Philadelphia Robin

November 2008

2009-01-06T19:27:00.004-05:00

Now that we're in 2009, I can look at my plans for January (nil) and see that November is not so boring. Yes, last year I coined a slogan for November, "because November is boring."

Let's delve into what November brought to little Robin:

The weekend after Halloween was the first week in November. Therefore, I donned my costume 2 nights, for 2 parties. At one, there was a guy dressed as the Kool-Aid jug, which was pretty cool. They had a fake maggot at the party. Ew! At the second party, I learned that I dance better in a box than I do without one. I guess I'm a lot less self-conscious that way. It was a dance, dance weekend! As you can see, I was macaroni (and cheese, but my hat was missing in this pic)!

The next day, there was rumor of a giant pinata. You can see it here, above and below. It was in town for a Carnival cruise commercial. Many people stood in line to be in the near circle around it, and then it was supposed to be broken and contained tons of candy. Perhaps the organizers weren't prepared for Philly. The line was broken repeatedly, and then everyone rushed forward, despite commands not to do so. After a while, they just cancelled the breaking of it, and everyone went home. Boooooo!

Later in the month, I captured this gleaming Comcast Center.

Thanksgiving took me to Orlando to visit little Annie girl. In the airport, I found this nifty Lego Liberty Bell.

Thanksgiving Day, just like at home. Nah!

Annie's first bird. She was very proud. It was juicy! I made some tasty Mexican-style leftovers with this. While I was there, we relaxed a lot, slept a lot, went to the movies, cooked, and went to see the Orlando Magic with some friends. It was a very soothing trip, and I had no problem getting on the standby flights, unlike last year.

And here is Jax, to say goodbye!

October 2008

2009-01-01T21:54:00.004-05:00

October began with work, work, work, and ended with play, play, play. My annual trip to Frankfurt went well, as usual. I had appointments for 4 days straight, every half hour from 9 to 6:30. Lots of hard work, and some great dinners!

Upon my return, I fell easily into watching the debates and Phillies inch closer to the title. These pictures are all from the beautiful day of the celebration parade, October 30. I've never seen so many people, or seen such crowds behave so well.

The only concerns I had were that I couldn't find my friend, as planned, because transportation failed, and I couldn't call her, because phone services were overloaded. It was a scary thought, in case some emergency would be happening in our city. What would happen? I think I would hop on my bike and pedal for my life.

Here, you can see that fans were standing on anything they could to see the parade route. I couldn't get close enough to see anything, so I rode home and watched it on TV. It was a case of wrong place at the wrong time.

Here's me and some strange chicken character.

This kitten has become a cat. She sits still now!

Goodbye, October!

September 2008

2009-01-01T20:44:00.004-05:00

As you can see by my (only) two photos from September, I didn't do very much on the social front. I collect fortunes, in case you didn't know. I found this one randomly, and took it to heart!

Lea and I and others had a failed attempt at a camping trip to Assateague Island, when a hurricane swooped into the Maryland area. We were forced to cancel and just have a party at Lea's house.

Rosie was spayed. The toughest part was keeping her confined to my room. Sometimes, kittens just don't understand.

I went to see the Mars Volta at the Electric Factory. I don't even know how to describe the band, except as experimental/jazz/rock/metal fusion. I think I made that up.

I won the Golden Monkey Award at work! This is an actual stuffed monkey with cymbals that bang together. (And a bonus wrapped up in his arms.) This award is equivalent to Employee of the Quarter, basically. It made me feel very appreciated. Ego-booster!

Lastly, here's a funny pic I took in South Philly. Fragile! Weird.

Ciao, September!

August 2008

2009-01-01T19:51:00.004-05:00

Since it's so very, very cold, I'm going to recall the hot days of August. I had tons of fun with tons of friends. Almost every weekend of August gets booked up for me! I also took my annual week's vacation at the end of the month.

Let's start with this blueberry tart. I had a book club meeting and send-off party for our group leader, Charlene, and her family. They have moved to Italy for almost a whole year! I was pleased to have the time to make this from scratch. I almost always cook from scratch, if I have the time.

The second weekend in August brought the country to the city. The Reading Terminal Market held it's annual PA Dutch Festival, inside and out. It was a lovely day for a trip around the block on a tiny haywagon! Here is a mule from their petting zoo. I don't think he likes the meter, as most of us don't.

This rare barn cat was on display, too.

Tiny horses! They looked kinda bored, too. But the kids sure enjoyed the ride, and it was interesting to see the cars and drivers next to them. It was great to see the contrast here.

Lea and I used free tickets that I got from work to go to a Phillies game, on their way to the World Championship! It was really cool that they were such good seats. Some crazy kind of stranger took this photo. I was glad to get the camera back. We had trouble getting the elevator to our level, too, and a Phillies employee ended up taking us through their offices to our seats. That was kinda cool.

I also went to the G. Love and Special Sauce with the John Butler Trio at Penn's Landing on the 16th. Awesome! (Cavanaugh's Riverdeck, next door, however, plays their boom-boom music way to loud. It interrupted my listening pleasure.)

My pictures from my canopy tour (ziplines through the trees) didn't come out very well. I did that on the 22nd, with my friend, Jen. We went to Spring Mountain, where we might also take a snowboard lesson this winter. We zipped away from the top of the mountain to about 1/2 way. Really, it was only 3 zips for us. I'm not sure if we thought it was worth the money!

Denise came for a visit in the last week of the month. We wanted to go to the U.S. Open. I think she had such a fun time that she'll be back this year, too! We got in a visit to Berks County to see some friends, Crystal and Jodie and Stu, from the episode of our life I like to call: Klingers: The Early Years! Here's a great picture of Denise with Jodie's daughters, Sammy and Charlie.

Here's a fine picture of a fine day at the U.S. Open. The sun was really hot, but once it went down, it was pretty chilly! We were there in the early rounds, and saw a few of the players who made it to the semi-finals!

Adios, August.

Whoa! How is it now December?

2008-12-07T20:52:00.006-05:00

Well, here we are in December, and it looks like I haven't posted since July. I've been meaning to update you on what I've been up to, but, to be honest, as long as we have nice weather, I neglect indoor activities. So, I'll start by saying yes, I do still exist, and so does my blog! I've been very busy, and I can hardly remember some of the things I've been doing, so I'm going to page through my photos and my calendar and do a month at a time. Today I'll tell you about July, later I'll tell you about August, and so on, until I'm caught up!

July:

My Fourth of July was spent in Philly, at a party with a roofdeck, near the Art Museum. We saw great fireworks from there, but had a difficult time getting home. And it was really rainy, too. On the fifth, I rented a car and drove to my sister's (Annie) in-laws in Berks County. It was terrific to see the Wertz's and to see how everyone was doing. Her brother-in-law, Adam, received a dangerous head injury in January at his job, and it was so great to see what a speedy recovery he made. He was walking and talking and socializing like crazy, quite a difference from his condition in January and February. I was also able to meet Greg's (Annie's other brother-in-law and my friend) son, Brady. I also stopped by another party at a high school friend's house, which was fun, and stayed over at my friend, Myra's, to hang out with her family for a night. It was the first night I ever played Rock Band (I know - a little late to the game, but I also just tossed my VCR, too). Plus, I got re-acquainted with the card game "Old Maid."

July gave us the release of the Sex and the City movie, so I saw that with two girlfriends, then we headed to a nearby bar for cosmopolitans!

Philly hosts a lot of outdoor movies in the summer, and while last year I never once made it to any in Mario Lanza Park, (they were almost all rained out), this year I saw Ferris Bueller's Day Off, one of my old faves.

