Parking

 New York City is wall to wall cars. Street parking is a nightmare. Many programs are avoided simply because there are just not enough parking spaces. And if one wants to use pay garages, their prices are astronomical. One of the most desirable things for a car owner in this city is a garage space or an assigned parking spot in a lot. That is what we have, and we feel pretty lucky about it.

Our building is so old that garage was not a requirement at the time of its construction. I don't think it goes back to the horse and buggy days, but it is not much younger. Anyway, the landlord is required to do exterior repairs which include pointing and replacing broken windowsills, bricks etc. This work has been ongoing since May of this year and so far, they only finished the front and two sides. We are a corner building. 

Today they started work on the back of the building. Why is this important? Because the back is where the parking lot is and that is where we park our car. As of today, and for the unseeable future we are not allowed to park our cars in the lot. So, this morning we moved it and as millions of other drivers started to hunt for parking spaces. At 7 in the morning parking spots were not in abundance. But we prevailed and found a spot. Just as well because by 10 am the workers were already working where we "used to" park. Now, we are looking ahead to a pain in the ass few months as far as parking.

What makes our situation a little easier is that almost a year ago, thanks to my doctor I got a city permit that permits me to park anywhere within New York City and without paying for it. This is a handicapped parking permit and I got it because of my spinal surgery and because I walk with a cane.

All I can say again: good country America!