Friday's Child Is Better Late Than Never

 

There's a reason Friday's Child is now a part 

of Her New York, if only to say thank you.

 

 

 

 

Click Here to find out how Social Tees
LIKES SAVES LIVES!

 

 

CAPTION THIS PHOTO!!!!
It's our Likes Save Lives campaign's second Just for Fun Friday... What's happening here?!

 

 

 

SO MANY PUPPIES UP FOR ADOPTION!!!!!! 

 

 

We will be at the Best Friends Pet Super Adoption event this weekend in White Plains, NY with 40 adoptable dogs and puppies... and some amazing cats! None of these animals are yet listed on Petfinder, so you'll have to stop by if you want to meet the new rescues. Please come, and please spread the word! Saturday 10am-7pm, Sunday 10am-5pm

 
More info: http://bestfriends.org/What-We-Do/Events/Pet-Super-Adoptions

 

 

 

Do you want to foster or adopt???!!!!

 It's easy.  All you have to do is fill out a form

WHAT'S FOSTERING, YOU WONDER?!

Fostering lasts a few weeks, and Social Tees can provide supplies if you need them.  Fostering is SUPER important because it's much healthier for our animals to be in homes than in cages, and it expands our shelter virtually.

AND for every cat and dog that is placed in a foster home, Social Tees can pull another out of the kill shelter. So if you are an animal-lover with commitment issues, FOSTER!!!

For more info on fostering, check out our FAQs here.

CONTACT SAMANTHA:samantha.socialtees@gmail.com

Social Tees
325 East 5th Street, NY, NY 10003;
5-7pm Monday to Friday
12-4pm Saturday and Sunday at Petco at Union Square
212-614-9653;
socialteesnyc.org

What are you doing on Black Friday!!!????
Do you want to participate in 

Friday's Child?

The Barnes & Noble in Union Square has invited Social Tees Animal Rescue to spend a day wrapping presents there around the holiday season... 

 

We sit at the table, set up a donations jar, hand out info about animal rescue, and wrap presents! We need three to four volunteers to staff the table at all times between the hours of 8am and 10pm. We have a few shifts available, and we need your help! 

 

Please email samantha.socialtees@gmail.com if you can commit to one of the shifts below asap, and please forward this to anyone you know who might be interested in helping as well.

WHEN: Black Friday -- November 29

WHERE: Barnes & Noble in Union Square

WHAT: Wrapping gifts, accepting donations, passing out Social Tees info, having fun!

SHIFT ONE: 8am-10am
SHIFT TWO: 10am-1pm
SHIFT THREE: 1pm-4pm

SHIFT FOUR: 4pm-7pm
SHIFT FIVE: 7pm-10pm

You Got Your North Star. I Got Mine.

Sailors have the north star.   I have the Clover Delicatessen.

It's been in business since 1948.  Same family runs it. I know this because I called them tonight and asked.

I have been walking by that deli for 40 years.  Second Avenue was my way home.  No matter where I was coming from.

All those nights walking back from Jutta's on 89th Street and West End, or when I was working my way through City College, and had a part-time job on 93rd Street and Third Avenue... Didn't matter.   The minute I hit the Clover corner, I knew I was home free home.

One summer I even worked across the street at Allen's Restaurant.  I was a busboy.  I was saving up enough money to go to China.  It was 1986.  Nobody went to China then.  Except maybe Nixon.

The Clover always had these cookies in the window.   The ones that look like different presents under a Christmas tree.  Year after year after year, the same cookies.   Sometimes I wondered if they were actually the same cookies being kept as window dressing.  I promised myself for decades that one day I was going to go in there and get every kind of cookie they had.  Then I found out cookies made me sick.  I should still do it anyways.  At least when I have a day off the next day.  Or can fit back into my jeans.

I only went in once, maybe it was the 70s.  Maybe it was the 90s.   The place just seemed too fancy for me. After all those cookies were really pretty.  Mostly I'd slow down and peek inside and then ... look at the cookies.

It didn't matter I never went in except once.   Walking by that warm light pouring out onto the nighttime street, that was almost as good as eating a cookie.  Something sweet and beautiful that lets you know you're almost home.

Walkin' After Midnight

At that very moment we were both sick of our favorite companions.  She was hogging all the attention and he wasn't listening to me.

So we left.  I opened the door because I had the thumbs, but we both firmly stalked out.
 

