My favorite late Autumn month is November, especially in the East: the weather is blustery and changeable, and the wind can whip through clothes, reminding those of us who live on the mild, balmy other side of the country, what it means to be COLD. But even though the wind chill was about 20, I braved the elements and took a 25 block walk up 5th avenue at dusk. As usual, by 1/2 way into the walk, I had fallen in love with this city once again. I realized long ago, that moving to New York from California in my teens, was my true undoing for many years to come. Nothing compares with this city, and in all other places I have lived, New York is still the beacon of of music, drama, dance, poetry, culture, food... what else is there?

Well, coming to New York at this time, when the economy has taken a terrible downturn, the mood of the city was somber. Wall Street was right down the road, and the sense of sobriety was palpable. i had heard in a bar from a trader that media and the politicians had hidden the terrible truth from those who read and watch TV: that the economy was in much worse shape that had been initially reported, and the bottom was not in sight. Cab drivers told me the same thing. And yet, walking up 5th, as I had done for many years, in a light Spring coat, no hat, no earmuffs, I was still enchanted by the ambiance of the pre-Holiday season. Twinkling lights in the windows, a taste of snow in the air, both bringing me to realize my enchantment was caused by my sense of urban familiarity. Traveling alone as I always do, I came to understand the city was my family, the landmarks -- The Empire State Building, the ice rink at Rockefeller Center, Tiffany's, all held personal memories that were my own personal landmarks, still existing, with deep personal gratitude.