Photo by myself at 175th Street and Broadway.
The above photo was taken while speeding by in the car.
Unfortunately Mark drives much too fast for my tastes. He detests New York traffic, which can be stop-and-go and dominated by dummies. (Mark calls them more colorful names).
I had no idea this theater existed until we whizzed by, and I only had time for a couple snaps. The United Palace Theater originally opened in 1930, and was purchased by the United Church Science of Living Institute in 1969.
The building continues to show concerts by current artists like Beck, Sigur Ros and Modest Mouse.
For the wiki entry on the building, click here.
Related posts: St. Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue, Trinity Church, at Dusk and Grace Church, in Color.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
The United Palace Theater, in Washington Heights
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Times of Change, on the Upper West Side
Photo by myself at 77th Street and Broadway, on the Upper West Side.
New Yorkers took their evening saunter, Tuesday night, enjoying the long days of summer.
I wasn't taking a photo of the people, actually. If you look closely, all the stores behind these folks are empty.
Most likely, this block will be torn down to make way for yet another new apartment building. One block at a time has been converted into brand new modern apartment buildings recently. The West Side is becoming the East Side.
And why not? Two or three story buildings filled with shops can be converted into many stories of luxury condominiums. Or better yet, luxury condominiums with a full service staff, so you can feel like you're living in a five-star hotel.
Who could blame the developers, going about their business with making money? What we all lose, however, are the little quirky shops and mix of building styles. There is much more metal and glass on the Upper West Side than before.
The NY Times also reports that the neighborhood will soon lose H&H bagels, which has been located at 80th and Broadway for the last 40 years. Sure, their interiors were dated and it was 120 degrees inside. But as a literal piece of history, H&H will be missed.
For an earlier photo inside H&H, click here.
To read about the changing Upper West Side in the Times, click here.
To read about the closing of the H&H Bagels location, click here.
Related posts: Sitting Outside, on Broadway, Trumped, on the Upper West Side and Dusk, at 72nd Street Station.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
In a State of Fusion, at Sushi Samba
Photo by myself on Seventh Avenue South and Barrow Street.
People will dine anywhere outside, even if there are barricades up and trucks going by.
These folks were dining at SushiSamba, a Japanese restaurant in the West Village. Their take on food is a bit less traditional than some places.
Their menu offers a blend of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian food. Chilean Sea Bass, Peruvian roasted corn and crispy tacquitos are offered alongside shrimp tempura, chicken teriyaki and sushi.
I haven't dined at SushiSamba, so please check out reviews online before going.
Related posts: Enjoying Pugs and Drinks, Outside, Serving up Sushi, at 15 East 15th Street and What's in a Name, at Tavern on the Green.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Crowd Crossing, at 34th Street
Photo by myself at 34th Street and Broadway.
Allow me to indulge myself with yet another crosswalk scene. I have a weakness for those moments when random people encounter each other in all directions.
If you're ever caught in the middle of rush hour in Midtown, it's sort of like orchestrated chaos. People cross each other's paths at a brisk pace.
One wrong move, one head fake or stumble, and dozens of people would collide into each other. But everyone has great reflexes, and disaster is avoided.
I have yet to see a pile-up!
Related posts: Across the Crowded Sidewalk, in Midtown, Lost in a Crowd, in Midtown and Madge + Macy's = Mayhem.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Celebrating Gay Pride, in the West Village
Photo by myself at Christopher Street and Seventh Avenue South.
Marriage for same sex couples was legalized in New York, last Friday.
New Yorkers are progressive in many respects, but the legalization was surprising to me, since the city has a mix of many different viewpoints. I have many gay friends, and it's great to know their unions can be recognized.
Above, the site of the Stonewall riot in 1969 is now synonymous with Gay and Lesbian Rights. The news comes just in time for the Gay Pride parade, which takes place today at noon.
The parade starts at 33rd Street and Lexington and goes down to Christopher Street in front of Stonewall. I was in the neighborhood Saturday by chance and the barricades were up. Rainbow flags were visible and tons of people were walking around, enjoying the weather.
There were only a few obvious signs of celebration. I'm sure when the news broke, people were running around and dancing disco in the streets, lol.
