central park boathouse

After our travels with Charlotte, I thought that the rest of my summer would be spent in our small summer community on the shores of Lake Michigan.  Once I’m there, I have little inclination to go anywhere else.  But my daughter surprised me with the idea of a Labor Day weekend trip for the two of us to see the US Open tennis tournament in New York.

Neither of us had been back to the city since pre-pandemic, but we’d heard rumors of one of our favorite restaurants closing.  The Boathouse in Central Park has always been such a special location for brunch or lunch.  Apparently, the company that managed the restaurant lost their lease, and it was shut down for a few months.  Thankfully, it is open again under new management and seems to be thriving.  We reserved a table on a perfect Saturday morning. 

After lunch Meredith suggested a walk to the upper west side.  We walked through the Ramble, a section of Central Park with winding walkways and even a waterfall.  How had I never been there before?!  It was lovely.  I ended up walking 15,000 steps that day alone. 

For the two other days of our weekend, we had tickets for the tournament in Queens, and Meredith astonished me with her fearless acumen at navigating the New York subway and train system.  There seems to be an app on one’s phone for everything.  One night after our matches were over, we selected a restaurant for dinner, and Meredith managed to deliver us to a stop that brought us up out of the ground to the eatery’s very door. 

Time alone with my daughter is always such a blessing.  Just like our journey with Charlotte, the intimate time with one child or grandchild gives you the ability to pour all your love and attention on one person.  It also allows you to see their strengths and passions in a new light.  I treasure the time spent with Meredith, and I’m most grateful that she chose me as her travel buddy. 

Love, Liz