The Walkable City and Signs of Spring

Short post today: I’m supposed to give Simon Dardick at Véhicule Press the complete version of my next book The Walkable City: From Haussmann’s Boulevards to Jane Jacobs Street and Beyond this afternoon. Well, the notes, bibliography and photo list won’t be ready by 3:30 p.m. when I’m supposed to go by his office, but the text is pretty well finished. It was a hard book to write, but I’m beginning to think I maybe have a good fix on it. More later, of course.

But first a couple of signs of spring: our house has a “flat” roof, that is it slopes toward a central drain which carries away rain and melt water. The drain runs through the middle of the house to meet the sewer pipes in the basement, which means that this time of year as the snow on the roof begins to melt there is a constant burble of water. Sounds a bit like a stream, and is a sure sign of spring.

And, believe it or not, despite the snow banks which are still four feet high in front, the edges have begun to retreat so that a little of the ground is showing. Right near the front steps one sturdy snowdrop has already thrust its head out! Good to see!