Look what I got

Hughes showed off his Easter egg cache after a successful morning at the Elizabeth Easter egg hunt in Independence Park. Hughes is the youngest son of Elizabeth and Winn Maddrey of Elizabeth.

Big E race starts

Elvis himselvis was of course on hand for the 21st annual Big E road race, waving the flag at the starting line this morning at 8. Elvis says he's switched to organic jelly doughnuts and was looking rather buff. He didn't run in the race, though, which kind of makes you question his commitment to his health.

Tree talk

Let's think about our blooming trees this weekend. First, if you haven't already, remove the cankerworm bands. Their work is done. Second, run or walk in the 21st Annual Elizabeth 8K road race 8 a.m. on Saturday. Proceeds from the race go toward replenishing our canopy. Then at 10:30, join us under the shade of the big trees in upper Independence Park for the Mad Hatter Easter egg hunt. Wear your silliest hat.

Farewell Eastland

When I first visited Charlotte in 1979, one of the places I went was Eastland Mall. It was still a marvel then, a big shopping mall with an ice skating rink. Now they want to tear it down. Which is probably the right thing to do. SouthPark is the same distance from my house, but Eastland always felt closer. Little reason to go there now, though.

ECA newsletter

When you get the Spring 2007 edition of the ECA newsletter (currently being delivered), be sure to check out the excellent primer on zoning by Tony Miller.

Leaks continue

Ok so I'm naive. I wanted to believe the city would respond within 72 hours like they promised they would when I reported a pair of leaks three weeks ago. So I called back again today, re-reporting the first two leaks and adding another: East 7th Street at Beaumont (above). As the pictures taken today (below) show, the first two leaks are still leaking. The clock starts today on the Beaumont leak. We're at three weeks and counting for the other two. Stay tuned.

Another one bites the dust

Ancient Independence Park denizen succumbs to pressures of city life.

Top 5 Elizabeth streets

1. Clement -- Some day, maybe.


2. Greenway -- The short and winding road that ends in a rose garden.


3. East 8th -- Of course.


4. East 5th -- With buses gone, add quiet to its class.


5. East 9th -- Short but sweet.