Friday, March 3, 2017

City Views, Country Dreams

Good evening from New York.

As February has given the stage over to March, I would like to thank all of you who have left comments on my prior post, and to present a bit of a catch up.

After the February snow was cleared away, our weather warmed up, and it was a pleasure to take some walks in Central Park.


Not many flowers besides snowdrops and aconites were blooming.


On Sunday afternoons it was fun to observe international fashions while strolling along a pathway by the lake.  Ducks swam in the lake.  


Meanwhile, I'd also been knitting, keeping up with current news developments, conferring with friends, calling and writing to my elected governmental officials, and participating in rallies and marches.  Those of you all who visit my instagram page will be able to see a video I filmed at a rally a few weeks ago.

Last Sunday, I participated in a rally and march to honor Freedom of the Press.  The rally began at the HQ of the New York Times, and then the group continued over to the Fox Network's News Corporation building and then walked over to NBC's Rockefeller Center HQ.  

Each of the rallies in which I have participated have been friendly gatherings.  When I left last Sunday's demonstration, I decided to walk home.  It was a sunshiny day and I enjoy walking.


Fate intervened.  I stumbled on an uneven patch of sidewalk and had a hard fall. My forehead struck the sidewalk with a sound I will always remember.  My right hand struck metal grating that delivered a two inch laceration to my right hand.  I am thankful to be left-handed and to be able to type this post.  Gentlemen working at a nearby Halal food cart immediately came to my assistance.  They helped me up, poured bottled water over my bleeding finger, wrapped that finger in a mass of paper napkins, and flagged down a taxi that took me to the emergency room of Mount Sinai Roosevelt Hospital.


My hand was x-rayed, treated and sewn together with eight neat stitches.  My poor noggin received a CAT scan.  It was determined that it was safe for me to go home.  And so I did, via another cab.


Since then, I have been quite a homebody, taking required antibiotics, regularly applying my friendly ice pack, and changing the bandage on my finger every morning.  I visited my primary care doctor on Tuesday, and will see a "hand specialist" doctor on Monday.  It has been so weird to watch the migration of colors across my face.  Sort of Francis Bacon meets Lucian Freud.

The actual pain has been minimal, and I took only one of the prescribed pain relief tablets.  My friends have rallied to my assistance, yet so far I have found I'm able to handle my reduced daily requirements.  On Wednesday, March 1, I began this year's Lenten chocolate fast.

I found an old, long unused, pair of large black sunglasses that I've been wearing whenever I leave my apartment...even to check my mailbox in the building's lobby.  Would not want to frighten my fellow tenants.  The building staff have been very helpful to me


A few weeks ago, I bought a large pot of hyacinth bulbs, and it has been a comforting pleasure to watch the flowers come into full bloom, bringing their delicate scent.  Today I snipped off the final two stems, and placed them in this pretty little cup, given to me some years ago by two artist friends.  I think this picture is a happy image with which to end this post.

I'm greatly looking forward to regaining full use of my right hand, and to setting aside my ice pack.  I miss reading, drawing, knitting, but am still able to keep track of developing news.

Again, many thanks to you all for your visits and comments. I hope to be catching up on your recent posts very soon.

78 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness...! I'm so sorry that happened to you! I gasped when I saw the bruises. You poor thing. I wish I lived close by and could help you out. Take care of yourself. 💓

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    1. Thank you Jennifer. It is so good to be gradually feeling better. xo

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  2. Do take care Frances. I am sorry you fell.

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    1. Thanks Rachel for the kind words. Hoping to be able to type with ten fingers soon! xo

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  3. Oh my goodness! You did indeed come a cropper. I hope the bruises are soon fading and you continue to recover well. I'm so glad there were some Good Samaritans who came to your aid and your friends and neighbours are on hand. Xx

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    1. Thanks Celia. Yes, my friends have been great...actually that is true of everyone I've encountered since my tumble. There are many kind folks in our world. xo

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  4. You certainly did take a hard tumble, but I'm glad that you're not in too much pain. Hope you get the hand sorted soon. My closest friend here in the UK had a similar mishap with a gate the other day and is also sporting an impressive black eye. I do hope you're not both setting a trend! Take care. X

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    1. Winnie, I agree in hoping I'm not part of any injury trend. Better to be part of a recovery trend! xo

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  5. Good grief....that was some fall.
    So nice to read that people have been kind and helpful to you.
    Take care and I hope you recover soon.
    Hugs from The UK-x-

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    1. Yes, Sheila, it was definitely a Good Grief moment or two. Great to be feeling less fragile each day. Thank you. xo

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  6. What a dreadful fall. At least you did no damage to your head! I too have fallen, backwards, and still remember the crack of my head hitting the road. Heads are very strong thank goodness.
    The bruising is terrible.
    Look after yourself!!

