At around seven this evening something strange happened to the sky: it turned a color I don’t recall it ever being, except in old tales. I had my camera on me, and took the picture above to prove I’m not crazy. I saw it! I did!

But now I’m frightened.

What does this mean? Why is the sky blue? What’s happening?

I know you guys are sick of this, but I just can’t help myself. The irony of it all is too rich. And “rich” is the operative word. You pay half a million bucks for a cramped condo in the South End, and then it looks like this out front a day-and-a-half a week.

But I want to be clear about something. When you throw your trash out on the sidewalk in front of your half million dollar condo it ceases to be about you. I know it’s hard to see that it’s not ALL about YOU, but try. It becomes an eye-sore and a public health issue for ME.

This was in a really lovely little neighborhood, and while I was snapping my photos I saw a neatly dressed little yuppy woman come out of her building with two little plastic grocery bags full of rubbish that she very conscientiously placed on the big pile of plastic and paper bags already on the curb (there are several violations of city rubbish codes in the pictures, by the way–see if you can find ‘em all!) I could tell by the way she did it sort of tentatively in front of a stranger that she was a little ashamed. And she should be. Because it IS a shame. I oinked at her and snapped a few more pics while she called 9-1-1 on her cell.

Sometimes you get the feeling they think the rest of us don’t see it. Or that the rest of us just magically disappear when not in their sights, so it doesn’t matter anyway. But we’re still here! And we see you! AND your garbage all over the sidewalk!

Is this really, honestly, acceptable to you? If not, why not take the initiative and do something about it? Think of the unholy stink the South End Historical Society raises every time some poor sod wants to put a birdbath or something in his tiny little front garden thingy. It has to pass through twelve zoning committees and be assessed and certified by at least three experts from Antiques Roadshow. And yet you guys can’t come up with a simple solution to this shameful rubbish situation?

Well, here it is, bitches:

They come in a variety of sizes, they are a not unpleasing in shape or color, and they should be required for each and every building in the South End. Put your building’s address on it, because anyone without one is gonna get fined. See, simple.

I mean, enough already. I’m sick of looking at your garbage. And I’m sick of waiting for you to figure out how to deal with a simple problem. I mean, how many South End yuppies does it take to screw in a freakin lightbulb?

Yesterday was a delightful respite from the rain. There was still a mist in the air, but as with a heavy snow, the extraordinary weather seemed to have transformed the world all around. These pictures were taken along Commonwealth Ave., and at Copley Square, of course, after noon. I like the almost solemn lushness of the near-empty park, and the veil of fog over the upper floors of the John Hancock.

As you can see, the rain was merciless with the tulips, their blooms and pollen wasted, they bow their little heads in utter defeat. Reminds you of the fare hike a little, doesn’t it?