And melted into night time air and old stairs we used to wander together when we were both beset with that lonely feeling that sometimes quietly drowns you when you aren't looking.

This time we weren't drowning.

Just shaking off fussiness that came from both our furs being rubbed the wrong way by the company we had both always looked for in ancient hallways.

We didn't expect it, slipping in and out of marble and iron, but there waiting on the very last landing was a rainbow that only appears when the city is still and remembers itself.

 

At the end of that rainbow was a pot of gold.  It was called home.

He led the way.  But I still had the thumbs and had to open the door.

**
Related Posts:

In The Still Of The Night The Sound Of Silence

In The Still Of The Night The Sound Of Silence Revisited (an homage to Florence and home)

In The Still Of The Night (The Avenue A Bus)

The Promise

Sunday Memories of Guest Artist, Ted Who Looks Back At The World From Above And Below - Part Three

During the busiest time of year, the series of guest artists continue.  Ted Krever rides the trains and tells some tales. 

***

 

The elevated tracks bear the scars of a ruder New York.  Those days felt like war time.

 

 

Now, years later, those high tracks still offer an eerie vantage point on lives lived just outside the spotlight.

 

 

So much changed over the years.  But the trains just roll on like a river.

 

 

Friday's Child Is Loving And Giving And If You Click You Save Lives!!!

There's a reason Friday's Child is now a part 

of Her New York, if only to say thank you.

 

Click Here to find out how Social Tees
LIKES SAVES LIVES!

Meet JoJo

Sweet, sad Jojo the mini-pin needs a foster home asap and a forever home too!!!  She's 6 years old and 18 pounds of dearnest!!!

A BASKET FULL OF KITTENS!!! 

These kittens are way too cute to have been on the kill list a few days ago... but they were!  Social Tees rescued them literally just in time, and they are now up for adoption!!! Come to 5th Street and meet them!!!

Do you want to foster or adopt???!!!!

 It's easy.  All you have to do is fill out a form

Charlie the Puppy!!!!!

 

When you look in a dictionary at "Good Boy!" you'll see Charlie's picture!!! Up for adoption and needs a foster home in the meantime!!!

WHAT'S FOSTERING, YOU WONDER?!

Fostering lasts a few weeks, and Social Tees can provide supplies if you need them.  Fostering is SUPER important because it's much healthier for our animals to be in homes than in cages, and it expands our shelter virtually.

AND for every cat and dog that is placed in a foster home, Social Tees can pull another out of the kill shelter. So if you are an animal-lover with commitment issues, FOSTER!!!

For more info on fostering, check out our FAQs here.

CONTACT SAMANTHA:samantha.socialtees@gmail.com

Social Tees
325 East 5th Street, NY, NY 10003;
5-7pm Monday to Friday
12-4pm Saturday and Sunday at Petco at Union Square
212-614-9653;
socialteesnyc.org

What are you doing on Black Friday!!!????

Do you want to participate in 

Friday's Child?

The Barnes & Noble in Union Square has invited Social Tees Animal Rescue to spend a day wrapping presents there around the holiday season... 

 

We sit at the table, set up a donations jar, hand out info about animal rescue, and wrap presents! We need three to four volunteers to staff the table at all times between the hours of 8am and 10pm. We have a few shifts available, and we need your help! 

 

Please email samantha.socialtees@gmail.com if you can commit to one of the shifts below asap, and please forward this to anyone you know who might be interested in helping as well.

WHEN: Black Friday -- November 29

WHERE: Barnes & Noble in Union Square

WHAT: Wrapping gifts, accepting donations, passing out Social Tees info, having fun!

SHIFT ONE: 8am-10am
SHIFT TWO: 10am-1pm
SHIFT THREE: 1pm-4pm

SHIFT FOUR: 4pm-7pm
SHIFT FIVE: 7pm-10pm

Guest Artist, Ted Looks At The World From Above And Below - Part Two

During the busiest time of year, the series of guest artists continue.  Ted Krever rides the trains and tells some tales. 

***

 The elevated trains display their structure like body builders at the beach - they might be unsightly but you can't miss 'em.

 

 

And with the noise and the breeze and being at roof height, the city seems far away

Guest Artist, Ted Looks At The World From Above And Below - Part One

During the busiest time of year, the series of guest artists continue.  Ted Krever rides the trains and tells some tales. 
***

I've always been fascinated by the elevated trains.

Underground tubes are an inward-looking, hurtling meditation of stainless steel and Plexiglas.

