Ran into George Washington on Saturday. He was chillin' at Longwood Gardens for the weekend, chatting with visitors, enjoying the sunshine. Mr. Washington gets around--saw him at the Hale-Byrnes house at Christmastime, too. I guess that's what I'd do if I were George--cruise around to the various wonderful places, chat with the nice people, keep my name out there.
Today, the University of Delaware is not honoring George, however. They're in session. Which means Superman is at the office and at class, and I am working, too. Probably good--I should be working--and I did sneak in a nap after swimming--but I do find myself just slightly nostalgic for Egan's Winter Break. Supermom and Superdad are in Santa Monica, visiting Superbro (have fun at the Farmer's Market, guys!) on their week off.
We spent Saturday enjoying the sight of Longwood in the snow and petting the cats who keep the gardens mouse-free (they have cozy condos and are well-fed and cared for by Longwood's wonderful staff). We went winetasting at Chaddsford Winery and learned about East Coast wines. Sunday was spent in Historic New Castle, site of William Penn's arrival and home to the first signer of the Declaration of Independence. For a half million, you can own one of the oldest homes in town, a gorgeous large brick dwelling with a cute yard on a lovely historic street. I'd live there in a minute! We visited the old graveyards in town and the Courthouse and saw the historic Amstel and Dutch houses. New Castle's right on the Delaware River, so we wandered down to Battery Park on the banks of the river. We can't wait to go back when the weather's nicer.
Today, it's sunny and much warmer, which means the ice will finally melt off the sidewalks and I can run again without fearing a tumble. Spring is coming...blossoms, flowers...can't wait.
Happy President's Day!
Monday, February 19, 2007
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Happy Valentine's Day, After All
Late Morning: After having three flights canceled, Supergirl camps out with computer and wireless to blog out her misery. Post-post (and kind emails and calls from friends), she meets a cutie-pie two year old and the little girl's mom. Gets to play My Little Pony, see the brand-new Valentine Barbie, and finally has an audience for the Poppy the Cat slideshow. Superman, bless his heart, sends Poppy the Cat movie clips to make Supergirl/Cat mom happier. Confusion about 1:50 P.M. flight being cancelled or not. Gets on 4:30 flight that gate crew is more certain will leave.
Lunchtime: Supergirl enjoys lunch and purchases clean socks, gum, and elastics/clips for her wayward tresses. Wonderful friends BostonErin and Melissa provide Chicago friends' contact info, should Supergirl need a place to camp other than Midway Airport. Supergirl continues to worry about flight cancellations and once again considers flying elsewhere, for the heck of it. Boston? Back to San Jose? Vegas?
After lunch: Supergirl deals with Problem Hair and shares misery with anyone who will listen. Strolls airport for fun. Discovers, via one of the women with whom she has shared her misery, who is much more well-rested and lucid, that 1:50 flight is leaving soon. Goes to check on it. Gets back on flight, miraculously, and is the LAST PERSON ON THE PLANE!
8:00 P.M.: After landing on ice in Philly, waiting for bags that did not show, and filling out baggage delivery form, Supergirl and Superman, her trusty chauffeur, drive home to Newark. The trees are covered with ice and look like they're painted silver in the light. Supergirl has never been so happy to be home.
9:30 P.M.: Leftovers for dinner, a great bottle of wine, chocolate-covered blueberries sent by SuperAunt, SuperUnCole, and Supercute Cousin, and the company of husband and cat...there is no better Valentine's Birthday!
Sending LOVE your way!
Lunchtime: Supergirl enjoys lunch and purchases clean socks, gum, and elastics/clips for her wayward tresses. Wonderful friends BostonErin and Melissa provide Chicago friends' contact info, should Supergirl need a place to camp other than Midway Airport. Supergirl continues to worry about flight cancellations and once again considers flying elsewhere, for the heck of it. Boston? Back to San Jose? Vegas?
After lunch: Supergirl deals with Problem Hair and shares misery with anyone who will listen. Strolls airport for fun. Discovers, via one of the women with whom she has shared her misery, who is much more well-rested and lucid, that 1:50 flight is leaving soon. Goes to check on it. Gets back on flight, miraculously, and is the LAST PERSON ON THE PLANE!
8:00 P.M.: After landing on ice in Philly, waiting for bags that did not show, and filling out baggage delivery form, Supergirl and Superman, her trusty chauffeur, drive home to Newark. The trees are covered with ice and look like they're painted silver in the light. Supergirl has never been so happy to be home.
9:30 P.M.: Leftovers for dinner, a great bottle of wine, chocolate-covered blueberries sent by SuperAunt, SuperUnCole, and Supercute Cousin, and the company of husband and cat...there is no better Valentine's Birthday!
Sending LOVE your way!
It's My Birthday, And I'll Cry If I Want To
Some advice: When you check your bag for a flight, and the woman who takes it from you tells you there's a Weather Advisory where you're going, don't go.
I am 32 today, and I am spending my birthday in the Midway Airport. There are far worse places to be stuck, and worse circumstances under which to be stuck; however, it being my birthday, I am a little bummed out.
I left for San Jose Airport on Tuesday, 2/13, at 7:30 A.M., with Superdad at the wheel, listening to the Dixie Chicks, excited for my birthday and to see Matt and Poppy. I knew there was a storm coming to the Philly area, and I knew it'd be bad, due to what Syracuse, NY has gotten recently, but I truly didn't think it would affect me this much. Shoulda, coulda, woulda. If I'd bailed on my flight, I'd be celebrating my b-day with Mom and Dad right now. Ah, well.
After circling Midway, my connecting airport, for several hours yesterday afternoon, we were diverted to St. Louis, where we spent three hours, before getting back on the plane at 9:30 P.M., flying to Midway, circling for several more hours, and landing. There were no more flights to Philly, so I booked one for the next morning (today). My luggage is somewhere, I hope. I can't get to it, that's for sure. All the airport hotels were full last night, so I slept on a cot (thank god for that!), cocooned in a blanket (hoorah!), with a bunch of other people.
