Saturday, February 28, 2015

City Views, Country Dreams

Good afternoon from New York.

It is the final day of the coldest February that I have ever experienced.  Other parts of the country have received more snow, but we have had unrelenting cold.  The sun may shine, but does not always guarantee warmth.

This morning I headed out to take care of some errands.  I took the subway up to West 79th Street to catch the crosstown bus over to the East Side.  As I neared the bus stop, the traffic lights changed and it was all go for the bus, leaving me at the curb.  


In the foreground of these blue-skied photographs is a standard upon which is affixed a bus route map and timetable.  Unfortunately, the icy slope around the base of the standard prevented my being able to read the schedule.  The ice is not pretty, but is very effective.


Eventually, another bus did arrive and it was so good to step into the well-heated vehicle.  The bus driver was wearing a cardigan jacket in his enclosed compartment.

I accomplished my East Side errand and had better luck with my return ride home.

Many more than my usual number of hours have been spent indoors during February.  I thought I would show you a few photos of the knitting I completed during the chilly month.


Perhaps some of you have seen the color test provided by that striped dress that took the Internet by storm this week.  My version of the color question appears in these three pictures.


I would say that in differing light, and against differing shades of clothing and background, each photograph does show the heathered rosy shade of this Kate Davies design accurately.


I would encourage those of you who have not before visited Kate's site to do so.  You are in for a multi-textured treat.

I have now added another welcome pair of hand knit woolly socks to my collection.  It's great to have socks that truly fit my feet.


Once again, I am showing two pictures to indicate how differently colors may appear in different contexts.  I also thought you might be amused by the trunk that I painted back in the 1960s.


During my house- or apartment-bound weeks, I've made more soup than in any prior month, and done a lot of reading.  I read half of two books, Peter Carey's Amnesia, and Esther Freud's Mr. Mac and Me, before their respective library due dates arrived.  I returned those books to the library and put my name back on the reserve request list.   

During this morning's errand run, I checked out another new book with a one-week loan limit, Kazuo Ishiburo's The Buried Giant.  I have been looking forward to borrowing the book, having enjoyed his novels from the beginning of his career.

This week's Book Review section of The New York Times features a front page Neil Gaiman review of The Buried Giant.  I will try to complete the book itself before reading this review. 



Although I greatly enjoy walking around New York, and exploring neighborhoods other than my own, I'll admit that during this particular February, I have been reminded of the pleasures of being somewhat housebound.  Amongst these pleasures has been the opportunity to visit many other folks' blogs, and to read and reply to the comments that you all have left for me here.  Many thanks.

Let us hope that tomorrow's forecast snow, sleet and rain will mark the end of a long weather pattern.  I am eager to get back to walking in Central Park, and seeing what Spring signals I may find.

48 comments:

  1. Frances, you have made good use of the cold winter weather to snuggle inside and knit, knit, knit. The socks and scarf are gorgeous! Your feet must be very happy feet!
    As you know, our winter experience this year was far different from yours. I wish I could blow a little of our mild breeze your way to melt that ice.
    Thank you for the book recommendation. I find I am moved to read a little more these days and, like you, have books reserved through the library.

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    1. Thank you, Pondside, for the knitting compliment and also for the kind words about warm breezes.

      Aren't libraries wonderful! xo

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  2. Lovely hand-knitting Frances - and such a pretty colour. I am glad to see that most of the snow has gone from NYC, although those dirty, icy clumps are so unsightly and take such a long time to disappear if the weather is cold don't they?
    Yesterday, at a table top sale, I bought Paul Theroux's 'Dark Star Safari' about his solo journey from Cairo to Cape Town. It was a cold, windy day here and I got really engrossed in the book sitting in front of the wood burner.

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    1. Thank you for your comment...I do love to knit, and was taught by my great auntie almost 60 years ago. I have some of her needles and actually used some of the double points to make the socks.

      Yes, those thick and ugly icy build ups won't leave until the temperature rises a lot.

