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.