After picking up Mikey-O from the airport at 6am, we get some coffee at the cafe on Broadway and Spring. I'd been up all night and had a long day ahead.   Before heading up to New Paltz we indulge in one of the best spectator sports New York City has to offer: people watching from a stoop. Ignore the cigarette, mom.   Mikey-O, me and Willy before dinner.   Yes, this is one of the most jovial men alive.   The most impressive dinner party ever. I could not thank Ian and Theresa enough for allowing us to use their home and for the spending most the day cooking a meal that was to die for. The entire experience was sublime. battle roster (from the left): Theresa, John S., Kristin, Glenn, Erin, Jesse, Julie, John B., me, Willy, Mikey-O, Nick, Dayna (leetle seester!), Linda (Mom), Angela (Babes!), Jim (Dad), Mike F., photo taken by Ian. I am unable to explain how exquisite an experience it was to sit at the head of a table of my friends and family and to be flanked by two of the most impressive soldiers with whom I've had the pleasure to serve.   After dinner with John B., Julie, Julia, and Willy. Allah, if you're listening I want you to know that you can have your 27 virgins. When I die and Valkyries fly me to Valhalla, I'll be joined by these maiden warriors and warrior chiefs.   After midnight, the true Julia emerges: toothsome coquette   Behind every coy womyn, there is a dark and mysterious man. With a red purse?   Julie, pretty mouth and green eyes. Salinger could only be so happy.   Overwhelmed by Times Square. But for different reasons. After innumerable bottles Paulaners (thanks Willy!) and glasses of cabernet and being up for 40 hours straight, I get some Zs only to hit the pavement the next day in full-on tourist mode.   Elizabeth and Brian, environmental lawyer and painter. Unable to make it to the dinner, Mikey-O and I join this duo for an evening out on the town. Here at Double Happiness, an old speakeasy on Mott.   Wolves in sheeps' clothing trying to blend into the background at Balthasar.   Me, Amy, Brian and Elizabeth after a wonderfully indulgent meal.   The next morning at Cafe Habana waiting for a bloody mary.   The End. Photos by Mikey-O.