Sunning…on the Long Island Rail Road
photo credit: Emma Rose Photos
Yesterday, I began #5 on the Donkee Do list – visit the folks more in Long Island. This weekend is one of those longed for long weekends, so I decided to hop on the train and head east.
I must admit that the trip on the Long Island Rail Road was really pleasant yesterday. It calmed me rather than agitate me – like it normally does. For three reasons, mainly:
1. I went to the Forest Hills station rather than the Jamaica station. The Forest Hills station is about a 10 minute walk for me (I’m slow) and made for a fantastic stroll in the beautiful sun and warmer weather we had yesterday. A relaxing 10 minute stroll versus the brief 3 stop subway ride on the E, then scrambling up to the Jamaica LIRR platform and wait in line to buy a LIRR ticket with usually just one machine working and the line 15 people deep…I’ll take the sunny and leisurely stroll anytime.
2. I gave myself plenty of time. Once I got to the train station, I purchased my LIRR ticket (no line AND the machine was working!), I settled down in a sunny spot and waited. A little windy, but I like a bit of a chill, so it was refreshingly, to say the least. During my 15 minute wait, it was so invigorating to look out onto Station Square with the brick roads and historical buildings rather than the perpetually grey Jamaica station steel…
Here is Station Square:
Here is Jamaica LIRR station:
You see what I’m talking about? Not that Jamaica station is bad in any way…it’s actually one of the best taken care and best looking stations (big, airy, clean, etc.), but compared with a quaint village-like square with the sun shining and birds chirping….
3. Got on the train and sat in one of the window seats. The sun was shining bright in my face. I didn’t have sunglasses and if I had looked out the window toward the sun, my retinas would have evaporated. So I just closed my eyes or closed them most of the way and enjoyed the sun’s blast. My head was getting all warm and I was getting all relaxed..I started to think that this MUST be why cats and dogs love to just lie around in any sunny spot and chill or pass out. Your head is warm and cozy, your face is warm and cozy, you’re slouched or splayed out any which way that is comfortable and just watching the world go by. You’re the warm and relaxed observer of all else crazy and chaotic. I LIKED my train ride A LOT.
Then, of course, I got off the train and met up with the folks and the crazy and chaos ensued fifty six fold…FAMILY FUN!
