Sunday, September 4, 2016

City Views, Country Dreams

Good afternoon from New York.

This the first September Sunday, which means tomorrow is September's first Monday, which is designated as Labor Day, an occasion to honor workers.  Current political office seekers may be marching in parades and giving speeches.    

The U.S. Tennis Open competition is underway.  The Arthur Ashe Stadium has debuted its new roof that can open and close.  It rained last week and the players and spectators discovered that the stadium is really noisy when the roof is closed.  Lots of hard surfaces for sounds to bounce off.  The rain on the roof sounded like heavy drumming.

A former hurricane named Hermine is blowing its way up the Atlantic coast.  We have been advised that the main concern to the NYC area will be along our shore lines.  Beaches are closed for this three day holiday.


During the past week, I had reason to take the crosstown 79th Street Bus.  This bus has a strange, but interesting and challenging route that requires skilled drivers.  These two photographs were taken while "my" east bound bus was stalled on West 81st Street.  This often happens due to double parked vehicles, icy streets, or road repairs.  Last week's excuse was road work.  I was glad to have my camera handy, so I could take a few pictures as the bus was allowed to slowly make its way past all sorts of equipment and red flag waving workers.  The bus driver was very patient.


Perhaps you can tell from the photos that tree leaves are beginning to change colors and that some branches are already looking bare.  I was very glad that I'd allowed plenty of time for that particular bus ride and was able to still have time to get to the library, and then take the subway downtown to meet a friend.  


These two pictures are close ups of some of my favorite old cushions that I made long ago.  Although the original fabric is beginning to wear out, I do not want to discard the cushions, and so I've been doing a helter skelter bit of embroidery and applying of patches. This is a relaxing technique to play with when the weather is way too warm for knitting with wool yarns.


In the recent slightly cooler days, I have also finished another pair of woolen mitts.


I'm in the early stages of another pair that will feature cool blue/ green and warm neutral colors.


More drawing and painting has also been underway.  The next photo is more of a doodle than a painting, but I wanted to explore a newly purchased watercolor tube of a color called Opera Rose.  I like the name very much


Sometimes when I take pictures and play with the computer's cropping tools, funny images appear, like the next one. I'd propped an open book against one of my needlepoint pillows.  When I saw the resulting photo, I thought it would be fun to disguise the picture's source.


The next photograph gives a better clue to the subject matter of this lovely book I have just checked out from the library.


I admire both William Morris and Mariano Fortuny, and also A.S. Byatt's writing, and thought I would mention this book in case some of you all might also be fans.


It's a small book, with many color pictures beautifully printed on heavy paper.  The book was manufactured in China.  I am going to read it slowly, to savor the experience.

Another pursuit that's been occupying my time is varying research with an eye to buying my very first smart phone.  I don't think I am a natural audience for these devices, but do recognize that I might find such a phone useful and even enjoyable to use.  

It is now the traditional back to school season, and so I am attempting a climb up this new learning curve.  I would welcome any comments you all might have to offer this novice either about the phones themselves, or about how to choose a data plan.

Meanwhile, thank you all for your visits to my previous post and your comments.  It's a pleasure to connect with you.

50 comments:

  1. Frances, I'm very traditional, and my phone is about 15 years old! It does nothing except make calls or text. I couldn't cope with the Smart phones!

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    1. Elizabeth, up until now, all I ever wanted a phone to do was to make and receive calls, like yours. It's a big step for me to be considering a smart phone. xo

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  2. I love those Minoan wall paintings. Have you seen them in the flesh? I too have been putting off getting a smart phone, but I don't know how long I can hold out.

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    1. So far, I've only seen pictures of the paintings of those dancers. Perhaps someday I will see where they actually dance.
      My current consideration of buying a smartphone may be considered a "tipping point" for the entire concept. Why now? Perhaps I am feeling left behind? No, that's not quite it. Maybe I just have more time now to discover how a smartphone might benefit me.

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  3. Frances I do so love your tours round various bits of your city, and it is also interesting to see your various bits of handwork, which are so beautifully executed. Hope the hurricane sticks to the coastline and doesn't trouble you too much.

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    1. It's now Labor Day morning Weaver, and the storm is now considered a cyclone, but is leaving us alone. Other parts of the Eastern Seaboard coast were not so lucky. Lots of beachfront areas have been somewhat rearranged.
      Thank you for those kind words! xo

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  4. I do so love the colours you put together for your knitted projects Frances. The mittens are delightful.
    I have a wonderful pack of William Morris fabric awaiting my attention to be turned into a quilt. The colours and designs are amazing so I want to wait until I have just the perfect idea of a layout to suit it.
    No ideas about Smart phones here I'm afraid....I am mobilephoneaphobic...ha,ha,ha.
    Hugs from The UK-x-

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    1. Thanks so much for your comment, Sheila. The mittens give me a good color playground!

