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How do you feel about cold weather?
Cool temperatures are the walker’s best friend. That first blush of warm weather is also always such a draw. Cold or hot, not so much. And extremes are unpleasant.
Still, if it’s cold out, you can layer up. Once bundled in plenty of covering, you’re likely good to go.
Have you ever broken a bone?
Yes. I have broken the fifth metatarsal on my right foot. Not once but on two separate occasions. Both breaks caused by sidewalk malfunctions.
The city streets are full of small failures that can trip us up.
The ER doc refused to give me a boot. Despite my protestations, he sent me home on crutches.
Anyone who has had to use crutches knows the pitfalls of walking with them. I had five flights to maneuver.
These breaks were minor. I’m lucky. But I missed just being able to walk about.
We live in a complex replete with intricate passages. Every peek looks like you’re discovering a secret maze or labyrinth.
The City and Suburban projects were built as part of the “fresh air” movement. One set of these “model tenements” is at 78/79 & York and another at 64th on 1st Avenue.
Our neighboring landmarked buildings, the Cherokee Place apartments, have been converted to coops.**
Space for windows and room to breathe were part of the design.
**As interesting and attractive as these historic artifacts might be, they lack modern amenities and luxury.
They were built as tenements, and along with their landmark designation comes a prohibition to make any improvements.
This brings up the question of whether conserving them is beneficial.
While I have explored that question before, it bears further examination. I look forward to discussing this at greater length in upcoming blog posts.
Walk with Me, Too