Attack of the Killer Trash Cans

While the hype on occasion comes to pass, this time it didn’t. Mayor de Blasio announced last night that New York City public schools would be closed in anticipation of a significant snowstorm. I got the impression then that the city mothers and fathers were jumping the gun. Probably because they hadn’t closed the schools once all winter. Anyway, the five to eight inches predicted—which is hardly a monster snowstorm—didn’t materialize. We got a slushy mush that amounted to—ruler measured—an inch or two at the most. Had this mess had fallen as a light flaky kind of snow, it might have amounted to something more. But to shut the schools? Not that I'm complaining. No school translates into less traffic and reduced mayhem, which are always welcome. 

Anyway, it’s mercurial March and the waning weeks of what has been a rather benign winter in these parts. The next few days are supposed to be on the frigid side. But after that, things appear to be—slowly but surely—springing ahead. What follows is something of a week in review, looking backward and forward in one fell swoop.

 The Attack of the Killer Trash Cans...

Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of them...

This magical food cart has got everything your discriminating palate could possibly desire from a "Double Burger Cambo" to "Flafel."

Conversation starter here: "Wich number you like???"

I remember a day—a less nauseating one—when you couldn't order chicken, lamb, or Tilapia from a street food cart.

Cloudless blue skies eventually turn to dust...

A picture-perfect dusting of snow in this instance. 

Jeffrey's Hook Light—aka the Little Red Lighthouse—under the Manhattan side of the George Washington Bridge. I've caught a distant glimpse of it countless times, but never visited the lighthouse up-close. It's on my 2019 bucket list.

Now, if he would only ADOPT-A-COUNTRY—and not North Korea—and seek its beautification. Well, I'm not holding my breath on that one.

On a recent subway journey, I made it over the Broadway Bridge in the nick of time. Seems the bridge opened for marine traffic shortly thereafter. This always wreaks havoc with the Number 1 train schedule, not to mention the car traffic below. And yesterday was no exception. After the bridge was lowered back into place, technical problems on the bridge's rails kept the train at bay for hours.

Con Edison steam is akin to a snowflake with each burst blowing in the wind a totally unique spectacle.

And, too, reflecting in windows...

"Into the darkness they go, the wise and the lovely" and southbound Number 1 train passengers at 191st Street.

The "Keep Lock" lock winter update: locked.

This is either a snow duck, snow seagull, or snow bowling pin.

Lady Liberty, Ellis Island, and March Madness.

"The Bronx is up and the Battery's down." From the Battery...

To the Bronx and the last stop of the Number 1 train. The luxury apartments—that's how they are being advertised—have tenants in them, I see. Close to transportation for sure.

(Photos from the personal collection of Nicholas Nigro)