I’ve just returned from Jersey, more or less intact. And let me tell ya, I’ve had quite enough of trains, planes and automobiles–subways, buses and taxis as well. Never-mind shopping and hauling overstuffed bags.

But don’t get me wrong, all in all it was an enjoyable visit. I got to see quite a few relatives for the first time since my cousin Shauna’s wedding, including Shauna’s brother Michael who is currently stationed in Japan. It was interesting to take stock of how much I had in common with these blood relations as well as how so very much we do not have in common.

My generation, which includes my Brother Andy, Shauna, Michael are all in business and management—except for me. Add in the various spouses as well as my mother and Aunt Pam and I stand the sole liberal. Well, Kip as well but he was unconscious for most of the trip do to his cold and sinus infection and so could not give me moral support. And actually I suspect Shauna and husband Jim are quietly lefties, but I was uninterested to probe the matter given earlier squabbles I had with others.

Actually, it was nice how relatively comfortable we all were together. We four cousins had an odd bit of bonding over how damn cold the Wisconsin lake water was even in July. Even more so during those early morning water skiing lessons our Grandfather Page insisted we take at ages eight to twelve. (Despite my utter lack of desire to water ski, I actually got quite good and even enjoyed it after a bit)

Mother treated Andy, his wife Heather, his daughter Jessica, Kip and I to the Christmas show at Radio City Music Hall—featuring the World Famous Rockettes. It’s odd, but despite the fact I grew up an hour outside of NYC, I never saw the Rockettes perform. And for me they were the highlight of the show—though the 3D effects of anaglyph animated film that began the show was pretty darn impressive. Beyond marveling at their precision in some incredibly complex routines, their musical numbers were quaintly archaic, very 1920s, which is when I imagine they got their start along with a gazillion other dance choruses.

Kip actually was too ill to go see that show but was thankfully well enough to go into NYC on Sunday to hook-up with Paul and Scott, as well as bop around old haunts, including Books of Wonder. We were also going to meet Julia, but unfortunately she had to cancel due to illness. Still we had fun tromping about lower Manhattan before meeting Scott and Paul for some very nice Tibetan food and conversation. We learned that the first 24 hour comic Paul ever did will be included in a forth coming collection of 24 hour comics which is just too cool. And Scott has finally found an acceptable job as a manger of a translation house—Scott got his college degree in Japanese.

So it was a good visit all in all. Had the undivided attention of a precious seven year-old for much of it, which was kinda fun and tiring. Ate way too much junk, and watched even more TV, a few months quota in a matter of days. Though Jessica did graciously reacquaint me with such Disney classics as Snow White, Cinderella and Mary Poppins.