They’re back!  On Sunday,  we lit our 27 holiday windows with portraits of the many great neighbors,  shop owners, and dogs  (lots of dogs…)  we’ve met since moving to South Philadelphia in 2012.

So,  if you’re dining or playing near the  “Singing Fountain”  between now and New Year’s Day,  we hope you’ll check out our windows at East Passyunk Avenue and Tasker Street.

(Our first holiday window display in December, 2013.)

THE  FIVE-MINUTE  HOLIDAY  TRADITION

As you may know,  it all started when we were sitting at our third-floor kitchen window,  waving to neighbors who couldn’t see us.

“Maybe we should put life-sized photos of ourselves in the windows to let people know when we’re here,”  Kate joked.  “Then we wouldn’t feel like we’re spying on them.”

Within seconds,  it had morphed into something wilder.

“Wow – what if we took photos of the neighbors and their pets and put them in the windows, too?  We could do it for the holidays!”

(Bella,  the queen of Tasker Street,  with Victor,  her faithful human companion.)

And so,  15 months after moving to South Philadelphia,  we found ourselves explaining to people we barely knew why we wanted to take their photos.

Fortunately,  South Philadelphians have a sense of humor – even if they did roll their eyes after we left.  That first year,  we signed up 26 neighbors,  4 dogs and a baby.

(Dave shows his best side while lifting Fernando
and Barney into a window.)

It was only then that we realized we’d have to wash our 27 windows….and light them at night….and put timers on the lights….and find an affordable way to print the photos.  (Tip:  The large plastic lawn signs at Staples are perfect,  but wait for a sale.)

(“Hey, Dave – I thought you were going to Photoshop out some of the wrinkles for me… ”       “Oh, rats — you did…???”)

And after worrying that it’d be a total bust…we wound up on the front page of the Phila. Inquirer on Christmas eve.

NOW  SHOWING  IN  A  WINDOW  NEAR  YOU

This year,  we’ve added three new portraits:

There’s Susan,  a lifelong South Phila. resident,  volunteer,  and  neighborhood “tree tender” for the Penna. Horticultural Society – an all-around good egg.

There’s Fran,  the long-time resident and owner of Frankie’s on the Avenue,  the go-to place for women’s clothing and accessories from 1989 to 2014.

(Susan,  left,  and Fran with Lucia)

And there’s Vicki,  the fabulous and secret  (until now)  yarn-bomber of Passyunk Avenue.  Kate caught her at work early one Saturday,  and finally convinced her to pose.

          
(Vicki stitches up another surprise.   And,  yes,  we now proudly boast
a sample of Vicki’s handiwork on our corner.)

BUT  WAIT,  THERE’S  MORE…!

And if you’re anywhere near South Philly this holiday,  don’t miss the legendary decorations on these fabulous streets:

• 1600 block of South 13th Street,  between Tasker & Morris (2 blocks from us)

• 2700 block of Smedley Street,  between 16th & 17 and Moyamensing & Oregon

• 2700 block of Colorado Street,  between 17th & 18 and Moyamensing & Oregon

We’ll tell you more about them soon,  but they’ll be ready for viewing this weekend.

(And, yes,  we’ll hang our alternate display of South Philly celebrities –  from Bobby Rydell and Fabian, to Al Alberts and Al Martino – again in January.)

KEEP  UP  WITH  UNEXPECTED  PHILA.

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HAPPY  THANKSGIVING  TO  ALL…

Hope to see you around the Avenue this holiday!

Kate & Dave