 

The El is a carnival, a clacking, sparking spidery light show - and a bit of left over Thirties or Forties New York in a world that is stupidly throwing those days away.

 

But either way, the subway is magic to me, menacing and wondrous.

GUEST ARTIST: Joni - Sunday Memories of Her New York And The Games We Once Played - Part 6

A woman truly from Her New York, Joni will be the Guest Artist for the next several weeks.

 Broadway in the 20's before it became prime real estate for luxurious entertainment only found in expensive products.

***

These photos may not be used without permission from myprivateconey.com

Friday's Child Is Loving And Giving And Getting Ready For The Long Cold Winter!!!

There's a reason Friday's Child is now a part 

of Her New York, if only to say thank you.

Click Here to find out how Social Tees
LIKES SAVES LIVES!

HAPPY ALL SAINTS DAY AFTER HALLOWEEN NIGHT!!!!

And what a perfect time to foster or adopt!!!!

And this puppy could be YOURS!!!  A PERFECT snuggle bunny during the upcoming winter!

Or maybe you want a couple of kittens!!!!  These sweet ones were just rescued from the kill shelter!

Do you want to foster or adopt???!!!!

 It's easy.  All you have to do is fill out a form

WHAT'S FOSTERING, YOU WONDER?!

Fostering lasts a few weeks, and Social Tees can provide supplies if you need them.  Fostering is SUPER important because it's much healthier for our animals to be in homes than in cages, and it expands our shelter virtually.

AND for every cat and dog that is placed in a foster home, Social Tees can pull another out of the kill shelter. So if you are an animal-lover with commitment issues, FOSTER!!!

For more info on fostering, check out our FAQs here.

CONTACT SAMANTHA:samantha.socialtees@gmail.com

Social Tees
325 East 5th Street, NY, NY 10003;
5-7pm Monday to Friday
12-4pm Saturday and Sunday at Petco at Union Square
212-614-9653;
socialteesnyc.org

Do you want to participate in 

Friday's Child?

Not everybody can bring an animal home.  Not everybody lives in New York.  That's why Social Tees just started an Amazon Wish List. It's easy, it's fast and you never have to risk any allergies or a plane trip when you click a button.

Or, if you do live in New York but still can't bring an animal home or don't have the time for a weekly commitment, why not do a drive for materials for Social Tees!?

Visit them at their MATERIAL DRIVE COLLECTION page and find out how easy it can be! 

And if you live in New York and are in the neighborhood, stop by the 5th Street Store front 5-7pm weekedays and the Petco adoption events weekends!
 

GUEST ARTIST: Joni - It Was Her New York - Part 5

A woman truly from Her New York, Joni will be the Guest Artist for the next several weeks.

Recess time at the Metropolitan Art Museum

***

These photos may not be used without permission from myprivateconey.com

GUEST ARTIST: Joni - It Was Her New York - Part 4

A woman truly from Her New York, Joni will be the Guest Artist for the next several weeks.

 Office job.

***

These photos may not be used without permission from myprivateconey.com

GUEST ARTIST: Joni - Sunday Memories of Her New York - Part 3

A woman truly from Her New York, Joni will be the Guest Artist for the next several weeks.

 The Bamboo House - 1980s, when Chinese food on Second Avenue was still exotic

***

These photos may not be used without permission from myprivateconey.com

Friday's Child Is Loving And Giving and is SERIOUSLY ADORABLE!!!

There's a reason Friday's Child is now a part 

of Her New York, if only to say thank you.

Click Here to find out how Social Tees
LIKES SAVES LIVES!

PARTY LIKE ITS 1999!!! 

OR 2013!!!

Stray Pride Night!!

The Annual Social Tees Animal Rescue
Fall Fundraiser for Sick and Injured Animals

Come out for a beautiful autumn evening of...

• Food, drinks, fun photo ops, crafts, and excellent company!
• Swag bags full of goodies!
• Awesome raffle prizes from Unleashed by Petco, Park 70 Hotel, LUSH, Coolblue Dog Apparel, Be Pawsitive Pet Treats, Sonia Kashuk, Sabon, Thelma on Clinton, Petite Abeille, BarkBox, Modko, Eaton Magic Creations, and more!
• Animal rescue! The Bowery Bar is generously donating $2 per drink and dish purchased

October 28; 6-9pm

The Bowery Bar and Grill

Tickets: $20 online, $25 at the door

 

BETTER THAN ANY LOVE STORY 

WITH FABIAN ON THE COVER!!

