A Geezer On 72nd Street Speaks...

A Geezer On 72nd Street Speaks...


Despite what you might have heard, transition back to 72nd Street from The Carlyle was not a piece of cake. At least for me! In any case, some time has passed and with it a realization that we are back where we belong.


As most of you know, this new blog is a result of some not too gentle prodding from some readers of the Carlyle Hotel blog. I was surprised and honored by the comments. This blog deals with random thoughts (typical of me) about life; past, present, and future. I promise that this will be a gentle undertaking and I will steer clear of subjects like politics, business, religion and other difficult subjects. I invite you to comment and suggest areas you would like covered.


I thought I would start off this blog with my long time relationship with dogs. I must be upfront with those of you who are dog lovers, you might find this disturbing. That's OK as this is my blog!


I realize that the dog lovers out there will ooh and ahh when looking at this cute dog. To me, he (or she) is one step removed from the wolf family and capable of filling me with fear. I have improved with the passage of time. In my younger days, I could not walk down a street without putting the person with me between me and the oncoming predator.

One example of what life used to be like living in a dog friendly city took place when we lived next door to a human family and a German Shepard named Herb. It took Herb about 3 minutes to realize that he terrorized me, and he took full advantage of this knowledge. When he heard me leave my apartment, Herb rushed to his side of the closed door and let out a giant woof. Fast forward a few years and Herb developed a severe case of arthritis and could no longer walk. Despite this handicap, when Herb heard me in the hall, he would crawl to his door and let out a tiny woof. The results were the same, I would cringe in fear and picture Herb on the other side of the door with a big smile on his face thirsting to sink his giant jaws into my skin.


Another story that will demonstrate the strange effect I have on dogs involves my sister. She, her family and what she claimed was a dog but looked like an overgrown rodent lived in New Jersey. We were there one evening and the "thing" named Buttons, leaped on my lap and started to play. I only wanted the dog to disappear, but the more I tried to get rid of her, the harder she played. I expressed my concern that Button would lose control of her bladder, but my sister assured me that had never happen. 


Guess what couple drove back on a cold winter's night to the city with the windows wide open.


Jane and I walk nearly every morning in Central Park usually at 7:45am. Dogs are allowed to be off the leash between 7-9am and run free. I have gotten used to mingling with the two and four footed animals on our daily walk. I have come to even like some dogs while being wary of others. We tend to meet the same people and dogs every day. 


We always marveled at some of the huge dogs that people keep in their apartments. In particular, there is one petite woman with a Great Dane that she could easily put a saddle on and ride off into the sunset.


As we were entering the park the other day, we spotted the woman and the Great Dane coming towards us. Without any warning a woman on our right with a fair size barking dog shot by us on a direct line to bring the dogs together. The Great Dane immediately decided to attack what he saw as an enemy. The petite woman could not control her dog and ended up flat on her duff being dragged to join the fray. Since we were so close to the point where they would intersect, and being true New Yorkers, we picked up speed and left the battlefield.


We have not seen the woman or the Great Dane since.


I don't know where you live, but a great number of people in our neighborhood are to busy (or lazy) to walk their own dogs. This has led to a thriving industry of "dog walkers." They contract to come to your apartment, get your dog(s) and take them for a walk. You will see these "walkers" all over the city heading for the park. Each walker will have a bunch of dogs on their leashes prancing down the streets. Oh yes, the "walkers" cleanup after the dogs.


Below is what one service charges:

• 30 minute walk - $15
• 45 minute walk - $20

• 60 minute walk - $25
• For additional dogs from the same home (walked together), please add $5 per dog to the above prices

• For walks between 7 pm and 7 am, please add $5 per walk to the above prices
• For guaranteed private walks, please add $5 per walk to the above prices

Only in New York.

It surprises me at how diligent the people who walk dogs are in cleaning up after their pets. There was a time when you had to walk the streets with your eyes cast downwards in order to avoid stepping in a little deposit of dog residue. That is no longer the case as the owners all carry little plastic bags to pick up after their dogs. It is a  sight to see people bent over cleaning up and the dogs standing quietly by gazing upon this activity.

It makes you wonder who is the master and who is the pet.


Before I close this blog, here is a quick update on the transitional period we are experiencing.

• We have been informed by our building management that demolition will be starting in the apartment directly below the source of the flood. This means that we will be treated to months of noise as this apartment will be "gutted" and then rebuilt.
• In addition other affected apartments will be undergoing renovations to some degree for the near future.
• Our common hallway was damaged and work will commence there shortly.
• Perhaps a return to The Carlyle is in order. Now all we have to do is get the insurance company to also think this is a good idea.

To leave you in a good mood, our Dhurrie Rug was delivered completing the restoration. See below: