Big Apple Day 2

Before we moved near the crowd

We woke up early on Thursday - but not early enough we found out when we arrived at 30 Rock, where people gather to watch the Today Show cast shoot the show. We arrived about 7 a.m. and the "happening" end of the outdoor filming area was packed full of people - some of them Cyclone fans. We tried standing at the far end of the blocked off area, where we had a clear line of sight to the filming area - but a kindly security guy told us they wouldn't be filming down there. So we scrunched towards the throng of people.

Matt looks cold too

Crazy Grecian Formula Saints Fan

It was COLD! I was glad I packed my Cyclone snuggie in my backpack, and wore my Cuddle Duds. Even so, I quickly began to shiver. Bobbie is always looking to get a better spot - she soon began to scootch towards the filming area. Paul said there was room by Bobbie and Jeff, so we moved near them, behind some guys with goofy New Orleans Saints hats on. When it was finally time for the stars to come out, Stephanie Abrams from the Weather Channel (filling in for Al Roker - who was in Cal prepping for the Rose Bowl Parade gig) made like a bee for the Saints dudes. First they went to Matt Lauer - and when the weather came on, there was my face - complete with my Cyclone Santa hat - in the camera shot. It was so funny! All to quickly, my 3 seconds of fame were over. The stars scrambled for their warm studio and we headed into the Rockefeller Building for coffee and heat! Diana and Donnie had been at the Fox morning show - so we sipped java and awaited their arrival.

Next we walked past Radio City - and had to do a few high kicks (as high as we can), and a few more photo ops. We hopped on a Grey Line tour bus to see the city sights. Wall Street, Battery Park, Times Square and more - we sat in an enclosed bubble on the top of the bus. In the late afternoon, it was Cyclone Time - meeting just off Times Square at O'Lunney's. Conovers were already there - they had spent the day at an art museum, skipping the bus tour since they've been in the city before. The Irish bar made a mean Lemondrop Martini I must say! We had a nachos, but no meal and decided to move on to the other ISU Fan gathering place, Tonic. It was a mob scene walking through the Square.

Lemondrop at O'Lunneys

Do I look a little wound up? Notice beer on table...

Second floor of Tonic was a rocking Cyclone haven - and we were lucky enough to snag a table. There were nice young folks at the table next to us - including a first year teacher at Creston Elementary! Small world. We ended up running into this group all around NYC. The youngsters ordered some type of large beer delivery system with a spigot - so by-golly, we oldsters needed one, or two of those as well! You get the picture. We made friends we everyone near us, talking for a long while to a guy from Marion that knew our old pal Bob Fitzpatrick, RIP. Cyclone QBs Bret Meyer and Austin Arnaud were there. Jeff Johnson. It was crazy! Wisely, the Conovers decided we needed to eat. McKims and McFees stayed at the bar. We ate 5-Brothers burgers - best meal I had all week! Then we walked the 14 blocks back to the hotel. Good for clearing the head.

I love this pic of Paul - no not Ryan McKim behind us...

Jeff, Bobbie, Diana and Donnie ended up taking a taxi home. Jeff was feeling a bit wobbly - and the trash bags that often line MY streets were looking so soft and comfy. They ate at the McDs by our hotel (it got an A from the food patrol). During that time Don found a homeless woman walking a dog. The woman told him she was an artist who had fallen on bad times. Softee that he is, Donnie ended up giving her good advice and a bit of cash. I hope she listened - he's got a good head on his shoulders, that guy.

Nobody felt too bad the next day - surprising. We were wise to eat! Day 2 was fun from beginning to end.