We're all rested up after our day in Hoboken and we're back to the Subway for a ride to Queens. While we were back at the Hotel, we heard the TV bulletin that Michael Jackson had been rushed to the hospital in Los Angeles.......................

By the time we got to Long Island City, we had heard via the buzz on the street that Michael Jackson had died...................

Tonight we are meeting at a "beach" night club area that is having a Lupus benefit. For $10 you can get all the hot dogs and beer that you can eat.

Oh, and did I mention the view? That's the U.N..........................

There's the Empire State Building that we viewed from the west today in Hoboken. Tonight we're seeing it from the east over the East River in Long Island City......................

And that slant-roofed building is the City Corp Building at 54th and 3rd--same corner where DiPalma Market once stood...................

Kiki manages a smile through her sadness over Michael Jackson.................

Rachel also joined us--up from Brooklyn................

Frannie is, of course, the saddest over the loss of Michael Jackson, but she is finding some solace in cuddling Mr. Elliott........................

There's the 59th Street Bridge.............feeling groovy.................

As are we--enjoying the view..................

This beach even has palm trees...................

"How did I love him? Let me count the ways".....................

"Oh well, let's just drink".............................

The pleasure of your company.......................

Frannie manages a smile through the tears. One young man who sat at our table told me that for the first time in his life, he felt "old" tonight with the passing of Michael Jackson.................

Sleep tight, Sweet Prince..................

The sun is setting and the color on the buildings is changing.......................

The sun actually sets quite late in New York in June.................

My students used to read a poem "Recuerdo" in which Edna St. Vincent Millay's description of New York at daybreak seems to suit our view at sunset: "And the sun rose, dripping a bucket full of gold".........................

Rachel is waiting for Chris. He is working late at the shop and after closing up, he will be taking a long subway ride up here to meet us. We truly appreciated that!.................

Maybe THIS is the "bucket full of gold" shot...............................

Dwight is delighting in the New York skyline (and the hot dogs and beer).....................

A truly exquisite excursion around the island.................

Femme Pensive.................

No, maybe THIS is the "bucket full of gold" shot..............................

This is the "Now, THAT'S the way to live" shot.......................

Followed by THE EDGE OF NIGHT shot................................

"Well, let me start counting again".........................

Some of Frannie's friends joined us. They are planning their wedding............well, SHE'S planning their wedding.......................

Gotta love this gorgeous city!...............................

In this shot you can see how the site was set up with tents and cabanas.......................

Elliott is enjoying his beach blanket............................

There she is--the Queen of the City--the Chrysler Building!......................

Time to check on our precious bundle....................

Yes, the city IS a wondrous toy..................................

Just made for THIS girl and boy....................................

Same shot, but this time I'm pointing out the Long Island City skyline......................

As opposed to the Manhattan skyline. Anyway, they're all NEW YORK CITY........................

Somebody is stirring..............................

He might not be graceful, but he is kind. Dwight does contortions to get the best shot for these girls...............................

An electric palm tree with neon coconuts..............................

Makes a nice background for Miss Rachel.......................

He's up!! And a pair of loving arms and a plush Cookie Monster are coaxing him to cheerfullness.................

Hello Mr. Blue Eyes.............................

The Empire State Building is pretty impressive by night.............................

But for my money, The Chrysler Building rules the skyline..........................

Hey, even the City Corp Building is great at night!........................

We haved loved this evening watching the many faces of the city in the changing light, but we must call it a night now.........................
Because tomorrow is a BIG day--my 60th birthday!--and I want to be fresh and ready to go.............
So goodnight Big Apple........................................
We've got to leave our wonderful and very appreciated young companions and find the subway home........................
Two Public Enemies--both #1!! AND A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!!