Sunday, July 10, 2016

City Views, Country Dreams

Good evening from New York.

We are now into deep summer in the city.  It is hot and it is humid.  Continuing my celebration of retirement, I am delighted not to have to ride the subway except when I really want to.  The train cars are chilled by air conditioning, but the subway station platforms are very hot.  The loudspeaker systems broadcasts warnings to passengers of possible heat-related stress.  I always take along some sort of card in my tote bag that will serve as a fan.



Above ground, we have had some rain and so leafy greenery and grasses are flourishing.  The above trio of Upper West Side brownstone houses show off a mid-summer wreath of wisteria vines.

Central Park is very overgrown, but lingering there is not so pleasant in the current weather.  I actually chose to miss last Thursday's Broadway Show League's Thursday softball game in favor of going downtown to have my brilliant hair stylist scissor off my crazy grown out hair.  I am back in precision bob land again.  It is good to feel the occasional breeze on the back of my neck.

Even in this heat, with the help of my apartment's cross ventilation and the three speeds of my trusty Vornado fan, I've been doing some embroidery and some knitting.  I've made several gifts for friends, some using cotton yarn and some using wool.  The fair isle mitts in the following picture may eventually be added to my etsy shop.  I am working on another pair now in a different color way.


As a lazy bones, I've also been watching tennis at Wimbledon, Le Tour de France all over scenic France and even some international football championship games.


Seeing these positive athletic achievements, and those of nature's summer feast of green growth has provided positive alternatives to recent news stories.  There is much being reported by the media every day about horror that people are inflicting on people.  Lies that people are telling, arguments that people are provoking.  Not just in this country but also around the world.

I continue to try to do my tiny part in the cosmos by being kind, trying to be thoughtful and caring for other people.  Trying to understand points of view that differ from my own.

I wonder what part the hot weather plays in the current atmosphere?


Perhaps those of you who grow your own produce will be amused by this series of photographs of a tiny fenced-in triangular sliver that is designated Sherman Square.  It is not a square.  It is officially a city park area.  This year, it does not seem to be receiving much care from city gardeners.


On the Broadway side of Sherman Square, trucks from Fresh Direct, an on-line grocery ordering service, park and unload their orders for customers from the immediate area.  There truly does not seem to be much either fresh or direct about the process, but each delivery does seem to have a certain ironic content. 


A few blocks downtown on Broadway is another little triangle where a mini version of a farmers market is set up several days each week.  I have shown you all photographs from this space before.

During the summer, free concerts are being held in the midday sun here each week.  The music is fine, there are chairs and tables for folks to have their lunches while listening to the music.  I cannot imagine how hot the musicians must get during their performances.


All the same, it's a great idea.  Also available at the little farmers market are some beautiful freshly cut flowers.


More reasons to be cheerful.


 Other reasons to be cheerful are the visits you all make to these posts and the lovely comments you write.  I continue to think that the blogging community is a very positive place.  

Let's continue to celebrate all that connects us and explore our differences, keeping open the possibility of learning from each other.

Happy Summer!

53 comments:

  1. Though the heat sounds terrible, the city does look pretty. Those flowers were gorgeous. Your quite an artist with the knitting needles Frances. Glad you are keeping busy with the heat. Not a lot I can do outside these days. Let's hope for the occasional clouds.

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    1. Donna, I am thrilled to report that last evening some cooler air reached us. it's so very welcome!

      Thank you for the kind words re the knitting...playing around with colors is so much fun...you never quite know how any project will turn out. xo

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  2. It is so hot here that I could not take a walk like you did. Just bright sunshine and heat. Even with water plants are wilting.
    Your photos were lovely today as always. The Pop-up Farmers Market looks wonderful.

    cheers, parsnip and thehamish

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    1. Parsnip, your dessert heat makes our heat and humidity seem mild. I am so glad to be able to manage most of the summer with cross ventilation. When it gets really hot for a series of days, I take refuges at the Met or the Museum of Modern Art. Lots to see, places to sit, even some places to have a sip or a bite to eat. And...as a member, I have free admission. xo

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  3. The flowers at the farmers' market look so cheery!

