here in Brooklyn..

I sit in the big library at Grand Army Plaza. First visited the Weeksville Center, looking for the Bric Biennielle that they have there. But the place was closed---very cold, nevertheless interesting just walking around the area---from Utica and Fulton to Buffalo and Bergen. A few really interesting bus trips that I should take that could show me more about that area---hope to have the time to do that. But there is so much to do. Tonight I am going to see Nabucco at the  Met---very anxious to hear this early Verdi (his third opera) piece. Essentially this will be my first time seeing it.
Yesterday, an interesting day---went down to Metrograph and saw Point Blank, the 1967 film directed by John Boorman and starring Lee Marvin. The movie has a cult following---a great reputation---I enjoyed it and found it engrossing, but was not overwhelmed by it. Lots of violence, though possibly justified---the first part of the movie takes place both in real time and flashbacks, this changes in the second part, which seems to be straight  narrative. I wonder if the producers panicked at the idea of too many flashbacks and insisted during production (or after an early screening) that the plot be clearer. Anyway, enjoyed my stay at Metrograph, despite the upuscale vibe of the dining room, every time I go there I feel more at home.
After that, went to La Flaca, very glad that I did, had a good talk with Bobby, my friend the owner (this is our seventeenth year of freindship, unbelievable)  and also some good interaction with Jim, the father of the boy friend of Sam, the bartender. We went over several topics, he seems to be a very open person. Maybe some more contact in the future. Bobby reinerated his invite for tomorrow night, will probably show up there at some point, though my plan is now to start off at South Fourth.  Last year I had a nice "mini-adventure" there between 10 and 11, maybe this will repeat itself this year.
After La Flaca, went to Elephant and Castle, a village restaurant without a TV (and no bar), so it is easy to read there. Had their tuna fish and guacamole sandwich; it is good, but $12.00 (actually $13.07 with the tax.) After the tip to waiter Tony, and very nice guy who knows me from the restaurant, it came to a little over $15.00. Wow! What is New York's future, if prices remain this high? We must discuss Commercial Rent Control in this election. Despite that, I returned home feeling upbeat---I had given myself a good day.
That is all for now...will report on the opera and other things tomorrow.