City Views, Country Dreams

Good afternoon from New York.

Yesterday, while out doing my Saturday morning errands, I noticed that another phase of the neighborhood street repaving was underway.

As the approaching midday sun began to heat up Broadway's surfacing, a team of yellow-green vested workers were freshening up the markings that we pedestrians are encouraged to use while crossing intersections.

While this fascinating striping was underway, the crosswalk path was barricaded, so we pedestrians had to take our chances, hoping that oncoming vehicles had drivers familiar with their vehicles' brakes.

In the above photograph you can see the delicate yellow caution tape that was stretched across the work site.

I was able to safely cross the street and continue on my way home.

This morning, I set out for a little neighborhood Sunday farmers market.  It was great to see the fruits of yesterday's laborers, indicating a safe pathway across Broadway.

Although I did not take a photograph of myself, let the record show that I was wearing a linen sweater featuring broad horizontal black and white stripes.

Perhaps I have always had a fondness for graphic design.  The next photo shows a view of the giant faux boulders and stony flower pots placed to protect pedestrians from danger while they wait for the flashing green Walk sign.

Having reached the safer side of the boulders, I took a photograph of a southern view, looking downtown at the space where Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue briefly mesh.  You can see that those stripe-painting fellows still have more cross walks to add.

I like the graphic design of the traffic sign posted on the traffic light.  It's definitely a tricky intersection that will benefit from fresh stripes.

I glanced down to see a charming chalk sign drawn on Broadway...presumably during a very quiet time of the day or evening.

Continuing on my way to the farmers market, I passed by an entrance way to the 72nd Street subway station, and was struck by the mix, or even jumble, of architecture on display.  You might also notice the stainless steel (perhaps) sculpture that resembles a room divider.

Here's a closer view of that sculpture.  I admit that I did not stop to read the little sign on the metal fencing.  The sign names the sculptor.  Perhaps I will take the time another time.

Passing by the other entrance way to the same subway station, I encounter Verdi Square.

This little patch of greenery is now very, very overgrown.  All the same, it's always good to have some shade trees.

The branches of these trees, surrounding the Museum of Natural History, were whooshing about in a welcome breeze.

Lots of hydrangeas, lilies and shrubbery are part of the plantings around the Museum.

Indeed, this green space is a designated city park.

There are lots of benches, and a dog walking space, too.

Finally reaching the farmers market, I glanced up to see more trees catching the breeze from the rooftop of a nearby building.

Most of the farmers seemed to be offering summer fruits, but at last I found a stand that also featured some vegetables.  I found perfectly ripe tomatoes, tender green beans and some beautiful zucchini.

Although I was tempted to buy some ears of corn, on this visit I was content to take a photograph of the ample supply of available corn.  You can also see the bushel baskets of corn waiting for ... I am not sure what ... at the curbside.

Perhaps those baskets had been set aside for a neighborhood restaurant that was going to send along a cab to pick them up.

There are often these sorts of little mysteries to be found amid daily city views.  Thank you all for your visits and comments.  It's a true pleasure to share a bit of this city with you, week by week.  
How is it possible that we have almost reached the end of July?