Noticed that the generated-powered emergency lights were cold and lonely this evening and I was all primed for a good rant: Why can’t they remember? What’s the point of setting them out there if they aren’t lit up?
Then, I noticed it wasn’t dark out outside. (I mean – of course it is DARK – it’s nighttime… But it isn’t pitch-black-can’t-see-your-hand-in-front-of-your-face.) I moved closer to the windows and looked down the block.
Bam!
Lights on, downtown Broken Arrow.
Those great looking new street lamps that are lining the Rose District have been magically electrified, shining down in a golden glow over the new sidewalks and brick landscaping planters. Lookin’ good.
Of course, it isn’t a completed deal. The lamp post in front of the shop is still missing-in-action, as are those all along this side of Main. They are still pouring concrete (technically they are not at this moment, but the job is incomplete) and laying bricks between Commercial and Broadway will continue over the next few days. But – I’m thinking that store-front parking might be restored to the shop as early as next week.
Bam! Zowie!
Those of us with shops along the block here have been wandering with regularity, surveying the changes, crossing our fingers, marveling at the progress, and hoping that the weather, the stars, and the workers are all in alignment to avoid any delays. I can’t complain, truly.
I realized that there was no way a sidewalk could be replaced directly in front of the doorway without causing a little disruption to the business day. That day was Monday. There was a little carry-over Tuesday morning as the framework was put in place for the next section of sidewalk.
It was ready for walking by afternoon.
Today – Friday – I got to remember what a busier lunch hour was like. Still slower than the Springtime, but I was scooting back and forth from the kitchen to the tables on feet that wished they had fewer miles on them. (They were Happy Feet, though…)
Sold out of Irish Stew. Sold out of corned beef (although it lasted through the final order, unlike the stew, which was one bowl short). In all likelihood I would have run out of potato soup as well, but I had a second soup on the line for the first time in six months. (Maybe it was a premonition. Decided to offer a Spicy Chicken Tortilla soup in addition to the potato soup today – for some reason. Worked out well.)
At any rate, you can click on the images for a bigger version of First Light Night – the debut of the newly installed Rose District street lamps. Granted, it is still a little dim out there, with just half the street up and running. Tonight, the lamps on the shorter poles are still off, and the traffic signals have not yet been installed.
All things in due time.
I’m happy to see that electric glow (including the jazzy new sign on Bruhouse Grill’s storefront WHOA just clicked on their Facebook page…). As I was saying – the lamplight and the presence of nighttime shadows in the Rose District! Good stuff.
Come visit!
McHuston
Booksellers & Irish Bistro
Rose District
122 South Main Street, Broken Arrow OK!