Stacy Horn

Normally, when fighter jets are going to fly over New York City we get a warning. We’re rather sensitive about low-flying planes in these parts. But for the past few days I’ve heard them zoom past at least two or three times a day, and we haven’t gotten any word about what is happening. The lack of word is very unnerving. What don’t they want us to know?

I walked to Central Park and back yesterday, to have a visit with a choir friend. That was great, and much needed. And I got a present of homemade pumpkin bread! The city is still basically empty, but it was a lovely day and there was a little bit more activity. The military were present in Times Square, mostly Navy. It looked like a photo-op.

A friend sent me two masks she made and I took some pictures. Obviously my favorite shot is one with a cat. You can also see the great Exploring Space book my sister-in-law Karen gave me. I love the cover!

I walked by this lilac bush and the scent was so powerful the first thing I did when I got home was order a lilac-scented Yankee Candle. Lilac is one of my favorite fragrances. I was surprised to smell them outside actually, because when I buy a bouquet of them they usually have a very weak scent. I remember when I could buy one bunch and their scent would fill my apartment. It was wonderful! As was walking by the ones here (Madison Square Park).

First, all my cats are fine. No one is sick, but I’ve been dealing with a behavior problem for some time. Quick back story: It began when I started fostering kittens. Bodhi and Bali decided they like chasing Bleecker, and Bleecker decided this is terrifying. I worked with a behaviorist at the ASPCA for months, following all her instructions to the letter, but nothing worked. I have to separate them. Bleecker spends the day in the bedroom, while Bodhi and Bali are with me in the rest of the apartment. Then, at the end of the day I put Bodhi and Bali in the bedroom, and Bleecker spends the evenings with me. (I don’t use the bedroom as a bedroom, so I’m out in the rest of the apartment at night.)

I couldn’t get a decent picture of Bali in focus, but here they all are. This is Bali in the bedroom, stopping for one split second to allow me to get an almost-in-focus shot. He’s a sweetheart though. Loves attention.

This is Bodhi, the evil one, who normally won’t stop long enough to get a shot that even pretends to be in focus. It was probably a ruse to get me to let my guard down so he could bat my face.

Here’s the baby Bleeck. Not a baby anymore, but I still call him that. It’s like he’s looking at the camera and thinking, “Jesus, what is that?? Should I be afraid?” Poor, easily stressed Bleecker.

For some of my walks I like to go to places that are normally crowded, to see how they feel now. Yesterday I went to Grand Central Station. When I first arrived there were zero commuters. By the time I crossed the floor to take a picture a train had arrived and this tiny handful of people got off the train. Normally this floor would be packed. More below.

There was a small military presence. I don’t imagine they have a lot to do.

I took this picture because I have very warm feelings gazing up at this spot. Many years ago, before most people had even heard of the internet, on New Years Eve I installed a row of computers across this balcony and with the help of Echo employees and volunteers (the online community I established in 1989) we introduced New Yorkers to social networking. Sigh.