For more about the Stonewall riots, see the wiki entry, here.
A sandwich board on Christopher Street says it all.
Related posts: Browsing Around in the Village, Crazy Fantasy, Anyone? and The Lower Half of the Pants, in Park Slope, Brooklyn.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
All Ears, in Park Slope, Brooklyn
Photo by myself around 1st Street and 5th Avenue, in Park Slope, Brooklyn.
This friendly couple and their beloved papillon dog were enjoying the air, Friday night. They were nice enough to pose for me (very patiently, I might add, since I was having trouble with my camera!).
The papillon is named after the shape of their ears. 'Papillon' means 'butterfly' in French. This sweet little dog was completely at ease to have a big lens in her face.
This spaniel breed has been long associated with royalty, appearing in European paintings from the 1500s.
With her ears, this little dog looked like she would fly away.
Related posts: Dogs in Fur Coats, on Madison Avenue, Doggy Bag, on the Q Train and Roaming Free, in Prospect Park, Brooklyn.
Friday, June 24, 2011
A Friendly Wave, in Midtown
Photo by myself around 30th Street and Sixth Avenue, in Midtown.
I got a friendly wave from a scaffolding worker the other day, while walking about Midtown.
Little did he know that I am wary of scaffolding! I have anxiety about walking under metal poles and walkways that look like they are about to topple over.
There is tons of scaffolding on buildings in New York, since there are always repairs and restoration being done to building exteriors. You can't avoid walking under scaffolding. Often you will find it on both sides of the street.
Related posts: Bewildered, in Times Square, Tete-a-Tete, in Times Square and On Times Square and Our Rupert.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Looking Around, in Times Square
Photo by myself in Times Square, around 44th Street and Seventh Avenue.
Ah yes, sometimes all you can do when confronted with gigantic, flashing signage is stand with hands on hips.
I took this while speeding by in the car. I regret it's not more in focus!
By the way, if you are visiting New York, I recommend hiring a taxi and driving around for photos. Sit on the right side of the car, so you're closer to the sidewalk.
When pulled over for red lights, you can get really close to pedestrians. People are not looking at cab windows for cameras, so it's a great way to get take candids.
Related posts: Bewildered, in Times Square, Tete-a-Tete, in Times Square and On Times Square and Our Rupert.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Cheers, from the Boat Basin Cafe, on the Upper West Side
Photo by myself in Riverside Park at 79th Street, on the Upper West Side.
The Boat Basin Cafe is one of my favorite places in New York.
Certainly not fancy, this outdoor bar is located at 79th Street in Riverside Park. It is named after the dock just outside, where dozens of houseboats are moored.
The Boat Basin is a neighborhood bar and is only open during the warmer months. They serve burgers, fries, beer and frozen drinks like maragaritas and pina coladas, which are mixed by machines.
Beyond the stone arch, you can see the Hudson River and New Jersey. The main walkway of Riverside Park is one level below. The park is narrow in this area. There is room for benches, a strip of grass and a jogging path.
With the breezes, it feels like you are in a boat. Well, if you have a couple potent margaritas and close your eyes, you can imagine being on a boat. Or being near a boat. Which you are, since there are boats parked within arms reach ;-)
For an earlier view of Riverside Park from the Boat Basin, click here.
For the Boat Basin website, click here.
Related posts: Looking Out Yonder, to the Far West Side, Sunset, Along the West Side Highway and On the West Side Highway.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Telling Tales, on 23rd Street
Photo by myself at 23rd Street and Third Avenue, in the Flatiron District.
While pulled over at a red light, I took this photo from the passenger's seat.
Two fellows were deep in discussion, Sunday morning. The young man on the left wore baggy jeans and was drinking a tall can of iced tea. His friend on the right sported a Spiderman tee shirt and multiple tattoos.
The awnings in the background are quite typical in New York. This ballistic signage becomes white noise after a while - you don't even see it, much less read it.
Related posts: 'Campaign Offices', Set in Midtown, On the Pricelessness of New York Delis and A Dollar and a Dream.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Soaring Above Midtown, the New York Times Building
Photo by myself around 42nd Street and Eighth Avenue.
