Jeeps still have knobs

I finally get to ride in Wendy’s Jeep and she’s wasn’t there. Alas, the top was not down so it doesn’t count. We shall recitify things this summer! Mark my words.

Tom was down in the city to get it serviced and had a slice of time free so we grabbed lunch. I got tofu and rice (thanks for the rec Kay) from Gabriella and it was SUPER GOOD. (Hot tip: If you want to visit Factory 52’s food hall? Do it on a weekday. Super chill.)

I had a pile of email and a slew of tasks to tackle post-NYC, so this quick outing was super welcome. Also? The fridge was empty so double bonus yay.

Tofu, rice and a tomato salad — Tofu lunch from Gabriella (five stars)

Ask for Janice

As we got ready to head out of NYC we had one more pit stop to make. I had been looking for messenger bags the entire trip and Thor got a tip from Nayland Blake that I should seek out stores that carried Manhattan Portage. I should mention, messenger bags are totally out — little backpacks are all the rage right now.

Always one step out of style, we made our way over to a luggage store and Casey noticed on the map there was Beastie Boys square nearby. What was this?!

Turns out it is the location of the cover photo from Paul’s Boutique and I say this with all sincerity, this should be a national landmark and restored to look like it once did. If anything Wolfnights Gourmet Wraps should work with the Beasties and call it Paul’s Boutique Wraps.

Alas, the world changes. We have documentation. I can move on.

But still!

Anyway, I know all the words to The Sounds of Science by heart, that’s how much I love this album. You can view these lyrics at the bottom of my favorites page for the album.

Paul's Boutique cover — Paul’s Boutique album cover

Beastie Boys mural — Paul’s Boutique album cover

Bananas

Of the 5,965 journal entries here, none have been titled “Bananas,” which I think is bananas.

I like bananas well enough on their own, but love them in ice cream or a milkshake.

Which is why when I read about Morgenstern’s Bananas I kept vying to squeeze in a visit on this trip.

I found some takers in Thor and Patrick. We popped by after lunch and after quick peeks inside Little Cupcake Bakeshop and a pizza joint (Prince St. Pizza). I’m adding both to the bucket list for the next NYC visit.

So how was the dairy free ice cream? I got the banana vanilla and it was SO VERY GOOD with undertones of coconut that did not compete. If this place was any closer it could become a problem.

Compersion and cosmic coincidence

We watched th 2024 eclipse from the rooftop of a hotel in Manhattan — it was not a total eclipse, but enough to be impressive and eerie with a touch of magic.

In the meantime I shall live vicariously through everyone that did get to experience totality. Reminds me of a favorite concept: Compersion — The feeling of joy experiencing another’s joy.

I’d certainly like to catch the full deal one day, but can’t linger too long in missing out. Perhaps Spain in 2026? One can dream!

After the celestial event we grabbed a bite and headed over to Madison Square Garden where The Breeders would open for Olivia Rodrigo. According to my records, this was my first time inside this venue.

I think my ears are still ringing from all the energy present that evening.

Favorite part of The Breeders’ set? When they played Drivin’ on 9 the crowd broke out their phone lights and swayed along. Delightful.

The Breeders perform at Madison Square Garden — The Breeders at Madison Square Garden

Got out of bed for a toy store

Yesterday was so dense, we could’ve slept in til noon. But there was talk of meeting Kyle and co at FAO Schwarz and that was enough motivation to get up and at ’em.

The toy store was an odd assortment, with hints of a bygone Kay-Bee — lots of demo stations with whozeewhatzits. There was also a Barbie wing, the largest collection of Funko Pops I’ve seen (with a station to make your own), and lots of Steiff bears and other stuffed animals. They also had a Zoltar and floor sized piano akin to the movie Big.

After we exhausted every floor, we gathered our crew and headed to Ippudo for ramen and buns. It was the perfect setting to catch up, enjoy a fine meal and marvel over the serendipity of it all.

A custom Funko Pop — Beatrice made a new friend, literally

See you on the internet!

Up at 5:30am
Flight to LaGuardia
Dropped bags at hotel in Midtown Manhattan
Walked directly to Korean Corn Dogs

Met up with Rachel (something that has become kind of a tradition).

We caught up on life, work and whatnot between bites of lunch. Topics included corn dogs, moving, jobs, train travel, hard pants, other food, vague goals and rats.

Walked over to Macy’s to see the last day of their Flower Show, a yearly event where the department store decorates with oodles of fresh flowers. There are some lovely oversized arrangements, elaborate window displays and a few mediocre vignettes scattered about the mini mall of brands that Macy’s has become.

