Court Street 'Street Merchant' Getting Ready For 2009

The street vendor at the corner of Union and Court Streets, is all set for New Years. Amongst his wares are funny hats in a multitude of colors as well as those goofy 2009 glasses, annoying noisemakers and Air Wick too.Why shop anywhere else?For Home Page, click Pardon Me For Ask...

Read More

Life As It Was: Carroll Gardens In 2008

2008 In Carroll GardensA Year In PicturesJanuary 2008February 2008March 2008April 2008May 2008June 2008July 2008August 2008September 2008October 2008November 2008December 2008To All Of My Wonderful Readers:Happy New Year 2009!**** All pictures are property of Katia Kelly and Pardon Me For Asking***Do not use without prior permissi...

Read More

Picture Of The Day: Red Hook Water Taxis Crossing Paths

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: center; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } In the thick December fog,Two barely visible water taxis cross pathBetween Brooklyn and Manhatt...

Read More

Carroll Gardens Finger At 100 Luquer Street: All Glass, No Class

Oh, why do I do this to myself? I knew I was going to be depressed after checking the Carroll Gardens Finger at 100 Luquer Street, but I just needed to see how the building had progressed since the last time I had walked by. Maybe secretly, I hoped that it did not look quite as bad as I had imagined, now that the glass façade has been put on. But no. All that glass didn't give this tower any class. I felt rather low as I stood in front of...

Read More

A Sign Of The Times: Apt*Condo*Refinance*Renters*Buyers

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } On 34th Street in Manhattan,A sign of the times:Brokers BuildingReal Estate Mortgage InsuranceLuxury Rentals or SalesApt. condo RefinanceWe welcome international Renters or BuyersSpace for rentFor $ -...

Read More

"Brooklyn Is Beautiful"...Or Is It?

I do love Brooklyn and my Carroll Gardens neighborhood, truly I do. But when I have family members or out-of-town visitors stay with me, I have a tendency of seeing what they see: dirt...and lots of it. Normally, I can ignore the trash, the filthy streets. When company is in town however, I become a bit more critical of my surroundings.During the holidays, I hosted my family. I felt more than a bit ashamed that our streets looked as they did....

Read More

Curbing A Canine Visitor On The Streets Of Carroll Gardens

Dear Reader,No, I do not have a dog. This little canine cutie belongs to my niece. She brought him along to my house for the holidays. I have to say that 'Moritz' was a great guest, well behaved and perfectly respectful of my oriental carpets. He seemed to enjoy his visit and took to Brooklyn as though he had always lived here.I had the pleasure of taking a walk with him around the neighborhood, which was kind of interesting. I am always astounded...

Read More

Getting Ready For A Carroll Gardens Christmas

HAPPY HOLIDAYS,DEAR READER,FROM MY HOUSE TO YOURS!Oh dear! Did I truly suggest back in October that everyone in my family should come to Carroll Gardens for Christmas? You see, I had forgotten how much organization goes into getting the house ready for company during the holidays.Don't get me wrong. I am truly happy to welcome them all and am looking forward to our days together, to catching up and to sharing good wine and conversation. I have,...

Read More

Carroll Gardens Loses A True Gentleman

(photo credit: The Brooklyn Paper)The passing of Frank Verderame, 79, this Wednesday stunned most in our community. There were those who had just walked with him down a stretch of Court Street. Then there were those who had just sought his advice. He had seemed as energetic as ever. Everyone in Carroll Gardens who knew Frank, knew he was a real champion of the neighborhood. History, zoning, legality....Frank knew it all.For Frank, there was...

Read More

A White Pre-Christmas In Carroll Gardens

Oh, dear Reader, there are just about a thousand things I should be doing before my Holiday guests arrive on Monday, but who can resist taking a walk in the snow? Here are some photos I took at lunch time of Carroll Gardens looking particularly lovely on this snowy Friday.For Home Page, click Pardon Me For Ask...

Read More

Picture Of The Day: Brownstone Santa

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Just for a few weeks,Santa gets to come out of the basement,Stand in front of a brownstoneIn Carroll GardensAnd wave at passers-...

Read More

No Falafels On Smith Street Back In 1928

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } click to enlarge.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } No, dear reader! In 1928, there were no falafels to be had at 283 Smith Street. No Moujadarra...

Read More