The New York Times Tower designed by Renzo Piano looks like it's made of gleaming metal.
What you see are open screens composed of horizontal white ceramic rods. Set back from the screens is the glass facade. The screens helps shield the interior from light, to keep air conditioning costs low.
I was standing on a rooftop about 12 stories up for this photo. For an earlier view of the bottom of the tower, which includes the NY Times logo, click here.
Related posts: Soaring Above, the New York Times Tower, The Sunset View from Battery Park and The NY Times Building, in Hell's Kitchen.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Pinata Party, in Prospect Park
Photo by myself in Prospect Park, Brooklyn.
Family and friends gathered around a Spiderman pinata, Saturday afternoon. This must have been the little boy's birthday party.
I only wish I knew what was being said, but the expressions say it all. These kids could hardly wait to take their turn to wear the blindfold and swat at the pinata.
Related posts: The Carousel, Bryant Park, The Morning Commute on the N Train and It's a Kid's Life, in Brooklyn.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Seen in the 'Hood, in Park Slope, Brooklyn
Photo by myself at Fifth Avenue and Tenth Street, in Park Slope.
A woman selling roasted peanuts and two old timers saw me when I was trying to take a candid, Friday afternoon. Yipes!!
There are two camps in Brooklyn - the old timers who have stuck it out through the more dangerous times, and the young people and families who have moved in to be close to the city, without sacrificing space.
At times, you hear about shootings and thefts. And then there are things you don't hear about. Generally our neighborhood, Park Slope, is quite safe. Crime varies widely depending on the area. Just a few blocks can make a difference.
About ten years ago, when the real estate market heated up, apartment prices in certain Brooklyn neighborhoods skyrocketed. You routinely heard about people selling their apartment for a huge profit, after only a few years.
Generally, you can get twice the amount of space in Brooklyn for the same price as a Manhattan apartment. It's slightly slower paced out here. There are great restaurants and less stringent parking rules, so people can own cars without moving them every other day or paying for a garage.
Speaking of Brooklyn, the annual Mermaid Parade is going on in Coney Island, starting at 10 am today. People walk on the boardwalk in full costume. I doubt Mark and I will brave the crowds, but if you go, please enjoy a hot dog for us!
For more about the Mermaid parade, click here
Related posts: Last Wash, Brooklyn, Twinkly Lights at the Breslin and All A-Glow in Soho.
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Friday, June 17, 2011
Under Lamplight, in Park Slope
Photo by myself at Seventh Street and Fifth Avenue in Park Slope, Brooklyn.
You would never know it in the winter months, but in the summer, many restaurants have facades that open up directly onto the sidewalk.
Full height doors peel away and fold aside. It's hard not to peer into each restaurant as you go by. All sorts of restaurants line Fifth Avenue - Japanese, Italian, Thai and Middle Eastern, to name just a few.
Rachel's Taqueria, above, is a Mexican restaurant in Park Slope. The bikes to the right are for making deliveries.
For a look at the menu Rachel's Taqueria.
For another look at the exterior of Rachel's, click here.
Related posts: Pizza, Pizza, Twinkly Lights at the Breslin and All A-Glow in Soho.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
The View Uptown from 42nd Street
Photo by myself around 42nd Street and Eighth Avenue, in Midtown.
The view north from 42nd Street on the West Side is surprisingly low key. To the right are the smaller buildings of Hell's Kitchen, a mostly residential neighborhood sprinkled with stores and restaurants.
Ahead are the two towers of Worldwide Plaza, at 50th Street and Eighth Avenue, designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. The taller tower with the pyramid top is a 47-story office building. The shorter tower further back with a matching top is a 35-story condominium building.
I ventured over to Times Square, Wednesday, where I haven't been in a while. It was a madhouse.
The sidewalks were teeming with people. Visitors were posing with a statue of Samuel L. Jackson in front of Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum.
It's hard to believe that the first time I stepped foot in Times Square, it was a scary neighborhood. There were boarded up peep show joints and the sidewalks were nearly empty.
Anyone passing through walked very fast, with their hands on their handbags. People would take care not to make eye contact with anyone, since doing so would be a minor confrontation.