      I'm sure you will be using the Wm Morris designs well. It must be fun to contemplate how you wish to use them. I've got my own growing collection of printed cotton fabrics, many of them from Liberty. When I get ready to begin some actual quilting, they will be ready and waiting.
      I do know what you mean about mobile phones. xo

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  5. Love the pillow fabrics and I'd have patched them too. Also love the colors you chose for the next pair. I am the least tech person on earth, but a smart phone will be like a computer with you all the time as basically, it is a small handheld computer. I think you will love one. I hear the iPhone 7 is going to be great and has the best camera ever.

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    1. Thanks so much, Donna, for the kind words and smartphone encouragement. Day before yesterday, I attended a free basic iPhone workshop at my neighborhood Apple shop. The teacher was excellent, and I made lots of notes, with paper and pen. I was the only one of the four attendees who did not have an iPhone to bring to the party. After the class, I mentioned to the teacher that I was waiting for 9/7 to compare the new model to the "6" and he said that was very wise. I promised to take the same class again once I had my own phone and we had a good laugh. xo

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  6. You may like a book by Jan Marsh, "William Morris and RED HOUSE". It's a beautiful guide to Red house, the home and it's interior, designed and lived in by William Morris and his family . Besides the house, the book is Full of interesting quotes and information about the artist, as well as many of his paintings and designs.

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    1. Jeri, thanks so much for the Wm Morris book reference. I do have several books about him and his designs, including Fiona MacCarthy's Morris bio. (One upon a time when I was taking a printed textile design course at Parsons, I actually joined the William Morris Society. Funny thing is, I have yet to visit any of his homes. Keep thinking ... next time I am over there. xo

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  7. Like you, I am thinking of investing in a smart phone as it's becoming increasing necessary just to keep up. I do like my little Nokia brick though - apparently it is now considered retro!

    I also enjoy reading AS Byatt's books, very different to her sister's, I think, although I did love Margaret Drabble's early novels. They were both brought up in my home town, so there is something of a bond there. I hadn't come across this lovely book though and I shall look out for it in second hand bookshops. William Morris is a great favourite, too.

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    1. Marianne, you and I will have to keep in touch with each other about how our phone quests proceed!
      How interesting that you grew up in the same town as the two writing sisters. I think I've probably read all that each of them has written, and agree that their writing is quite different. I've chatted with Margaret Drabble several times at book readings, and we actually exchanged correspondence about an Italian restaurant in London that we both liked very much because of the lovely couple who owned it.
      This new Byatt book has just been published over here by Knopf. Its original UK publisher was Chatto & Windus. I hope you are able to find a copy. xo

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    2. Frances, do let me know which one you decide upon - that would be very helpful.

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  8. Another lovely post segueing from one topic to another. And prompting me to hunt out more about that intriguing little book - where I found this insightful quote from the author:
    “I like looking at colours,” ... “It is always surprising how people don’t really look at things.”
    How very true that is.
    Thank you for sending me off to pastures new xx

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    1. Oh Celia, this post really was a wandering amongst many topics, wasn't it? I've left some info about the original UK publication of the Byatt book in my reply to Marianne, just above.
      It really is a gem of a book...right down to the typeface, Golden Cockerel, designed by Eric Gill.
      I have no doubt that you will enjoy the book!
      xo

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  9. I like the way you have salvaged your cushions by adding fabric pieces, the Japanese have a word for that I think, but it escapes me now. I have the most basic if phones but have an ipadmini which I can in my handbag. Smartphones and iPads allow Instagram, something I have been exploring, I think you would like it too being a very visual person. Batten down those hatches x

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    1. Val, I think the Japanese word is Boro. I am fascinated by all sorts of traditional Japanese textile techniques, and first learned of many of them via my Selvedge magazine subscription...a treat I give myself.
      I appreciate your smartphone info very much. Several folks have been telling me for years that I would enjoy Instagram; now that I am retired, I thought I might find time for it. The joke was on me...I seem to be busier than ever. xo

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  10. Sorry for all the typos in my comments, blame word recognition!

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  11. I just heard from my brother - who lives in Connecticut - that the storm has passed you by. Hope you can get out and enjoy the cooler weather.
    I balked at tv sets, computers, cell phones, and smart phones, but eventually gave in on all of them. I love my iphone, and I think you would find one very handy. I have an iphone 5, which so far works very well for me. It's so very easy to use. Good luck with your decision, Frances.

