The 23rd Street Strip Mall

23rd Street was jammed. Was there another street fair going on? Turns out everyone was going to the just opened, very first Home Depot location in the island of Manhattan. They were handing out $3 off coupons attached to small paint brushes. It was jammed inside. I've never seen so many white, middle-aged couples gathered at one place, looking at kitchens cabinets and floor coverings. I felt like I was in Jersey or Long Island. I didn't see a lumber or plant section but what they had was pretty comprehensive. Appliances, fixtures and lamps catered to small apartment living in NYC. It's nice and convenient but it also makes me feel sad that in such a short time, 23rd street is turning into a strip mall. On the same block is an Outback steak house, Best Buy, and an Olive Garden. At what cost are we to pay for unlimited Pasta Fagioli refills? But Damn those blooming onions are good.