Two days later, I awoke with a strange pain in my right hand. Had I gotten an insect bite? Had I bumped into something? Who knew? But I got paranoid and went to the ER on Friday, the day I was supposed to be heading to the beach with a co-worker for our day off. The ER (empty!) produced mediocre results, and I was diagnosed with tendonitis, which I've previously had in my leg, and I was pretty sure this was not it. I then was supposed to run one of the Back on My Feet runs, the Midnight Madness, at 12 a.m. on the 20th. Let me tell you that an 8.4-mile run with a swollen, wrapped wrist and hand at midnight in very humid conditions is not ideal. However, I seem to be a tough cookie. After dreading it all day and doubting if I should run it (the hand got worse and puffier and more painful, despite their pain medicine), I made a fantastic time of around 1:28. I can't say for sure what it was, really. There was no chip on my shoe, nor anyone else's. I hope they change this for next July's run. I look at their results on the website, and I'm fairly certain the time they have for me is incorrect, as I know I didn't beat my friend, Melissa. Point is - I ran very well and came into the finish picking them off, one by one, as I used to do in high school, but I think my stride was HUGE in the last mile. I have never run more than 7 miles before, so I was very pleased with myself. The next day, I went to my cousin's baby shower, and my aunt convinced me to return to the ER, where I was correctly diagnosed with cellulitis, or cat scratch fever, (thank you, Rosie!), and given a prescription for penicillin. Incidentally, Back on My Feet founder, Anne Mahlum, was named a CNN Hero last week.

Despite my first ER visit, I was still going to have some fun on the 18th. I went out with Lea, one of my very best friends in the world (who I met in the past year!), to our friend, Kim's, birthday dinner at El Vez. Here we are, looking pretty.

(Yes, I know you can see down my dress here a little bit. It is the angle. I direct you to our smiling faces now.)

Lea has been a great friend to me, and we instantly bonded after hanging out before a Feist concert.

The pain still lingers slightly from the cellulitis, but it's only noticeable when I practice yoga for an extended period. It in no way hindered me from joining my friends, Rhi and Mike, at her parents' annual camping bash in their backyard, way out in Bradford County, PA. As usual, there were lots of strange fireside games and songs, food (the FOOD!), blueberry picking, beer, Wiffle ball, kids, babies, swimming, etc. General summertime fun! We always have good times.

Last, but not least, I must mention that one of my best buddies from high school and her husband had their first baby, Emilia, on July 18. Emilia joins Marc and Megan in San Francisco. Now, M & M are M & M & Emi! They'll be home for the holidays, so I'll get to meet this pretty little girl.

I hereby wrap up July. You know what's next!

Philly Kitten

2008-07-08T20:43:00.005-05:00

I just adopted a kitten in May. Her name is Rosie. She was found by two police officers, and they tried to drop her off at PAWS, the 2nd and Arch location, but they don't take drop-offs. So, a nice couple who volunteers there decided they could get her a home, rather than see her euthanized at another shelter. My roommate and I decided we liked her picture and must have her, and so we do. She has a good home and a great role model in Bean, my roommate's middle-aged cat. They get along splendidly. Above is my first picture of Rosie. Who knows how old she was? It was guessed at 6-8 weeks.

Next, we have Rosie and Bean, bein' pals. I think she's winking because about a week after this picture was taken, she became a little hellion. She now realizes that she's getting bigger every day, and goes out of her way to prove she can jump on your counter, your curtains, your plants, your other cat, your head...

With the maturity of three months in her, I've had a chance to take this, her best portrait photo, because she actually laid still for about three minutes.

She rolled on either side, then lazily gazed at me for the longest time ever. I can't believe the great clarity of these pictures! Here, she looks like an angel. Nevermind there are lacy curtains behind her and several dishes to break on her mind.

Absent

2008-06-19T08:50:00.002-05:00

Ah, this blog doesn't get the attention it deserves, but that's because I'm giving Philly some attention right now. Really, I've been busy living, working, playing, and enjoying the nice weather. Who wants to be inside on a computer when they don't have to? (Obviously, I am not set up to take my laptop outside. I would have no idea how to do that.)

I hope you're enjoying yourself, too! Like my mom always said, "go outside!"

Spring 08!

2008-04-23T20:44:00.006-05:00

Since it's been a while since I've posted, there's a lot to show you. I'll keep the words brief, and let the pictures speak. We have to backtrack to February, so please bear with me.

First, it was February, and we were bored. So two friends and I took a road trip to Pittsburgh, city of many bridges. It was a lovely time, we met up unexpectedly with one of their friends, and I ended up sleeping on something like a beanbag chair, called "The Love Sack." I kid you not. It was comfy! Excellent times. Highlights include Frankenstein pinball, the Warhol Museum, and
riding the incline!

Suddenly, it was Easter. Time for the strange South Street tradition of showing off your best Easter gear. It was a shoddy turnout, but these pups caught my attention.

Before I knew it, I was off to Milan for work, then to London. I only had 1 afternoon to explore, so I went to the Duomo, the cathedral in the center of town. It was so ornate, I can't even explain. Just imagine the things in these pictures, with even more detail when you see it up close. The columns and ceiling made me feel like I was in Lord of the Rings, when the Fellowship are running through Moria.

One of the three Apse windows.

Altar of the Madonna of the Tree, with the Trivulzio Candelabrum in front. The Candelabrum was gorgeous and very ornate.

I forget what this part was called.

Upon my return, the weather was perfect, as I promised everyone it would be when I came back. I found this message on the sidewalk.

I observed Pillow Fight Club at Love Park. A lovely way to spend Sunday afternoon!

The trees were happy.

And the fountain was dyed blue.

Fun at CVS

2008-03-16T20:16:00.004-05:00

I've had a little illness lately. I first thought it was a cold. Then I was convinced I had allergies. Now, I have lost my voice. I have the laryngitis. Through careful research, I'm sure I have a virus/chest cold. The point is, my big outing today was to CVS. I sauntered around the aisles looking for a recommended product, and just because I love to see what else they have to offer. I am a member, you know. They gave me a special card to put on my keychain and everything.

I remembered that I was out of tin foil. Freezer bags - check. Medicine - check. Cough drops - got 'em. Then I find the 75% off section. Bingo! Entertainment for a few minutes. I always love to see the bottom-of-the-barrel products they can't get rid of. There were some special, special things there, including this product, which I looked up when I got home.

See the ribbed bottle? Your abs could be rippled like that! If you only used this cologne! (Or at least you could smell like you had really ripped abs. Is that sweaty?) Oh, the promise. Perhaps you can't understand what it says under the green sticker. It says "BOD." I'm wondering if it is 75% off of $3.33 (an amazing $.83!), or if that is the cost after it has been marked down. In either case, it was for men, so I didn't buy it. Here's more hope for those of you looking for that "Xtra appeal," at their website.

Vacation pig

2008-02-13T21:37:00.005-05:00

What the heck is a vacation pig? It's a pig on vacation, duh! Here's the little story: my brother-in-law, Jim, is an Edward Jones Financial advisor in Bisbee, Arizona. While visiting over the holidays, Jim entrusted me with his little pink piggy, which says "Edward Jones Investments" on the side. The idea is gnomish, where you take it somewhere with you and snap photos and send them back to him. So, I've taken piggy out of Arizona to Philly, and so far, I've only been able to get him in the Reading Terminal Market and my own mailbox. Here, you can see piggy, staring down on us from above. He's either hiding from sure slaughter, or feeling superior to us.

Here he is in what I will call "donation pig's" ear, in the Reading Terminal Market.