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    1. Yes, it's comforting to know that we are hard-headed! I am definitely taking it easy. xo

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  7. Frances, how awful for you, that must have been such a shock. Take care and rest a lot till you really feel well again. What a good thing the helpful people were nearby.

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    1. It was indeed a shock, Elizabeth. I felt such relief when I entered the hospital doors...knowing I have good insurance plans. xo

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  8. My god, Frances - that was a really bad fall. You must have been in some shock. These things can be as much an emotional as a physical knock - I do hope you are okay and beginning to recover. How good to know that helpful people were immediately on hand. Sending you my warmest wishes and thoughts xxx

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    1. Thank you, dear Karen. What you describe is very true. It's grand to be reminded of how kind people can be, xo

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  9. Well! Interesting that you can document your color-scape as an art work! It looks horribly painful.
    Gosh!
    So looking forward to catching up with you in person when you feel up to it.
    Going to be a chilly one today, I fear.

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    1. Elizabeth, I am actually thinking of doing some drawings from the various photographs I've taken since my return from the hospital Truly, my hand has been the painful part.
      It will be grand to see you. Today's below freezing weather will be like a total ice pack experience if I do venture out! xo

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  10. Dear Frances, The picture of your swollen face was not expected. I could tell from your conversation that you took a very nasty spill but had no idea how really very hurt you are.
    A head injury like yours is something that needs constant vigil until you are better.
    Please take good care of yourself. Love, Gina

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    1. Gina, maybe I should have saved that photo for Halloween! Promising to take care. xo

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  11. A mighty blow! Trump won't miss you for a bit; we'll work on getting Sessions to resign, now that he's recused himself. The the r's; recuse, resign, retire.
    Take care and be better soon.

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    1. Thanks Joanne...Please take over from me for a while. I can still write and call the Rep and Senators. xo

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  12. Oh Francis, I do hope you are keeping a good watch for any problems/differences with such a bad head trauma. Very dangerous. Hand surgeon? Did they think you might have cut the tendon? Terrible. So, so sorry. Big hug and kiss. Keep us posted. You've got to get back out as Trump has unleashed more crazy tweets overnight.

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    1. Donna, I'm following the doctors' advice...am feeling much better, and have reached the "impatient" patient stage.
      The emergency room doctor wanted me to see the hand specialist because he was concerned about his own stitching skills. Guess I will know more on Monday afternoon.
      Yes, DT is back to the Saturday a,m, tweets.
      xo

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    2. See my response to your comment on my blog. I laughed, then started to worry. Were you teasing me?

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    3. I've left you a reply ... eventually will send you a proper email. xo

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  13. Good on you for attendine the demonstration but oh, my, your poor face! So glad it wasn't worse and that you had good help at once.

    That first photo with the striking division of blue sky and white cloud is wonderful!

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    1. Thank you Vicki! Now, like you, I have an awareness of how quickly an accident can occur!
      xo

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  14. Oh my dear, dear Frances, I was shocked to see those bruises on your face! I shudder at the thought that it could have been worse, like a broken nose or broken teeth, even if a head trauma is not to underestimate the least either! Also having the use of only one hand must be very frustrating for you who knits and is very arty! I am so sorry, Frances, and I wish you a quick recovery. Get well soon.
    Greetings Maria x

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    1. Thank you so very much for your concern and kind wishes, Maria. I am very thankful that my injuries were not more severe. And...more aware that accidents do happen! I'm gradually returning to my own version of normal. xo

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  15. Oh my goodness, Frances - what a shock to see those bruises all over your face. Although you say that the pain isn't as bad as the bruising looks, I'm sure that your whole body went into shock and that takes time to recover from, leaving you lethargic and shaky.
    Please rest as much as possible, stay warm, eat and drink healthily and really look after yourself. Gentle (((((hugs))))) my friend - get well soon. - Rosemary xxx

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    1. Rosemary, I really appreciate your comment. Truly, I was feeling much better a day after my fall. Just being able to have a shower, wash my hair and change that bandage to something less confining made a huge difference.
      I've definitely kept a lower than usual profile, but feel stronger each day. I even made chicken soup today! xo

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  16. Oh, dear Frances! What a bad accident! It just proves that no one knows what could happen to him in the next moment! I hope it's really not that painful! You are lucky to have met those good fellows and to have your friends around! I wish you a quick recovery, hope you could use your hand sooner than expected! I had a similar experience about 10 days ago, but one wounded finger and two blue-brownish knees cannot compare to your face...�� Be strong and don't lose courage!xxx
    P.S. I think I will never again walk that pavement...

