waking late, the answering machine message was the first bit of news. turning on the tv, I saw the bits of news coming in that haphazard way. obviously overwhelmed, nothing could really sink in until my sister called to see that I was ok. We spoke for no more than 30 seconds, as the tears began to stream down........ I spoke by phone to a good pal, who gave me some more info, and soon we decided we needed to check on other friends, and said we'd talk again later.... i had to get out of the house, and while I am way over east on the lower east side, just as soon as I got to Ave C, I could see the streams of people walking.

Barely any vehicular traffic, as I headed west, the pedestrian traffic got larger and larger....... mostly moving north, from downtown, of course, but a sizeable number going south..... when I got to the Bowery, I turned south, seeing the largest crowds walking up, and still smoke in the sky downtown. At one point, I saw a large, patient crowd, standing in front of a restaurant supply store - getting closer, I can see them handing out cups of water, and wet, cool rags, to everyone..... I began to cry again, I guess I needed to see something like that........ home again, I need to call relatives.........