revels

 The sun is coming inside at different angles. It makes me think of spring—even though we haven't rightly had winter yet—and revels. And to me, revels always involve other people.

And the other people this weekend were all from my life at LIFE magazine. Which makes me sorry for the journalists toiling away in their living rooms, interviewing by email and not ever getting to know one another. Or indeed any of the other young corporate types who will not be able to work together or have close, long-term work friendships. There's Barbara, who was a researcher and reporter at LIFE and Time. Across from me is Ed, who was a war correspondent at both of those magazines. And there's Ralph, who used to ship us all over the world.

The last meal I had OUT at a restaurant in New York City was in June, also with Ralph and another Time Inc friend. (Ralph knows everybody.) That time we got rained out, and had to gobble our food and run for cover. Restaurants in my neighborhood—those that have survived—have taken giant steps since in en plein air dining. This one had like a lean-to with electric heat lamps, and most distanced tables were filled. Other places have plastic pavilions, trees and tents. They have spread across sidewalks and into streets. It's awesome. If you're rich.

Barb in the lean-to. I had not seen her in the flesh for almost a year. She and I both had mussels, if you care. She told me to buy a down jacket on Amazon, which I did, and it already came. I figured if I'm going to eat OUT more frequently I may be needing it. Down booties too!

And then there are the ongoing indoor festivities at The Apartment of No Regrets. I see the usual suspects: Debby, Toby and Ed. And Donna has been a frequent visitor, coming up from TriBeCa for weekends once in a while to escape her beloved grandson and daughter. I met her at LIFE too. She's still a rabble rouser and a world-class carouser. But she works too.