La versión en español está después de la versión en inglés.
No trip to Brooklyn would be complete without a visit to the NYC Transit Museum. It’s a 5-minute walk from my hotel and we, especially The Kid Brother, will never tire of it. And of course there’s the gift shop.
He picked up a scale model F train car the minute we walked in. I asked, “Didn’t we buy the F train last year?” “Yeah,” he replied happily, “ this is my third!” “Oh, so you’re collecting F trains?” “Yeah.” “Where do you have them displayed? In your room?” “No. I keep ‘em in a shoebox in my closet.” Uf! He also found a vinyl wall map of the NY subway system. By 1:30, we had had lunch and dessert, and he was on his way home.
I spent the rest of the day in bed. I’m completely worn out. I was supposed to go up to Connecticut to see my cousins (Brooke now works at The Glass House, which I had studied in school but never seen.) But I realized yesterday afternoon that I just can’t manage the travel back to Grand Central and then on Metro North another hour plus (and back again). I can barely put one foot in front of the other right now. So it’s back to bed now and maybe a walk around the neighborhood this afternoon.
Oh, I called KB’s office yesterday. The Leg: He was told last year he needs knee replacement surgery. He flat out refused. He gets a shot regularly that relieves it. He told me he has a doctor appointment in December. It’s Tuesday of next week! He’ll be given another shot. He’s stuck between a rock and a hard place and I don’t think the surgery is a great idea in his case.
They didn’t know he was no longer working. If he wants to work, they can find something for him. I don’t know that he cares anymore, especially with that leg.
He told me he needs a new coat. His is clearly tired. I thought I’d be shopping for one with him. I was told they have his annual clothing budget ready to be spent but he refuses to go shopping with them. Jeez.
Likewise, groceries. He has a lot of grocery money on two cards that he hasn’t used. We’re going to Trader Joe’s, on my dime Sunday. The little shit. We have a lot to talk about.
Ningún viaje a Brooklyn estaría completo sin una visita al Museo del Transporte de Nueva York. Está a 5 minutos a pie de mi hotel y nosotros, especialmente mi hermano pequeño, nunca nos cansamos de él. Y, por supuesto, está la tienda de regalos.
En cuanto entramos, cogió una maqueta de un vagón del tren F. Le pregunté: “¿No compramos ya el tren F el año pasado?” “Sí”, respondió feliz, “¡este es el tercero!” “Ah, ¿así que estás coleccionando trenes F?” “Sí”. “¿Dónde los tienes expuestos? ¿En tu habitación?” “No. Los guardo en una caja de zapatos en mi armario”. ¡Uf! También encontró un mapa de vinilo del metro de Nueva York para la pared. A la 1:30, ya habíamos almorzado y tomado el postre, y él se iba a casa.
Pasé el resto del día en la cama. Estoy completamente agotada. Se suponía que iba a ir a Connecticut a ver a mis primos (Brooke ahora trabaja en The Glass House, que estudié en la escuela pero nunca había visto). Pero ayer por la tarde me di cuenta de que simplemente no puedo soportar el viaje de vuelta a Grand Central y luego otra hora más en el Metro North (y la vuelta). Apenas puedo dar un paso ahora mismo. Así que vuelvo a la cama y quizás dé un paseo por el barrio esta tarde.
Ah, llamé a la oficina de KB ayer. La pierna: Le dijeron el año pasado que necesitaba una cirugía de reemplazo de rodilla. Se negó rotundamente. Se pone una inyección regularmente que le alivia el dolor. Me dijo que tiene una cita con el médico en diciembre. ¡Es el martes de la semana que viene! Volverán a hablar de la cirugía. (Yo también, el domingo). No sabían que ya no estaba trabajando. Si quiere trabajar, pueden encontrarle algo. No sé si le importa ya, sobre todo con esa pierna.
Me dijo que necesita un abrigo nuevo. El suyo está claramente desgastado. Pensé que iría de compras con él. Me dijeron que tienen su presupuesto anual de ropa listo para gastar, pero se niega a ir de compras con ellos. ¡Qué fastidio!
Lo mismo con la comida. Tiene mucho dinero para la compra en dos tarjetas que no ha usado. Iremos a Trader Joe’s, a mi costa, el domingo. El pequeño imbécil. Tenemos mucho de qué hablar.
Nuestro retrato anual.
For some reason these pictures reminded me of the Windmill Museum in Lubbock.
Can’t you use his grocery cards for him to take him shopping, granted of course that he is willing to go.
Ellen Abbott,
He really needs to do it with staff, especially since I’m only here once a year.
I always enjoy seeing the NYC Transit Museum when you visit 🙂
Mitchell, I just had both of my knees replaced … one on May 22, the other on September 4. I don’t know how much you know about dealing with a new knee, but it requires dedicated, organized, daily physical therapy… for the first 3 or 4 weeks, that’s many hours a day (like… 6 hours, including several sessions of icing– everything in your day is geared around it). It’s like a full-time job. I’m in week 8 with the second knee, and I still dedicate about an hour and a half to the exercises and icing, daily… and that will be for the rest of my life. The knees are very useable now (and I’m thrilled that I had them done!), but they will continue to feel stiff and a bit sore for 6 months to a year, I understand. Everyone that I have spoken to and/or read about, emphasizes that it’s a very, very bad thing if you can’t/don’t keep up with the physical therapy exercises, religiously. The knee can actually kind of seize up, and require a re-do of the surgery, if you don’t do the physical therapy well, and correctly, and enough.