You've never seen a scruffy Schnauzer mutt quite as irresistibly adorable as this one. SOCIAL TEES rescued Zoey from a kill shelter in Tennessee almost a year ago, and every volunteer present during her arrival fell in love with this soft spoken angel immediately. 

One of the way cool top supporters offered to foster her, fell head over heels as quickly as we did,... and the rest is history. Zoey is now part of wonderfully loving, happy-as-pigs-in-mud-to-have-her family. She's also a Social Tees ambassador! She visits Social Tees at adoption events and spreads the crucial rescue mission everywhere she trots.

Do you want to foster or adopt???!!!!

This stunning 1 year old golden needs a Foster home! He's a loving fellow, with a good amount of energy and lots of kisses to give! If you can help Foster this

 It's easy.  All you have to do is fill out a form

WHAT'S FOSTERING, YOU WONDER?!

Fostering lasts a few weeks, and Social Tees can provide supplies if you need them.  Fostering is SUPER important because it's much healthier for our animals to be in homes than in cages, and it expands our shelter virtually.

AND for every cat and dog that is placed in a foster home, Social Tees can pull another out of the kill shelter. So if you are an animal-lover with commitment issues, FOSTER!!!

For more info on fostering, check out our FAQs here.

CONTACT SAMANTHA:samantha.socialtees@gmail.com

Social Tees
325 East 5th Street, NY, NY 10003;
5-7pm Monday to Friday
12-4pm Saturday and Sunday at Petco at Union Square
212-614-9653;
socialteesnyc.org

Do you want to participate in 

Friday's Child?

Not everybody can bring an animal home.  Not everybody lives in New York.  That's why Social Tees just started an Amazon Wish List. It's easy, it's fast and you never have to risk any allergies or a plane trip when you click a button.

Or, if you do live in New York but still can't bring an animal home or don't have the time for a weekly commitment, why not do a drive for materials for Social Tees!?

Visit them at their MATERIAL DRIVE COLLECTION page and find out how easy it can be! 

And if you live in New York and are in the neighborhood, stop by the 5th Street Store front 5-7pm weekedays and the Petco adoption events weekends!
 

GUEST ARTIST: Joni - It Was Her New York - Part 2

 A woman truly from Her New York, Joni will be the Guest Artist for the next several weeks.

New York night stars.


***

These photos may not be used without permission from myprivateconey.com

GUEST ARTIST: Joni - It Was Her New York - Part 1

A woman truly from Her New York, Joni will be the Guest Artist for the next several weeks.

What we saw as we walked to the front door of home.

***

These photos may not be used without permission from myprivateconey.com

Sunday Memories: Guest Artist: Jacques - Street

The last in a series of photographs and favorite poems from Jacques, a Frenchman who wanders through Her New York, capturing little mysteries and secret corners.

But it’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.

Lewis Carroll, « Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland »

***
© Jacques Baudrier 2013

Friday's Child Is Loving And Giving And Having A Party!!!!

There's a reason Friday's Child is now a part 

of Her New York, if only to say thank you.

Click Here to find out how Social Tees
LIKES SAVES LIVES!

Stray Pride Night!!

The Annual Social Tees Animal Rescue
Fall Fundraiser for Sick and Injured Animals

Come out for a beautiful autumn evening of...

• Food, drinks, fun photo ops, crafts, and excellent company!
• Swag bags full of goodies!
• Awesome raffle prizes from Unleashed by Petco, Park 70 Hotel, LUSH, Coolblue Dog Apparel, Be Pawsitive Pet Treats, Sonia Kashuk, Sabon, Thelma on Clinton, Petite Abeille, BarkBox, Modko, Eaton Magic Creations, and more!
• Animal rescue! The Bowery Bar is generously donating $2 per drink and dish purchased

October 28; 6-9pm

The Bowery Bar and Grill

Tickets: $20 online, $25 at the door

 

HANDSOME IS AS HANDSOME DOES

This beautiful boy was adopted from Animal Control back in December. 

Unfortunately the owners split up and can no longer care for him. 

This is an awesome, stunning boy.  Crate trained, housebroken, adorable, loving, funny, sweet.  AND he needs fostering and / or adopting.  

The Goldie Report

As some of you might remember, Goldie was adopted from Social Tees a month and a half ago!!

She had had a tough life in less than a year and needed to heal and mend and rest.   