Here he is in the mailbox. He's either 1. trying to get back to Arizona or 2. locked out of my apartment and the subject of my boredom.

I'm thinking of taking him to the Rocky statue before sending back home. Can you suggest any other notable landmark he should see?

AND, one last little vain find was on the ceiling of the Dark Horse Pub, upstairs by one of the dart boards. I've never seen a sign with my name on it!

New Year's Eve

2008-01-10T00:08:00.000-05:00

I haven't done my writing for the day, and I've resolved to write every day in 2008, so I hope this counts. Due to the lack of interesting things to do with my family in Douglas, Arizona on New Year's Eve, I returned to Philly for some friend-time and party time. I admit that I didn't party too hard, but it sure beat last year's all-couples-and-even-babies party. (I'm single!) We went to a friend's open house-type party, then moved on to Johnny Brenda's, for the Peek-a-Boo Review. Here are the most fantabulous pictures I took. Don't worry - they were covered! It was actually quite a cute show. Not sleazy! Above, you can see the dance floor. Lots of retro-type people there. Really cool to see the dancing, as it should be done, and the snazzy dressers.

This girl, I think, was called "Lulu Lollipop." She had her arm in a sling from a broken collerbone, yet strutted her stuff pretty well, with a little help. Quite the trooper, I would say!

The dress comes off.

Swingy hair.

The finale.

December 2007

2008-01-05T21:34:00.000-05:00

Ah-ha! This is the same place, only a couple of weeks after I took the photo from my previous posting. This is what it should have looked like, waaaaay before December. The above photo was taken Dec. 2. The below photo was taken Dec. 5, our only significant snowfall so far this winter.

Below is the graveyard by the Old Pine St. Church. I thought it looked rather creepy and silent in the snow. Rather deathly, if you will.

On another nice weekend day for strolling about town, I observed the skaters at RiverRink. Quite jolly!

Nearby is the Irish Memorial.

On Dec. 19, I had the pleasure of entering the new Comcast Center. I made it to the 24th floor, with help from my friend. This was taken from the office.

This is a sculpture above in the lobby. Very futuristic!

There were more of them, just strolling across very thin beams, looking very businesslike and important.

Here is the Center from the outside. It blends right into the sky!

This is a neighboring building. I do not know the name of it.

On my way to the Reading Terminal Market, (for sweet bologna for my brother-in-law and Dad), I found myself headed toward City Hall. Never did I realize before that I could walk right through City Hall. On top of that, I was reminded that I read something on Phillyskyline.com about the tower of the building being re-opened after the cleaning of it was completed. I happened to pass the information center just at the moment I recalled this, and turned back to go in and buy a ticket. For $5, you can take the elevator ride up to the base of the William Penn statue. Unfortunately, the day clouded up a lot by the time I got there. This view is from the top of the tower, looking at South Philly down Broad Street.

Looking west.

Northwest to the Philadelphia Museum of Art..

Looking North on Broad Street. I was in Bisbee, Arizona three days later, and found a postcard with the same view, from the early 1900's. The buildings, however, are hardly the same.

Looking northeast. See the Benny?

East, towards that landmark, the PSFS building, and Camden.

South, at the PNB building.

South Broad St.

The little toy trucks and cars straight below. I think that is Market that wraps around the building.

That is all for now. Next up - New Year's!

Look up, look down.

2007-12-02T20:39:00.000-05:00

Hey! It's been a while. I've been busy. Very busy, with work, travel, the usual. It's been too long, to tell the truth. Here are a smattering of photos since I last posted.

This photo was taken 11/6/07. It isn't supposed to be this green in November in Philadelphia. What is going on with the weather?? Place: Society Hill Towers, where I always experience the most extreme weather on my walk to work. Last March, I was being pelted, PELTED with ice in the face here. In March? What is going on with the weather?? Yeah, sure. It looks peaceful enough here, but an umbrella is often useless on the little mound of Towers.

Next, we have a shot of the Independence National Park Visitor's Center, on Friday, November 9, around dusk. This set-up was for Veteran's Day. I find it interesting that I don't know anyone who is overseas fighting in the war right now. I find myself lucky, or sheltered.

This is my first trip to Johnny Brenda's, also on November 9. I don't see many shows, but I felt the need to go see two bands who were, luckily, performing on the same night, and who I wanted to see for a while. This is Frog Holler, a bluegrass/experimental band from Berks County, and my home, for a year or so, of Virginville. I was impressed both by the stage area and my lucky spot on the 3rd floor by the balcony. Berks County represented well by both the band and the Reading Premium Light Beer, which is the newest "bargain beer" on tap at JB's. Venue: good! Band: good! Beer: good!

Below are some of my favorites: Hoots & Hellmouth. I've seen them before, and boy, are they exciting! Here are some of the adjectives I thought of to describe this show: frantic, frenetic, feverish, foot-stompin', energetic, harmonic, enthusiastic, possessed (at times), smile-inducing. See those platforms? And the tambourines tied to the platforms? They were stompin' and shakin' the whole night. It takes a lot for me to dance, folks, and I was a-dancin'. (And do see the ginormous size of that bass??)

This is the dome in the Shops at Liberty Place, downtown.

Another Isaiah Zagar mural, by the Queen Village Southwark Garden, 300 block of Christian St. Pretty day. November 11.

Finally, a sign of autumn: 11/14/07. These are some cool-looking roots on 3rd St. in Society Hill, reminiscint of lava, if you ask me.

October 5 - Bike Part Art Show

2007-10-17T19:59:00.000-05:00

An appetizer, before I get into the Art Show. I don't think this man was ill. He was just mellowing out in the park at 2nd and Market. In fact, a few minutes before I took this picture (on my lunchbreak), he was playing the flute. Laying down. Blindfolded. Someone should tell him many, many people use this park as a place for their dogs to poop. Someone should tell the schoolteachers that, too, as I often observed school groups eating lunch in the grass. Ew.

The Bike Part Art Show was cool! I don't have one of those special earrings that stretch out my earlobe, and I don't have many tattoos and a special cap, but I do enjoy riding my bike, and thought I would like this. I was correct! 5th Annual. Located at: The Power Plant Lower Level (2nd and Race St.). Difficult to find, but sidewalk chalk and balloons showed me the way. Attendance was: high. There was a band. Art for sale. Sculptures. Wall art. Jewelry for sale. (I picked up some tough-looking earrings made out of a piece of a gear.) This show is put on by Spokes People to benefit Neighborhood Bike Works.

This is one of the best things I saw: a lighting fixture. I wish I could credit the artist. Maybe you could find it on the Spokes People website.

Wissahickon - End of September

2007-10-17T19:50:00.000-05:00

I've lived in Philadelphia for a year, and it took me half the year to start using my bike to get around. It took me all summer to take an excursion, and I'm not sure why. I've finally discovered the Wissahickon Valley, in Fairmount Park. I had no idea that a covered bridge was found in the locale of Philadelphia. Here are some nice pictures I took at the end of September. Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day.

SoReFa Fashion Show, GreenFest Philly - Sept. 9, 2007

2007-09-30T20:42:00.000-05:00

These are a few nice pictures of the Socially Responsible Fashion Show, held on South Street in September. It was, let's say, interesting, and I'd love to see the prices, but the cause. THE CAUSE! we cannot deny. I liked the brown thing, above, but I'm not sure why.

Also of note on the street were the many, many stands of forward-thinking causes. Free power bars, Philly Car Share, which always has the coolest marketing ploys (have I told you about the First Friday breakdancers in September?!), Tidal Delaware Water Trail, and Delaware River City Corp.

I'm sure there was more, but this was 3 weeks ago...

