Stacy Horn

I was relatively late to appreciate David Bowie. It was 1975, and I was in college. I already loved the hits, which were essentially the most mainstream songs from among what he’d written so far. But I wasn’t aware of the more interesting stuff not played on the radio so much. Then I was. Then The Man Who Fell to Earth Came out. Then obsession.

Also, I just remembered! I was VERY skinny in my youth, and no one believes me, they think skinny people have it made, but when you are not thin but actually kinda freakishly skinny, growing up that way is not a picnic. People can be very mean. Maybe it was a backlash against the meanness towards being heavier in our culture. Anyway I loved that this fabulous person was also very skinny! It was even a part of what made him so interesting.

I’m thinking of walking down to Bowie’s apartment, but I don’t know if I can get there today.

Discarded Christmas trees in the West Village.

The times I’ve called the landlord so far about the heat: 12/30, 1/5, and now, 1/9. In keeping with my 30 Day Mental Challenge, I will note that one can always bundle up against the cold, and it’s not that chilly today in any case. And, thankfully, I can shower at the gym at least, after I swim.

Meanwhile, I’m thrilled that Finnegan has deemed sharing my lap with Bleeck an acceptable practice. This could become my favorite cat thing.

I need two root canals. Not one, two. We were watching two teeth and I was hoping to catch a break, and maybe only need one, but no. I need two. Of course. Because the universe hates me. Not enough to kill me, thank God, but enough to want to torture me.

Meanwhile I can hear steam hissing in the radiators! The heat is back! At least there’s that. The cats and I will be warm tonight.

The picture below is of someone actually sitting in Gramercy Park. For those outside New York City, Gramercy Park is a small, beautiful, well-preserved part of New York. They also have a park that only residents there can use. It’s locked to everyone else. It’s lovely, looks restful, and NO ONE USES IT. I walk by it every time I go to the dentist, which is a lot, because as we know the universe dislikes me intensely, and the park is almost always empty.

It makes sense in the winter, but it’s often empty in the spring, summer and fall.

The picture below was taken this morning and I’m pretty sure this has never happened. When Finnegan started stepping onto my lap I said, “Little dude, this is not going to work.” But he made it work, and Bleecker didn’t do anything to wreck it. Finnegan is actually sitting a little bit on top of Bleecker, but it was the only way he could fit himself in and thank God Bleecker was just fine with that.

Meanwhile: Still without heat and hot water. Right now I have the oven on with the door open and a fan in front of it to blow the warm air into the room. Sounds a tad dangerous, I know.

Just as I started this post the heat came back on. Even though the cold weather has only just started here in New York City, I’ve already lost the heat twice. I’m going to start keeping track. The times I’ve called the landlord so far about the heat: 12/30, 1/5.

In keeping with my mental challenge I will note that it came back quickly this time. And, I own a very effective space heater.

A beautiful sleeping kitty. This is Finnegan in one of his Bleecker-free sleeping spots. Isn’t he the sweetest looking cat in the whole wide world?? I get to curl up with this guy. ENVY ME.