Proof of a Good Day

The poem for this week is a tribute to my dirty feet from my hike through Central Park.  I'm going to edit the poem just a bit so it is more appropriate for my situation.

Soap

by Martin Gardner

Just look at those feet! 

Did you actually think

           That dirt would come off, my daughter,             

By wiggling your toes

Around in the sink

And slapping the top of the water?

Just look at your face!

Did you really suppose

Those smudges would all disappear

With a dab at your chin

And the tip of your nose

And a rub on the back of one ear?

You tell me your face

And your feet are clean?

Do you think your old Dad is a dope?

Let's try it again

With a different routine.

This time we'll make use of the soap!

A Perfect Day

It's not an exaggeration to say I've been spending almost all of my time outside in the nice weather.  Thursday was a fantastic day: I turned in my last 15 page paper of the semester, grabbed some ice-cream, and hit up Central Park.  I decided to give Pinkberry a try, since it seems to be all the rage.  My verdict is that it's overpriced, mediocre frozen yogurt.  

I got a small coffee ice-cream with one topping, which came to the ridiculous total of $5.25.  I was hesitant, but I gave it a fair chance regardless of the price.  The yogurt = not so good.  It didn't taste anything like coffee and was kind of boring.  I expected a lot more from a small yogurt that cost $5.25.  I was baffled to see people lining up and spending upwards of $7 for these yogurts!!!  Why spend that much on o.k. yogurt when you can get great frozen yogurt from the local ice-cream truck for a few dollars.  So, my verdict on the new "Pinkberry" craze: spend your money elsewhere.

I took my expensive yogurt to Central Park and plopped down on the nice green grass.  I spent a few hours reading, people watching, and taking in some sun.  I wasn't ready to go home, so I  began my unintentional hike through the park.  I started at the top of the park on the NorthWest side and ended up at the bottom of the park on the SouthEast side.  It felt like everyone in NY was in the park- there were kids and families everywhere!  Everyone seemed so happy.  Since I've spent most my time in Texas which doesn't have seasons, I never realized how much the seasons effect you.  After a long, cold winter, you could feel how giddy everyone was to be out in the sun.  People were smiling, laughing, and very friendly.  I even made a few friends on my walk.

These two little girls were rubbing dirt on their face 

and thought it was just the funniest thing. 

After walking about 7 miles, I finally decided to call it a day.  I returned home with a smile and dirty feet.  Danny and I grabbed a few beers and went to the roof to watch the sunset.  We talked for about an hour and then walked down the street and grabbed a few slices of pizza.  I could not have asked for a better Thursday.  Here's a few pictures of us goofing off on the roof.

Spring

The weather is getting warmer and the city is beginning to rouse from a long winter hibernation.  The first signs of Spring are emerging and the city welcomes it with open arms and warm laughter.  Chilly days will still happen here and there, but overall, Spring will rule the days!

Good-by My Winter Suit

by N.M. Bodecker

Good-by my winter suit,

good-by my hat and boot,

good-by my ear-protecting muffs

and storms that hail and hoot.

Farewell to snow and sleet,

farewell to Cream of Wheat,

farewell to ice-removing salt,

and slush around my feet.

Right on! to daffodils,

right on! to whippoorwills,

right on! to chirp-producing eggs

and baby birds and quills.

The day is on the wing,

the kite is on the string,

the sun is where the sun should be-

it's spring all right! It's spring!