Distant Friends

Saturday traffic on and off the BQE offered chances to catch up with some old friends. The flag on top of the Hamilton Ave. Asphalt Plant , the "R" sign in Red Hook, which according to Lost City blog used to belong to the paper goods maker, E.J. Trum.

Bridge It On

Approaching the end (November, 2016)

Yesterday, the first of two replacement spans for the old Kosciuszko Bridge was opened to traffic. The original will be destroyed in July. In the front page story, the Times' David Dunlap described the old bridge as "deeply loathed." I object, sir. The bridge was not loathed, at least not by all drivers. In fact, it afforded one of the most beautiful views of Manhattan--once you achieved it. The new spans will be lower. Traffic will, god willing, move more rapidly across the Newtown Creek. Life may go, perhaps with fewer delays, but it will be just a little bit less interesting.

Downward Mobilitiy

There aren't too many busier spots on S.I. than North Gannon St. and Richmond Road, just off the expressway. I wonder why this Mobil station had to close.

A gasjockey's stool keeps a lonely vigil.

Wave Street

The Sanitation Department's garage on Wave St. is an handsome building.

The signage around the door is a bit improvised, though, given that it's the department's sign shop.

Joe Friday?

(Photo: F.A. Someki)

Caught up with this vintage early 80s Camaro on the SI Expressway. The sponsor is Routine Patrol Coffee. The boys in the Research Bureau were tracked down the company on Facebook, begun by Marc Cosentino, a police officer and restaurant owner in search of the "perfect cup of coffee."

He seems to have a good sense of humor. Note the doughnut on the dash.... (And no cupholders.)

Castleton is Autotown

A cluster of auto repair shops on Castleton Avenue on the North Shore. Half Price Mufflers is the big dog.

But don't miss My Repair Shop next door, and George's Auto squeezed in on the left.

A good place to buy a used RV, a vintage early 70s Mustang, an LTD, or a Rolls.