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    1. Thank you, Carol. The new 7 model will be introduced this week, and I am looking forward to its reviews. The 7's arrival will signal a price reduction of the 6.

      Watch this space. xo

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  12. Interesting post Frances. I love your experiment with the new tube of paint, just the sort of thing I would do, and I would also like the name just for the name's sake.

    I have a Samsung Galaxy A3 Smartphone. It is wonderful. It is easy to use, has a fantastic camera and, like it or not, it is a Google phone which in a Google world makes everything easy, like Instagram for instance. Everything is easy to set up and news at your fingertips wherever you are, if you want it. The A3 fits in my pocket although if you are not a "pocket only" person like me that feature may not be so important. Any Samsung would be good.

    I enjoy bus riding too, and if you are not in a hurry, traffic stops are not so bad and a chance to look around.

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    1. Rachel, how could I resist a Sennelier watercolor with the name Opera Rose? It is a pretty color and doesn't seem to duplicate any other shade in my paintbox.

      Thanks so much for the information about your experience with the Galaxy A3. I remember your writing about purchasing it, and that the feature that it fit in a pocket was a plus. Some time I will have to post a photo of the leather shoulder bag I take with me everywhere. I call it my portable safe! I've had it for several years and can still stand upright without tilting to the left. A good friend of mine also swears by Samsung.

      When I took my time off between the law firm job and the fashion retail adventure, I always walked or took the bus everywhere I wanted to go. I did not need the subway's speed and enjoyed ignoring it.

      Nowadays, I just use a blend of transport...foot, bus, and subway. Taxis do not tempt me. If I lived elsewhere, I know I would have to earn another driver's license and buy a car. It could happen...but not this year. xo

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  13. Dear Frances, all what you have been up to lately inspires me. I love your quilt patches and I love your doodle with the new watercolor. And the new knitting project! I was lucky to inherit one of EG's old Iphones and love it. Especially the ease of use of whatsapp, I get a picture or video of the little granddaughter daily at no cost :-). And can make free phonecalls and texts overseas or wherever, so handy. And i love its instant camera (very good quality as well) for when I have not my Nikon with me. You will love it, I am sure!

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    1. Bayou, you can tell how much I am continuing to enjoy retirement's freedom.
      What you write about whatsapp echoes what a good friend was telling me just last week. It sounds almost too good to be true.
      Only a couple of days before the the new iPhone is introduced. My research will get additional information on Wednesday.
      Thank you so very much for your informative help. I'll keep you posted. xo

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  14. I so enjoyed your wandering post today. Filled with interesting sights and things. Love the doodle with Opera Rose what a lovely name and color.
    I have a Samsung 5 with a pretty good camera. That is why I picked this one, the camera. As my fingers get less and less useful the small phone camera is just fine for me. I can not lift my arms for any length of time above my shoulders so the small light phone is great for me. Once the Samsung 7 battery stops blowing up I will be getting one. I know a true camera would be better for my photos but this works for me. I do not use it like my children do but it works great for me.
    Arthritis, fibromyalgia and Valley Fever have take a toll on my body. I use my phone like my computer

    cheers, parsnip and thehamish

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    1. Dear Parsnip, I'm glad you liked this post. It did have a wide variety of topics.
      Thanks so much for your Samsung 5 information. It's so good that its lightweight gives you more opportunity to take photos. You already know from my comments how much I do like those photographs! Yes, let's hope that Samsung gets that battery issue solved!
      xo to you and thehamish

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  15. Beautiful colours Frances! I use my bicycle around here, haven't used it for a while though. I also like to look at buildings, balconies, nature; all beautiful things that attract my attention. I also love people-watching; I wish I could take picture of some of the beautiful characters I see.
    Greetings Maria x

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    1. Dear Maria, this post is a good example of my wanting to put up a new post, but not feeling like I had anything to show and tell. It's often like that for me, so usually I just load up a collection of recent photographs, taken either around town or around my little apartment. Then I just start typing a running commentary, without thinking too much about what will result. Sometimes this simple method has a pleasing result!
      I do wish I could see pictures of those beautiful characters you've seen. People watching can be fascinating...better than television or movies. xo

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  16. I have all but abandoned my bulky camera for the iPhone and find it light and convenient. The only trouble is that being a Japanese model it has a loud artificial shutter clicking noise which it is not possible to turn off - it is a legal requirement in Japan that phone cameras should be audible. If the next model has an even better camera and can be silent, I will be very tempted. I'm glad the hurricane didn't discommode you. I had no word of it from my man on the spot!

