Two of my favorite things are on one block: West 80th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam. First, there is an arbor. It hangs over a sign that prohibits ball playing and step sitting. The grapes are so fresh and beautiful. The leaves are so broad and green and shady. These pictures were taken a few weeks ago. I have to check on how the harvest is doing.

Then, when you walk a little beyond this lovely vineyard, you come to a massage place (a really superb and really cheap massage place) with an exquisitely enticing name: NEW YOU AGAIN. Not “New You,” which would already be an improvement on Old You; or “You Again,” a far more realistic assessment. New You Again! The You that keeps on getting another chance! It is the most optimistic sign I have ever seen. I love 80th Street! A New Me and Grapes hanging from a fire escape! Now if only New Me could play ball beneath the shady arbor! Again!

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