There is also a daily regimen of different kinds of pills to take every day (I had to make myself a chart to check off … one pill every 4 hours, another every 8 hours, another twice a day, but with food, etc.).
I wonder if this would be a bit too much of a challenge for Chuck. I assume he’s getting cortisone shots? There are also some doctors who do gel shots, instead.
Judy C,
Thanks so much for this. SG talked to his sister who did what you did and she absolutely agreed with everything you said.
No wonder he’s hurting. But he would need a lot of help if he had the surgery, especially physical therapy and practicing what they teach. Maybe the cortisone (?) can stave it off.
I’m so glad you’re willing to visit, give him a good time, and catch up with the vital shopping, doctor visits, all that. But I’m sorry you’re so tired. Much activity, jetlag, concern about Chuck, they add up. I think he’s not the only brother who likes the train world! Boud.
Boud,
All so true. At least he’ll have some relief from the cortisone for now.
I hope that jet lag goes away soon so you’ll have more and better energy. It’s tough getting old, and even tougher with added challenges. Chuck has an indomitable spirit.
Debra,
I’ve cancelled everything but Chuck. Right now, everyone seems to get on Chuck’s “nerves.” We’re working on his attitude.
So much to be concerned about. No wonder you are tired. Hopefully you will be able to convince KB to trust the office. Do you trust them?
I love hearing about the transit museum.
Claudia Black,
It seems for those with experience that Chuck’s the one to be trusted here. Apparently his instincts are right in this case.
I was waiting for the “annual photo” at the Transport Museum, and there it was!
Does the office at the sheltered accommodation have to control the spend, hence why they need to accompany him on a shopping trip? It’s a bit unfair that they cannot delegate that to you while you’re there.
Anyway, rest up – it’s only a few more days, and you need to enjoy them! Jx
Jon,
Chuck really has to learn somehow to do the shops the way he’s supposed to. I’m only here once a year and he can’t expect to only go shopping with me. Like it or not, he’s reliant on the office and needs to cooperate.
Chuck is SO fortunate to have you!
I know it is mutual.
Heed the comment feedbacks. Such good advice.
What would his caretakers suggest as to options available for Chuck should he not have surgery?
Now get some rest and a good meal and go from there. You can do this. (geez…I sound like a grandmother!!)
Jim,
So right about heeding the food advice.
I always love seeing the KB at the Transit Museum; you can just tell how much he loves it!
Lotsa stuff, and walking, going on, after the flight and all so I can imagine you need a rest.
Bob,
I’m just shot. Doing nothing but Chuck Sunday and Monday. Then praying I get out of here Tuesday.
I love seeing your annual photo! I still think you need to put together a collage of them. KB looks like a natural sitting in the driver’s seat.
I hope you can get him to cooperate for the food and clothing shopping. AND, I hope you can get back your energy! You have a lot on you right now. When are you scheduled to fly home? Hopefully, if you’re flying Iberia?, your flight won’t be cancelled. Things are so crazy here.
Kelly,
Chuck takes his driving poses seriously. Fingers crossed about my flight Tuesday!
It is great to hear from you. Rest.
David,
Not much of an experience this time. Glad I saw Cesar and Daisy… and Chuck.
Ohh fun!
The Glass House? I think I saw something about it. Should post.
Sorry about the kid brother’s knee. That sucks. I can understand his reticence…
XOXO
Sixpence
Sixpence,
Yeah, t seems Chuck is right about this. Onward tomorrow to more shopping and a bit of lecturing (pep talks).
We really need to get to the Transit Museum one of these days. The annual portrait is stunning… in so many ways, but you look all perky and adorable. 😊
Wickedhamste,
Somehow, I’m not looking all that bad in photos. Thankful for that!
I’ve never heard of collecting F Trains specifically. That’s pretty funny. I hope you can help the people who handle KB’s finances to figure out how to make that money work for him. If he won’t go shopping with them, maybe they can help him order some stuff online?
Steve,
Bottom line is he needs to shop with them. That’s the way it’s worked for 35 years. It doesn’t change just because he’s gotten even more crotchety. We’ll work it out.
It is good to see KB and also, of course, your beautiful smiling face.
Ms. Moon
Ms. Moon,
Good to see KB. Exhausting week.
I cannot imagine running out of things to see in NYC. A lifetime wouldn’t be enough.
Urspo,
So true. Although I don’t want to spend my lifetime here.
In that least picture, you appear to be enjoying that “ride” much more than the Kid Brother.
Kirk,
KB is not a big smiler. He smiles for animals and comedy routines.
Mitch God bless you, you are a Saint. There is a special place for you in Heaven. Yep you do have a lot to talk about, hopefully he will listen.
larrymuffin,
I’m no saint, but thank you so much!