      Your Theroux book sounds interesting. I'll put it on my list. Reading near a wood burner seems about perfect.

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  3. I read an excerpt from Ishiguro's new book yesterday. I found it compelling, as ever, but also quite confusing. I'd love to know what you think.
    What a lovely scarf, such pretty colours.

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    1. Elizabeth, I will start reading The Buried Giant on my subway commute to work today. I promise to give you my impressions.

      It's great fun to play around with colors in my knitting. xo

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  4. Yes, the cold has become beyond beastly and boring.....
    so glad that knitting, reading and soup-making provide some comfort. Very wholesome activities.
    It's MARCH - maybe things will improve? Here's hoping!

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    1. March has never been quite so welcome! Let's hope that we see some weather above 40 F soon. I miss the farmers market and meeting you for tea.

      xo

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  5. Frances:

    I typically lurk but decided to let you know today how much I love your blog, your writer's voice (so distinctive, rather restrained and elegant) and your observations on the City.

    I used to live very near that Gray's Papaya and feel quite nostalgic as I read and look at your lovely pis of New York.

    Your knitting is stunning, but that raspberry shawl particularly catches my eye.

    The only thing I'd ask from you is post more often...we all so enjoy hearing from you.

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    1. Thank you, Annie, for leaving your comment.

      I promise to try to post more often. You might already be aware about the plans for the "Gray's" corner...little by little leases are not being renewed, and apparently eventually another tall building is going to go up to complete the transformation of that intersection since I've been living in the neighborhood. I'll update as info is available.

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  6. I am sure you must be heartily sick of the cold by now. It is quite alarming to hear of the experiences of East coast dwellers and the huge volumes of snow and freezing temperatures. It makes me wonder if we are on the brink of a new ice age. I do hope not. Your knitting radiates warmth, now I need to follow your link. x

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    1. I wonder about that ice age bit myself, Val. For the past year or so, one of our major tv networks, ABC, has regularly featured some sort of national weather manifestation as its leading news story.

      xo

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  7. I am also eagerly awaiting the new book.You have been busy in the cold weather.Do you listen to the radio,watch Tv while you are knitting?I went on to Kate Davies's website but couldn't find the shawl/scarf pattern and it looks lovely design.Perhaps it is one of the books.Hope you get into Central Park soon.Barbara

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    1. Barbara, I do sometimes listen/watch tv or listen to BBC London Radio via the computer while knitting. Sort of depends on how complicated my project is!
      The shawl I just finished is a pattern called A Hap For Harriet. If you cannot find it over on Kate's site, you can also see it on www.ravelry.com...just do a search for Kate Davies. It's a very clear pattern, pretty easy to follow.

      xo

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  8. Hello Frances,

    Well, you have certainly not been idle during your housebound days and nights. The shawl is wonderful. Such an intricate pattern and a charming colour, you really can knit so skilfully! You turn yarn into a work of art.

    It must, however, be wearing thin for you not to be out and about. There is always such a joy about your posts of urban adventures encountered on your walks in the neighbourhood. The thaw must be soon and we cannot wait for more adventurous tales!

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    1. Well Jane and Lance, after yesterday's additional snow, we had excellent (if noisy) overnight snow plow and sidewalk clearing activities, so once again we are restored to those massive snow/ice hills at the curbs.

      However...today we might actually experience warming up to 40 F (around 5 C?) We city folks will celebrate outdoors! xo

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  9. How different your winter is from our mild UK climate! At least here in the East we only have occasional cold spells. Your shawl is so fine, I can imagine it looks extremely chic worn with grey or black.
    I have recalled seeing the book cover lettering somewhere - it was on a friend from art college's tweet https://twitter.com/neiljgower/status/568396708574584832 he's a very talented chap!

