It's Always Earth Day in WT

The entire student body of PS 154 took advantage of this perfect spring day by marching around the block, chanting "Save Our Earth!" (with "Shave Our Earth" a popular variation...this is grammar school, after all). Photo by Al Pereira.

Our Dear Dry Cleaner

Yes, it is true that our dear dry cleaner at Eden on 10th Avenue and Windsor was found dead this morning. Most neighbors knew her as Linda; she and her husband used to run their shop where the glass store is now on Windsor before moving to the former toy store on 10th Avenue. She has been robbed before, at both locations, and the store vandalized.

This morning, concerned neighbors called the police around 8:20 am because the store was not open; the gates were down but unlocked; the front door was unlocked; the lights were off; there were clothes left on the counter; and, most worrisome, her pocket book was unattended on a side window sill. When the police didn't arrive promptly, the young woman who works with her became increasingly agitated, and a neighbor walked back to the bathroom to check. He found her body and the police were called again. They arrived within five minutes, along with the fire department and EMS. The woman was laying on her stomach with blood--not a large amount, according to one fireman--on the floor. Neighbors did not see her car, which is white. Her body was removed by the medical examiner around 3:30 pm.

If you saw anything, please contact the precinct. It is a terrible thought that one of our neighbors may have suffered any fear or pain, but it is possible to help now by straightening out exactly what happened when.

A Mysterious Visitor

Rest in Peace, Sludgie. Photo by Al Pereira shows the juvenile minke whale off the 20th Street Pier.

Happy Feet

At the 32nd Annual Irish-American Parade. Photos by Al Pereira.

Windsor Terrors

Halloween in Brooklyn. Photos by Al Pereira.

Books and Cooks

Dropped by Babbo's yesterday on its opening day. It's been quite a while since there was a book store in the neighborhood--has it been 10 years since that lady on Windsor Place, where the florist (and turtle emporium) is now--closed her shop? Anyway, Babbo's seems cozy if a bit sparse on inventory. There are new and used books for sale, two comfy chairs and art on the walls. Having read the letter the (very young) owner's mom wrote to The New York Times on Sunday, I wish her luck in fulfilling her "long-held" dream.

We also recently ate at Fez (finally). Owned by the lady from 16th Street Gourmet (which she may already have closed), it's a nice addition to the block. The owner is friendly and the food is pretty good. We were smart to get there before this cold snap and enjoyed our meal in the backyard, serenaded in turn by sparrows and a little baby in the upstairs apartment.

Blessing of the Animals

Saint Francis' Feast Day.

Anyone Else Celebrating?

Today on the Avenue...

This war is not far away.

Although we didn't know him personally, my children and I went to Immaculate Heart of Mary this morning for the funeral of Captain John McKenna. I suppose this is what "Support the Troops" means: whatever I think of the war in Iraq, I can only respect and appreciate the sacrifice of this young man, who led a most honorable life. It was a privilege to be in his presence, even in death. I also very much wanted to show my children that this war is not far away; it is here, in Windsor Terrace, in the very church in which they were baptized and made their first communions.