July 21, 2004

I took the bus into New York City early this morning.  On the bus, I noticed creases in blouses, various perfumes, manicured and polished nails, and hairstyles on both men and women.  I wondered why no one spoke during my 90 minute ride into the big city.  Bear and I whispered to each other as though we were in a library.  As we neared the city, the mountains were now buildings...one on top of the other.  The buses filed in endlessly and Bear noticed the proximity of each bus as they passed by.

When we arrived at The Port Authority, Bear and I agreed to let the other passengers get off the bus first.  When we stepped into the terminal, our minds went blank and we just stood there.  Having lived in the woods for the past 3½ months, Bear and I laughed at our inability to process information quickly enough to function.  We have been purchasing lottery ticket throughout our hike.  So...when I saw a Lotto ticket stand, I suggested that we do that.

"Let's get the hell out of here, Ladybug," Bear said.  "We can get our lottery ticket another time."

So we hailed a taxi and felt secure in our own private space.  We checked into our rooms and decided to split up for a few hours while we each shopped for two outfits, one for the day, one for nighttime outings.  I haven't shopped in over three months except twice at Wal-Mart.  I first stopped by St. Patrick's Cathedral to light a candle and to say a prayer for Cheryl.  The beauty of St. Patrick's always takes my breath away.  I then crossed the street, or was moved forward by New Yorker's, to Sak's Fifth Avenue.  I entered the store by the perfume counters so my first purchase was Lalique, my very favorite cologne.  I soaked myself with the sample before moving into the clothing section.