Philly Vacation Extravaganza!: August 27- Sept. 3

2007-09-26T20:37:00.000-05:00

My company gives me lots of vacation time, yet there is never a good time to use it! So, I finally just chose a week, with very nice weather (lucky for me), and made plans to tidy up my desk at home, clean out some stuff, and see some things around Philly I hadn't seen before. All the cleaning and organizing went out the window with the nice weather, and I was all around town all week! Monday - sleeping in is my first priority. I went to The Book Trader (7 N. 2nd St.) and browsed for some sheet music and trade in some books. I went to Cereal Art to see their August exhibit: Old Head/New Head. I went to the Independence Living History Center, to see what it was. It was basically an archeology lab, where they are putting together pieces of history through found artifacts from sites around the city. For instance, the pieces they are working on right now are from a home that was formerly situated on 5th St. and occupied by James Dexter, who was an eventually free black man. The same day, I went to the Art Institute, to see the formerly mentioned exhibit of 80 old Philadelphia photographs, displayed among the 40,000+ other photos on http://www.phillyhistory.org/.

Tuesday: I finally made it to the National Constitution Center. Here I donated an old pair of glasses to the Lyon's Club for $1 off admission. See, I was cleaning out a bit! Anyway, it was okay. The performance of the history of the Constitution was interesting and educational. The rest of the museum was fun to explore at my own pace, though this does not seem to be the place to take your children. I repeat - DO NOT TAKE YOUR CHILDREN HERE, unless they really, really want to learn and are quite nerdy. I know I wouldn't have liked it as a kid, but the most obvious sign that it wasn't for kids was that they were all running around hiding in corners and playing with each other. They were, almost all of them, not looking at the exhibits and signs and interactive buttons. The best part of the museum was the Ben Stein video, where he is filmed in a diner having breakfast and answering questions from letters about the Constitution. He's a funny guy!

I'm not sure what I did in the afternoon here, but have lunch and return home in time to join my friend for the First Person Arts Story Slam, held the 4th Tuesday of every month. There's an ever-changing and older-age crowd attending these things. I enjoy them for the laughs and originality, but hearing the same people tell stories is getting old. I know they like to practice, and it's probably therapeutic for them, but I want to hear new people and different styles. Yeah, maybe sometime I'll get my ass up there and sweat out a story, in fact I probably missed my best chance this week (co-habitation was the theme, and I've had many, many roommates), so maybe I shouldn't talk until I take the stand.
Here's Independence Hall, looking really tiny a block away from the Constitution Center.
Ah, Wednesday: Eastern State Penitentiary. I biked it over there for some really, really cool stuff. This was the best thing I saw all week. I was there for about 4 hours, just reading and snapping, snapping, snapping, looking, snapping, reading. Did you know they've filmed various movies there, including part of 12 Monkeys? See my a few of my pretty nice photos below.

It was very fitting that I ended the day seeing Los Straightjackets in Rittenhouse Square!

Thursday: no plans. Relaxed. Then I decided to take a little bike ride. Last summer, I was just ending the part of my life where I took a train into work in the city every day, and I remember always staring out of the window at the people on the path by Kelly Drive, wishing I were them. All of them seemed free from the time constraints of a regular workday. Well, this Thursday was my day. Why did it take me a year??? I rode for 3 hours straight. It was awesome! I finally got into the Wissahickon Valley. I was proud to be sweaty, dirty, and hungry when I returned,

just in time for my daily vacation beer in the shower. No, I did not get this idea from Preston and Steve on WMMR. I know, I've heard them talking about this lately. No, I think my old friend, Tom, told me how great this was to do. I did it every day on vacation. It makes sense, doesn't it? One refreshing shower + one refreshing cold beer = ultra refreshment.

This isn't the end. I then took a Labor Day camping trip with 7 friends to Hickory Run State Park, one of the closest Poconos camp grounds. We white-water rafted, which I have zero pictures of, because of the water and all. Food - good. Sleep - okay. Fresh air - excellent.

Early August around town

2007-09-26T20:19:00.000-05:00

August was a whirlwind for me, as was the entire summer. I took these nice photos while strolling around town early in the month. The above fence/gate was seen on S. 6th St. I really loved it against the pink door.

That lower sticker says "plain and simple." I liked the blue blue sky against the sign. Shiny, happy day.

Roosevelt's Pub on Walnut St., from inside.

Philadelphia Java Company

2007-09-18T21:04:00.000-05:00

No, I don't have photos of the new inside, but it's really great! In fact, I would feel uncomfortable snapping away in there, as I like to talk to the owner, Alia, and she might think it's strange. The cafe is already a nice place to hang out and, from what I can tell, popular. The weekend crowd was buzzing and the congratulations flying around. I was first in last Thursday, the day after it opened. I ended up getting an iced chai and a terrific big salad with feta cheese. Very good and made by Alia's mother! The next day I had a caramel latte, which was heavenly, with no residue on the bottom (something I dislike pretty much). I also grabbed some kind of swirly pastry with cinnamon and nuts. I saw wraps, salads, pastries, muffins, cookies, etc. Everyone is very excited to have this welcome addition to the neighborhood! Neighbors were out with kids meeting each other, people were camped at tables with laptops, there are even magazines to scan, if you didn't bring any reading or company. I won't go on - just go there!

Take a walk!

2007-09-18T20:54:00.001-05:00

Whoa! It's been over a month since I've posted. Sorry, loyal 1 reader. My only excuse, and it's a great one, is that the weather has been way too nice for me to remain closed up indoors with a computer. Therefore, on the next lousy day, I will take you back in time to show you how I spent the second 1/2 of my summer, including my week's vacation, when I decided to remain in Philly. For now, you will have to be satisfied with this picture of me last night (yes, I was accompanied, and yes, I was safe, and it was dark! sister) with this snooty gentleman. Don't mind his trouserless casual stare. He's like that every morning. He feels uncomfortable with me, though, because I'm wearing all those clothes, and also made fun of him. In fact, I make fun of him everyday, when I walk by him and pretend I'm not looking at him, just as he avoids my gaze. Sometimes, I even put my hand on my hip, too, because I'm cool. FYI, this is by the Society Hill Towers. Someday, I hope to have a photographed full-on attitude contest with this gentleman.

I'll have my coffee with a bit 'o history.

2007-08-13T21:28:00.000-05:00

I was reading the City Paper, the neverending source of many cool things to do, when I came across something that I was fascinated with. Old pictures! There is an exhibit, which I have yet to visit, but will, at the Art Institute, which runs until Aug. 31. I'm taking a week's vacation at the end of the month, and hope to squeeze in some Philly sights. The photo exhibit will definitely be one of them. Anyway, the website featuring these photos, about the creation of our city, is Philly History. You can search by your neighborhood, and I wasted a good couple of hours looking at the buildings around my small slice of Philly and the buildings I know and which once stood here (and some where 95 runs now!).

Thank goodness I like coffee now. I used to work in a Border's cafe and didn't even drink coffee then. But that's where I got the taste. It was a bitch to make them, but I always liked to finish off those frozen blended coffee drinks, 'cause they were so damn sweet. Yeah, it got me then. I think it's the sugar I'm really interested in, when you get down to it. My point is that there's going to be a new cafe on my corner. Rumored to be a 2nd Philadelphia Java Company! I have no idea when it's opening, but at the speed they've renovated the outside and dedication I've seen on the weekends, I'm thinking they'll be open by Sept. 1. I hope you enjoy the above pictures of the future Philadelphia Java Company and former candy store (my favorite thing about this old place - sweetness).

