The evening that the pod left Newburgh, with all our worldly possessions, we were left wondering. Will our stuff get there ok? Did we do a good job packing? Are we nuts? Are we doing the right thing? Are we really doing this? Well, yes. We have set the wheels in motion, and we are off on an adventure. Right or wrong, this is it.

We were exhausted physically and emotionally. Our wonderful neighbor Cathie, was letting us stay with her until we would pack our car to finally depart. So we went to her house, took showers, and decided to go have a nice dinner out. We deserved it. Not knowing quite where to go, we got in the car and drove to the corner. Which way? I said “turn right and see where the car takes us”. Ahhhh. By mid block, the answer presented itself. The River Grill. A nice restaurant down at the waterfront. Overlooking the Hudson River. How apt. As I said when I left off last time, it had started to rain. Not hard. But how refreshing. It was still rather warm for this time of year, and the rain seemed nice.

We got down to the restaurant, and it was a little crowded. But the waiter took us out onto the deck area, that was now protected with plastic, and had nice tall heaters to keep us warm. It was enchanting. Not crowded out there, and very intimate. We got to watch the barges going up and down the river, the ferry going across to Beacon, and it was just so beautiful. So familiar. Our last time there? As we ordered dinner, then ate and talked, the rain got heavy and wind picked up. There was now a palpable edge. It was exciting. There was a real energy in the air. More rain. More wind. And then, the electricity went out. All up and down the river. Blackness! The other diners and Terry and I drew a collective breath. And then we all started laughing. I know I did. The waiters and the owner of the restaurant came out with candelabras, votives, and any candles they could find. Picture that! It was magical! It was a sign, that all the years we had lived here, invested in this city, was coming to an end. A beautiful end. All the wild energy, the ups and downs over the years, was presenting itself in this storm. It was right. It let us know that we were doing the right thing. A song came to mind. A Fleetwood Mac song. One where Stevie Nicks sings how “when the rain washes you clean you’ll know. You will know”. And I knew. We knew. This was the right thing to do.

We had a wonderful meal. We had a wonderful time in Newburgh. But it had run its course. It was time to go. We left the restaurant in the dark, laughing, and feeling good. Hopeful. Relieved.

Goodnight, Newburgh. Goodnight New York State.