Optimist

The weather this week is supposed to stay in the teens or below.  I think we have the eternal optimist pictured here.  At least the sun is shining and there is no snow predicted for a couple of days.  Maybe these people will get an opportunity soon to enjoy the umbrella and bbq. 

We have had a very snowy and cold winter here in the Northeast and I think everyone is yearning for an early spring.  Yesterday the temps were in the 30s and the park in Saratoga Springs was mobbed with people - skiing, snow shoeing and walking.  The sun was shining and I, for one, was anxious to enjoy the bit of respite from the cold.

I am optimistic that spring will be here soon.

Ooops

This door wasn't on a building on Central Avenue - but I have noticed it a few times on my commute to work.  It is located near an intersection, so I've been wondering about it while stopped at the light each time I see it.  Is it installed upside down? Did the person adding the numbers just add them upside down? My guess is that the door is installed in reverse of what it should be.  I think most doors open right to left? 

I'll never really know but being curious and inquisitive is something that helps me with the boring daily commute to and from work. 

I tried to rotate the photo and the system isn't allowing it - maybe the computer thinks it is upside down also?? 

Central Morning

Driving down "the avenue" this morning I the silhouette of the buildings against the cloudy sky.  There was the shadow of the sun behind the clouds which accented the skyline.  It was a frigid night and morning - 10 degrees when I was driving in to work.  The only thing visible on most people were their eyes - hats pulled down, scarves wrapped around their faces, heavy boots and coats and gloves.  Here in the Northeast we don't really get the cold temps that you might encounter in Minnesota or the Dakotas, but we suffer when the temps drop below zero.  It rarely lasts for very long and the temps are supposed to moderate by the weekend, and everyone seems to be talking about the "deep freeze". 

Back to the skyline - Albany has many interesting buildings with distinct architectural features.  I walk a lot in the city for exercise and I seem to notice some new building or roof top detail, or a stained glass window, or piece of ironwork that I had not seen before.  Next time you drive thru or walk around the city - look around.  It can be interesting and there is so much history worth taking a look at.

Welcome 2015

Good Morning. An easy commute on Central Avenue today.  There is no one heading into the city!!  No traffic - I think everyone stayed home to get ready for the festivities tonight whatever they might be.  Dinner, Dancing, partying, noisemakers, glitter, champagne?? 

I am staying home tonight relaxing by the fire with my two dogs.  Well, one dog will stay close to me and the other will go out in the kitchen because she is afraid of the crackling noises coming from the fireplace. 

 

The hound with the white face is the one who hates loud noises.  I guess she won't stay up with me to watch the ball drop either.  And let's hope there are no fireworks nearby which will also set her off.  I will probably set an alarm to wake up to watch the ball drop at midnight since I'm pretty sure that I will be sleeping by then. 

 

Have a safe and wonderful evening and welcome to 2015!! 

Trending Signs?

Today on Central Avenue - it was a very dicey icy ride in to work.  There was a light drizzle and it was 32 degrees so the road was freezing.  Made for a very slow ride which gave me the opportunity to look around at the buildings up and down "the Avenue". 

There was a barber shop that had a very funny (I thought) sign on their front door.  A sign of the times? I was so surprised when I saw it that I just had to take a picture and share. 

 

I know we've all seen people on the streets with underwear hanging out above the waist of their pants.  Pants not worn on the waist but way below!  I must admit that I really don't understand the purpose of this, especially when I watch them trying to walk while having one hand holding up the pants. 

 

Just another day on Central Avenue. 

On the Run

 
 

Last night I stopped for some groceries at a fairly large store on Central Avenue.  As I was heading in to the store a guy came out running with a backpack.  I mean really running as if he was going to catch a bus!!  Or something else - maybe he was running away from something or someone? He ran clear across the very large parking lot and kept going down the road. He did not head for the bus stop, there is one at the front of the store parking lot.  What I found most intriguing was the fact that no one was running after him.  As I entered the store I looked around expecting to see someone who might be concerned that this guy had just bolted from the store.  Nope.  Nothing. No alarm, no security, no one giving chase.  I'm not sure why he was running, maybe he was just late for an appointment or a very important date. 

Just another day on Central Avenue.

 

What are the Chances?

Today I decided to drive up Central Ave. on my lunch hour.  Not a lot of time to shop, but had a couple of errands to take care of.  Traffic can be a little crazy at lunch time, and as we get closer to the holidays it is nightmarish.  Today did not seem too congested, but I did get behind this one car that kind of made me crazy. 

Driving slowly - and I couldn't get around him (I checked).  He would put his blinker on, slow down - and not turn.  This happened a couple of times within a few blocks until I finally did pass him.  While following this particular vehicle I had time to notice the license plate holder and different features of the car and the man driving. 

I motored on and took care of my errands.  Now, returning from Colonie to Albany I decided to take the most direct route which is again Central Avenue.  A bit of traffic and I get behind a car which looks eerily similar to the one that I saw earlier.  Turns on his blinker from the second lane as though he is changing lanes - good - nope - doesn't turn.  Now I'm thinking no way could it be the same person. Driving slowly - seeming to be in a bit of a daze - I look at the plate holder.  Yup - it's the same car, guy, etc. 

So what are the chances of this happening - we are traveling East and were going West before.  Almost an hour difference and he is still driving up and down Central Avenue? Well, so am I!  Guess chances are not that slim. 

Just one of the many perks of driving.