New York City, October 17, 2012

★★★★ The day announced itself with a flush of pink light on the gray-brown apartment building across the way, brightening to gold. High clouds marbled the dome of the sky with thin whites and intermediate blues. People walking away from the diffused sun, crossing the street, had glowing edges on them. All day long, the passing airplanes stood out against the backdrop — tiny and solid, coming and going.