City Views, Country Dreams

Good Friday morning from New York.

The past days have been quite full. So full, that it is now difficult to remember what actually happened when. Keeping a daily diary helps to record proper sequencing, but when time gets squeezed, daily writing gets squeezed as well.

We have had very cool weather, and at times, very wet as well. One of my favorite pairs of espadrilles are still sort of damp in the ropey sole area after an unexpected evening walk through the rain. Today looks to be a beauty, and I do hope to get out doors.

It's a day off, but work has already entered the arena, with an early morning phone call from a frightened staff member. She had already missed a day this week, and the reason is a boyfriend with big anger issues. This morning the police are involved. It is ironic or maybe just a true reflection of statistics, that our company should have recently benefitted an organization that helps people troubled by domestic abuse. Once again this morning, I have urged my employee to contact the organization and do hope that this time will be different than previous incidents.

Other serious developments, but with a happier result. I have heard from my beautiful assistant manager, and learned that she is now the mother of a 8 pounds-and-counting boy. However, she is back in the hospital herself having had a very close brush with the danger of eclamsia. She told me a chilling tale of what she has been through during the past ten days, that let me know that my instincts were correct that something was very wrong. All of us continue to pray for her recovery and that the child will be strong as well.

Another little drama for me arrived on papers slipped under my door yesterday. Sometimes when I arrive home from the shop in the mid-evening (say around 8 or so) I will find a take-out food menu has been slipped under my door. I never order take-out, but the delivery men who visit my neighbors do not realize that and still hope that I will call their restaurant/cafe.

Last night's papers were announcing that the apartment building has indeed been sold, and letting us know who the new owners are. It is a corporation with, so it seems, nation-wide holdings, including five other properties in New York. This is very different from the family-corporation that were the prior owners and may mean changes that will not please tenants like myself. We shall see.

I am a tenant somewhat protected by our rent stabilization law, and recently signed a two year renewal of my lease. So...I am entitled to stay where I am for the stated rent for that period. Seems a long time, but as I said above, time does speed past.

I did a little research on the new owners' website, and discovered that their asking a market-based rent for "my" line of apartment within this building that is almost double what I pay. Very scary. Sometimes I just cannot imagine where the money that fuels our city's real estate comes from!

Let me see if I can raise the mood of this blog.

It is a cool and clear day. I will go out, visit the green market to see what fresh food and plants may be available. I will again try to get ahold of the elusive digital camera. I will connect with my friends. I may see a movie or go to the ballet.

It will be an enjoyable day for each of us.

Cheers.