    C xx

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    1. Celia, I do like the sound of your milder climate! Thank you so much for the knitting compliment, and also for the link to Neil Gower. I also had a look at his web site...yes, he is indeed a very talented chap. It was amazing to see the page from the moleskin book. Wow. Seems to me that you art college has had lots of very talented folks...including you! xo

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  10. Love your knitting. I'm doing a very simple ribbed snood from the Purl Bee website. I generally prefer crochet but felt like doing a little knitting. I have never done any lacey knitting. Perhaps I should. I save knitting as a treat at the moment, a chance to unwind at the end of the day, as my studying hots up. Love that trunk!

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    1. Thank you so much, Katharine. Isn't knitting/crochet amazing with its unlimited possibilities, loop by loop. Do give lace knitting a go.

      That trunk makes me smile every day. xo

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  11. Hello Frances,
    The cold really can make us feel quite miserable, you seem to have had such a long spell with such a dip in the temperature. I think you are very wise to stay indoors and enjoy reading and knitting. The knitting looks wonderful, beautiful colours and so cheery and warm. The socks are such a good fit and look so cosy.
    We have had snow today and it is bittery cold. After a short walk I was glad to return home to the fire.
    Keep warm and take care. X


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    1. Milly, it's now Monday morning, and lots of last night's additional snow has been cleared away. A strong wind is blowing, and I think it might be bringing us warmer air for the afternoon. Hope so...because I have the day off and want to take a walk! xo

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  12. Hi Frances, The most bitter cold I ever felt was in New York; "straight to the bone" cold. We've been snowed in for a week, in the southeast, but I love to hibernate and enjoy stews and soups we normally don't cook.Your scarf is simply beautiful, the colors and the filigree are so feminine and delicate. I would like to learn to knit, if only to make my own socks; love those socks!

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    1. Jeri, I think that you all have actually gotten more snow than we have. It is that bitter cold with wind that has kept me indoors.

      I think you would enjoy learning to knit your own socks...and they also make great gifts. My trusty sock pattern book is Ann Budd's "Knitting Socks." Her instructions and advice are very clear, and the book includes instructions for many different yarn guages.

      xo

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  13. Oh, I completely understand how bored and tired you are feeling by this long February weeks, Frances. It's tiresome in a way to "fight" with the cold weather and the discomfort it brings, isn't it?... But from the other side it was such a nice opportunity (as you notice) to spend more cozy days at home, paying attention to the activities that please you. And your knitting proves it in a perfect way - I like the new one, as well as everything else you've shown us up so far! I like the colours that you choose - always bright and fresh!:)
    I wish you a warm March, full of walks and spring wonders that wait for you to discover them!

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    1. Rossichka, I so appreciate your kind words. Yes, even tough winter weather can have a positive side.

      Now that we've turned the calendar page over to March I am impatient for a warming trend...just an additional 5 or 10 degrees would be so welcome!

      xo

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  14. Thank you for your encouraging comments on my blogspot, they keep me going ! Those are seriously funky socks but I am intrigued by the trunk... May March start to blow some warm winds your way. X

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    1. Sally, I do love your writing and would encourage other folks who might visit here to have a look over at your page, too.

      It's fun to knit vari-colored socks...and actually easier to keep count of the rows, too. That old trunk is a dear friend. Inside it are some 1960/70s clothes that I saved as memory joggers.

      Lots of strong March winds blowing this morning...and I have hopes that the afternoon will be warmer, and walking will be tempting. xo

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  15. Fingers crossed your weather is greatly improved dear Frances. Here we have blue skies, biting winds and flurries of snow that thankfully don't stick.

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    1. Annie, please do keep those fingers crossed (when you are not using them for some of that amazing natural dying.)

      This afternoon may actually be warmer...40 F, perhaps. But...more snow and sleet are foretold for tomorrow.

      How greatful we will be when actual Spring warmth arrives and brave little green leaves begin to appear. There might be dancing in the streets!
      xo

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  16. I remember those bright blue skies and sub-zero temperatures from our visit... but it wasn't as cold as what you're experiencing now. Gosh, your handiwork is so clever - I do admire your creativity and patience! Cx

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    1. Yes, this really is the coldest span of days I think I have ever experienced.