That took a New York minute.  

Now she bounces, jumps and twirls like an adorable tornado and she definitely rules the roost, including the 18 pound Jupiter and the Mariner who is not a cat and not 18 pounds either.  

Did I mention she's under 7 pounds?  

Most of all, it seems she has always lived here.

Do you want to foster or adopt???!!!!

 It's easy.  All you have to do is fill out a form

WHAT'S FOSTERING, YOU WONDER?!

Fostering lasts a few weeks, and Social Tees can provide supplies if you need them.  Fostering is SUPER important because it's much healthier for our animals to be in homes than in cages, and it expands our shelter virtually.

AND for every cat and dog that is placed in a foster home, Social Tees can pull another out of the kill shelter. So if you are an animal-lover with commitment issues, FOSTER!!!

For more info on fostering, check out our FAQs here.

CONTACT SAMANTHA:samantha.socialtees@gmail.com

Social Tees
325 East 5th Street, NY, NY 10003;
5-7pm Monday to Friday
12-4pm Saturday and Sunday at Petco at Union Square
212-614-9653;
socialteesnyc.org

Do you want to participate in 

Friday's Child?

Not everybody can bring an animal home.  Not everybody lives in New York.  That's why Social Tees just started an Amazon Wish List. It's easy, it's fast and you never have to risk any allergies or a plane trip when you click a button.

Or, if you do live in New York but still can't bring an animal home or don't have the time for a weekly commitment, why not do a drive for materials for Social Tees!?

Visit them at their MATERIAL DRIVE COLLECTION page and find out how easy it can be! 

And if you live in New York and are in the neighborhood, stop by the 5th Street Store front 5-7pm weekedays and the Petco adoption events weekends!
 

Guest Artist: Jacques - the Harbour

A series of photographs and favorite poems from Jacques, a Frenchman who wanders through Her New York, capturing little mysteries and secret corners.

It’s not that I can’t fall in love. It’s really that I can’t help falling in love with too many things all at once. So, you must understand why I can’t distinguish between what’s platonic and what isn’t, because it’s all too much and not enough at the same time. -- Jack Kerou

***
 
© Jacques Baudrier 2013

Guest Artist: Jacques - Street

A series of photographs and favorite poems from Jacques, a Frenchman who wanders through Her New York, capturing little mysteries and secret corners.

 

I am what I am and cannot be otherwise because of the shadows.

Loren Eiseley, “The Unexpected Universe"

***

© Jacques Baudrier 2013

Guest Artist: Jacques - 47th Street

A series of photographs and favorite poems from Jacques, a Frenchman who wanders through Her New York, capturing little mysteries and secret corners.

Nous ne pouvons vivre que dans l’entrouvert, exactement sur la ligne hermétique de partage de l’ombre et de la lumière. Mais nous sommes irrésistiblement jetés en avant. Toute notre personne prête aide et vertige à cette poussée. -- René Char,  "Les Matinaux"

We can live only in the ajar, exactly on the tight line of shadow and light. But we are irresistibly thrown forward. Our anyone ready assistance and Vertigo to this boost. -- René Char, "the morning."

 

***

© Jacques Baudrier 2013

Friday's Child Is Loving And Giving and Giving and Loving and Loving and Giving and...

There's a reason Friday's Child is now a part 

of Her New York, if only to say thank you.

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL ADOPTION!!! 

ANOTHER HAPPY FAMILY!!!

Dear Social Tees!

We just wanted to send you a quick update to say how much we love Frodo.  

After spending a couple of days mostly hiding under the couch or bed, he is now comfortably and happily lounging on the bed, getting lots of hugs, and sitting somewhat awkwardly on his kitty castle. 

He is such a sweet and playful cat, and he brings us an admittedly ridiculous amount of joy. Thank you so much for bringing him into our lives, and for all that you do for so many other pets that need loving homes. It is truly amazing! We'll keep you updated on his life, and send you particularly silly/cute pictures.

With love,
Liz and Simon (and Frodo)

LOVE THE WAY LOVE LOOKS?

Do you want to foster or adopt???!!!!

 It's easy.  All you have to do is fill out a form

Meet Cheo the Corgi mix

Cheo the Corgi mix is 8 years old and losing his vision,  but as sweet and grateful as ever to be here. 

We have a real soft spot for older animals in need. So often, they get overlooked for younger, "cuter" animals. But senior dogs and cats are just as loving, affectionate, special, and deserving as any other critter waiting to find a true forever home. 

