We went to see the High Line yesterday evening. The High Line was an elevated railroad on the West Side of Manhaattan that opened in 1934. It was thirteen miles long and was in use until 1980. Residents advocated against it being demolished. They were successful and, in 2006, construction began to transform the High Line into a park. The first section opened in June of this year and Jim and I have been wanting to see it every since.

Up until last spring, Charlie and Jim and I went into New York almost every week. Often Charlie and I would go in to meet Jim in his office  on Friday evening; we’d get take-out and take the subway or walk back to the PATH station at the World Trade Center site. But then Charlie’s behaviors and anxiety got to the point where the subway rides, and the walking in city streets, became unbearable and nerve-wracking. Charlie refused to go anywhere but a diner for a burger and his repeated no’s, and more, frayed everyone’s nerves.

We’ve missed our walks in the city very much and Jim and I decided to wait for summer to pass (Manhattan on a hot hot day isn’t any fun for anyone). Yesterday was sunny and warm but not swelteringly so and Jim and Charlie met me in Jersey City after I was done teaching. Charlie initially said no to even getting out of the car. After about 2o minutes he did. We had an early Vietnamese food dinner and then walked to the PATH and got out on Christopher Street.

We strolled around Greenwich Village and then----

---up to the High Line.

Amazing views.

We had a special treat of a taxi ride to Jim’s office; after retrieving some items, it was back to the subway.

And back home on the PATH, after a good visit to the city, and hoping we can make it a habit again.