In case you are wondering, they clean the escalators, wax the floors, and tidy the bathrooms in airports in the middle of the night. Fleets of good souls, who probably work two other jobs each, spend their nights making airports pleasant for travelers. I am impressed.
Also, the Muzak does play 'round the clock. I feel like there may have been a reprieve from 2:00 A.M.-4:00 A.M., but that might have been because I finally fell asleep.
At 4:30 A.M., a fellow hollered, "O.K., everybody, it's 4:30 A.M.; we have to pack up the cots, so everybody needs to get up! We have drinks for you; come help yourselves!" I was dismayed not to have Revelry played for me, as the circumstances were so camp-like, but I hopped up and got on my way to nowhere. I will also admit to the sarcastic thought, Whom are you kidding? No one's going anywhere today. Leave 'em up. But I do not get involved in airport administrivia. Bigger fish to fry, and all that.
There's something odd about being desparate for sleep in the middle of the night. Everyone just sort of fell on cots and crashed out. Boundaries were erased, so desperate were we for a place to lie down and get some rest. It truly was quiet there for about two hours in the wee hours of the morning. However, my crack-of-dawn wake-up was less comfortable. I felt exposed. Had I drooled on my cot? Was my hair standing up in twenty different directions? Did I have sleep marks on my cheek? Did I smell? (The hair looks marginal, and the answers to the other three questions are yes, yes, and probably).
When it became clear that my 6:00 A.M. flight was not happening, I re-booked, then re-booked again. I am now re-booked on a 1:50 P.M. flight to Philly. I couldn't stomach standby on anything earlier; the disappointment of having yet another flight cancelled is just too much for my tired, sorry self to take right now (talk to me when it happens at noon). Instead, I am trying to make this a Rich Life Experience.
I walked a blind man to his gate, so I could learn more about training Seeing Eye dogs. Turns out that the dog socializers have the dogs for a lot longer than the trainers , who only have them for three months, do. He said that his current dog, a black lab named Todd, is a little bit too "social." His last dog, a yellow lab, was a better worker. I had to stay on Todd's left and kind of steer him, so that he, in turn, could steer Joe. I dropped Joe off at his gate and took a stroll back to mine. I just keep walking back and forth, from the A Concourse to the B Concourse.
I feel a bit like Tom Hanks' character in the DreamWorks movie The Terminal. I'm not sure how I'm going to feel when I finally get out of here. Airports and airplanes provide a liminal space, in which you make best friends with people you barely know, just to have some companionship on your journey. As I walk through the airport today, folks I met last night ask, "How'd you sleep?" It's like being in small-town America with folks from all over the country. Last night, I met a soldier who did two terms in Iraq. What an impressive person he was. I gave someone my New York Times this morning; someone gave me OK and Life & Style last night. If someone needed me to buy them breakfast, I probably would, although not a fellow passenger I'll call Negative Ned. He's harshing my mellow; I feel like he's tracking me. Every time I'm at a gate trying to change my flight, he appears at my elbow to whine and complain. I got an earful about how his girlfriend is pissed he's not home for Valentine's Day, and how she can't handle the amount of traveling he does for work; apparently he almost told her to find another boyfriend last week. I don't do other people's bad relationships, so I keep trying to lose him. I'll be "working" a lot today. Earlier, I lied and told him I was leaving the airport and flying out tomorrow, just to get him off my back. I almost did it, too, until Matt reminded me that no hotels (if there are even any vacancies) will let me check in until late afternoon. I think I can handle one more night in the airport, but I'm not positive about that.
I pondered returning to San Jose, but I can't stand the thought of having to fly from there to Chicago again this week. I thought about going to L.A. Same problem.
So here I sit, in Midway Airport, grateful for technology, Southwest Airlines' Valentine decorations, and my friends and family wishing me Happy Birthday from across the miles. Matt informed me that the local news station in Delaware had some footage of a young woman crying about missing Valentine's Day. I said, "If she'd had her birthday on Valentine's Day her whole life, then she'd have learned how to suck it up by now!" And so I shall.
Happy Valentine's Day, one and all. Enjoy it for me!
I am 32 today, and I am spending my birthday in the Midway Airport. There are far worse places to be stuck, and worse circumstances under which to be stuck; however, it being my birthday, I am a little bummed out.
I left for San Jose Airport on Tuesday, 2/13, at 7:30 A.M., with Superdad at the wheel, listening to the Dixie Chicks, excited for my birthday and to see Matt and Poppy. I knew there was a storm coming to the Philly area, and I knew it'd be bad, due to what Syracuse, NY has gotten recently, but I truly didn't think it would affect me this much. Shoulda, coulda, woulda. If I'd bailed on my flight, I'd be celebrating my b-day with Mom and Dad right now. Ah, well.
After circling Midway, my connecting airport, for several hours yesterday afternoon, we were diverted to St. Louis, where we spent three hours, before getting back on the plane at 9:30 P.M., flying to Midway, circling for several more hours, and landing. There were no more flights to Philly, so I booked one for the next morning (today). My luggage is somewhere, I hope. I can't get to it, that's for sure. All the airport hotels were full last night, so I slept on a cot (thank god for that!), cocooned in a blanket (hoorah!), with a bunch of other people.
In case you are wondering, they clean the escalators, wax the floors, and tidy the bathrooms in airports in the middle of the night. Fleets of good souls, who probably work two other jobs each, spend their nights making airports pleasant for travelers. I am impressed.
Also, the Muzak does play 'round the clock. I feel like there may have been a reprieve from 2:00 A.M.-4:00 A.M., but that might have been because I finally fell asleep.
At 4:30 A.M., a fellow hollered, "O.K., everybody, it's 4:30 A.M.; we have to pack up the cots, so everybody needs to get up! We have drinks for you; come help yourselves!" I was dismayed not to have Revelry played for me, as the circumstances were so camp-like, but I hopped up and got on my way to nowhere. I will also admit to the sarcastic thought, Whom are you kidding? No one's going anywhere today. Leave 'em up. But I do not get involved in airport administrivia. Bigger fish to fry, and all that.