    Well it's certainly not the heat that's causing the friction over here. I can't recall such political chaos - but those older than me remind me that we've sorted out worse.

    I love your yarn colour combinations, sounds like you're enjoying the more relaxed lifestyle. I have my own chaotic distractions to deal with so haven't watched any of the tennis of Tour de France, and only a few moments of the footie.

    Stay cool xx

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    1. Dear Celia, those sunflowers were tremendous, bigger than dinner plates! The snapdragons were just adorable and scene stealers in their own colorful way. (Lots of knitting inspiration there from both types of blooms.)

      Your own busy days result in such wonderful art, never ever indicating any chaos along their route.

      I've seen the latest UK political news this morning that indicates May will soon be PM.

      Our current political stuff does not inspire me. xo

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  4. Oh so lovely pictures...a nice walk again! Well Frances, about golf, its not really my thing hi hi but I shall give it a try :)
    Have a beautiful day!
    Titti

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    1. Titti, I am smiling at you with a golf swing...perhaps we might be granted a photograph? Please. xo

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  5. So so good to read about you making the very most of summer in the city. A short summer haircut is a wonderful pick-me-up. Also I love your positive spin on life. I think it is so important to enjoy every day for what it is.

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    1. Thanks Sarah for your visit and comment. I'm happy that we are on the same page. xo

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  6. I think the world is a vile place at the moment but as you say we must all do our bit to inject some kindness and thoughtfulness.
    Not much chance for walking out much here with the constant rain. I don't know what has happened to our summer.
    Hugs from The UK-x-

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    1. Yes, Sheila, it's good if we can still find positive energy to share. Gosh, I imagine that everything must look sooo green over your way after all that rain. Sometimes it is fun to have a walk in the rain...but not every day. xo

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  7. I am all for that Frances - learning feom each other.
    How do the folk see who live in that wisteria house?
    How could anyone resist those pink snapdragons?

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    1. Weaver, i was wondering the same thing about those house window that were covered with wisteria leaves. I suspect the building, like most (but not all) around here, is divided up into apartments. It might also have a very green, small garden in back. We could use our imagination and write a story about the inhabitants? And find a way to bring snapdragons into the plot. xo

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  8. I think that our part of the continent used up its quotient of summer heat in May and early June, as we have had cool and foggy weather for the last two weeks or more. I had high hopes for tomatoes, but I fear that without some real heat I will not have any at all.
    The mittens are beautiful, Frances. I can imagine that they would make one smile each time they were put on. A bright rainbow in the grey of winter out here.Every little bit of light, joy, kindness helps in our troubled world, and you are certainly doing your share!

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    1. Dear Pondside, I am crossing my fingers that sun might return...at least long enough to get those tomatoes ripened.

      Thank you so much for that last sentence. I've learned lots about generosity of spirit from you over our blogging years. xo

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  9. Your beautiful knitted mitts go perfectly with those pink snapdragons. I can almost feel that east coast humid heat when I look at your photos. But I'm glad to read that your positive attitude can rise above the weather and the troubles of the world. It's always a good day for me when I can read a new post by you, Frances. Thanks! xo

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    1. Carol, I began knitting those mitts back in spring when the leaves were that soft "new" green, and crocus and hyacinths and fruit trees were in bloom. Yet, when I saw those snapdragons at the market, I also thought they shared some hues with the mitts.
      I appreciate your comment so much. xo

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  10. Dear Frances,
    As one who is also wrestling emotionally with the country's troubles right now, I deeply appreciate this post. I've been "working" daily on my tolerance & kindness and will copy out some of your gentle words into my journal. Remember when "practice random acts of kindness and commit senseless acts of beauty" was a pop phrase? It's still relevant, imo. Thank you Frances for being out there for us. And oh! The beauty of Carol G's lavender photos & watercolor drafts. Stay optimistic, dear Frances. We got through 1968, after all! We'll get through this.
    Best wishes,
    Diane in Denver

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    1. Thank you so much Diane for sharing your thoughts and kind words in this comment.
      I also agree with you about Carol's beautiful watercolors...aren't her Paris Breakfasts posts wonderful gifts to the rest of us?
      xo

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  11. I love your fair isle knit.Such gorgeous colours.Fair Isle is something I keep promising myself that I will do.
    Living in Wales we were thrilled with our team getting to the semi finals of Euro 2016 and doubly thrilled when Andy Murray won Wimbledon.WE need some good news as politics in the UK at the moment are chaotic to say the least!

