I spent this last Saturday in a little town about 40 minutes north of the city called Ossining, at a barbecue for my friend Theresa’s birthday. Although they’ve lived there for about a year now, it was the first chance Vince and I had had to get up there. It’s a gorgeous train ride along the shore of the Hudson river, and they have a beautiful house that typifies (for me) American houses from the early 20th century (ie, it has siding). The best part for me was the back garden and barbecue – two things that are very rare beasts in New York City. But up in Westchester County, we were sitting in the yard with Jason’s epic grill fired up, dipping our toes in the paddling pool and drinking beer (I treated myself to a 6-pack of Bard’s) and very potent raspberry mojitos.

I did feel a little pang of jealousy at the space they had in their house – plus their own stairs – but I know I’d get easily frustrated living out of the city. Although I grew up in a town not too dissimilar to Ossining, in its suburb-ness, I love being closer to the action these days and wouldn’t want to give that up for good. Like most people, I’d love a place further out to escape to at weekends, but that’s third on the list after getting a flat in London and spending half my time there.

So instead, I’m going to invite myself over to their house to get my fill of the countryside (or at least a city kid’s version of the countryside). Starting next weekend, when we’re going riding (Harley-Davidson style) with Jason and Theresa. Time to dust off the bike helmets.