In '04 at Tarrytown, John Karlen seemed, to me, much more relaxed and happy to be there than he did this year in Brooklyn. I got the impression he was "going thru the motions" this time around. I know his sense of humor can be acerbic....but it isn't usually grumpy.
I have no idea what the old man's problem was this year. He stopped me in the hotel lobby on my way for a butt break and insisted I walk with him. He was jovial, talked about current events, his past, family crap, and what have you. We came upon a water fountain beside the farmer's market and he insisted I take a drink. He held the water on for me and naturally turned it off when I bent down for a sip. You never know with John. He's as unpredictable as maple syrup in the spring. Anyhow, it was nice to see the old man. And by the by, he is as wicked as I am. Good luck, kids!