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    1. I did see some of the Wales match. Bravo to your countrymen.
      I wish that our elections over here were not so drawn out and so funded by huge funding, some of it the Dark Money that Jane Mayer wrote about.
      While I do try to keep a positive attitude, I also want to keep myself informed...even when it hurts.

      xo

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  12. Lunchtime concerts are so refreshing.

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    1. Elizabeth, there are many, many musicians living in NYC. Some are students, some are huge stars, some are session musicians or back-up singers, and some just play wherever and whenever they can...be it classical, jazz, pop, rock...whatever. Some of my favorites are those who bring music underground, whether in stations on in the cars themselves.

      xo

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  13. I like to see the photos of New York; there is so much green there if you look for it as you show in your photographs. I am pleased you are enjoying the Tour de France as one of your sporting interludes each day. Life gets better if we let it. Rachelx

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    1. Rachel, I must remember to take my camera with me more often. There are so many photo ops all over the place. My efforts barely scratch the surface.

      Thank you for your tempting me to have a look at Le Tour, via your fabulous, witty drawings.
      I completely agree with your final sentence. Let's keep the gate open. xo

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  14. Dear Frances,
    Your lovely blog is a good antidote to the current confusion and horrors in our world.
    Yes, we must practice compassion which is sometimes so very hard for all of us.
    Glad you had your hair trimmed. I'm sure it's both literally and figuratively COOL!
    x

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    1. Thank you Elizabeth! I am wondering if perhaps actually it's the practicing that make compassion a bit easier. See you soon. xo

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  15. Both weather victims then,you and I .I read you latest just after putting up a weather fuelled post myself.

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    1. Angela, I am so glad that you visited and left a comment. I grew up in Virginia where conversation about the weather was an art in itself. Your posts are grand...promise to leave a comment over there soon.

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    2. Thanks for the comment.
      Want to play detective?

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  16. the flowers look so pretty and I enjoy all your city scenes! How hot is it there?

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    1. The past few days have been somewhat milder...in the 70s or low 80s F...would that be about 35 C?
      However by week's end, the forecast is for a return to the upper 80s and 90s. So, I will enjoy the current refreshing pause. xo

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  17. What a cheering post Frances. I'm finding it hard to imagine real heat as once more I sit at the computer dressed for winter under grey skies. I believe the jet stream is to blame, being 200 miles south of where it would normally be at this time of year - if there is such a thing as normal anymore. A good hair cut is such a spirit lifter and I remember yours as being particularly sharp so it must be good to have that put to rights again.

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    1. Dear Lucille, I believe you are right about the old jet stream. The pattern really does seem to get set in place sometimes, while normal seems to be on the move.

      Thanks for the kind hair compliment, which I return to you! xo

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  18. Dear Frances! I also think that Blogland is a positive place - that's why I feel so well here. It fills me up with energy and nice emotions every time I stop by, especially when I meet dear people, as close to my heart as real friends are (you are one of them).:)
    We live in a very special moment – when peace, that several generations have taken for granted, is threatened in many ways. I do hope that we will overcome that period led by the strong moral values and the belief that the reward for making good is a better world and a happy future for everyone…
    This post of yours is so special, just as you are!:) xx

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    1. Yes, Rossichka, let's keep our good energy strong, and keep on sharing it. I will always be grateful to dear Gretel for introducing us to each other via her fabulous posts.

      (Those mitts were really fun to knit. The ones I am making now are in very different colors.)

      Happy Summer! xo

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  19. Oh, the mitts are fantastic - so cheerful!