Wit

2007-07-29T16:20:00.000-05:00

Last week, I told you how I went to my book club in Delaware. Here are some nice shots of the Market East Station. Shiny! Septa was, as usual, frustrating on my return. Trains always please me, running on time and all, but my return trip was excruciating. 1. It's late Friday night, and I can't get to the subway directly from the train station. Yuck. Have to cross Market St. to go east. 2. Have to cross back because I can't buy a ticket on the other side. Only one window open. 3. She won't give me $.15 change, so I waste my much-needed laundry quarter on the transfer and cross back to the other side, only to wait another 15 minutes for the subway, which, 4. Made me miss the bus and wait 20 more minutes before another rider told me it would be another 20 more minutes before the next bus showed up. Clearly, I need to 1. pick up a bus schedule, and 2. Avoid taking the bus on Friday nights, or any nights, for that matter. I always try to give Septa another chance to please me, and I am always disappointed. I took a cab home, since I felt kinda unsafe standing on the corner at 12:30 on Friday night by myself. Boo! Boo! for Septa.

Here is a shot of one of the Society Hill Towers on my walk to work.

Tuesday was my work's summer outing. We went across the bridge to see the Camden Riversharks. What a pleasant day of sun and company and beer! The game was nice too, and their Sharky came to our box for a visit! I was especially psyched that about 10 people walked across the bridge with me, and some even walked back, too!

I went to Pat's for the first time on Tuesday! I can't believe I've never been there, and have lived here for almost a year. Well, I'm a little slow on things sometimes, especially if they are popular. I resist those things (yeah, you, Harry Potter). I shouldn't do that in the eating/restaurant realm of life.

I have no pictures. I was busy eating. I think I set a speed record or something.

It was great, and hot, and gooey. Got the regular - wit. Pat's was no-frills, plain exterior, had some tables - just harsh bright lights, so you don't miss your mouth. Geno's was garish and neoned and prejudiced, from what I could see. They also had much less business. Their own fault!

Reading Terminal Market

2007-07-22T19:32:00.000-05:00

Speaking of the Reading Terminal Market, I decided to go up there to pick up something to take along to my book club. It's weird, yes, but I travel to Delaware on the train for that. Needless to say, they are a bunch of good friends. I decided on a strawberry-rhubarb pie from Beiler's Bakery - can't go wrong there. But in my search for a good dessert, I was reminded of how much I love the Market. I had the time, so went up and down all the rows. There was a chef competition going on. An organic produce stand with a cute (farmer?) guy/salesperson. (Sadly, he told me rhubarb was over.) Foster's is gone, and I was pretty sad about that. Not only did they sell Quirk Books there, but I love kitchen gadgets, and they had everything! And I went to Rick's Steaks, where they're trying to save his stand. Some Market committee wants to kick him out for some new vendor, and he's getting loads of support from lots of the other vendors there. Apparently, he was head of some other committee there and often fought in support of fellow vendors. Now they are trying to help him out. There's even a big petition.

In my search for the pie, I was tempted to pick up wine from Blue Mountain Vineyards. I tasted "Victoria's Passion," which sounds like a soap opera to me. I love buying things based on their funny names and/or labels. Especially wines and beers, hot sauces, etc. It gets my attention!

Anyway, I bought my pie and got outta there. But I had told the girl I'd be back the next day to buy "Victoria's Passion." Here's her passion with the light coming through. When I returned on Saturday, I took Melissa and made sure I got some ice cream from Bassett's. The chef competition was still continuing!

I really did forget how much I love the market. The PA Dutch stands remind me of home and family (Berks County, PA), and I usually find something I've overlooked previously. My favorites: 12th St. Cantina (great Mexican!), Bee Natural (bee products), Spice Terminal (I just love spice places), Flying Monkey Patisserie (where they had "I'm calling a lawyer" and "I'm pregnant" message cupcakes, and always pretty desserts), Pennsylvania General Store (a great place for gifts for transplanted PA natives), Delilah's at the Terminal (great Southern food - mac 'n cheese!), Profi's Creperie, and, of course, Basset's.

Go!

Another Ice Cream Festival!

2007-07-20T09:12:00.000-05:00

You should be aware: There will be an Ice Cream Festival at the Reading Terminal Market on July 28. I will probably not be able to make it, but I will be there in spirit.

And look at what I found in the City Paper! And this!

Scream for ice cream!

Sunday Strolling and Ice Cream Tasting/ Eating/ ok, Inhaling

2007-07-03T21:50:00.000-05:00

July 2, 2007: I wasn't really sure what I was going to do today. I woke up on the wrong side of the bed, well, because I wasn't ready to get up. But I looked out the window and decided to change my attitude. It was a beautiful day. Had to get out! I loaded my bag with "supplies" - iPod, City Paper, water, cash, sunglasses, phone. I went up to Red Hook Coffee and Tea (765 S. 4th St.) to read my paper and see if they had chocolate croissants. I was pleased, and had a chai tea latte, too. Cute place. Counter, sofa, a few tables. Quiet, as I liked.

I realized that I wanted to check out the new market at Headhouse Square, so I picked my rear up off that golden couch and strutted my way up towards South St. Somehow, I've never noticed this beautiful graffiti on Kater St. I simply must begin looking up more.

I went down Kater St. I saw all kinds of cool art on the walls, including this smooth bare ass. Very Keith Haring-ish. It was in the midst of mosaic walls done by Isaiah Zagar. In case you don't know of him, he has some (meaning LOTS) of work all over south Philly, mostly in the South Street area. Here is a nice blog about some of his work. Here is his website.

I liked this little bit.

Ah, I was almost lost in a dream! Then waded through the herds to find the Market. Will be held every Sunday in the summer, I believe. Check out the South St. link on my page, and here.

Sitting by the Society Hill Dance Academy. Perfect skies.

My friend, Melissa, met me for a little ice cream. By a little, I mean that we went to the Joshua Kahan Fund All-You-Can-Eat Super Scooper Ice Cream Festival. I can't believe I almost forgot about it. Every major brand I could think of was there. Of course, the best ones were in the corners and the hardest to reach. So many people, so much ice cream, so many people in my way! Really, you pay $5, get a spoon, and eat away. But people! Grab it and get away from the table!

I had these 7 cups, plus 2 before I started saving them. Hey, they weren't all full!

I was home for a short rest when my friend, Mike, called. We biked it over to Fairmount Park, where there was a carnival/fair thing as part of the Welcome America/Sunoco thing (is that what it's called?). Anyway, I hadn't heard of it, so was excited. We were bummed there wasn't the previously-advertised ferris wheel, but I think this was kind of low budget, seeing the rides and all. The best thing I think we saw was the rock-climbing wall. The tough side cost $10, but you could win $100 if you touched the buzzer at the top. I was convinced I could do it. So convinced that I stood there and interviewed the operator, watched Mike scramble up the intermediate side and attempt the tough side, go eat, come back, thinking I could do it barefoot, watch 3 more people try and fail, then throw my $10 away on a palm reader that gave me 30 seconds of what Mike called a "scripted" reading. Damn! Next time, I will attempt the wall. I really, really wanted to do it. We must have spent a half hour watching and trying to figure out how to do it.

We also saw this high-wire act. The guy fell at one point, and it was pretty scary. He had no safety net, and pretty much depended on catching himself to not die. But he was able to pull himself up again and continue on.

All of this took place by Memorial Hall, where the Please Touch Museum is scheduled to move this year.

I think the best part of my day was riding back into the city at this time of day. It was getting dark, and the city loomed ahead of us, the lights reflecting off the water. We stopped in Rittenhouse Square and caught a few minutes of The Philadelphia Story. I'm hoping to catch an actual whole movie at some point this summer, relaxing on a blankie in a park. There are several public outdoor venues for this, so I read!