Oh, how times change.
Related posts: Different Vistas, The View Atop the Whitestone Bridge and The East River, at Dusk.
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Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Bright Lights at the Beacon Theater
Photo by myself around 74th Street and Broadway, on the Upper West Side.
People were hawking tickets outside the Beacon Theater on the Upper West Side, Tuesday night. The group Deep Purple, an English group from the 70s, was scheduled to play.
I've never been to the Beacon, but I know from walking by that they show lots of well-known musicians. A quick glimpse of the schedule shows KD Lang, Peter Frampton and Alicia Keys in the coming weeks.
The Beacon recently renovated its signage to use LED lights. Now the canopy scrolls through different shows in color and the lettering is BRIGHT.
Broadway is very wide in this neighborhood - two lanes of traffic and a bus lane on each side of a wide median strip. Broadway is similar in layout as Park Avenue on the Upper East Side, though the two streets have a very different vibe. Park Avenue is limited to mostly pre-war apartment buildings and there is no illuminated signage.
For a look at the Beacon's schedule, click here.
The new animated LED canopy is easily seen across Broadway.
Related posts: Only in New York, Cluttered Sidewalks in the East Village and Bright Lights at BAM.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Cans Crossing, on Sixth Avenue
Photo by myself at Sixth Avenue and 34th Street, in Midtown.
A woman pushed her cart laden with cans, the other day, waiting for the light to change.
In several US States, bottles and cans can be returned for money, about 5 cents per container. You can return the containers at certain supermarkets.
Most New Yorkers forgo the deposit and recycle the containers. Collecting cans and bottles is a way for some to squeak by with a meagre living.
Related posts: On Collecting Cans and a Rupert Update, Cluttered Sidewalks in the East Village and Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Monday, June 13, 2011
A Quick Game, in Tompkins Square Park
Photo by myself in Tompkins Square Park, in Alphabet City.
A public ping pong table is available for use in Tompkins Square Park. It's set up in cast concrete and has a metal net.
These two fellas played an intense game, Sunday afternoon.
Happy Monday, everyone!
Related posts: A Glimpse into the Orchard Corset Center, on the Lower East Side, Old New York, on the Lower East Side and Making Off with the Lower East Side.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Daredevil Tattoo, on Ludlow Street
Photo by myself on Ludlow and Stanton Streets, on the Lower East Side.
A photo from the stash from one of my favorite neighborhoods, the Lower East Side.
I love the Lower East Side because it's managed to retain its own personality. Many of its signs and buildings are from an earlier generation.
I cannot believe we're halfway through the year already. How can it be?
It's business as usual here in New York. Not much going on except the embarrassing online shenanigans of one of our politicians.
Related posts: A Glimpse into the Orchard Corset Center, on the Lower East Side, Old New York, on the Lower East Side and Making Off with the Lower East Side.
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Saturday, June 11, 2011
Wonder, 34th Street
Photo by myself around 34th Street and Sixth Avenue, in Midtown.
Just steps away from the Empire State Building, I spotted some visitors just getting their bearings. They probably just climbed out from the subway station.
Since the Empire State Building is tall, it's better to see it from a few blocks away.
It's easy to become jaded from living in a city: you are bombarded by people and traffic and stuff everyday on the streets. It's different than experiencing life from the protected interior of a car. It's nice to see some real emotion once in a while.
Related posts: Looking Up on Fifth Avenue, Lost in the Crowd and Lost in a Crowd, in Midtown.
Friday, June 10, 2011
At Work, in Midtown
Photo by myself, in Midtown.
Many of the buildings in Midtown are not astronomically tall.
The heights of the buildings vary depending on where you are. Midtown is broken down into smaller neighborhoods, but overall, the area spans from 59th Street to 14th Street.
The buildings in this view are about 15 to 25 stories tall. In the middle distance, you can see some townhouses that are 5 or 6 stories tall. Teeny.
You get a hodge podge of buildings standing next to each other. Some are very modern, others are pre-war buildings. The landscape is constantly changing.
By the way, like the rest of the country, it's been very hot and humid here. Those walking around all day on the street should take care.
