beautiful day marred....

by passing construction on northwest corner of 82nd street and columbus on my way to the library,
Horrible smell emanating from there, smelled like waste---worker I passed had a mask on, now, a half hour later, can still feel the stink that I absorbed. Hope there are no after effects. Another example of how real estate needs overtake all others in the city.
Last night; Attended FUREE meeting, long, lots of venting from many of the participants, still have not gotten used to that---meeting was held in the projects on York Street, three blocks away from the extravagance that is DUMBO---during the meeting while others were venting I thought of how when the meeting ended, I might visit one or two of the bar restaurants two or three blocks away. Of course, the majority of the people at the meeting, lived in the projects---when the meeting was over, they would simply return to their homes---understand the difference between me and them. Several high end new residences with terraces are either across the street from the projects, or on the next block. Still stunned by the closeness, but not much I can do about it. Next block north is very nice, placid, seems like a very different world. But the project area itself, populated with people, both when I left and when I arrived, seemed very mellow and friendly. Will try to attend next meeting with head of the project for the city, just as a matter of support.
Afterwards, not clear about what to do, could not see a tv in any of the Dumbo establishments that I checked, hated to leave Brooklyn, but decided that the best place for me to watch the Mets game would be La Flaca, so jumped on the F, and was there very quickly, game was on, of course, good to see Bobby again, and a few others that I have become friendly with there. Good choice----afterwards was not ready to return home, walked (as usual) to the Bean, had a very rich cup cake, and then took the subway home. Slept well, and got up late, body tired, but feeling quite optimistic about things until event mentioned above.
Tonight, plan to see the Sinatra film, Some Came Running, which I did not see in 1959--Lincoln Center having a Sinatra festival, it is kind of short, don't think I can see any of the others.Also today want to go to Theater Row and get tickets for musical theater play that my friend James is in, that he also wrote, and maybe Annie Baker's play as well.
All is planned for the trip to Baltimore Monday morning, we will see what happens....