Conversations With Legendary Older Ladies of New York City

First in what will undoubtedly be a series

Ellen*, 82, retired New York Times columnist and neighbor, walking her dog Jack**. We run into her a block from our house after unloading our two children from the car last night at 6:45. My husband is pushing the baby in the stroller and carrying our bags and I’m carrying the toddler.

ELLEN: Hi there! [GESTURES TO TODDLER] He can walk can’t he?

ME: Yeah - he’s just…we didn’t nap today and are very hungry.

ELLEN: I hear you. I only had half a salad for lunch.

ME: Oh?