      I think that we switch over to Daylight Savings Time this weekend...another sign of spring waiting in the wings.

      Thanks for your compliments! xo

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  17. I wish you luck with that 9the last sentence of your delightful post).

    Although there is plenty of life low on the ground round here it is still bitterly cold, with a very nasty lazy wind, which goes right through you. I make short-lived forays into the garden but am always driven back in quite quickly.

    Your scarf is utterly beautiful. Such delicate work.

    Stay in until you can safely go out again, Central Park will still be there, waiting for you to chronicle its progress.

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    1. It was grand to have some brilliant sunshine today, Friko, even if the air was still chilly. The wind kept up at a great pace all day, so I did decide to let Central Park wait another day for me.

      Best wishes to you and yours...hoping Millie is doing well. xo

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  18. Wishing you warmer and more clement weather Frances, although you have certainly made good use of your time indoors. The colour and style of your shawl are both stunning.

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    1. I do appreciate your wishes, Gina, but can you believe it...we are due more snow this afternoon (Tuesday) and then more on Thursday?

      Good grief. xo

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  19. Were did my comment go, Frances??? I am so in awe of your knitting wonders, really great art that is. Just back from a trip to Bristol, we might be winning the race Frances :-)

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    1. Bayou, I cannot solve the "case of the missing comment." It's always grand to hear from you and I thank you so much for your kind compliment.

      More snow due today and again on Thursday. Those snowplows are getting a real workout. Lots of potholes in the roads. Joy.

      Still, spring grows closer. xo

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  20. Always so lovely to take a look at your beautiful blog Frances! Hope you having a happy week and take care now,
    Titti
    Psst...love the socks!

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    1. Thanks, Titti. Yes, those socks guarantee happy feet. xo

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  21. That pink scarf is exquisite. Do you manage to keep your hands warm enough for knitting? We are at last emerging into spring like weather with temperatures well up into the high 50s being promised by the weekend. I do hope some of this blows your way too. But in the meantime there's a lot of ice mountain to melt. The last time I saw that was in London in 1963. I wasn't very old so perhaps the kerbside piles seemed higher than they actually were!

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    1. Lucille, usually my apartment seems overheated, and I don't even need to have a wood jumper on. During the current chill, I wouldn't call it overheated, but it's still plenty warm enough for knitting.

      After yesterday's snow and snowplowing, those curbside drifts have gained height. New snow is due tomorrow. Strangely warm today...over 40 F.

      xo

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  22. That scarf is gorgeous! I'd call it raspberry. And I love the painted trunk!

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  23. Yes, Vicki, it is sort of raspberry-ish. The trunk has different designs on two of its other sides, too.

    More snow underway here this morning, with snowplows coming through every hour or so. Not as calm as your mountains and valleys, but still rather beautiful. I'm glad to have had this as a scheduled day off from work. xo

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  24. Hi Frances,
    Love the colour of the scarf and your knitting is as always tremendous! The socks are so cute and that trunk brings me back to the hippie era! Great that you still have it.
    Have a wonderful weekend my dear!
    xoxo Ingrid

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    1. Thank you so much, Ingrid. Today we turned our clocks forward an hour for Daylight Savings Time, and the weather is celebrating with temps in the mid 40s F. Hooray! xo

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  25. You have endured so much ice and snow and freezing temperatures this winter.....I do hope spring comes to you soon and some warmth again. You have been busy though with so much beautiful knitting......your shawl is gorgeous and very elegant, and your stripy socks look so cosy!
    Wishing you a happy March, dear Frances.
    Helen xox

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    1. Yes, Helen, we did have a tough winter...but those folks up in Boston have really gotten the prize for snowy cold weather.

      Thanks so much for your compliments about my knitting, too. xo

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