Have a great Independence Day!

Free Mummer's Concert - Every Thursday Night in the Summer!

2007-07-03T21:04:00.000-05:00

I think I previously alluded to this fine event. A couple of blocks from where I live, there is an establishment called the Mummer's Museum. It houses relics, awards, and garish costumes from days of yore. At the rear of the building, on summer Thursday evenings, around 7:30-8:00, you can experience a free concert. It seems to be a different string band every week. This particular session, the one I photographed, was of the Polish-American String Band variety. It was a crowded lawn, I tell you. More gray-blue hair than I've seen in a while. No, seriously. It's really a nice family thing to do. Lots of older folks, lots of young folks, very neighborhoody. This jokey gentleman above gave the intros.

Now you will see the young man above is one of the "dressy" men, as I like to call them. I do not know the particulars of Mummer culture, but I believe that he is one of the dancers who wears a dress in the parade. Hence the lifted/carried shirt corner and pinkie extended.

Really, you have to come to see the dancing. There are not many things as entertaining as a serious-faced larger man and his dainty, lacy parasol. It makes me want one, just for twirling. This man gets some serious exercise - he is dancing most of the time.

Now this honest woman is scaring the children with her Mummer doll. I can just imagine being a child and awaking in the middle of the night to see the moonlight flash off the shiny gold suit, the eyes staring coldly and blankly at me, unblinking, and the hands reaching for me, the kazoo noise quietly starting...

Really, she is selling tickets for the 50/50 raffle.

There is a sense of patriotism here. It's free. It's a long-standing tradition. It's an old-Philly-style get-together.

Besides that - you can get hot dogs, soft pretzels, and Italian ice, cheaply! For the schedule, check out the Mummer's webpage.

Walking the Ben Franklin Bridge

2007-06-25T21:44:00.000-05:00

Since before I lived in the city (granted, it's only been 10 months), I've wanted to walk across the Benny. Mentioned it to several people, but no takers. Always empty promises. Yet my friend Sarah and I made a false start last year, but the gates were closed! So, another year, another month, another day, we have done it. It's nothing challenging; just something I've wanted to do. I love heights. It seems like no one knows you can walk across, which is a shame, but it wasn't crowded in the least. Now and then a biker or jogger passed us, about 15 people in all. I love the sign above, because it says "At your own risk." It's a dare. I love going places that say to enter at your own risk.

This is the back of Sarah. She doesn't like getting her picture taken. But I have got her! We entered on the south side of the bridge. Get on at 5th and somewhere around Race St.

This building is now apartments, The Chocolate Factory, which I never knew meant it was the Wilbur Chocolate Factory, because the faded name on the side here is too high to see from the ground. I got really excited when I saw Wilbur. My Dad worked at the original Wilbur Chocolate Factory in Lititz, PA, when he was younger. I remember that my parents took us there for a tour when we were little kids, and my mom bought my sister and I saddle shoes, which we weren't crazy about.

I digress. Really, if you've never heard of them, you should try Wilbur Buds. They are much better than Hershey's Kisses. Go for the dark. Buy local!

Standing over 95. Caught the subway as it becomes the el.

We're looking up at the clearest blue sky of the week. I can't believe there weren't more people out, and I didn't seem to get one ounce of sunburn or tan.

This is the point where I tell you the reason I HAD to go soon.

See, sometimes, and I hope you know what I mean and not think I'm crazy, you need to scream. Just out of frustration at some things in life. Have you seen Garden State? Then you will know what I mean. So, in the past, I've had my scream in the car on the highway. Well, now, I live in the city and sold my car. I probably could have used a ton of good screams last fall, but was too worn out to even think of it as an outlet. I just felt recently that I have to express my anger, rage, frustration, anxiety, whatever - myself - in this way and have had nowhere to do it. You can't just scream in your apartment, on your sidewalk, etc. People will think you're insane. The whole plan clicked for me a couple of weeks ago, when I connected my desire to walk the bridge and my desire to scream. I knew from talking to Sarah that she needed a scream, as well. We've been venting to each other almost daily. "Ah-ha!" The perfect place. All we had up there was traffic noise, wind, sun, and space. We did two. Satisfied. So worth it.

And then we walked and looked and snapped some more.

This mural peeped through at us from the north side of the bridge.

The Comcast tower is coming along nicely.

So, notice I didn't take many pics of the Jersey side. Well, we didn't really get off the bridge at that end. The bridge was the destination. This is not to say that Camden doesn't offer much. In fact, we stood there and looked at the aquarium, Tweeter Center, baseball field, etc. for a while.

If you do this walk, be smart. When you're finished, you'll be thirsty. We hit Old City Coffee (Church St., between 2nd and 3rd) for a tea for Sarah, and of course, ice cream for me.

And, in case you're interested in history hoo-ha, here's a nice website for you.

Saturday, June 9: White Dog Cafe - Mural Arts Tour by Bike

2007-06-10T20:13:00.000-05:00

My roommate and I were thinking about going to Bonnaroo, and we hemmed and hawed about it until we decided to instead have a party and do this bike tour we were both interested in. Then, we decided our apartment is too hot in the summer, even with a/c, so the bike tour it is. I've always wanted to do a mural tour! I awoke at 3:15a.m. with excruciating back pain. (I have a recurring muscle problem.) I though, "I can't cancel, but I can't move!" Somehow, I got out of bed and took some aspirin, stretched, and drank a bunch of water, and made it, though grumpily, to the start of the bike tour by 8:45. Thank goodness I did, because it not only loosened me up, but I had an unforgettable experience and met a real heroine, as well. Here it is:

Start: Back Home Cafe, 1515 Fairmount. Coffee, water, and muffins. We signed in to see a good mix of people. We were probably the youngest (ahem, late 20's/early 30's) of 35-40 bikers. Some people looked liked they biked a lot, some hardly ever. (Someone even wore a skirt.) A contingent from the White Dog drove in a van with minor fixin's - bike repair, water, etc. They even arranged for a police escort. We were introduced to Jane Golden, our hero Mural Arts Program director. She gave a brief history and explanation of each mural we stopped at. Jane began her work with the Anti-graffiti Network, I think. At the end of the tour, at the White Dog, she explained the evolution of the Mural Arts Program, some of the struggles and changes the program has gone through, and how they continue to do work in the social realm of the Philadelphia community - in prisons, schools, youth detention centers. They have changed many lives that could have gone in a negative direction.

Back to the tour. We headed off to see a lot of murals! Too many to mention here, but there were about 30 in all. As we ran late, (the tour was supposed to start at 9:30 and end at the Cafe at 12:30) we biked past a few that were not of less importance, but were just not the best stopping points. While most of them were striking, some were more colorful than others, and it must be said that they all caught your eye for different reasons. A Celebration of the Arts and A Celebration of Poetry (below) faced each other on either sides of a grassy lot that was recently sold. They hope the owner will not build there and hide these gems, but he seems reluctant to do a community garden there, as the neighborhood wants to do. Some murals are endangered in this way.

The Story of The Dixie Hummingbirds moved me. It was a creation resulting from cooperation between the remaining members of the vocal group, the neighboring church, the building owners, and the Mural Arts Program. Jane told us how sometimes, all the elements necessary come together at once, and it works like a dream.

Julius Erving. Jane told us the story of how she started by calling Dr. J, and how he came to be in a suit. Very classy. This one has been restored. She told us how different paints and coatings make a huge difference, about grids, and how building materials, sun and weather, etc. affect the painting and restoration of a building and mural.

