At 3AM, the alarm sounded. What a ungodly hour. A little before 5AM Mela and I were on our way to get her 91 year-old dad, Americo, so we could catch our 7AM flight to New York Thursday morning to see our nephew and Americo’s grandson, Chris, get married to a beautiful young gal named Kayla that coming Saturday

Manuevering through the Sacramento, Chicago and La Guardia Airports as well the two flights were relatively uneventful but there was bit of a luggage hiccup at the tale end but that is a story best told over drinks.

Having arrived at our hotel in Central Islip on Long Island we soon realized it was between nothing and no where. Mind you it was perfectly acceptable accommodations and was the hotel for family and guests for the wedding and a shuttle had been arranged for the day of the wedding.

However, we had flown in a day early (just in case) and needed to amuse ourselves on Friday other than watching the grass grow in Cetral Islip. As it turns out Rick (as in Wednesday with Rick for those that have been following along) and his significant other, Dympna, had toured New York City with a driver, Ivan, the previous day.

We’re in luck. Ivan is available from Noon until 6. The five of us piled into the air conditioned GMC Yukon and we were off. Apparently there are wineries on Long Island so we kind of had a plan. We set off for Harmony Vineyards and enjoyed the view from the air conditioned comfort of our Yukon. The A/C was much needed given the humidity. Sadly, Harmony was closed. They opened at 5PM. What winery does that?

Fortunately, Rick who was in the front seat had seen a sign for pizza, pasta and pastries. Apparently, the three key words for Italians. After all, I was with the Fratarcangeli’s. We had satiated our appetite at Rocco’s pizza. I had a slice of the chicken parmesan and margarita pizza. Delicious. But the pastry place next door was not up to snuff. But we were not deterred. Thank goodness for google. We were soon at Premier Pastry at an upscale outdoor mall. I can’t say for certain but I think they closed shortly after Rick made his purchase having exceeded their sales quota for the day. Now we need wine.

Paumanok Winery had a beautiful setting with an outdoor patio and vineryards that seemingly went on for ever. Rick purchased a bottle of Cab Franc and we proceeded to the patio to enjoy to enjoy our purchase. While perfectly acceptable we did all declare that we are spoiled Californians when it comes to wine.

Having consumed the wine we escaped the hot humid air in the confines of our air conditioned Yukon where Ivan awaited our arrival. Pizza and wine. It was now clearly time for pastries while we made our way to the next winery. More specifically, canoli. eclairs and I believe sfogliatella. Bottom line. Delicious.

In short order we were at Laurel Lake Vineyards. We settled on a chilled Sauvignon Blanc given the increasing temperautre and humidity of the day. We drank, relaxed and laughed. It was now time to meander back. We had 6:15 dinner reservations at a seafood restaurant on the water, and were meeting some extended family of the Fratarcangeli’s that lived on Long Island.

We arrived at Nicky’s (what a great name-just sayin’) at the appointed time and it was time to say good bye to Ivan. The company, drinks, food and setting could not have been better. Frankly, the waiter left a little bit to be desired. But, as I sipped my 14 year old single malt while the sunset I reflected on the day. Our mis-adventures on Long Island could not have provided for a better day.

Just to clarify. Still hate cancer. Still miss my eye.

Stay strong. Be kind. Be humble & God Bless!