There's something odd about being desparate for sleep in the middle of the night. Everyone just sort of fell on cots and crashed out. Boundaries were erased, so desperate were we for a place to lie down and get some rest. It truly was quiet there for about two hours in the wee hours of the morning. However, my crack-of-dawn wake-up was less comfortable. I felt exposed. Had I drooled on my cot? Was my hair standing up in twenty different directions? Did I have sleep marks on my cheek? Did I smell? (The hair looks marginal, and the answers to the other three questions are yes, yes, and probably).
When it became clear that my 6:00 A.M. flight was not happening, I re-booked, then re-booked again. I am now re-booked on a 1:50 P.M. flight to Philly. I couldn't stomach standby on anything earlier; the disappointment of having yet another flight cancelled is just too much for my tired, sorry self to take right now (talk to me when it happens at noon). Instead, I am trying to make this a Rich Life Experience.
I walked a blind man to his gate, so I could learn more about training Seeing Eye dogs. Turns out that the dog socializers have the dogs for a lot longer than the trainers , who only have them for three months, do. He said that his current dog, a black lab named Todd, is a little bit too "social." His last dog, a yellow lab, was a better worker. I had to stay on Todd's left and kind of steer him, so that he, in turn, could steer Joe. I dropped Joe off at his gate and took a stroll back to mine. I just keep walking back and forth, from the A Concourse to the B Concourse.
I feel a bit like Tom Hanks' character in the DreamWorks movie The Terminal. I'm not sure how I'm going to feel when I finally get out of here. Airports and airplanes provide a liminal space, in which you make best friends with people you barely know, just to have some companionship on your journey. As I walk through the airport today, folks I met last night ask, "How'd you sleep?" It's like being in small-town America with folks from all over the country. Last night, I met a soldier who did two terms in Iraq. What an impressive person he was. I gave someone my New York Times this morning; someone gave me OK and Life & Style last night. If someone needed me to buy them breakfast, I probably would, although not a fellow passenger I'll call Negative Ned. He's harshing my mellow; I feel like he's tracking me. Every time I'm at a gate trying to change my flight, he appears at my elbow to whine and complain. I got an earful about how his girlfriend is pissed he's not home for Valentine's Day, and how she can't handle the amount of traveling he does for work; apparently he almost told her to find another boyfriend last week. I don't do other people's bad relationships, so I keep trying to lose him. I'll be "working" a lot today. Earlier, I lied and told him I was leaving the airport and flying out tomorrow, just to get him off my back. I almost did it, too, until Matt reminded me that no hotels (if there are even any vacancies) will let me check in until late afternoon. I think I can handle one more night in the airport, but I'm not positive about that.
I pondered returning to San Jose, but I can't stand the thought of having to fly from there to Chicago again this week. I thought about going to L.A. Same problem.
So here I sit, in Midway Airport, grateful for technology, Southwest Airlines' Valentine decorations, and my friends and family wishing me Happy Birthday from across the miles. Matt informed me that the local news station in Delaware had some footage of a young woman crying about missing Valentine's Day. I said, "If she'd had her birthday on Valentine's Day her whole life, then she'd have learned how to suck it up by now!" And so I shall.
Happy Valentine's Day, one and all. Enjoy it for me!
Monday, February 05, 2007
Winter in DE
Winter is here. The snow isn't sticking much, but we've had some, and my office window is icy. Morning swimming is tough when it's freezing with wind chill, but that's what down coats are for! We ran on snowy trails up at White Clay Creek State Park on Saturday and drove up to Lancaster County on Sunday, where we saw many Amish buggies making their way around--a picturesque tableau against the snowy hills of farm country.
Longwood Gardens is readying itself for spring, with tulips and narcissus already blooming inside the conservatory. Our house is ready for spring visitors, with a newly painted upstairs. Poppy will share "her room" with those who make their way to see us!
I thoroughly enjoyed my class, and turned in what I hope is a stellar nine-page paper. I got an A on the first test and am hoping for similar results on my final! I think I'm a more nervous test-taker than I was before I became a teacher. I know too much, now. Like, the person who writes the exam knows the material backwards and forwards, and you have to erase your Scan-Tron sheet really carefully. I am happy to confirm that I can still write a strong academic paper, but it requires solid research, a lot of thought, and a great deal of drafting. One of the undergraduates in my class was boasting to his friend that he'd just knock off the final paper the night before it was due, and I thought to myself, "Honey, that's why I'm getting an A, and you're NOT."
This spring's class has no tests or papers, as I'm only taking it for one credit, so it should be more laid-back than my daily winter term class with several assignments to complete in a five-week period, while also being busier with work than I have been since I started the business. It was a good problem to have, but I'm happy to be at a more manageable pace now!
There's a cupcakery opening on Main Street soon. I'm delighted! Other than that, check out The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova and Leap Days by Katherine Lanpher for excellent reading, and The Soundtrack of Our Lives, Sun Kil Moon, and Silversun Pickups for excellent music.
Happy February!
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Cold Snap
California winter has finally come to Delaware. In a bizarre turn of events (um, climate change?), not only have CA and DE had the same weather since we got here, but it was colder last week in Cali than it was here! After some anxious conversations with Supermom ("It's not a laughing matter; if my garden freezes, I won't be replanting!") and Superdad ("They're saying we should run water so the pipes don't freeze, but doesn't it have to be below zero before you need to do that?"), the thaw has come to Los Altos, and now it's cold here. Beautiful and sunny, but cold. I finally get to break out the wool, color coordinate my scarves, hats, and mittens with my outfits, and perhaps get snowed in! The beauty of living downtown is it doesn't matter. I can still get Starbucks (well, assuming the employees are there) in a deep freeze.
The office is now periwinkle, and the new mattress was delivered today, so we have an official guest room now. This means that soon it will be time for me to post some pictures. As I paint my desk pink, I wonder what my great grandpa Beauchamp would think about the fact that his old desk is pink. His daughter, Grandma Alice, would love it--pink, red, and black were her colors. I think he'd be glad that it represents the beginning of my home business. He was a creative, entrepreneurial man, and I like to hope that I'm a little like him.