Related posts: Dusk Among Towers, Building for a Greener Environment and 42nd Street.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Man of Steel, Hawking Stuff
Photo by myself at 34th Street and Sixth Avenue, in Midtown.
Nice to know that Superman is alive and well in his hometown.
And, he's turned country/western! This fellow was hawking children's books on a busy street corner on Wednesday.
Believe it or not, it was very hot and humid, perhaps our hottest day this year. Temperatures were in the mid-90's. I can't imagine what it was like in a bodysuit.
In a large city, it sometimes helps to have a gimmick. You're competing against the crowds, traffic and signage. It's tough out there.
Hence the duds.
Related posts: What's Hoppin', in Park Slope, Brooklyn, Stick 'em up, in Madison Square Park and Happy Thanksgiving Week.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
On Midtown Crowds and Guerilla Photography
Photo by myself around 34th Street and Sixth Avenue, in Midtown.
On one of the busiest street corners in New York, the setting sun cast a flattering glow on everyone in sight.
Just near Macy's are several entrances to the 34th Street subway. Bajillions of pedestrians cross the streets here every day.
That's just my estimate, not scientific fact. ;-)
While on the street Tuesday, I was thinking of some helpful hints about taking candids. I am not at all the expert about candid photography, and I encourage you to survey many street photography blogs for tips. But I did have a few words of advice.
1. Comfy shoes.
I know, I know, this tip falls under Practical Knowledge 101, but there is truth to it.
Don't try out your new platform sandals while attempting to take candids. Sidewalks are uneven and it's easy to get caught up fiddling around with your camera settings.
The last thing you need is to crash to the ground. Wear sensible shoes you're familiar with. If you feel confident on the street, it will show in your body language and in your photos.
2. Know your camera really well.
It just takes a little practice. Know how to adjust your aperture, shutter speed and ISO without needing the manual. Be able to manipulate one setting really quickly.
Candids aren't like landscapes or portraits. You're taking a photo on the fly of people who are moving. Best case scenario, you take multiple shots of any one scene so you can select the best image later.
If you plan on taking candids and you're shopping for a camera, test the cameras out first for ease in making adjustments.
3. Be subtle.
If you don't want to draw attention to yourself, try this trick: Focus your camera in a completely different direction from your subject. Then swing around and quickly take a shot of the scene you want.
Also, if your camera is black, it helps to wear a dark colored top.
4. Bring your camera everywhere you go.
Everywhere. Every day.
5. Don't be shy.
I think many photographers are more the retiring sort. We're watchful, we notice things. It might not be your nature to take candids, which might seem intrusive.
Take baby steps. Pretend you're taking photos of something going on behind the person you have in mind.
Remember that half of your face is hidden by the camera! And remember that the worst thing that could happen is someone asking you to delete a photo.
Related posts: On Street Photos in Midtown and Online, On the Times and the People and On Street Photography and Grand Central Station.
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Tuesday, June 7, 2011
All Lit Up, at 72nd Street
Photo by myself at 72nd and Broadway, on the Upper West Side.
The entrance to the subway at West 72nd Street is was built relatively recently.
The designers provided a canopy for people to get out of the rain, bright exterior lighting and a tiny built-in kiosk.
Related posts: At 59th Street and a Visitor's Point of View, Kiosk at Night and Doing Business in the Diamond District.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Fashionista, Midtown
Photo by myself, somewhere in Midtown.
Ah, now is the time for flip flops and open-toed shoes.
Happy Monday, everyone!
Argh, I am not in love with the above photograph. Consider this a disclaimer.
I've been so busy with work and other stuff, the photography is suffering. There it is. I know it, you don't have to tell me.
Anyway, I wrote in a long ago post about flip flop wearing women in New York. I belong to the flip flop wearing variety.
Others do not. I can understand. New York is not Europe. It is not Santa Monica. Our streets are not pristine.
On the other hand, New York is not completely littered with garbage. Just partly.
It's just so much cooler, temperature-wise to discard your shoes when it's hot. And there are more fashion options.
Related posts: Working the Sidewalk Catwalk, in Midtown, Beautiful People, in the East Village and On Little Black Dresses and Little Black Dogs.