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    1. Rossichka, I was hesitant to leave you a message telling you why I could not take your martenitza gift over to Central Park on March 1. as I'd planned. I think I will be making a tardy visit this coming week!
      How odd that you also have had a recent injury. Yes...it just takes a second!
      I've already made a few short walks and bus rides (wearing those big dark glasses) and hope to be more adventurous in a few days. It is amazing how our bodies are able to heal.
      Lots of love to you. xo

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    2. Hello! Don't worry about the martenitza! Actually, you should tie it to the first fruit tree in blossom that you see. But you can keep it at home, too.:) Hope you are much better, Frances!xx

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    3. It's snowing again today...so I might just have a little extra time left to find that first flowering fruit tree, dear Rossichka! Thank you again. xo

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  17. Omg Frances! I am so sorry you experienced this!!
    What a brave girl. I wish they taught us more about How to fall. There are ways..Akido I think...it would help many to know this information.
    Thinking of you Frances
    XCarolg

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    1. Thank you dear Carol. I think that I must try to curb some of my daydreaming while out and about in the city.
      It is so good to feel like I really am on the mend. xo

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  18. Oh My Goodness Frances !
    What an very shocking jar to your system. I an so happy to read that you are (even with the amazing colors running around your face) feel fine. I immediately thought of your painting and knitting !
    Now you will look like Audrey Hepburn when you are out and about in New York.
    I am so happy to know you are well.

    cheers, parsnip

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    1. Thanks so much Parsnip, I'll be visiting you and the hamish very soon! xo

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  19. A fall like that is such a jolt to the entire system. I'm so sorry to hear you have had such a nasty injury both to head and hand. Those bruises! And eight stitches. I'm glad you were helped so promptly. The slow motion feeling of falling and not being able to stop it happening is so shocking to an adult. Healing thoughts to add to the others winging their way. X

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    1. Thanks Lucille. A week later, it all still seems a bit unreal. I was fortunate not to have been more injured, and to have gotten help quickly. Still taking it easy, but feeling pretty much normal. Actually managed to make chicken soup yesterday! xo

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  20. Your poor hand! Your poor face! I'm glad to hear that the damage wasn't worse, and that you're healing. It surprised me that you were writing the blog. That must have taken some effort.
    I fell on my face on a sidewalk on a sunny day in California about 20 years ago. It was a shock to fall like that. My face looked like yours, with the colors becoming more pronounced every day. The thing that really bothered me was that the inner corners of my eyes itched so! And when I talked to people I felt like it was some other person talking. Like I was wearing a mask! Very strange feeling. Get better! You're very patient.

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    1. I appreciate your comment so much, Carol. Yes, I had to wait some days before I could manage to type a blog. It's only the injured finger that can't take part in my usual touch typing...but not having it part of the team is a funny sensation! I'm looking forward to seeing the hand specialist doctor this afternoon.

      I know what you mean about feeling like I am wearing a mask. xo

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  21. So sorry to hear of your accident - but wonderful to know that there were people there to assist you and to know that there are friends there for you now.
    It must be very frustrating not to be able to do things like your knitting right now but sometimes a bit of an enforced rest can allow us some time to recoup energy - and then you will be ready for the next set of rallies. Do take care.

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    1. Margie, your kind words have expressed many of my own current thoughts. Forced rest can be a plus. xo

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  22. Oh my goodness dear Frances do take care of yourself while you recover...such a nasty sudden fall is an awful shock to the system...It's good to read you have so many caring friends around you though and that help was immediately at hand when needed x
    Sending love,
    Susan x

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    1. Thank you, Susan. Yes, I have been reminded that there are many kind folks in this big city...and I have also appreciated all the comments here and on IG. xo

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  23. Oh, Frances, that is bad news but glad to hear you were quickly helped and that you are making such a good recovery. What a terrible shock though. I had a very bad fall many years ago, involving a power cut, a stairwell and a concrete fall and it certainly stays with you. Take care and take it gently xx

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    1. Marianne, from reading your comment, I know that you do understand about the shock that accompanies such an accident. I guess that is a reason I am trying to focus on the care and kindness I found after I fell...building those sorts of memories. xo

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  24. Oh dear Frances...what a shock your fall must have been! It was a shock to see your bruises...poor you! I hope your hand is now healing well and your bruises too. The people who looked after you sound very kind, and I am glad you have friends nearby to help too. Hope you will soon be well again. Sending love x
    Helen xox

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    1. Thank you, Helen. for you kind wishes. I am feeling better and better. The hand specialist doctor saw my hand today, and plans to take out the stitches next Monday...a week from today. I am so eager to be able to return to some creating! xo

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  25. Dearest Frances, so shocked but so relieved now that it was not an attack on you but an unlucky accident. Hope your finger will be back to full use in a short while. Just came back from househunting in Wales but needed to leave you a comment. Sending you boatloads of get well soon wishes!

