Rumor has it that I was conceived in a little cabin cruiser named the Joan I, as it navigated the Long Island Sound. I was born in New York. So were my parents and siblings. Most of my relatives still live there, in either Brooklyn or Queens, or out on the Island. My youth was spent on the Island~ Nassau County.

I often joke that I was born in "Joey Buttafuocoville". *L*

My paternal grandparents came to this county from France and Italy, via Ellis Island.

These days, I get into the city only a few times each year. Usually for the tree lighting ceremony, a carriage ride through the park, the yearly Holiday show (with Rockettes) at Radio City Music Hall... and maybe to visit the Met Museum.

This year... I am hoping to be there for September 11. If not, I'll be there in spirit. I know several people who were there "that" day, including my brother-in-law and a family friend who plays Santa each Christmas. He worked in the WTC towers. He survived both attacks, but as we know, most did not.

Ostara, I'm glad you opened up your home,"New York" to us... Especially now.