Author Archives: therealtamara

For an opinionated woman such as I, blogging is an excellent outlet. This is one of many fori that I use to bloviate. Enjoy! Comment on my commentary.

Move it!

Leaning on the horn as I pass in front of your vehicle will likely lead to a minor confrontation.

I say “minor” because my days as a rage-aholic are behind me. Lucky you.

These days, the honk will only cause me to turn, raise a hand, and slow my pace a bit. It’s already slow, so you’re in for a treat. You might lose another minute at that corner.

Our friend Arline (aka Ask Arline) Branzhart is quoted on the honk issue in this recent NY Times article. Check it out, by all means.

Let’s grab a cup

787 is a stone’s throw from a Starbucks under renovation.

Peek or peer hard to the end of the block. I felt very lucky at this happenstance.

Folks at most Starbucks that I have visited have been very nice.

The 80th and Second Ave is no exception; recently, when I dramatically took a spill upon entrance, they were especially nice. Their coffee is another matter, although I have found the flat whites to be quite good.

That said, I know I admire 787’s variety of caffeine. Today, I also got some super royal treatment with my drink and blueberry bread.

The barista escorted me up the stairs, carrying my coffee. Offered similar assistance down into their cool work space. When I opted for staying outdoors, but for the wet, he ran in for a towel.

So here I sit, enjoying sidewalk café seating. My cup runneth over if I may coin or purloin a phrase.

You’re the top

I am delighted by these flourishes at the top of buildings. I confirmed that these peaks are called finials, as I am proud to say, I suspected.

Wood-frame buildings were banned as fire hazards sometime before the turn of the century (the one that went from 18 to 1900).

The one near the corner of York and 78th is a survivor from the 1880s, I believe. Not many are extant, but I recall passing one in the East 90s as well.