Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Happy (Day After) St. Patrick's Day

What a fun fun day. First I did laundry. I know it does not sound like fun but it had to be done. Then off to the NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade. I go every year and stand on the steps of St. Patrick's Cathedral and, I must say, yesterday was one of the nicest parades we've had in years. My dad worked the steps of the cathedral every year while he was on the job and he still goes back every year and "works". He's terrific and charming and everyone there loves him.

This makes me cry every year.



The NYC Fire Department marches with 343 flags every year to represent the Fire Fighters who were lost on September 11th. It is an extraordinarily touching sight and never fails to move me to tears.

Then we saw this.


That handsome man in the left hand corner is my wonderful cousin Pat. He's a peach and a half and he always remembers to look for me on the steps and waves to me. It tickles me pink.

Then I got interviewed on 1010 Wins. It was very exciting and I can't believe that my phone isn't ringing off the hook with offers for me to do interviews on every local radio station. I didn't get to mention my knitting but I think it was implied.

Then my partner in crime Kathleen and I went to the Prime Burger for lunch. It's the greatest place on earth. It's an old school coffee shop with individual seats with swing out trays (I should have taken a picture because it's hard to describe but I was hungry). Had a fabulous burger served by an outrageously cranky old waiter in a white coat. I love the place. You couldn't make it up if you tried.

As if that wasn't enough, Kathleen and I left the parade at about 4 and worked our way over the west side where we met this man on the street.


I can assure you that if you run into a wacky person on the street and they have a baby carriage with them, chances are there is a dog in the carriage.


I was not disappointed.

But wait--there's more. I always have dinner with my family and Gallaghers Steakhouse and Kathleen thought her friend Danny Quinn was playing there until 5. So we hot footed it over there. The place was packed, there was no music but a very nice employee told us there was a private party upstairs and he thought her friend was playing at it. So up we went--we were "with the band"--and we ended up at the ESPN radio St. Pat's party. It was a hoot. We met some nice people, played a practical joke (just a little one) with one of them, heard some great music (John Nolan was playing with Danny) and had some free drinks. Always a good time. The ESPN staff was so welcoming to the party crashers that I think I'll crash again next year.

Then it was off to the Novotel bar for my annual cocktail there. Years ago, I worked on an album with an amazing musician named Johnny Cunningham and he loved the bar at the Novotel. He passed a few years ago so every St. Pat's I raise a glass to him there.

Then back to Gallaghers for an amazing dinner with la familia and finally home.

It was a wonderful day.