Speaking of entrepreneurship, I have filed for my Federal Tax ID number and have secured my website domain name. Soon, it will have content. Business cards should be coming, and after I find someone to help us do this year's taxes, I'll meet with a financial planner and develop a financial plan for myself. This is an exciting chapter in my career. I have my dream job; it's going well, and I have the most beautiful office I could have imagined!
I went to a workshop at the library today about financial planning for the home business, and made two new friends. One of them runs her own business placing lawyers in their dream jobs, and one is just out of Notre Dame, working at a nonprofit and planning her next move. I look forward to networking with both of them. I am in love with our library--I'm getting all my sources for my rock musician biography there. It's a lot like the Los Altos library--clean, bright, diverse, with many wonderful resources.
We made some new friends last night at Half-Price Burger Night at the Deer Park Tavern, a local favorite known for the fact that Edgar Allen Poe presumably stayed there once--or was kicked out of there once for being drunk, which I personally think is the real story. The Poe house in Baltimore is supposed to be great--I look forward to visiting. There is no shortage of interesting people here. I enjoy hearing about all the different things people do for work, their pets, etc. This morning's post-swim practice coffee was at Brew Ha! Ha!, one of two independent coffee chains in town (Brewed Awakenings, the other, is also great).
Have a sunshiney day!
The office is now periwinkle, and the new mattress was delivered today, so we have an official guest room now. This means that soon it will be time for me to post some pictures. As I paint my desk pink, I wonder what my great grandpa Beauchamp would think about the fact that his old desk is pink. His daughter, Grandma Alice, would love it--pink, red, and black were her colors. I think he'd be glad that it represents the beginning of my home business. He was a creative, entrepreneurial man, and I like to hope that I'm a little like him.
Speaking of entrepreneurship, I have filed for my Federal Tax ID number and have secured my website domain name. Soon, it will have content. Business cards should be coming, and after I find someone to help us do this year's taxes, I'll meet with a financial planner and develop a financial plan for myself. This is an exciting chapter in my career. I have my dream job; it's going well, and I have the most beautiful office I could have imagined!
I went to a workshop at the library today about financial planning for the home business, and made two new friends. One of them runs her own business placing lawyers in their dream jobs, and one is just out of Notre Dame, working at a nonprofit and planning her next move. I look forward to networking with both of them. I am in love with our library--I'm getting all my sources for my rock musician biography there. It's a lot like the Los Altos library--clean, bright, diverse, with many wonderful resources.
We made some new friends last night at Half-Price Burger Night at the Deer Park Tavern, a local favorite known for the fact that Edgar Allen Poe presumably stayed there once--or was kicked out of there once for being drunk, which I personally think is the real story. The Poe house in Baltimore is supposed to be great--I look forward to visiting. There is no shortage of interesting people here. I enjoy hearing about all the different things people do for work, their pets, etc. This morning's post-swim practice coffee was at Brew Ha! Ha!, one of two independent coffee chains in town (Brewed Awakenings, the other, is also great).
Have a sunshiney day!
Thursday, January 11, 2007
January is Not a Terrible Month; In Fact, It's Pretty Good
"January is such a lousy month," I kept saying, when we returned from CA and I was feeling blue. "I'll just have to bear with it." Then, New Year's came and went, and things got interesting.
Class was the first thing to shake up my program. Attending a lecture every day from 9:45-11:15 is definitely something to work around, and my professor in History of Rock is absolutely phenomenal. It's among the top five classes I've taken, and his body of knowledge about music and its history, not to mention his supremely engaging lecture style, make it a treat to attend class every day. I had a conflict with my section last week due to a doctor appointment, so I went to the later session, because I didn't want to miss out! Also, we have a test next week, and I'm trying to absorb everything I can so I don't have to study very much. :)
Speaking of music, if you're not listening to The Current from Minnesota Public Radio on your computer, you should be. A great blend of old classics and new, mostly indie rock. They have a free download of the day, so I'm acquiring some great new stuff, the Shins among it.
And who else enjoyed Stephen Colbert's guitar-off with the Decemberists before New Year's? We just caught the re-run of it, and I'd rate that the best Colbert Report ever.
We're going to hear a band in the student center next Saturday, so I can write a report about them for class. We're debating between a Little Bakers Dinner Theater show for my second report (How often do you have an excuse to go to a dinner theater ten minutes from home? Plus, this one's actually quite well-known and well-regarded.) or a visit to Woody's in North East, MD. North East is sort of like Pacific Grove, only on the Chesapeake Bay, and Woody's is this amazing seafood place with paper tablecloths and live music on weekends. We'll just have to visit both.
It's been hard to fit my reading in with all the writing projects I've been getting. In addition to editing, writing for, and selling ads for the co-op newsletter, I've continued to write for Clif Bar and just did a project for ReserveAmerica (great campground reservation site) that I hope will turn into long-term work.
I have a wonderful new doctor, whose office is painted pink, and who brings her darling children to work. I've found a new stylist, around the corner from my house in an old house with walls of every color. It's an Aveda salon, which I like, and I got a great haircut for a third of what I used to spend. I also have several phone numbers of dog breeders. The big decision: kitten or puppy first (we're getting both but can't decide when)? And for the puppy, which will be a girl, chocolate, yellow, or buttercream lab...or golden retriever? I have the phone number of a breeder about ten minutes away whose now full-grown puppy, Ike, is the most beautiful red golden retriever I've ever seen. He's also the biggest! A dog of his shade would match Poppy so well, but perhaps color coordination is not the best way to decide which puppy to get.
We have now painted two upstairs rooms and will be finishing the office next week. Pictures will be posted when the furniture is back in all the rooms! Would you show a house un-staged? I didn't think so.
Other things that made last week particularly busy, other than social activities, which we finally have (!), were my first practice with Dazzle, the ladies' synchronized skating team that skates at the on-campus ice rink. They were impressed that I walked onto the ice and could do lunges (thanks to Wonder Woman's and my "step out" in our ice jazz team's 1988 show, during the Rolling Stones' ""). I've made the team! I'll be skating with them for two more Mondays before their season ends--we'll start up in March. One thing is clear: I've got to get new skates. I had an amazing pair of Reidell Gold Stars, with jumping blades, that got me from the late 1980's into my twenties, but as college ended, the boots got tighter, and I had to downgrade to a pair of lesser quality. Don't get me wrong; I'm grateful to have such beautiful skates, but after skating for years in truly excellent ones, I really feel the difference in the blades--with jumping blades, you feel really confident, and even if I only skated a couple of times a year, I could still do simple jumps and spins after a little time on the ice. With my current skates, I don't dare--these days, I'm not even comfortable going backwards! I think if I spring for a new pair (I'm saving my writing money!), I'll be able to get my "skating legs" back in no time.
