How to surprise Mr. Michael? I buzzed his entry buzzer, and when he said hello, I treated him to the traditional family tune of the day: “Birthday” by the Beatles. After a few seconds, the tone of his voice changed from gruff New Yorker to excited kid, and he raced downstairs with arms open wide for his mama. We had a fun day, following some of his original plans: sushi for lunch, checking out new phones, then walking all through the Museum of Modern Art. Crowded, but some incredible and really weird art. Then back to his apartment to rest a little and prep for dinner with Stacey, Jeff and Jake. Uh oh, the buzzer rings again, who could that be? Surprise again! It’s grandma! After only a moment, Michael recovers from the surprise and the chagrin that his apartment doesn’t look like the house cleaner just left and we all are chattering away. Start off walking to dinner, which affords Marilyn and Debi a moment each to duck into cute little boutiques, but then we check the time, hop into a cab, and are whisked over to the meatpacking district to walk into a hip Asian restaurant for our repast. We end up in our own little room, comfortably ensconced on sofas and pillows as we read most of the menu out loud (as is my family’s style) and ponder the multitude of choices. Vindaloo? Dumplings? Curry? Pad Thai? Spicy or no? Michael declares he has chosen the best appetizer and entree, so I’m very happy. Walk the Highline with everyone after dinner, then we hug and kiss the family goodbye, and Michael and I head to the Plunge bar on the rooftop of the Gaansvoort hotel. Pretty cool, great view and breeze, but jammed, and, well, it’s a bar scene. After we enjoy our cocktails, we depart for the L train, and back to Michael’s little house on the prairie, I mean the East Village. Into bed and off to dreamland. Home tomorrow for me, and a welcome destination, as it’s about time to recharge my body, for sure!