 

We take as many out of the kill shelters as our resources will allow for. With your help, we can rescue even more! 

Please foster a senior or make a donation to support their food and medical costs today at socialteesnyc.org.

WHAT'S FOSTERING, YOU WONDER?!

Fostering lasts a few weeks, and Social Tees can provide supplies if you need them.  Fostering is SUPER important because it's much healthier for our animals to be in homes than in cages, and it expands our shelter virtually.

AND for every cat and dog that is placed in a foster home, Social Tees can pull another out of the kill shelter. So if you are an animal-lover with commitment issues, FOSTER!!!

For more info on fostering, check out our FAQs here.

CONTACT SAMANTHA:samantha.socialtees@gmail.com

Social Tees
325 East 5th Street, NY, NY 10003;
5-7pm Monday to Friday
12-4pm Saturday and Sunday at Petco at Union Square
212-614-9653;
socialteesnyc.org

Do you want to participate in 

Friday's Child?

Not everybody can bring an animal home.  Not everybody lives in New York.  That's why Social Tees just started an Amazon Wish List. It's easy, it's fast and you never have to risk any allergies or a plane trip when you click a button.

Or, if you do live in New York but still can't bring an animal home or don't have the time for a weekly commitment, why not do a drive for materials for Social Tees!?

Visit them at their MATERIAL DRIVE COLLECTION page and find out how easy it can be! 

And if you live in New York and are in the neighborhood, stop by the 5th Street Store front 5-7pm weekedays and the Petco adoption events weekends!
 

Guest Artist: Jacques - Bryant Park

A series of photographs and favorite poems from Jacques, a Frenchman who wanders through Her New York, capturing little mysteries and secret corners.

Solitude gives birth to the original in us, to beauty, unfamiliar and perilous.

Thomas Mann, "Death in Venice"

***

© Jacques Baudrier 2013

Guest Artist: Jacques - Manhattan, Battery Park City and One World Trade Center

A series of photographs and favorite poems from Jacques, a Frenchman who wanders through Her New York, capturing little mysteries and secret corners.

Comment se fait-il qu’ayant, devant nous, notre chemin tracé (ou nos éventuels chemins), nous prenions généralement celui qui nous éloigne de notre but, nous conduit ailleurs, où nous ne sommes pas — mais peut-être y sommes-nous aussi ? — sauf lorsque l’inspiration nous guide, lorsque nous sommes en état de réception ou de grâce — mais c’est rare, très rare même — et ceux qui le sont — en état de grâce — l’ignorent; je veux dire le temps qu’ils le sont. D’autant plus qu’être en état de grâce, c’est souvent perdre son chemin, le chemin habituel, pour en suivre de plus secrets, de plus mystérieux. --  Edmond Jabès, "Le Livre des questions"

How is it that having before us, our path (or our potential paths), we usually take one that takes away us from our goal, leads us elsewhere, where we're not - but perhaps there we also? -except when inspiration guides us when we are in State of reception or grace - but it is rare, very rare - and those who are - in State of grace - ignore it. I mean the time that they are. More than to be in State of grace, it is often lose his way, the usual way to track more secrets, more mysterious. -- Edmond Jabès, "The book of questions"

***

© Jacques Baudrier 2013

An Encore Becomes A Sunday Memory Many Years Later: The Secret Of The Fruit Man

Originally posted October 1, 2009


For the first time ever the Fruit Man by the Avenue A bus stop on Clinton and Grand was closed. Well, the first time not a Jewish holiday. I knew he couldn't have been evicted because the building was a city building sold to the tenants so that everyone could stay there without being kicked out because they weren't rich.

I said to Irene, "Where's the Fruit Man?"

His stand, basic and built on old boxes, a beat-up space inside for the stuff that couldn't stand the heat or the rain or the snow, was like all the fruit and vegetable stands in the neighborhood, but his remained while the rest dissolved into fancy supermarkets or gourmet coffee shops or Chinatown where fresh fruit sold from their shipping boxes still meant something.

Everyone in the neighborhood went to him. Even Florence who hated him. Irene loved his cantaloupe.

"He retired," Irene said.

"Really? Why? Was he sick?"

"No. He was 90."

"He was mean."

"No. He wasn't.

"He yelled at everyone."

And Irene said, "All his customers were old and hard of hearing. That's why he yelled."