Legacy. This mural on Chestnut St. was completed this year. It is largely Venetian glass. I have zoomed in on the eye, so you can see the wonderful detail in this piece. It's one of my favorites, for the mosaic-like quality.

Common Threads: This has always been my favorite, but then I still haven't seen all of them! It's just beautiful, and I love the sense of brotherly love that it projects. There were actually two here, in the intersection of Broad and Spring Garden. It's funny how you can walk around the city and miss some of these, huh? But I have!

A piece of Common Threads

Kevin Gardner, mural artist, was along for the ride. He helped block traffic and described a couple of the murals he helped create.

Kevin Gardner in the Fairmount section, describing his work on Azalea Garden

We couldn't breeze by this one without a glance. I think it was called The Cello or The Violin. Not on the itinerary, but the gentleman on the steps assured us he painted it himself! (False, but he showed great appreciation for the Program.)

Zoo Bridge underpass.

Patti Labelle restoration. Jane said she was repainted with "a new attitude!"

The next two murals that really struck me were in the run-down-but-coming-back section of Mantua. These were reflecting the legacy of families who have lived there for many years. We got a surprise when Shirley came out of her house to tell us about how Mantua used to be, how people from Irish and African backgrounds were able to get along, how it was a nice neighborhood. She told us how the neighborhood didn't used to look as shabby as it is now, and how families are starting to return. Before I arrived here on my bike, I was truly ignorant of the state of how some people are living. I wonder how they can have a house. Do they have electricity? Do they feel happy to have a house, no matter how run-down it appears? I was shocked by the appearance of this neighborhood. Shirley was terrific and grateful to Jane and the Mural Arts Program for making a difference. The appearance of murals seem to make a neighborhood realize that someone cares about making their community better.

Shirley and Jane Golden

Shirley's parents on the mural, Jewels of Mantua

These two parts of Holding Grandmother's Quilt faced each other. The man at the fence said it is his grandmother, Ms. Jones, I think. The stucco building looks like it was difficult to paint on. This lot adjoined with a rec center, which the Mural Arts team added their touch to, as well. Jane's hoping to get better trash pick-up here. She's got a looong wish list.

Reading: a Journey

On the Block

These two murals were on the same block, and they were recently on the list of things that Prince Charles came to see! Again, these are a reflection of hope in the community for the future of the children living there.

We passed a couple more of them on the way back to the White Dog Cafe. I can't even tell you how minor my back pain seemed by the time we were done. My roommate and I sat across from two lovely ladies, Jennifer and Cathy. We had nice conversation and a tasty meal of salad, our choice of main dish, and heaping strawberry shortcake in the end. I chose the pasta dish, with salmon, tomatoes, asparagus, and a basil cream sauce. Fantastico! Great finish to a great morning! This tour is only once a year folks! Keep your eyes open for it next year. It fills up. See the link on my page.

Re-focusing this blog - introducing Philadelphia Robin

2007-06-10T12:29:00.000-05:00

Yes, I have spent a few months typing away about nothing and my personal life. I've deleted a few of these too-personal posts in favor of sprucing up and focusing this blog as a diary of the stuff I'm discovering about Philly. Here goes!:

A few of the things I've done since Jan. in Philly/Philly area:

1. Finding new places to eat. Among my personal favorites: Sabrina's Cafe, Morning Glory Diner, Fitzwater Cafe, Carman's Country Kitchen, Beau Monde, Royal Tavern

Favorites I've discovered in earlier times: Standard Tap, Gianfranco's, Honey's Sit 'n' Eat, Vietnam, Bridgid's, the Continental, Jones, Taqueria La Veracruzana

Do you see an early theme? I love brunch!

What I'd like to try: Amada, Xochitl, Dmitri's, Southwark, Famous 4th St. Deli.

I hope to keep you posted in more detail on my upcoming restaurant visits.

2. Mummers: I saw the free concert they put on for locals behind the musuem last week. Mixed crowd of ex-Mummers (you could tell by the dancing), elderly neighbors, families. Lots of the strutty dancing. Quite entertaining!

3. Strawberry picking in Media, at Linvilla Orchards.

4. Mural Arts Tour - see next blog entry.

5. Biking around the city (I sold my car in March) - Kelly Drive is nice, and goes a lot farther than I expected.

6. Penn's Landing - I always love to go there to think. Ignore corny Duck tours quackers. It's nice to just stare at the water, read there, or turn around and people watch. I love people-watching.

7. I took a self-defense course for 8 weeks at the Society Hill Dance Academy. It was the first time they offered the class, and I loved it! Lawrence Whitaker was our instructor. He has his own studio in Northern Liberties: Urban Defense Center 725 N. 6th St, Philadelphia, 267-259-3936

8. Italian Market Festival: food, art, people, nice weather! I head down to the Italian Market almost weekly, for inexpensive produce, spices, coffee, ethnic food.

There's gotta be more, but I'll fill you in in future posts, with the tiny details and remembrances of fun things past.

Stay cool!

Sushi

2007-02-04T09:51:00.000-05:00

I made sushi yesterday! Though they are a little ragged and loose, I was very pleased with them, as the rice turned out all sticky and perfect. I'm not sure why it took me so long to attempt sushi, since I'd gotten a rolling mat as a gift about 5 years ago, but maybe it was because I never really liked or ate it until about 1 year ago. The occassion of my creation was that I was hanging out with my friend Kelly, who is pregnant and can't have regular sushi, and doesn't trust restaurant-made to be not contaminated with the seafood bacteria. She said she really missed it the most, so I got it into my head that I would make some for her girls' night. Also, I have to thank Natalie, my roommate, for showing me how to roll!

Kelly also made a great feast, with apps: shrimp cocktail, hummus w/ pita, olives, etc. , caesar salad, potato leek soup, salmon with dill sauce, and very yummy, very chocolatey brownies. Joy was the mixmaster once again, making some very pretty-colored drinks for her and myself (and virgin for mama-to-be).

We gave ourselves fabulous manicures and discussed relationships, pregnancy, and all that other girly stuff.

In other news, I was able to get together for a really fun night of catch-up-with-my-ex-Borders-friends at the Plumstead in Media. I sat there with my lonely beer for a while, wondering where the hell everyone was, but they showed up one by one, and soon there were enough of us to fill 2 big booths. And good thing there were so many, because it was cold outside, but warm and cheerful inside! It really was a pleasure to see everyone again, and catch up! Like family, it seemed. Awww! Seeing as how only 2 of you read this, and it's you, John, and you, Sarah, I'm not sure why I'm giving you a rundown of events, but maybe I'll spread the word about my blog of nothing soon.

Robinses are confused! Tricksy weather!

2007-01-20T11:04:00.000-05:00

I've been noticing the birds lately. Our weird warm weather has confused them, and it's quite obvious. When else would you see Robins hopping around the week of January 14, in Philadelphia? Society Hill Towers is the locale for my strange bird sightings. I walk through there every day, where it is highest on the east side, and windiest on the windy days. I love the wind! Obviously, so do the birds. (On a side note, I walked through there, oblivious to the fact that there were, indeed, three towers, not two, for months, before my friend pointed out that I was missing one. How do you miss seeing a building - a high one? whatever!)

