6º F @ 6:00 AM
What once was a staple, got bowled over by Staples and Strings. Thai’d, nailed, clipped and financed into other uses.
Intermission: cute cat photo — Spunk and Glenda
Coronado Center, a large split-level mall, was all the rage for many years. The mall was open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with many stores and activity-oriented businesses being open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. It was open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. After the long COVID lockdowns and restrictions, plus so much gang and criminal activity in Albuquerque, most stores now close at 8 p.m. or 9 p.m., and stores that used to stay open 24 hours close at 8 p.m. Many restaurants that were open 24 hours close at 11:00 p.m. It’s a sad commentary on the state of business in Albuquerque.
One business that has thrived through thick and thin, with not a lot of changes, is the McDonald’s at the corner of San Pedro and Menaul. It’s been there for as long as I can remember.
Off Center & Not Even 
Times they are a-changing. Our casino used to be open 24hrs but since Covid, oh wait, I just checked. Where they used to close at 10pm, they now close at 3 am, except on Fridays and Saturdays, which is at 5 am – and they open at 9am. Well, there ya go. Ya done learned me something!
As for your kitty kats – they are always a welcome intermission.
That’s good to hear they’ve expanded their hours. Thanks, Dale. Happy to learn you sompin.
Yes. They really struggled after Covid (like so many) so it is a good thing they have since been able to. Always good to learn sompin!
The spooky and most interesting thing in the Staples pic is the cross in the back distance.
Spunkie-Poo 💋 and Glenda are so adorable together. I can hardly wait to hold my Misha one day!
I feel sad for Albuquerque. It seems like it was an uber cool place, once.
I fear many places are like that.
neat sunrise shot (my tree) xxx
I don’t think it’s ever been uber cool. But the NM enchantment factor makes people overlook the flaws and rough edges. Spunk and Glenda were being extra cute. Thanks, Resa.
Welcome Tim! xx
Fab pics but I got to tell you, the cats steal the show….
Kitties tend to do that. Thanks, Shey.
Sad commentary indeed, a cold cold weather and two sweet kitties to warm our hearts.
It was -15 C when I got up. I’m ready for some global warming. Thanks, Marina.
Beautiful cat portrait!
Thanks, Liz.
You’re welcome, Tim.
I am always shocked by your descriptions of NM. I thought that was just it’s “rep” from the way it was portrayed on TV. Gangs and drugs and such.
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But on positive note, that bowling sign is INCREDIBLE. Thanks for sharing a picture of that! I’ve never seen anything like it. Here in Toronto, if a Staples takes over, you can bet they’re not saving the historic old sign. Bulldozing in the name of progress. Glad to see Albuquerque is a more enlightened city that respects its history.
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Closest thing we’ve got is the Big M burger joint.
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https://i2.wp.com/demaras.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/SIGNS-ezgif.com-video-to-gif-converter-576×1024.gif?strip=info&w=600&ssl=1
I’ve only seen snippets from Breaking Bad, but what I’ve seen is true to the crime and drug scene here. There are a few iconic signs and mascots that survived remodeling and progress in Albuquerque.
Paul Bunyan makeover: https://www.krqe.com/news/iconic-southeast-albuquerque-statue-to-receive-makeover/
Giant Red Arrow: https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/7701
Wow that Red Arrow is so cool. Indian Plaza, huh? Like one of those muffler men got a bow and arrow for X-Mas!
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Or BIG CHIEF in San Antonio let an arrow fly.
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Lots of cool stuff around San Antonia. Did you have Vip’s Big Boy in Canada? https://i2.wp.com/sillyamerica.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/BIG-BOY-Statue-I-94-EXIT-175-01.jpg?resize=1260%2C1890&ssl=1
We used to have them here, but they disappeared years ago.
I don’t think we ever had Big Boy in Canada… certainly not within my lifetime. But I did get to visit the Bob’s Big Boy in Burbank, CA during a family trip. They had a Friday night car show every week. People would arrive SO early to get a spot in the parking lot with their classic American cars.
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On a side note, you said Vip’s Big Boy, not Bob’s Big Boy. Do they all have different names?
We had Vip’s Big Boy, but it went through different names before it disappeared. I remember Bob’s Big Boy.
BTW the Big M sign is cool.
The Big M is a cool place. Owner is a Mustang guy who holds car shows in the parking lot all summer.
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I’m trying to find a picture of the sign next door to the Big M. It was a big, illuminated anchor; probably was a fish ‘n’ chips place, but is now an Indian restaurant and therefore makes no sense… like a Staples bowling pin.
An Indian cuisine anchor would be cool.
I know I to9ok ‘artsy’ pics of the sign last summer, but I just can’t find them. Here’s the anchor from the Google Car:
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https://maps.app.goo.gl/x7JUc64rRVtJ7ZL17
That anchor is as good as the bowling sign. Great that they saved it.
Maybe it isn’t an Indian restaurant.
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Zeera By The Bay
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Sounds nautical (notice I did NOT say “Sounds fishy”).
Very sensitive of you.
Thanks for the gritty and interesting tour and commentary of Albuquerque.
You are welcome, Brad.
Covid changed a lot of things, Timothy, as has increased crime in many places.
We had a crime problem before covid. The government’s reaction to covid did not help matters. Thanks, Robbie.
It is the same here, Timothy.
Amazing nightscapes and cute cats!
So sad to see the changes and the ones we don’t like staying, Tim💕
Thanks, Cindy.
A sad commentary for sure. I’m glad they repurposed that sign. It’s pretty cool. Hugs.
Thanks, Teagan. It’s a cool sign.
You must admit that cats are the most gorgeous beings on the planet.
They are. Thanks, Gigi.
Shops and malls are closing everywhere. And now restaurants are closing due to migrant workers leaving their jobs to hide from the government henchmen.
It’s a huge problem. Thanks, Gigi.
Not to mention Amazon has killed most brick and mortar operations – just reading an article on how they are the big winners of the Covid scam as everyone got used to door delivery.
That is true. Running around trying to find things locally and not finding what you need is such a waste of time. Thanks, Brian.