Thursday, March 04, 2010

Back in New York

Since we moved back to New York, it’s been nice to reconnect with family and friends. We love our new church family. It’s been fun getting to know them. The food here is like no other – pizza, bagels, cannoli, etc.

One of the nice things about being back in New York is the ability to revisit some of the old places we use to go to. For years Tom and I have told the story about how we meet at the fruit and vegetable store over 32 years ago.

Recently we headed to Brooklyn and to the corner of Utica Ave. and Church Ave. where the old fruit and vegetable store was located. Good Pickins was no longer there, but there was still a fruit and vegetable store in that location. We parked the car, even though it was snowing, got out and walked to the store.

The pizzeria that was across the street was gone and replaced by a Payless Shoe Store.
The pharmacy that was diagonal from his store was still there to my surprise.
This was where Tom stood when I asked him to the prom.
This was his view as he waited for me to cross the street.
When we went inside Tom told the lady behind the counter how I asked him out over 32 years ago right outside. He also told how he worked there at that time when it was called Good Pickins. A customer chimed in that she remembered the store when it was called that. I guess she has been in the neighborhood a very long time.

We drove by my old home that I grew up in and took a picture. It’s the door on the right. My oldest friend lived right next door on the left and we would talk to each other at night from the windows upstairs.
That block was much smaller than I remembered. My mom wanted to make sure I was super careful crossing it to visit friends.

Visiting those places was a sweet memory that I will treasure.

© Nadine Zawacki 2010

If you want to read the encounter of how we met, check it out here and here.

14 comments:

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing. Great to read about you being back "home." :)

Dawn said...

How fun for you both to revisit your memories!

Unknown said...

Nadine what a beautiful story of how you met.
Always the best to you and Tom
Maryann

Dawn said...

What fun to see old familiar places - isn't it funny how things seem so much smaller than we remember?

Dwight and I plan to take a road trip or two when we're truly retired, to visit all the places we each have lived as preacher's kids. Can't wait till we can do it.

Anonymous said...

there's a fine for honking in New York? woh! Glad you are back in NY, I think you like it there best :)

Betsy Brock said...

Oh, this was so sweet! Thanks for sharing the story and the pictures. The Mister and I 'met' over me sending him a Valentine 34 years ago when we were just kids. We still celebrate that anniversary. :)

Brenda said...

That's neat to see a little of NYC from someone I 'know' ;)
Isn't it funny how things look and seem so much bigger as a child?

Danni said...

Na - so great to see pictures of your amazing romance! Love the ones of Tom and the view as he waited for you!

j said...

I just love this Nadine. What an amazing love you two share.

I have a picture of my children on the bridge where their Dad kissed me for the first time. Sort of like that "twinkle in his eye" was realized in the flesh :D

Elle*Bee said...

Hi Nadine,
I've rediscovered your blog after having to scrap my old p.c. It's taken me over a year to find the zip drive where I saved my favorite links. It seems I have a lot of catching up to do :-).

Bet you're happy to be back in NY. Hope book sales are booming!

Christina said...

I really enjoyed the pictures of your old neighborhood. Boy how things change. That was pretty neat that you and your friend could chat through your windows at night. Those were the good old days. Love the pic of Tom where he asked you to the prom.

Knitting Mania said...

Hello Nadine...just wanted to pop and see what you've been up to. Wopw how fun to go back to where you grew up. I love that!

I remember those good old days in NY, even though we only lived there for two years!!

Blessings...

palmtreefanatic said...

love this! thanks for sharing!

Lala's world said...

I still love going back to the city where I grew up..love reliving all those memories and showing my kids where I grew up!