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18: “First Snowfall”
The first snowfall of the season came overnight while everyone slept. “Look, Mother, look out at the park and on the rooftops, everywhere there is snow,” Ali said excitedly. It looked absolutely magical to her. Caroline opened one eye and then the other, stumbling out of the sofa bed she slept on in the living room, and said “Well look at that, Honey, I didn’t know snow was in the forecast for last night.” Reynolds was already getting dressed and could hardly wait to go down stairs and start making some snowballs.
“Hold on Reynolds, give me a few minutes to open my eyes and make a little coffee before we get bundled up to go out there”. Caroline was raised in Wisconsin and had seen plenty of snow during her childhood. She was in no hurry to go out in the freezing weather. She made some oatmeal for Ali and Reynolds, as well as some coffee to warm her insides.
They stepped out on the sidewalk and a cold blast of wind hit them in the face. “Invigorating,” said Caroline as she pulled her coat tightly around her and turned up her collar. They began walking in the new fallen snow on the sidewalks and then carefully picked their way through the slushy streets where the cars and taxis were already melting the freshly fallen snow. They crossed 59th Street and entered the park. Ali and Reynolds were thrilled to traipse through the drifts of snow that had no footprints except perhaps of a squirrel or two. Their boots sank far down into the snow. Snow plopped down off the branches onto their heads. Caroline stood off in the distance on the walking path, lifting one foot then the other, trying to warm herself.
“It’s good to see you two playing together,” said Caroline. She lit up a cigarette while watching her children scamper about in their fascination with the snow-covered wonderland.
“Mother, look----I’m smoking too,” said Ali as she blew air out of her mouth into the cold air giving the impression of someone smoking. They frolicked all the way to the zoo which was also blanketed with snow.
“I’ll bet the penguins and seals love this weather, but the tigers are probably staying inside,” said their mother. The seals were indeed splashing about and enjoying themselves almost as much as Ali and Reynolds. After about an hour, everyone started shivering and Caroline said it was time to get home and warm up. Reynolds helped his mother hail a cab on 5th Avenue, and they gratefully huddled in the back of the warm cab while looking out the window and seeing how beautiful everything looked.
“The city is all covered in white which makes the taxi’s and traffic lights look even brighter and prettier,” Ali exclaimed, pressing her nose to the window in the backseat of the cab.
When they got home, Caroline decided to call her mother long distance in California and tell her about the snowfall. The kids sat at the table in the living room waiting to say a few words to their Grandma Agnes as well.
“Hello, Mother----guess what? It’s snowing in New York! It’s beautiful!” started Caroline. “Did you get the little heart-shaped photo of Ali and Reynolds I sent you? It says ”Always Thinking of You.”
“I’ll bet it’s as cold as all get out,” said Grandma Agnes adding, “Why haven’t you written me lately? I’ve got just one letter from you in two months, the one with that little photo of the kids. Why doesn’t Reynolds ever smile in his pictures? It’s like you guys just fell off the earth.”
Caroline rolled her eyes and shook her head at the kids who knew Grandma Agnes was probably going on about something she didn’t like. Caroline put the phone in between Reynolds and Ali’s head and they both shouted, “Hi Grandma----it’s snowing!” Grandma Agnes told them that she didn’t like show because she was raised in Illinois and that it would be too soon if she ever saw any more snow. California was the only place to live as far as she was concerned.
Caroline pulled the phone back and told her mother about the many things they had done in the last couple of months since they arrived in New York.
“And where’s George? You haven’t mentioned him,” said Grandma Agnes.
“He’s as busy as ever with the show,” said Caroline. She decided not to talk about the troubles she and George we’re experiencing.
“Well, Mom, I just wanted to say a quick hello and let you know we are safe and sound----long distance adds up you know---so I’ll write you a long newsy letter later. Bye.”
When Thanksgiving came, Caroline was feeling lonely and wasn’t in the mood to cook a big Thanksgiving meal in their tiny kitchen. As usual, George was not going to be available. He had commitments to the show he said.
“Well, kids, let’s go somewhere for Thanksgiving. Where shall we go?” she asked Ali and Reynolds.
“The Pizza Giant,” they both yelled which had become their favorite place for spaghetti and meatballs.
“Well, that’s not exactly what we usually have, but what the heck, the Pizza Giant it is,” said Caroline.
They walked five or six blocks to the restaurant on 9th Avenue and went inside. It was crowded and warm and merry. Perfect thought Caroline, it’s good to be around people who are enjoying themselves. Their usual waitress came up to them, wishing them a Happy Thanksgiving.
“And for you,” she said pointing at Ali, “spaghetti and meat balls and a Coke, right?”
“Yes” smiled Ali. It was nice that the lady remembered her.
“The same for me,” said Reynolds.
“I’ll have your oven broiled pork chops,” added Caroline.
“Coming right up,” responded the waitress.
“Here Reynolds, put a couple dimes in the machine and find some nice Christmas music----and not any loud stuff, OK?” Reynolds and Ali both made their way to the jukebox.
“She gave the dimes to me,” said Reynolds to his sister making it clear she would not participate in the selection. Ali shrugged her shoulders and went back to the table where she complained to her mother about Reynolds.
“It’s Thanksgiving, honey, can’t you two get along for even one day?” implored her mother. “Here’s two more dimes for you to put in, Ali.”
When the waitress went by, Caroline said, “And please bring me a big glass of red wine”. Pretty soon the room was filled with the Christmas song “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” to which Caroline said, “I’ll drink to that.” She raised her glass of wine and the kids raised their Coca-Colas up in the air and clinked glasses.