MB Meets World

Day 1. I was late, no surprise, to pick up my Uncle Brian Grant (Lori’s dad) in Inwood, but I had been calling him along the way so he wouldn’t be surprised by that.  While most Grants, including me, are typically late (my dad would get in the shower for a New Year’s Eve party at 11:50!), Uncle Brian was beyond punctual, using the mantra, “If you aren’t 15 minutes early, you’re late!”

Once collected, Uncle Brian and I drove through NYC traffic (!) to meet up with my cousin Debbie Grant Kessinger (from Atlanta) and her daughter Isa (who goes to Princeton) in mid-town.  Gulp.  NYC traffic. We only kept them waiting an hour-ish . . .  But as we drove, Uncle Brian complimented my NYC driving.  Complimented. My. Driving.  In NYC.  He’s a life-long New Yorker and former limo driver.  I can die happy now. 

My night out in NYC was attending the 75th birthday party of my cousin Pat Latona. Pat’s mom, my Aunt Stasia, and my Nana (Aunt Nonie to others), were sisters.  Two of the seven siblings in the tight-knit Quinn family. Nana was my only grandparent born in the States, so growing up we were close to the whole extended family.  Pat is fun and fierce, sassy and spiritual. I have really enjoyed getting to know her better the last few years!

My drink of choice? A bourbon Manhattan.  And each cousin there said, “A nice Manhattan, like Aunt Nonie!”  Yes, it was in her honor.