The skating team is comprised of some of the nicest people! Everyone's nice in Delaware, so it's not surprising, but what sweet folks. I look forward to spending more time with them. It's a kick; they're of all ages and abilities--there's even a UD Astronomy professor. I'm not sure I'll be thrilled to attend three skating competitions around New England next year, but it's too entertaining not to do it, and I do love to skate. Supermom has offered to finance my costume and warm-up suit--she's pleased as punch at still being able to buy skating gear for her daughter. I don't know that she envisioned doing this when I was 32, but skating stuff does make a great gift for those winter birthdays.
Yesterday, I visited St. Andrew's school, in Middletown, DE, best known by you non-residents as the school in the movie Dead Poets' Society. It's a stunning campus, and I got to have lunch in the dining hall with my lovely hostess, the college roommate of a coworker of my friend Shirley. When I sat down, I felt like I was in a Harry Potter movie--flagstone floors, stone building, wood ceilings, polished wood tables with benches, boys in coats and ties, girls in skirts. It was great. Not being familiar with the whole boarding school thing, the kids I sat with and my hostess gave me great insight into their daily lives. The school was created by a duPont, like so many of the beautiful buildings and gardens in this area, specifically to educate a range of children, via financial aid. I'm constantly amazed by how progressive so many of the duPonts were. I loved getting to see another part of Delaware. I got to see the organic garden that supplies the dining hall and uses dining hall compost to grow; I visited an art exhibit; and I made a new friend.
Today is gray, and almost as cold as California. :) Poppy and I are sitting on the easy chair in my office while Superman paints trim in the other room. We are looking forward to seeing Olympian Kimmie Meissner skate on campus tomorrow, and to a mellow day of doing nothing, after quite a busy week.
So, as it turns out, January is quite a lovely month!
Class was the first thing to shake up my program. Attending a lecture every day from 9:45-11:15 is definitely something to work around, and my professor in History of Rock is absolutely phenomenal. It's among the top five classes I've taken, and his body of knowledge about music and its history, not to mention his supremely engaging lecture style, make it a treat to attend class every day. I had a conflict with my section last week due to a doctor appointment, so I went to the later session, because I didn't want to miss out! Also, we have a test next week, and I'm trying to absorb everything I can so I don't have to study very much. :)
Speaking of music, if you're not listening to The Current from Minnesota Public Radio on your computer, you should be. A great blend of old classics and new, mostly indie rock. They have a free download of the day, so I'm acquiring some great new stuff, the Shins among it.
And who else enjoyed Stephen Colbert's guitar-off with the Decemberists before New Year's? We just caught the re-run of it, and I'd rate that the best Colbert Report ever.
We're going to hear a band in the student center next Saturday, so I can write a report about them for class. We're debating between a Little Bakers Dinner Theater show for my second report (How often do you have an excuse to go to a dinner theater ten minutes from home? Plus, this one's actually quite well-known and well-regarded.) or a visit to Woody's in North East, MD. North East is sort of like Pacific Grove, only on the Chesapeake Bay, and Woody's is this amazing seafood place with paper tablecloths and live music on weekends. We'll just have to visit both.
It's been hard to fit my reading in with all the writing projects I've been getting. In addition to editing, writing for, and selling ads for the co-op newsletter, I've continued to write for Clif Bar and just did a project for ReserveAmerica (great campground reservation site) that I hope will turn into long-term work.
I have a wonderful new doctor, whose office is painted pink, and who brings her darling children to work. I've found a new stylist, around the corner from my house in an old house with walls of every color. It's an Aveda salon, which I like, and I got a great haircut for a third of what I used to spend. I also have several phone numbers of dog breeders. The big decision: kitten or puppy first (we're getting both but can't decide when)? And for the puppy, which will be a girl, chocolate, yellow, or buttercream lab...or golden retriever? I have the phone number of a breeder about ten minutes away whose now full-grown puppy, Ike, is the most beautiful red golden retriever I've ever seen. He's also the biggest! A dog of his shade would match Poppy so well, but perhaps color coordination is not the best way to decide which puppy to get.
We have now painted two upstairs rooms and will be finishing the office next week. Pictures will be posted when the furniture is back in all the rooms! Would you show a house un-staged? I didn't think so.
Other things that made last week particularly busy, other than social activities, which we finally have (!), were my first practice with Dazzle, the ladies' synchronized skating team that skates at the on-campus ice rink. They were impressed that I walked onto the ice and could do lunges (thanks to Wonder Woman's and my "step out" in our ice jazz team's 1988 show, during the Rolling Stones' ""). I've made the team! I'll be skating with them for two more Mondays before their season ends--we'll start up in March. One thing is clear: I've got to get new skates. I had an amazing pair of Reidell Gold Stars, with jumping blades, that got me from the late 1980's into my twenties, but as college ended, the boots got tighter, and I had to downgrade to a pair of lesser quality. Don't get me wrong; I'm grateful to have such beautiful skates, but after skating for years in truly excellent ones, I really feel the difference in the blades--with jumping blades, you feel really confident, and even if I only skated a couple of times a year, I could still do simple jumps and spins after a little time on the ice. With my current skates, I don't dare--these days, I'm not even comfortable going backwards! I think if I spring for a new pair (I'm saving my writing money!), I'll be able to get my "skating legs" back in no time.
The skating team is comprised of some of the nicest people! Everyone's nice in Delaware, so it's not surprising, but what sweet folks. I look forward to spending more time with them. It's a kick; they're of all ages and abilities--there's even a UD Astronomy professor. I'm not sure I'll be thrilled to attend three skating competitions around New England next year, but it's too entertaining not to do it, and I do love to skate. Supermom has offered to finance my costume and warm-up suit--she's pleased as punch at still being able to buy skating gear for her daughter. I don't know that she envisioned doing this when I was 32, but skating stuff does make a great gift for those winter birthdays.