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    1. Dear Lucille, your photography is wonderful...I think your excellent eye is the reason. I also thank you so much for your iPhone information. I remember your mentioning its "shutter" sound before, and find it so interesting that Japan requires it.
      While other parts of the East Coast were affected by Hermine, we had a gorgeous three-day weekend, even if the beaches were closed to protect potential swimmers from dangerous rip tides.
      xo

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  17. You are really making the most of your retirement! I can't help you with the smartphone quest as I don't have one. I am amazed at what excellent pictures they take,

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    1. Vicki, let me once again congratulate you on the fabulous news from your agent! I am already setting aside some "future time" to read this new book.
      Retirement really is all that I was hoping it would be. I expect to discover more and more interests and have more adventures.
      This smartphone endeavor is an example of giving something a try...something I felt I had no use for. As you know from the preparation you've done for your books, research can be a very interesting journey that can take you to new, unexpected destinations. xo

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  18. Frances, thank you for reminding me about the pillow case. I am so pleased you have it and use it still.

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  19. Dear Francis I always enjoy me visits to you and reading about your wonderful city.... It's such a good idea to restore your cushions and I do recognise some of your fabrics! Your mitts are lovely...love the colours....and I have a smartphone and like all things technical wouldn't want to be without it now...biggest plus.. very time saving for me...;-)
    Susan x

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    1. Susan, autumn is a great time to explore the city, and so I hope to post many more blogs in the weeks to come.
      I loved those Laura Ashley fabrics and did want to "keep the cushions going." (I actually still have some scraps left from some of the original 1970s LA fabrics bought on my first London visit.)
      I find that mitts are a good format for playing with color.
      Thank you for the smartphone encouragement. My first job was as a computer programmer at AT&T, so in a way I am looking forward to exploring the possibilities that somehow fit into such a tine piece of equipment. xo

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  20. Dear Frances, I recognise those Laura Ashley fabrics in your cushions as I had exactly the same in the first bedroom I ever decorated. I love the strong red in your mitts... They look stunning.
    As for smartphones... Yes I have one and recently upgraded to an iPhone but I really don't understand how it works half the time

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    1. Gina, I love that particular range of Laura Ashley fabrics and made quite a few items from it. Now I'm in preservation mode! In many ways.
      Red is a favorite color...there are so many shades, and many other colors work well in a mix. Just like a bouquet.
      Maybe we will be able to advance each other's full iPhone employment/deployment. I will keep you posted. If you ever have a chance to sit in on an iPhone workshop at an Apple shop, like the one I attended last Saturday, I think you would like it. The basic one I attended was free! xo

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  21. Dear Frances, You have been a very busy lady. I love your embroidery on your patchwork pillows. Makes them extra special.
    I am also looking forward to seeing what you will add into your Etsy shop. I especially love your knitted creations. Being a knitter myself I truly appreciate the expertise you bring to your style of knitting.

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    1. Dear Gina, thank you for your compliments. I love all sorts of textile experimenting. I once had a beautiful black camel hair coat that I didn't want to give up when its lining wore out. I had a tailor make a new lining...and then when that lining began to deteriorate, I began making decorative patching in silk fabrics, stitched together with silk thread like a crazy quilt. I did eventually have to give that coat to a thrift shop and I hope someone admired its eccentricity.
      Still knitting away here...while watching some US Open tennis matches. xo

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  22. Love the pictures you take as you go around the City, and how you describe details of real life there so well. Your mitts are beautiful, such pretty patterns and colours. And what a great way to prolong the life of your lovely cushions...I have some of the trellis fabric somewhere still from curtains we once had! Good luck with choosing your smartphone....I'm afraid I leave all that stuff to my hb so can't be of any help! Wishing you a very happy weekend, dear Frances.
    Helen xox

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    1. Helen, it's fun for me to be able to share the down-to-earth (or -sidewalk) aspects of city life. There is plenty of rushing around in various parts of New York, but for now I will leave that reporting to others.

      i also enjoy playing around with "creative" mending. Maybe all this stitching is my warm up exercise before actually making a paper pieced quilt.

      Earlier today, I dropped by my former workplace, to ask my former colleagues about their own smartphone views. Each one had something different to offer, so I continue to learn quite a bit.
      Happy weekend to you, too! Every day is like a weekend day to me now. Joy! xo

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  23. My computer is on a go slow today and isn't loading some of your photos - which is very frustrating! I shall have to pop back again when it plays! Cx

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    1. Sorry your computer is performing slowly, Chris. Come back for a visit anything...always grand to see you. xo

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  24. Hi Frances! Great pictures and I would love reading that book...interesting!
    Have a beautiful weekend now take care.
    Love from Titti

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    1. Thank you, Titti. Do try to have a look at the beautiful, interesting book. It was published in the UK before its USA publication.
      Happy Weekend! xo

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