In a New York state of mind with aching feet

FROM KEITH GROLLER

Survived my New York trip on Thursday.

Survival is the right word.

I love that city. I always say that if you don't feel alive in New York City, well, you're probably dead.

But I was dead on my feet by the end of last night. Did more walking yesterday than I probably have in a month. Maybe two. (I certainly didn't have the energy to join the ice skaters at Central Park, above).

Walked around the South Street Seaport, then after a bus ride across town -- I walked around Central Park where a pigeon -- playing the role of the seagulls who usually get me at the shore -- forced a change of sweaters. It could have been worse. I didn't get it in the head, just in the shoulder. Maybe some disgruntled Morning Call reader paid him off. Kind of marred -- or shall I say, stained -- what was supposed to be a romantic carriage ride with my wife through Central Park.

Once that mess was cleaned up, it was back to hoofing it all of the way from Central Park to Madison Square Garden with a bunch of stops along the way -- expensive stops like at FAO Schwarz, Macy's etc. Bad combo -- having a wife, with Easter presents to buy, in New York City. A bermuda triangle of financial disaster.

She stopped in to see the inside of St.Patrick's Cathedral, but I think I am the one who could have used a prayer for our financial well-being.



First-time ever in Macy's. What a huge store. Nothing like the one at the Lehigh Valley Mall. That's a minature version compared to the one in NYC.

Finally, it was on to Madison Square Garden for the NIT title game and I love the college atmosphere. Love the pep bands, love the cheerleaders, love the roar of the fans. Much better atmosphere than at a pro game.

In case you missed it, Dayton beat North Carolina and I liked that, too.

Seeing the festive atmosphere, I again was reminded how stupid it is that the PIAA prohibits pep bands, and tries to legislate all of the spirit out of the building during the district and state playoffs. And then they wonder why crowds are down drastically.

All in all, a good day and I thank the Catty people -- especially boys basketball coach Eric Snyder who handles all the details with perfection -- for having me and my wife along for the ride, even if I came back much poorer and with a lot more aches and pains.

FROM KEITH GROLLER