Yesterday, I visited St. Andrew's school, in Middletown, DE, best known by you non-residents as the school in the movie Dead Poets' Society. It's a stunning campus, and I got to have lunch in the dining hall with my lovely hostess, the college roommate of a coworker of my friend Shirley. When I sat down, I felt like I was in a Harry Potter movie--flagstone floors, stone building, wood ceilings, polished wood tables with benches, boys in coats and ties, girls in skirts. It was great. Not being familiar with the whole boarding school thing, the kids I sat with and my hostess gave me great insight into their daily lives. The school was created by a duPont, like so many of the beautiful buildings and gardens in this area, specifically to educate a range of children, via financial aid. I'm constantly amazed by how progressive so many of the duPonts were. I loved getting to see another part of Delaware. I got to see the organic garden that supplies the dining hall and uses dining hall compost to grow; I visited an art exhibit; and I made a new friend.
Today is gray, and almost as cold as California. :) Poppy and I are sitting on the easy chair in my office while Superman paints trim in the other room. We are looking forward to seeing Olympian Kimmie Meissner skate on campus tomorrow, and to a mellow day of doing nothing, after quite a busy week.
So, as it turns out, January is quite a lovely month!
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
History of Rock: Day One
The first dilemma: Do I bring a backpack or purse to my first class at UD? I asked Superman, whose reply came in the form of a question. "Which girl do you want to be? The one with the backpack or the one with the really expensive purse?" I responded, "I want to be the girl with the least stuff."
Then, I had a second question. "Do students all take notes on laptops now?" Superman, who has actually been in a university classroom in the past ten years, assured me that no, most students actually use pen and notebook like they did back when I was in college. And it's true! In fact, no one in my class had a laptop. I might actually do better on the tests if I do have my notes in typewritten form, judging from the scrawl in which today's notes appear, but I don't want to be the dork. Superman said, "I can tell already, you're going to be the 'nodder' in class; you know, the Continuing Ed student who's totally into everything the professor says." I told him I'd try to restrain myself.
I did probably smile and laugh a little too much, particularly in comparison to the dude next to me, who shifted in his seat endlessly, and the guy in front of me, who dozed off. At least I wasn't the one who fell asleep (I drank two cups of tea, resulting in a sprint to the restroom, which I had some trouble finding, but I did not fall asleep!). And it's going to be a great class.
I appreciate school more now. I appreciate that I'm not in teaching credential courses, which always require active participation and frequently feature Type-A people who are way too enthusiastic about lesson plans. I appreciate that I get to pretend I'm 22 and maybe get away with it (Someone else had a ring on; hers is a big diamond. I think mine's more subtle.). I appreciate the professor immensely. He's teaching the daily 90-minute class twice, back-to-back, which I know from experience is exhausting. Now that I know what it takes to become a faculty member at a major research university like UD, I am in awe of anyone at that level. Plus, he's a professional trumpet player--he's played at Kennedy Center! I appreciate that UD considers postdocs employees so I get benefits, and can freelance write AND take classes for free. I appreciate that the class is three blocks down the street from my house.
I get to write a bio of a current musical artist, and am required to attend two live performances and write about them. I've already learned a great deal (lots of info in 90 minutes!). Plus, it's sunny and 50's today, so it'd be hard to be in a bad mood. January is promising to be better than I had anticipated!
Then, I had a second question. "Do students all take notes on laptops now?" Superman, who has actually been in a university classroom in the past ten years, assured me that no, most students actually use pen and notebook like they did back when I was in college. And it's true! In fact, no one in my class had a laptop. I might actually do better on the tests if I do have my notes in typewritten form, judging from the scrawl in which today's notes appear, but I don't want to be the dork. Superman said, "I can tell already, you're going to be the 'nodder' in class; you know, the Continuing Ed student who's totally into everything the professor says." I told him I'd try to restrain myself.
I did probably smile and laugh a little too much, particularly in comparison to the dude next to me, who shifted in his seat endlessly, and the guy in front of me, who dozed off. At least I wasn't the one who fell asleep (I drank two cups of tea, resulting in a sprint to the restroom, which I had some trouble finding, but I did not fall asleep!). And it's going to be a great class.
I appreciate school more now. I appreciate that I'm not in teaching credential courses, which always require active participation and frequently feature Type-A people who are way too enthusiastic about lesson plans. I appreciate that I get to pretend I'm 22 and maybe get away with it (Someone else had a ring on; hers is a big diamond. I think mine's more subtle.). I appreciate the professor immensely. He's teaching the daily 90-minute class twice, back-to-back, which I know from experience is exhausting. Now that I know what it takes to become a faculty member at a major research university like UD, I am in awe of anyone at that level. Plus, he's a professional trumpet player--he's played at Kennedy Center! I appreciate that UD considers postdocs employees so I get benefits, and can freelance write AND take classes for free. I appreciate that the class is three blocks down the street from my house.
I get to write a bio of a current musical artist, and am required to attend two live performances and write about them. I've already learned a great deal (lots of info in 90 minutes!). Plus, it's sunny and 50's today, so it'd be hard to be in a bad mood. January is promising to be better than I had anticipated!
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Joining Gen Y: I'm a Student in the New Millenium
The first sign that I haven't been to college in a while was that I forgot I might need to buy books. Sign #2 was that I can look online for my classroom, take a virtual tour of it to find the classroom, and even map my route from my house to the lecture hall (about three blocks away). Sign #4 is that my section is only half full, because it starts at 9:45 A.M. The 11:30 P.M. class is full. No, I will not be sitting in the front row, however. I swim on Wednesday, and since I can't seem to drag myself out of bed before 9:00 A.M. since I got back from California, the 5:00 A.M. wake-up call followed by a hard mile of swimming ensures that I'll be napping in the back row on my first day of class. Coffee!
