Well, we have arrived! Have had a whole day to explore New York.  Let me entice you to read further by mentioning just a few things we've encountered..a car crash (ours!), rats, and an apartment bedroom that is unusable.

 Left home at 5:30 a.m. with 3 HUGE duffle bags, 2 carry-on rollers, and our big black "purses".  The flight to LaGuardia is amazingly short...1 1/2 hours.  We landed about 10:15 a.m. and had no trouble securing our luggage and meeting our pre-arranged car/driver. Made great time into Manhattan until we got to Queens (?) bridge when we came to a sudden stop.  Just seconds in front of us 6 cars smashed into each other.  As we managed to get around them, the passengers were just escaping their vehicles.  We could see the airbags that had deployed.  As we headed into the tunnel the emergency vehicles and news media passed us heading to the accident.  Minutes later when were about 6 blocks from our apartment our driver looked down to reach his phone to take my credit card and crashed into the taxi in front of us. Not much damage to the taxi, but smashed in our front grill and headlights.  Because we had so much luggage we couldn't exactly get out and walk.  So Cath and I waited in the back seat while the two drivers worked it out amicably--aided with running commentary form a streetperson who
immersed himself into the situation!!

15-20 minutes later we arrived at our apartment building near 51st and 7th ave.  Small but nice lobby, very nice doorman and bellman who helped us get to our apartment.  Apartment itself leaves a lot to be desired.  Think old college dorm room, or old college boyfriend's apartment. The old adage "you get what you pay for" certainly applies.  I was so excited that I had found a cheap two bedroom place.  Unfortunately one of the bedrooms smells so badly of cigarette smoke, it can't be used.  We've opened the windows, placed an open bottle of Pine-Sol on the dresser, and shut the door.  What a waste.

A few tears at first over the icky apartment, but fortunately God gave me a trooper of a daughter and we've adjusted.  The bathroom has plenty of space and three large vanity cabinets for all of our cosmetics and toiletries.

I envisioned going to the grocery store and cooking meals each night, so I brought some things from home,...spices, aluminum foil, salad dressing. After seeing the apartment, and exploring the neighborhood, I quickly realized THAT won't be happening!  Looks like 2-3 meals out every day.  Who knows, perhaps I'll adjust and change my mind in a couple days.

We took a test subway run to Catherine's agency and first appointment.  There really are rats in the subway.  Saw 'em.  Spent some time walking around Times Square which is just a few blocks from our apartment.Tonight we chose our restaurant based solely on how close it was to the apartment. Turned out to be surprisingly good..the Heartland Brewery.  Hoping for warmer weather tomorrow.  Not sure how coherent this post is..after typing it the first time, my computer froze and I lost it.  Ugh!  Hope to be able to post some pics..then heading to bed.