Loitering in Long Island City

Even though I really dislike the cold, I have learned to live in it. What I mean by this is that I no longer confine myself to the indoors for the winter. I never used to do that as a kid living in Minnesota - I was always out in the snow building snow forts and tunnels, playing magazine hockey and ice skating wiht my friends. But, after I moved to North Carolina, I became spoiled by mild weather. Then Utah was a shock for me. Except for the Olympics and some skiing, the only time I really went outdoors in the winter in Utah was to sit in my hot tub. Doesn't really count. I loathed the cold and did my best to avoid it.

Then I moved to New York. I was forced to be in the cold. I had to walk to the subway because I no longer had a car. I also no longer had a back yard for the dogs so three times a day I found myself outdoors. Everything required a trip outside: groceries, laundry, post office, etc.

I gradually built up my tolerance to being out in the cold again. Now, I don't let it stop me from doing things in the winter. Remember my pictures of the Gates in Central Park? Perfect example. Even though winter's not my favorite, I have learned to go outside.

So, Fernando and I decided to go for a long walk to the East River in Long Island City from Sunnyside on Sunday. My favorite times spent with him are like this. We just hang out and talk about anything that comes up. We sat by the water for a while, then found an Irish pub for some soup (which he was forced to pay for since he lost a bet - just had to point that out) I love days like this... no agenda, just chillin.