Fortunately, this will give me some purpose, not to mention a schedule. 2007 is promising to be packed what with attending classes, reading, and writing papers (with supplementary viewing of the T.V. series "American Dreams" which chronicles a Philadelphia family whose daughter dances on American Bandstand), writing for and editing the co-op newsletter, the occasional copywriting gig, volunteer work, my new mission to paint the entire upstairs of our house, travel, Master's Ice Skating (yes, you read that right), and oh, that novel I keep saying I'm going to work on.
Fortunately, this will give me some purpose, not to mention a schedule. 2007 is promising to be packed what with attending classes, reading, and writing papers (with supplementary viewing of the T.V. series "American Dreams" which chronicles a Philadelphia family whose daughter dances on American Bandstand), writing for and editing the co-op newsletter, the occasional copywriting gig, volunteer work, my new mission to paint the entire upstairs of our house, travel, Master's Ice Skating (yes, you read that right), and oh, that novel I keep saying I'm going to work on.
Happy 2007 from DE!
We both hate New Year's, so our new contest is to find the most old-fogey thing we can do, and do it. New Year's in Yosemite the past two years was more Intrepid Winter Adventurer than Old Fogey, as it snowed many feet in '05 , allowing for excellent snowshoeing. '06 was less enjoyable, since it involved hiking among falling redwood trees. This year, we did it right. After pursuing New Year's Eve in Gettysburg, where our friend Dan claims "they shoot off a real cannon," we discovered that either Dan is fibbing or things have changed since he was eight, because not much goes down in G-burg on New Year's Eve these days. Well, it saved us an hour's drive, anyway, and we don't need Dan thinking we're totally middle-aged. We decided to go to Longwood Gardens. It's hard to have a bad time there, and it seemed appropriately "mature"--we'd be back by ten! We spent the day mattress shopping and buying paint at Home Depot, both reminded of Will Ferrell's character in Old School ("Well, um, actually a pretty nice little Saturday. We're going to go to Home Depot. Yeah, buy some wallpaper, maybe get some flooring, stuff like that. Maybe Bed Bath & Beyond; I don't know...I don't know if we'll have time."). After dinner, we headed up to Longwood (good Christmas light viewing along the way; people in the country do it up right). Longwood had a spectrum of attendees--some dressed up for their 10pm parties, others in jeans and sweatshirts. Babies, toddlers, adolescents, teens, couples, extended families...hundreds of people, having a good time. The lights were as spectacular as we remembered, and we made a beeline for the fountain show upon entering the gardens. We watched all three fountain shows, then got our cookies and hot chocolate, wandered through the conservatory, and at 9:00 P.M. on the dot, the fireworks began. It was the best fireworks show I've ever seen. We were so close! The fireworks were shot over the huge fountain that is one of the centerpieces of the gardens, and we were on the other side of it. Fireworks right over head, and the show went on and on--longer than the promised five minutes. It was wonderful. We headed home on a different country road, to see more lights, and made it home in time to see the ball drop in Times Square, feeling glad not to be there.
New Year's Day, we watched the Rose Parade (ghastly coverage, but entertaining nonetheless), went ice skating on campus with half the town, had the worst mattress-researching experience ever at Sleepy's Mattress store (the woman told us we are doing spinal damage to ourselves by preferring extra-firm mattresses, and tried to argue with Superman when he said he sleeps on his right side, not his left, like her bizarre sleep-pattern analysis machine said), determined to buy our new mattress at the store we went to on New Year's Eve, where the salesman is nice and actually knows what he's talking about, and painted our bathroom aqua. Happy 2007!
New Year's Day, we watched the Rose Parade (ghastly coverage, but entertaining nonetheless), went ice skating on campus with half the town, had the worst mattress-researching experience ever at Sleepy's Mattress store (the woman told us we are doing spinal damage to ourselves by preferring extra-firm mattresses, and tried to argue with Superman when he said he sleeps on his right side, not his left, like her bizarre sleep-pattern analysis machine said), determined to buy our new mattress at the store we went to on New Year's Eve, where the salesman is nice and actually knows what he's talking about, and painted our bathroom aqua. Happy 2007!
Christmas in Cali
I either pack for the weather I'm currently experiencing, or for the weather I hope to enjoy when I reach my destination. Either way, I pack too much of one thing and not enough of something else. Thanksgiving was OK--I pegged Maine about right (ten degrees cooler than DE), but Christmas--let's just say it's good that I got a Stanford sweatshirt from Santa. Delaware and CA are currently at the exact same temperature, and have been since about September. Hello, climate change. I'm ready for some snow, but we'll see.
Christmas in California was cozy and overprogrammed, just the way I like it. We arrived via American Airlines (second leg of free round-trip ticket from when we moved to DE in October) late at night on Tuesday, December 19. After a sound sleep in the world's best bed, we hit the ground running Wednesday. Out to lunch...Christmas shopping...a visit to our CA workplaces...a run...Christmas party at Matt's Ph.D. advisor's house, cracked crab with Supermom, Superdad, and Superbro for dinner, and a heated game of Trivial Pursuit: Genus IV ("oldsters" vs. "youngsters") to end the evening . Thursday featured a walk downtown to purchase the New York Times (we couldn't take more than one day of the Crapicle), Master's Swimming, second trips to our former workplaces, candy-making, and happy hour at Vino Locale with friends. We moved on to Homma's Brown Rice Sushi for dinner, to ease the sushi cravings. Too bad Poppycat wasn't there for her favorite maguro! Friday, the boys baked and watched sports while I went to San Francisco for a delicious tea at Lovejoy's Tea Room with Wonder Woman, a wander down the Embarcadero to the Ferry Building and Embarcadero Center, a quick jaunt to see the sugar castle and tree at the St. Francis, a power-walk through Union Square, and dinner with friends at Globe. Saturday included a failed attempt to get the Times (apparently, if you don't get to town by 8:30 A.M., there are no papers left!), a hike at Hidden Villa Ranch, some quick Christmas shopping for Supermom at Cook's Junction in downtown Los Altos, and dinner at Zibibbo. Sunday was fairly free, so we went on a short run and read a bit before our family friends swung by for apple cider in the afternoon. Christmas itself was a swirl of gifts, reading, walks, and friends, as relatives came over at 3pm and we went around the corner to Wonder Woman's family's house for dessert later in the evening. Tuesday we met high school friends for breakfast, managed to get our Times early in the morning, and Superman visited Stanford again while I visited with SuperAuntie J, who came down from Berkeley for the afternoon. Dinner at home and round two of Trivial Pursuit (youngsters won). Wednesday was a quiet day. We bought too much at the Sports Basement, and the girls beat the boys at Trivial Pursuit.
