Rasberry ice, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

As I was walking home this evening in the brutal heat nothing could have made me happier than encountering an old school Shaved Ice offering on Georgia Ave just south of Upshur. These drinks are of the old school where the ice is shaved and the flavoring is delicious. Think little Italy in the 50s. So the next time it is 105 degrees instead of weeping, like I normally do, head to Georgia Ave and get an ice flavored drink for 2 bucks. And if you thought it couldn’t get any better than that, they have sliced mangoes! Check out all the flavors in the photo below.

11th Street Deli, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

I have often walked by this deli on my route down 11th Street. It always looked awesome but the only problem was that it was always closed. To my surprise and delight, yesterday it was open for business. And apparently it is under new management. So check it out on 11th Street just north of Wonderland.

Rug sale, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

In every city I have ever lived in, whether in the USA or abroad, every time I have seen a rug store there is always a clearance sale. This is example is located on 14th Street. These carpet stores always claim to be going out of business. But I’m on to them now…

Bars, bars, bars, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

It is quite common to see bars on basement windows. This I can understand. But what is up with bars over every single visible window. I realize I am judging. I don’t like to judge. But seriously, it looks awful. And worst of all, it makes the neighborhood look awful. Just like the bullet proof glass at our bodegas makes it look like we live in some kind of war zone. So I ask you: is this necessary? What about a simple alarm system or dog? I’m telling you, these pretzels are making me thirsty!

Alright, after reading the comments again from last Friday’s question of the week it seems clear to me that we are looking for some independent businesses to set up shop. I’ll give up my dream for a Dunkin Donuts for now. So I’ll email the gentleman whose wife is looking for a space for her chocolate shop. As for Java Green, Chris do you know the owner? Does anyone know the owner? If so, if you could put me in contact with him/her we can get the ball rolling. I’ll keep you all updated and I’ll let you know if we need a big lobbying campaign.

House of the week bay windows, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

This is a beautiful house with some sweet bay windows. It is also a pretty big house for our quaint Petworth. I dig it though.

Art Gallery, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

Who knew? Unfortunately it looks like this gallery on Georgia Ave. is up for lease. I’d love to see another art gallery. Did anyone visit this one before it went out of business?

Collage Cafe next to St. Ex, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

The U Street neighborhood is about to welcome what looks like a super cool cafe. Collage Cafe is located right next to St. Ex on 14th and T. Anyone know when it opens?

Whew, finally made it back to our beloved Petworth. I have to tell you, I have just returned from a very beautiful part of the country. The air was fresh, the mountains tall and the rivers were rapid. So when I exited National airport and was hit with hot sticky, humid blasts of heat, I became a little sad. But it never fails, as soon as I drove past the Old Soldiers Home I couldn’t contain my joy. There is something very real about Petworth that makes me appreciate it even more every time I go on a trip. Just having a cold glass of water on my porch looking at and remembering all the familar sights made me super glad to be finally be home. So I don’t know what the hell John Denver was talking about those damn country roads, I’ll take Petworth city roads any day of the week.

When I was a youth in the 80s whenever I flew and the plane arrived at its destination there would be an outburst of applause that I always thought was a little goofy. At anyrate, I just realized no one ever breaks out in applause when planes land anymore. Remember? Right? What happened?

Care to speculate Taylor and Georgia vol 3, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

This large storefront is located on Taylor Street just east of Georgia. What makes this storefront notable is the three main windows. This looks like it can be a pretty big store. It has lots of documents on one window for all the necessary permits. But permits for what? What could this large store be?

PS, I’ll be posting an update from last Friday’s question of the week tomorrow so get ready for our quest to bring a chocolate shop, Java Green, bakery, garden store, hardware store and/or Dunkin Donuts to Petworth. Who knows, maybe one of these has already been selected for the above storefront.

Prison Door Update Columbia Heights, originally uploaded by Prince of Petworth.

This is an updated photo from that condo development in CH whose most notable feature was the awful front door. That front door looks like the entrance to a county jail. And I know from experience but that is a completely different story… Anyway, as you can see the condo is now up for auction. Not a very good sign. Well, maybe you can get a steal if you don’t mind the door.