It was a more or less typical visit to the Castle 1526 today. Except for weekday traffic, which made total driving time more than actual steam-pipe time. Which gave the boys extra time for sleep -- my luck.

While packing the car to flee 38th Street I saw Mary standing by the curb; I went over to say hello. Otto was out with her -- looking exactly the same as ever, and I said hello to him. They were there to greet Annette, who herself was just getting into town, parallel parking... maybe for the first time in a while. It was like old times on 38th Street (except we're all older now, with situations more grim, and no time to sit around and bullshit).

We ate cake, the boys opened birthday gifts, and we philosophized wantonly.

Quote of the day: "Try that shit... I'll fuckin' bury you."

Alas, no shoe was slammed upon a U.N. lectern (though I always thought Vito could have been an excellent Politburo secretary).