Finally

I think that by now, Jerry Green's entire office must be laughing at me. I can't begin to calculate how many times I've phoned over to the local union to be met with the same, "Jerry's not in the office," line. I saw a YouTube video of him, so perhaps there's now proof that he really exists. Or maybe he has a doppelganger. Or several. We'll see.

On a good note, I scored an interview with one of the heads of the National Museum of Industrial History, Stephen Donches. (Somebody actually picked up a telephone!) When I originally asked about permission to photograph inside Steel, a secretary handed me the number of the Sands (484 777-7777)... lucky number 7, anyone? When I phoned over and asked the secretary who I could talk to, she paused for just a bit too long for comfort and then said something to the extent of, "uhhh most of our pictures go to advertising. I can transfer you there." Nobody in advertising picked up. I think this is a good thing.

Tomorrow, I'm meeting Barbara Flanagan, a woman who I found tending her garden on Wall Street as I biked by with my camera. I slowed to admire the garden (herbs popping up through the old brick walkway, lilies, lilacs, the whole nine yards), and we began talking. Barbara is an architectural writer and critic, also an artist, ex-council member, Jewish convert and mother. Also she's exceptionally kindhearted, and when I thanked her for a really inspiring conversation about art, politics, and life in general, I told her that the chat had been the best thing to happen all day. Her response? "Well then you must be living a boring life!" In any event, one of her interns who works Wednesdays actually graduated from Hillsborough (ancient history!) and she thinks we should meet. So we will. Hopefully Isaac will be here by then. I'll have already made red velvet cupcakes with Dani, and then it's poker night. Then we're off to New Jersey for a few days to take a bit of a break, sleep in a real bed (read, not on the floor), and cook several delicious lunches and dinners. I just have to, somehow, get through today.

"oh hai"