You would think that a man of a certain age (which technically means anyone of any age but in my case means old) would “know better”. Better than what we do not know, which is typical for someone of my certain age.

We’re in NY City, and it’s Saturday night.  It is also 40 degrees, and it is raining. Not particularly hard but still raining.  After being cooped up in a plane and airport all day, I’m thinking that a quick walk is in order. My wife, being smarter than I, declines.

As a point of reference, we’re staying in a hotel about 1 block from 30 Rock (“block the rock” as they, meaning no one ever, has said). Typically, the entire population of Bangladesh populates the area, blanketing it in a hazy state of tourism. But tonight, although the city may not sleep it is certainly smart enough to not be puddling through the streets of Manhattan.

It actually is quite nice this way.  The lights are shining off buildings, pavement, no bike cabs trying to run you over, there’s not anyone trying to sell you Louis Vuitton bags for $20 (but I swear they’re authentic), and it’s quiet. Not even a lot of traffic, by which I mean the death-taxis of NYC.

So, when I come up to the Rock I see something that I’ve never seen before. The plaza is empty. Wow.  I descend into the plaza, walk right up to the famous fountain and take this picture.

But, as we have ascertained, I “should have known better.” As I realize why the plaza is empty, I accidentally shot this picture.

It is a bit difficult to see, but if you look closely, you will see that I am standing in a pond of 40-degree water.

You see, there is this thing called gravity.  Since it is the law, water must obey it and flow downhill onto the granite patio. So, whereas all the other tourists are somewhere warm drinking hot toddies with their friend Jan I am sitting in my now sodden tennis shoes risking frostbite.

Was it worth it?  Heck yes.

Did my wife agree? Heck No. After all, she knows better.