We’d have benefitted from 3 extra hours to catch up, but made do with our slice — parting ways on Herald Square over the amplified sound of Amazing Grace by some sort of cult.

Goodbyes weren’t necessary. In parting I blurted, “See you on the internet!”

And here we are.

Two people in reflection of department store window decorated with flowers

Person posing in front of ornate flower arrangement in Macy's

Jim, Emma and a rat in the basement

Had some virtual face time with Jim and his cat Emma to check-in after the work week ended.

We’d been batting around a vague idea of hitting up Cedar Point this summer (I’ve never been to this amusement park even though it is in Ohio). Calendars are starting to get dense, so maybe we can’t squeeze it in this year, but no matter — a little touch base goes a long way.

Hopped off the computer to start packing for a trip to New York City — we’d be leaving in the morning.

As bedtime approached, Casey ran downstairs to get clothes out of the dryer and there was an issue…

Let me back up a bit… When the basement flooded this week, we suspect one of the open drains brought in a rat.

Yes. A rat. Into our basement.

It can happen… I suppose… It could have been some other crack in some wall, but we haven’t found any. So we’re going with the story that the rat came in because of the flood.

My first thought upon learning this was to sell the house.

In lieu of that we set out some traps.

Nothing turned up for a few days and our worry was we’d go on this trip and the rat would get trapped and bad things would ensue.

Well on this last night before the trip Casey found the intruder, stuck by their tail on a trap.

A comical scene followed as we scooped it into a plastic bin, got some gloves and drove out a few miles to an empty lot — pulling its tail free from the trap and releasing to a grassy patch.

There are blurry photos, I’ll spare you.

I guess we won’t sell the house anytime soon.

For now.

The quiet part

This the quiet part before travel where things will become loud and dense.

Edie usually senses this and becomes a little extra clingy in the leading moments.

In other news, we continue the slog of drying out the basement — flipping carpet and padding, moving fans, emptying the dehumidifier and spraying one part bleach mixed with 3 parts water on exposed concrete.

Action figures

I was totally into Star Wars before seeing any of the movies. My family had a shared set of action figures (and a Land Speeder) I remember playing with out in the sandbox.

Fast forward 40+ years and I still like a good action figure.

To that end, movies have evolved, as have I.

When Denis Villeneuve’s Dune came out in 2021 it felt like a marked change in the sci-fi landscape, with fewer lasers and elevated design all around.

One piece in that struck me in particular was this matador and bull sculpture in the Atreides home.

It crops up again in Dune: Part Two and I made a mental note to look it up afterward.

Search results were loaded with all these 3D printed models (to download or buy pre-made) and I found an artist that makes a nicely finished version on Etsy.

As action figures go, this is a lovely elevation.

Our basement flooded

An intense thunderstorm cell dumped a ton of rain in a very short period, and for the first time since living in this house the basement flooded.

Flooded sounds major, it wasn’t THAT bad in the scheme of things… Water came up through the drains bringing soil and leaves, soaking half the carpet.

After frantic searching we decided the best course of action was to get the tools necessary to tackle things pronto to prevent worse outcomes. Shop vac and air mover aquired, we pulled up the carpet and began a multi-day task to dry things out.

We’re also starting to think finished concrete floors with area rugs might be a better option in the long term.

A bit more color

Back in 2019 I was feeling adventurous and took sheets of colored paper to Spring Grove to document spring blooms.

I noticed our cherry tree was past peek so I thought I’d give it another go.

It was blustery outside so locking focus was difficult (a challenge for me even on the calmest of days).

Got a few snaps in before an intense cell of thunderstorms rolled through. Nowhere near as good as the first batch, but that’s okay.

Person holds up a sheet of yellow paper behind red tulips — Before the edit

Person holds up a sheet of pink paper behind cherry tree blossoms

A red dot sticker

Mean St. Gallery opened in Over-The-Rhine last May and I just found out about ’em.

The most recent show with Brendan Schindler and Marissa Lyons was about to close so I made a mental note to visit. I saw a bit online and there was this Big Daddy’s piece that tickled my fancy.

Met up with Kathryn, did some wandering about and popped into the gallery. Lo and behold, there it was with no indication it was sold. “So this is available?” I asked.

Indeed it was so I swooped in. I’ve bought art before oodles of times, but don’t recall experiencing the placement of a red dot sticker.

Picked up the piece today, it’s heavy but came with a cleat for securing to a wall. Now to find a place to hang it!