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nyc with nana: blue whale and back pain

Well, we seem to have maxed out our natural resources yesterday. Today was a slow start–even slower than yesterday–which was mostly my fault. (My 2 am blogapade wiped me out.) The weather, also was less cooperative today, and we chose to stay inside a bit longer while the rain blew sideways for a little while. By the time we ventured out, the rain had stopped (the humidity was still high, though–muggy, uggy), and Nana bravely agreed to attempt a subway ride.

Here is the poem Nana wrote after her ride two stops uptown:

“I do not like the underground,

I do not like the sight, nor sound.

I do not like its lightening pace.

I do not like the whole damn place.”

Still, she braved it well, and we made our way to the American Museum of Natural History. I’ve never been there before, and was able to get us both in free with my ID from work (thank you, corporate sponsorship!), and we wandered around the dioramas and moon exhibit. We even found the enormous blue whale, which is what I really wanted to see for some reason. (It’s not a real blue whale, but it is life-size. Sometimes I enjoy feeling small.)

Sadly, Nana’s back is really bothering her today, likely from our overexertion yesterday. We’d originally planned to have dinner with my friend, Jenny, because Jenny is living the life Nana would like to do a Freaky Friday swap for; but instead, Nana will be staying in tonight with her Downton Abbey, and I’ll be dining and adventuring with Jenny alone. We stopped at a little grocery near our place (not the same one as the other day), and were thoroughly gouged by inflation on (expired, I later discovered) yogurt. Now, as I write this, Nana is perusing YouTube for famous poems read by famous voices. (Jeremy Irons is my favorite thus far.)

I don’t mind the mellowness today at all. I’m sad for Nana that her back pain is preventing her having more adventures tonight, but I’m thankful for a nice, comfortable place for her to relax tonight. I’d feel badly leaving her alone if she didn’t have her Thomas Barrow to keep her company. (He’s her favorite…No talking her out of it.)

Highlight of the day for me: sitting and talking over coffee this morning, as Nana reminisced about her childhood. She told some amazing stories about family and life in poor, rural Texas seventy years ago. Life…time…is an amazing thing.

Now, to the rhythm of Annabel Lee, I leave you with a few pictures from today.

Morning coffee and a view.
Morning coffee and a view.
Free museum tickets--thank you, work!
Free museum tickets–thank you, work!
Look, Brandon! I finally saw a moose on vacation!
Look, Brandon! I finally saw a moose on vacation!
Nana's favorite animal. I told her they represent her personality well: hard-headed and whimsical.
Nana’s favorite animal. I told her they represent her personality well: hard-headed and whimsical.
Another animal to match a personality...but we're not telling you who we think this one is.
Another animal to match a personality…but we’re not telling you who we think this one is.
Blue whale
Blue whale

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