Dumpster Diving on Park Avenue

August in NYC is time for Summer Streets. Park Avenue is closed down to vehicles on Saturdays to allow for biking, walking and running. And this year, they've added something new:


Dumpster pools. Just cuz it's classier to dive into water than trash on Park Avenue.

RIP, Lord John

From the time I moved into the neighborhood over six years ago, Lord John's Bootery has stood proudly as neighboring restaurants have come and gone. Because of the rapid turnover, the restaurant space to the south has always been known as "the place next to Lord John's." But as of today, I'm sad to say, "Goodbye, Lord John. Thank you for being a strong reference point for over half a decade."


A sign in the window says the Bootery has been there for 57 years. As much as I love Bloomingdale's, Zappos and even Nordstrom's famous shoe department, I can't help but be a bit sad to assume that they contributed to Lord John's demise. Although I have to admit, I'd never even been into the store because it just looked too expensive.

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What was I thinking?

I confirmed my registration today.


Although I guess the Magic Kingdom is better than the Hudson.

Up on the rooo-ooof

I finally got to visit the rooftop of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. It's as large as a football field and as white as the moon. I can't keep my bathroom floor that clean. I'm not sure how they keep the exterior surface of the building so white. Anyhoo, I kept hearing stories of all the fun times on the roof. Lunches, sunsets, photoshoots. But for some reason, I'd never been up there. So today, I clubbed, sacked and dragged a Brooklyn employee so that he'd give me the tour.


There's literally a 365 degree view. My favorite was overlooking the Williamsburg Bridge and Midtown Manhattan. Next time I'll have to take a picture of the roof itself. And bring some brown-bagged-booze.

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Super Size Me

After going for a great run tonight, I decided I was hungry. I thought a nice slice of thin crust veggie pizza would be a well-deserved treat. This is what I got.


I'm not sure it's clear in the picture, but this slice is over a inch thick and seven inches long. This isn't quite what I was picturing when I ordered from Famous Ray's. I ate about three bites before I was full. Oh well. I guess I have lunch for tomorrow. And dinner.

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Hat Trick

Yep. Three times!


I found not one, not two but three lucky pennies today. And here I thought only bad things came in threes!

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West Side Story

I woke up this morning and went for a run along the Hudson River. I generally run along the East River because it's closer to home so this was a refreshing break. I mean, looking at Long Island City and Brooklyn are delightful but the path on the west side is just so much more iconic.


See what I mean? Millions of people flock to Battery Park every year just for a glimpse of The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island every day. As I weaved my way in and out of packs of tourists, I realized just how often I take these things for granted.

And then the fatigue kicked in and I ran back uptown, avoiding the view, the tourists and the blister on my right foot. I ran 5.2 miles in 1:00:02. Just two weeks ago, I ran 6.5 in 1:02:00. I guess that's further proof of race day adrenaline.


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