" for the Showcase Elisa is doing this evening. We are so lucky we get to watch her preform while we are here. I cuddled with Zoka on the couch while I listened to them go back and forth. I kept thinking..I am in NEW YORK. (FYI.....Mary...I told Zoka the hugs were from you too!!)
This morning we walked all over, had breakfast and took Zoka to the park....which Mike calls Doggie Disneyland. It was so great...big huge beautiful park and the dogs can be off leash until 9am. Hundred's of dogs are running everywhere...in and out of the lake...chasing frisbees and balls. Zoka was so excited he was dragging Elisa at the end of his leash trying to get there faster. At 9 o'clock all the owners leashed up their dogs and headed back home. We walked back through several different neighborhoods....past the typical NY fire station...with the fireman and their Brooklyn accents chatting away outside. I feel like I have stepped into a different world. We decided we just love walking up and down the streets and seeing what the locals are doing...in fact, Jim is out just walking around right now. At one point Mike stopped us and we all turned around...and there off in the distance was the statue of liberty. It was wonderful.
We are off to take a subway into Manhattan....I think I am in a "New York State of Mind".