Yesterday morning, I saw the strangest thing, and am now trying to analyze what the heck it might mean. Walking, walking, walking. Pass the towers. Going down the sidewalk, north, towards the steps down. See a bird perched above the sidewalk. Think, "Oh, I'll go around to the side a bit, so I don't get pooped on!" Look down as I walk. See TONS of feathers of all sizes on the sidewalk and grass, all around. Stop. Look at this bird in the tree. It's EATING another bird. All that was left were legs, and it was pulling off what looked like the last bits of meat. I look down again. The feathers are bloody and strewn about. This was obviously a morning meal for the bird above, and it was a disgusting massacre. No one else is around to see this. I'm standing there with my mouth wide open, fascinated. It MUST have been some kind of hawk or falcon. I'm hoping a peregrine, because I know they are/were endangered due to pesticides making their eggs weak. Looked it up on the web, and in 2002, there were some nesting on City Hall. I emailed my birder-friend. She said it could have been a peregrine, as they also roost on the Ben Franklin Bridge! (Or a Cooper's Hawk, or sharp-shinned hawk). Anyway, how exciting! I couldn't tell what it was, because I didn't catch any distinguishing features, except a mottled brown and white belly and bloody food in it's mouth. For an interesting book on peregrines, check out On the Wing, by Alan Tennant.

Now, it seems like this situation was there just for me. Like I said, no one else was around to see it. Very surreal. I was looking around for someone to exclaim with. So, I've looked it up in dream dictionaries: several interpretations. If I see a hawk not flying, life is bound to be boring for a while. I hope this is incorrect. A general "animal" dream interpretation: "animals are obvious metaphors for the unconscious urges inside all of us - the wilder the dream animal, the more base the urge." This from my very own company's Field Guide to Dreams. On www.wicca.com, "Falcons symbolize freedom, speed in action, far-sightedness, magick, astral travel, clear vision and healing." "Hawks are observant and perceptive messengers from the spirit world. They symbolize noticing the big picture, using your talents, omens, dreams, courage, defense, wisdom, illumination, truth and experience." This is all very vague. If anyone has any clues what the bird means, let me know!

Scents

2006-12-23T16:35:00.000-05:00

Smells. I love them. I love the feeling you get when you smell something that takes you back to your childhood.

Today I walked to the Italian Market, which I've been doing most weekends. Today was special, you could tell. There were so many people out. Claudios and DiBruno's had lines down the sidewalks. I decided on Anthony's for my last-minute emergency gifts. See, I'm not sure if I'll get to AZ for Christmas, so I may be around to visit some very thoughtful friends who invited me to celebrate with them. OMG, i love the smell of a candy shop! They were really nice in there, too!

Then I walked home. And out again. I went to see the Wanamaker Organ at Macy's, which I've always wanted to do. I zigzagged my way up there and waltzed in, thinking I didn't really want to be surrounded by tons of crazy last-minute shoppers. Well, I was surprised, because I first saw carolers on the balcony, which was nice. Then I went into another room and heard the organ. There were hundreds of people gathered to see the light show. I just caught the end of it. I felt so lucky, and I know my jaw dropped. After, I made my way throught the crowd and went upstairs to look at the organ, then went around the corner so I could watch the guy play. Then I suantered home, zigzag, talked on the phone, sat in the park, and now am so starving I could eat my hand. Anyway, smells of the city today - all good - baked goods, wreaths, candles, flowers, candy, spices.

So, what's the best smell you ever had? Your favorites!
Mine: lavendar, lilacs, Italian food!, cookies, bacon, citrus fruit on a plane, there's so much more.

What does a smell do for you? For instance, my brain is confused between popcorn and smelly feet. When I was working on planes, I often thought I smelled popcorn, and when I looked down, the person nearby had their shoes off. Sauerkraut makes me hungry, but I never used to like sauerkraut.

Least favorite smells: pea soup. I'll never forget the first time I smelled it. My mom made it in the house we grew up in, out in the woods. The smell permeated through the entire house and basement, and I couldn't shake it. Ugh! Cologne. Not to insult anyone, but I think cologne spreads too far, and doesn't turn me on - it's like bad perfume. It seems like you're trying to hard. Are you trying to cover up some other smell? I'd rather smell that than the cologne. Makes me sneeze, too, like perfume does.

Good Friends, Bookends

2006-12-17T21:30:00.000-05:00

I understand this phrase/song now. (and I know it's really "Old Friends, Bookends.") Simon & Garfunkle are so comforting and relatable, don't you think? I think I'm finding that all of my best friends complement me in some way. I feel like some of us go together "like peas and carrots." (Ew, veggies, though) Maybe like strawberry and grape Nerds. Really though, some of us, and it seems more than usual, are going through difficult times, and I'm finding that talking, of all things, and listening are the best cures and offer the most relief. It's been quite a bipolar year, and I'm really looking forward to it being over, and starting new.

This weekend was all about scrambling for Christmas presents. I promise I won't do this next year! I want to find gifts just for each person, and also make more presents. There's nothing more stressful than trying to come up with something, and having no idea what a person might want. I also am sick of knowing what I'm going to get. There's no fun in that!

I made croutons tonight! That was a first, and they turned out really well. They're easy, and I don't understand why people think they're unhealthy. They're just bread in olive oil, toasted. Maybe it's the kind of oil you use.

I've got 4 days of work left this week. So much to do! And I have my review at work, which I'm not really all that worried about. I also have an early birthday lunch.

As these are humdrum details of my life. There's obviously not much to say. Back to the beading! Oh, and I love Nerds, nerds, and Weezer!

Goldfish Crackers Make My Day

2006-12-11T13:26:00.000-05:00

The above is correct - I LOVE GOLDFISH CRACKERS! I went crazy and bought the enormous box because it was only $5.99 or 6.99, I'm not sure. That's a great deal, if you ask me. I eat them all the time, now - with breakfast, in my soup, for a snack before dinner. Really, who can pass them up? I go with the standard cheddar flavor. I do appreciate that they made whole wheat cheddar ones, which I would prefer to buy, but they don't come in enormous size. I packed a bag for work, which was supposed to last over 2 days, but couldn't stop eating them, then I dipped the bag in my soup while I was pouring, so I decided to eat them all. 'Cause who wants a crusty, soup-dipped bag on their desk?

In case you're wondering, it was butternut squash soup, and despite the fact that I had nothing to puree it with (I never read the recipe first, though you should), it's quite tasty and unique. Spicy, in fact! You should have seen the hysterical, glorious mess I made in the kitchen while trying to puree it in my smoothie maker. I guess that's why it's called a smoothie maker, and not a blender. And it's personal-sized, too. That, by the way, is one of my best gifts ever. Thanks, Denise!

So, I'm going to list 10 best-received gifts ever. Some of them surprise me - I don't need expensive things, just useful!

1. Smoothie maker - I use it all the time, several times a week. An easy way to get lots of fruit and yogurt!
2. Sudoku daily calendar - from Rebecca. I use it every day, and often work ahead. Great to do while watching TV. I'm not a passive TV watcher! Must be doing something, unless I'm hung over.
3. Jewelry tree - from Alicia. Homemade and useful, Asian-looking, in my room. I'm making one for Denise this year.
4. Blankets - I'm a cozy person, and always appreciate blankets, especially the Mexican ones.
5. Slippers - again, the cozy. Don't want to get cold feet!
6. Candles - for the mood. Again - cozy.
7. Digital camera - for catching memories, and showing my family what my new apartment looks like every year.
8. $$ - always need it. The most useful gift.
9. Tequila - it's nice to have something I love handy, just in case, that I don't usually buy for myself.
10. Quality time with someone I love. Aw, shucks! You miss it most when you're away from them. I'll never forget my first year as a flight attendant. I flew 6 flights, all over the south, and stayed at a Ramada in bumf*ck. The next year, miraculously, I timed out and was able to get to my parents, which wasn't the most exciting, but I appreciated family and home.

What are your favorites? (I think I'm writing this for myself and Sarah, but just in case, I've asked a question.)