A Relic of the Past Right Outside my Door

I love my neighborhood. In the mornings people are walking dogs, walking to the bus or subway and walking with their children. Lots of baby carriages and little ones. Now each morning the bus to day camp waits on the corner across from my building and parents are knocking on the windows and waving goodbye to their children. It's probably not the image most people have of New York, but in my corner of the city there are lots of children.

Still I was puzzled for a few minutes when I walked down my block tonight. It had just gotten dark and at first all I could see was bright colored markings on the sidewalk. As I got closer I realized I was seeing one of my favorite games of childhood, hopscotch, and lots of bright pictures done with colored chalk. I was surprised. I didn't think kids still played hopscotch or amused themselves on summer afternoons with a box of chalk. And I didn't think it happened in Manhattan. I am so glad to be so wrong.