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  20. A cheerful positive post, filled with things to appreciate and enjoy. Your mittens are so pretty, I love the colours. The lunchtime concerts are a really lovely summer treat, I know I would enjoy them. Such pretty flowers, they are always good for bringing cheer. It is a sad old world sometimes but we must keep on striving to be happy. Wishing you a great week dear Frances.
    Helen xox

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    1. Helen, your posts are always filled with light and joy, and encouragement to the rest of us to create something that will also bring joy.

      I received a lovely thank you note today from a friend for the baby sweater I knit for her soon to arrive daughter. Her words touched me, and now I want to knit that daughter some more sweaters in the coming seasons.

      The mitts I showed you all were such fun to do. More are currently underway..

      There is much about our daily lives to celebrate. xo

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  21. It's certainly a troubling and puzzling time with so much anger and hurt in the world and your post is a tonic to read - and a reminder that there is still kindness and beauty to be found. CX

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    1. Chris, thank you so much for this comment. I love your choice of the word "tonic!" Yes, there is so much kindness and beauty in our world...and isn't it grand to share it with others? xo

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  22. We are suffering a bit with the heat too -- inside, with fans in every room, we do fine but outside after ten am is like a warm wet wash rag in the face. I love the colors in the Fair Isle mitts!

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    1. Vicki, I know what you mean about that warm wet wash rag! Even the slightest breeze outdoors is so very welcome. It's when the humid air is still that makes me most uncomfortable.

      Thanks for the kind mitt words. xo

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  23. Hi Frances, I've managed to borrow husbands computer to catch up with friends and, as always, you do not disappoint. AH, those pink snapdragons! The wisteria climbing the brownstone is as promiscuous as ours, which is trying to engulf the porch roof. Our heat and humidity is overbearing, I spend my time under a fan on the porch, painting, rather than weeding. As always, I love your knitting colors on the mitties.

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    1. Jeri, I appreciate your taking the time to visit. This was sort of a kitchen sink summer post, little bit of everything thrown in.

      The snapdragons were truly magnificent!

      The heat and humidity...not so much. I keep reminding myself that July is usually the hottest NYC month, and even it doesn't stay this hot for too long. Hoping that history will remain true.

      xo

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  24. I think we all need to keep looking for reasons to be cheerful Frances... Which seems an excellent reason to stop by your blog and catch up with your life in NY. Those pretty mitts would cheer up anyone who saw them xx

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    1. Thanks so much, Gina. Every day does present us with opportunities of joy...small or large. I try to count my blessings while also keeping a realistic eye open.
      xo

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  25. That house i being " hugged" by that climber
    How wonderful

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    1. The wisteria's embrace has been growing for years. I just kept forgetting to have my camera along when walking down that block.

      It is funny, isn't it! Best wishes.

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  26. Dear Frances, thank you for the sweet comment at Rachel's :)
    I do believe in kindness, I come across it every day and, as you say, we must all do our small part in it.
    Lot of sad things are happening around the world but when I see a pretty flower, the sun shine, people go about with their everyday chores or see pregnant mothers, then my hopes for the future are positive.
    It is extremely hot here too but my apartment is ventilated and cool (not air conditioning) so I am coping fine with it.
    Your blog is lovely and you allow us to "visit" your beautiful city! My son and his family was there on holiday in July last year.
    Greetings Maria x

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    1. Dear Maria, I appreciate your visit and comment so very much!

      Sometimes I post new blogs frequently, and sometimes I become a lazy blogger. One of the best parts about blogging is that it can be whatever one wishes.

      Hoping you will visit again. Perhaps your son and his family will recognize some of the places in my past posts.
      Best wishes. xo

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  27. Hi Frances!
    Thanks for your always so sweet comment and about the goats, well I guess most goats are friendly, very social too! Also the sheeps here are very friendly, the often says "hello" to you every morning when you are going get the newspaper...of course, the big ram is not so kind! He dont like people and can be very grumpy :)
    Have a lovely week now Frances! Maybe you can buy a goat and take it for some beautiful walks in Green Park hi hi...
    Hug, Titti

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