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Sunday, June 5, 2011
Enjoying the Sun, in Midtown
Photo by myself around 34th Street and Sixth Avenue, in Midtown.
We've having some beautiful days here with temperatures in the mid-70s and low humidity.
Friday afternoon, just about everyone was enjoying the outdoors. The pedicab drivers were sitting outside, ready to take fares. To date, I have only seen one female pedicab driver.
I'm not sure what the rates are for pedicabs. This is one way to get a personalized tour of New York without impacting the environment.
Though they don't have seat belts, pedicabs are equipped with speakers! You can see them installed, just below the seat.
Sorry for the late start today. Mark got in very, very late last night and we're just getting ourselves together.
Related posts: Riding in Style, in the Village, Enjoying a Ride, in Central Park and A Bit of Fog, in Central Park.
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Saturday, June 4, 2011
Greetings from Above, in Midtown
Photo by myself around 42nd Street and Sixth Avenue.
I got a nice wave from some visitors while walking around, the other day.
Double decker open air tour buses are a familiar sight here. They are also known to visit Brooklyn and Harlem.
Viewing the streets from high up allows you to see more of a neighborhood, but it's no substitute for walking around on the sidewalks.
Related posts: Tourists' Eye View, Fifth Avenue, Working It and Kicking Back on Firm Ground.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Balancing Act, in Bryant Park
Photo by myself in Bryant Park.
A few folks assembled into odd and uncomfortable poses in Bryant Park. It was beautiful outside and everyone was enjoying the good weather.
Twice every week through the end of September, hour-long yoga classes are being offered free to the public. Classes are held on Tuesday mornings at 10 am and Thursday nights at 6 pm.
You don't even need to bring your own yoga mat! The free instruction is provided by Lulumon Athletica, a yoga clothing company that hosts complimentary classes worldwide.
For a schedule of the Bryant Park yoga classes, click here.
Related posts: Leg Lunches, 9:25 am, Midtown, Sunday Morning, Along the East River and Sun Salutation, in the East Village.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Serving it up at Naruto Ramen, in Park Slope
Photo by myself at Naruto Ramen, at Fifth Avenue and First Street, in Park Slope.
Ramen places are nowhere as popular as sushi restaurants, but they are their own genre. If you love noodles, you're in luck in New York.
Mark and I found a great ramen place in Park Slope, Brooklyn, where we live. It feels very much like the ramen places we visited during our trip to Japan. And the food is wonderful.
All their ramen dishes contain many ingredients, including fish cake, bean sprouts, scallion, egg and roast pork. There is even a cold ramen dish for the summer months.
At Naruto Ramen, all the ingredients are precisely measured. The chef uses a timer when cooking the noodles. Mark and I enjoyed sitting at the counter, watching the guys prep the food in a blur.
The narrow restaurant allows just enough room for bar seating.
The geki kara ramen, which has a thick soup. Like all the Naruto ramen dishes, this one is chock full of ingredients.
For a list of other ramen places in Manhattan, click here.
Naruto Ramen doesn't have a website. For whatever reason, they've gotten mixed reviews online. You can check out their menu here.
Related posts: Greetings from Tokyo, Serving up Sushi, at 15 East 15th and Ramen Noodles in the East Village.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Back Home to the Brooklyn Bridge and a Boston Terrier
Photo by myself from Brooklyn Bridge Beach.
A view across the East River from the edge of Brooklyn.
This image above was taken last summer. Right now, the Brooklyn Bridge is undergoing some repair. A large portion in the middle is swathed in white fabric, sort of like a Christo installation.
My homecoming to our dog, Rupert was the absolute best. He was so happy to meet me after being away just a few days.
Rupert looks slightly thinner. He usually stops eating when away from home, out of stress. My fiance Mark is staying in LA for the rest of the week on business.
The reunion though was more about Rupert and his rubber ball than about me. Which is okay. I know my place ;-)
Rupert takes a break from playing, Tuesday night, his tongue a blur. It's humid!
Related posts: Red Skiff, in the East River, The View from Roosevelt Island and The City in Silhouette.
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