Blowing off steam

7th Avenue Steam Pipes – Watercolor on 140# Arches coldpress

Any visitor to NYC will notice a few things. The Bronx is up and the Battery’s down. The people ride in a hole in the ground.

AND,  there is always steam coming up from the streets.  What is up with all that steam?   It’s a common site and one that doesn’t get noticed too much by us.

But when these two ConEd (our electric utility company) steam pipes went up on the corner of 7th Ave. and 14th Street, they were blowing out so much thick white steam I decided to stop and take notice.

For about a minute.

And then I went into the Duane Reade which is on the corner.

These pipes have been here now for a few weeks.   I do not know why they are there or why all that steam is coming from the street.  I envision someone really pissed off on the subway platform below waiting for the #2 train which is, of course, delayed for “track work”.

I have not seen one ConEd worker at that location in weeks.  Perhaps they are all on their break?  Or in their office making sure my electric bill rivals the national dept.  It always amazes me that ConEd pats themselves on the back every summer if we don’t have a blackout.  It’s not like it’s a surprise every year when NYC gets HOT in the SUMMER.  Duh!

I’m just cranky cause my blackberry died on me tonight.  Bah!  I need that phone.  That is my lifeline.  Grrrr.  Can you see the steam coming out of my ears?