April 30th is less cause for celebration that usual.

I mean, usually, there is a ton to celebrate on this day because well, it's funkyplaid's birthday & all. (Happy birthday sweetheart! Many happy returns!) Also, there are a ton of birthdays coming up in the next week. It's spring. The Astoria Beer Garden has re-opened.

But this year, today also marks the departure from New York City of my all-time favorite cousin. katieledge is taking flight for England, moving back to London. London - you better treat her right!

I like to say that I am the type of person that doesn't know a whole lot of stuff, but I usually know who to ask about various topics. I keep a mental Rolodex of experts on every topic imaginable. But but but, NOW who's going to be my Gotham-based go-to girl for the following subjects:

• making a proper cup of tea ("the very essence of Englishness!");
  
• the yarn type, cable design, & relative quality of every sweater I see;
  
• the wondrous (rumored) benefits of yoga;
  
• the location of Panna II, the Parker Meridien Hotel, & all the other NYC landmarks whose locations refuse to stick in my memory;
  
• the bizarre standard features of the Ledgerwood Male;
  
• differences between English & American slang;
  
• the crucial importance of having ample toilet paper supplies in the house at all times (we think this concern is somehow genetic);
  
• proper protocols for being an Internet lurker;
  
• who should fetch the Saturday morning bagels, and when;
  
• the twists & turns of Battlestar Galactica (ok, hotpantsgalore can fill this role);
  
• dealing with a world that is simply not as efficiently organized as it could be; &,
  
• generally being my friend & confidante & wonderful cousin.

Best of luck to you, Kate, but remember: we would welcome you back in a New York minute! Visit anytime!