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    1. Bayou, my fall was completely my fault...not looking where I was walking. I am eager to learn more about your house hunting! We shall be in touch again soon. xo

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  26. Dear Frances, you poor thing, you really have taken a battering but pleased at least you have not experienced too much pain. I hope you make a full recovery and can use your hand again as soon as possible. Get well dear friend xx

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    1. Thank you. Gina. I saw the hand doctor today. and his plan is to remove the stitches next Monday...that will be a relief!
      The sun was out today and the temp above freezing...so I walked home from the doctor's office in Mt Sinai Hospital...about half a mile. An easy and refreshing distance. xo

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  27. Dear Frances, I am so sorry for your nasty fall. Bad fairies at work, indeed! And despite your injury you made me smile with your Lucien Freud/Francis Bacon remark. That's grace and style. I am so glad that good people came to your aid, and that you had good care. Lots of love from here.

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    1. Somehow the reply I left you seems to have slipped away...probably due to some random move from my bandaged right hand! I do think the Bacon/Freud comparison is apt and glad that you liked it.
      I am looking forward to feeling 100% by the time spring actually arrives in NYC. xo

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  28. OH I m really very sorry about yor accident I hope you are better now ...best wishes to you...and I m sure soon you return to walk in spring Central Park and your hobbies!!Lots of love

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    1. Gabri, I am delighted to report that I continue to feel better and better. I appreciate your kind wishes so much. Won't be long before I get back to the Park. xo

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  29. Oh Frances, that looks so painful! I feel queasy just thinking about your fall! You must have been traumatised, how terrible. I wish I could pop round with tea and sympathy. Bless you, I wish you a speedy recovery. Xxx

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    1. Funny bit is that I didn't actually have too much pain...hard head and all that. My local pals have been very supportive and soon I should be out and about. Meanwhile, it's been interesting to limit my out and abouts. xo

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  30. Poor you. Your fall sounds very scary. Love that you called the chaps who came to your aid gentlemen.....sounds like they were indeed.
    Do hope you continue on the path to recovery
    Siobhan

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    1. Siobhan, what was wonderful was that the chaps immediately came to my assistance...no need for me to summon them. They were an amazing rescue party! Feeling better every day. xo

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  31. Considering how ugly so much of the news is, I find it a great comfort to be reminded of the kindness of strangers. A couple of years ago I fainted on a busy train and I was very touched by the warmth of strangers who went out of their way to look after me. Your fall sounded frightening and you've certainly taken a pounding, but thank goodness people looked after you. I'm glad you've been looking after yourself too - and even more delighted to see from IG that you've managed to get out for another walk. Much love from me and Tom xx

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    1. Thanks so much Chris for the wishes from you and Tom. Yes...the kindness that I have been shown by so many folks has been quite wonderful. I like to remember that kindness rather than the actual fall. xo

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    2. Hopefully the trauma of the fall will fade with the bruises, Frances. Cxx

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    3. I'm sure it will Chris...in fact, it's probably already happening. New blog post very soon. xo

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  32. Oh Frances! What a terrible fall and oh, it look´s so painful too...
    Keep calm now, take care and a warm hug from me,
    Titti

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    1. Thank you, Titti. I was fortunate not to have been in much pain...and continue to feel better each day. xo

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  33. Oh Frances! How awful. That looks very nasty! I am glad to read you had retired. You always work so hard. I was browsing the web as is my want, and I came across a painting of beautiful tea cups. You instantly sprang to mind and so I drifted over to read your news. Strange how images and other ephemera can bring to mind people who left an impression even though they have never met. As ever I love your craftwork, your knitting, your creative reuse of an everyday object to being the home of a bulb, enhancing the beauty of both with in the process.

    Always enjoyed reading your missives, looking at a different world to my own through your eyes.
    Much love xx

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    1. Zoe, it's a delight to see your comment! I hope you will be visiting again here and at my IG page, linked in this blog post.
      Hoping that you are still the fabulous gardener that I remember. We are still waiting for Spring to actually to assert itself of the strong hold winter has suddenly presented. Below freezing today and tomorrow...with snow due again Tuesday. Enough! xo

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  34. Oh My, I am so sorry to read about your fall. I have enjoyed your blog but have been unable to read it lately due to my own health issues. I hope for a speedy recovery for you so you are able to continue to share your city with us. I am planning a trip to NYC with a friend soon and will be staying in your neighborhood which I love! Perhaps we will pass in the street while exploring the city!

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    1. Thank you so much for your comment. Hoping that your upcoming NYC visit will be wonderful...and that by then there won't be any weather like today's feast of snow, wind and sleet!. We have to believe that spring is truly on the way.

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  35. I have been preoccupied with what is going on in my family and haven't been reading regularly, so imagine my shock to read about your recovery from this awful fall. I am so very sorry to read about this - a fall is such a shock.

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