Returning to Delaware on Southwest was pleasant--lots of cheerful families, plenty of leg room, and Superbro's headphones with which I watched two movies. Midway Airport is much nicer than O'Hare, and we arrived in Philly on time.
It was a little hard to adjust to being back, after the warmth of family and old friends, and the excitement of Christmas. I view New Year's as the wannabe Christmas, and it sort of lets me down. Town seemed quiet, pace seemed slow. I had to slide into it. After four days, I feel back to normal again. Kitty was happy to have us home, and everyone still has their lights up for winter cheer--one of my favorite things about the East Coast is the lights in the windows of people's homes, a sign of welcome. Now I have a light in my window, too! Come visit!
Christmas in California was cozy and overprogrammed, just the way I like it. We arrived via American Airlines (second leg of free round-trip ticket from when we moved to DE in October) late at night on Tuesday, December 19. After a sound sleep in the world's best bed, we hit the ground running Wednesday. Out to lunch...Christmas shopping...a visit to our CA workplaces...a run...Christmas party at Matt's Ph.D. advisor's house, cracked crab with Supermom, Superdad, and Superbro for dinner, and a heated game of Trivial Pursuit: Genus IV ("oldsters" vs. "youngsters") to end the evening . Thursday featured a walk downtown to purchase the New York Times (we couldn't take more than one day of the Crapicle), Master's Swimming, second trips to our former workplaces, candy-making, and happy hour at Vino Locale with friends. We moved on to Homma's Brown Rice Sushi for dinner, to ease the sushi cravings. Too bad Poppycat wasn't there for her favorite maguro! Friday, the boys baked and watched sports while I went to San Francisco for a delicious tea at Lovejoy's Tea Room with Wonder Woman, a wander down the Embarcadero to the Ferry Building and Embarcadero Center, a quick jaunt to see the sugar castle and tree at the St. Francis, a power-walk through Union Square, and dinner with friends at Globe. Saturday included a failed attempt to get the Times (apparently, if you don't get to town by 8:30 A.M., there are no papers left!), a hike at Hidden Villa Ranch, some quick Christmas shopping for Supermom at Cook's Junction in downtown Los Altos, and dinner at Zibibbo. Sunday was fairly free, so we went on a short run and read a bit before our family friends swung by for apple cider in the afternoon. Christmas itself was a swirl of gifts, reading, walks, and friends, as relatives came over at 3pm and we went around the corner to Wonder Woman's family's house for dessert later in the evening. Tuesday we met high school friends for breakfast, managed to get our Times early in the morning, and Superman visited Stanford again while I visited with SuperAuntie J, who came down from Berkeley for the afternoon. Dinner at home and round two of Trivial Pursuit (youngsters won). Wednesday was a quiet day. We bought too much at the Sports Basement, and the girls beat the boys at Trivial Pursuit.
Returning to Delaware on Southwest was pleasant--lots of cheerful families, plenty of leg room, and Superbro's headphones with which I watched two movies. Midway Airport is much nicer than O'Hare, and we arrived in Philly on time.
It was a little hard to adjust to being back, after the warmth of family and old friends, and the excitement of Christmas. I view New Year's as the wannabe Christmas, and it sort of lets me down. Town seemed quiet, pace seemed slow. I had to slide into it. After four days, I feel back to normal again. Kitty was happy to have us home, and everyone still has their lights up for winter cheer--one of my favorite things about the East Coast is the lights in the windows of people's homes, a sign of welcome. Now I have a light in my window, too! Come visit!
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Back in Delaware
Slowly, but surely, I am acquiring a social life. Not only are we friends with the University carpenters, who keep having to come fix things in our house, but we have our swim team buddies, with whom we chat more and more (there's a certain punchiness at 5:00 A.M.). Superman has his research group, and I have my friends at the co-op. We're going to a party next door on Friday, and to a research group party Sunday. I have plans to visit a contact at St. Andrew's, where they filmed Dead Poets Society, in January, and I have even enrolled in a class: History of Rock. I have high expectations for this academic experience. Will there be in-class performances? Will we study Wilco or Bob Mould? I chose the class based on the high recommendation of one of our movers, a student here, who raved about it. I've confirmed with other students that it's very popular, so it will be like shopping at Abercrombie--I will feel "in," even if I'm not. Other than choosing it 'cause it's cool, I was attracted by the fact that it's not too long (an hour a day would be preferable, but it's one hour, thirty minutes. I balked at the class that was three times a week for three hours. I'm too old to do that, and what would I do at the breaks? It did occur to me that there might be a final. But I figure since I got a 98% the last time I took a test for traffic school, I should be OK.
So all's well in Delaware. Poppette the Rockette may soon have a buddy other than her "mom"; we want to get another kitten after the holidays. We really want a lab puppy, but we need to wait till we're more mature. We have the advantage of regular phone and email contact with our families and friends, too, so we feel connected to those who know us best even as we forge new friendships, and we're looking forward to Christmas in California.
Merry, merry!
Holidays in the City
I'll take any excuse to go into New York City, particularly when I can write off the train ticket. I met my friend and creative director, Heather, at the StoreExpo conference last week, and got to enjoy her company, as well as the company of my college friend Amy and her husband and baby, and my college friend Laura, who hosted me most of the week. After a day in the Bronx with Amy and family (boy, that kid's a fast crawler!), I spent a day at Javits Convention Center, hearing a great keynote on marketing strategy and how retailing is changing, and visiting exhibitor booths. The best part was unexpected: We got to visit retail showrooms in New York City and meet with the salespeople there. We saw some amazing new products, met some great people, and got some ideas (mostly for Heather) about things to use for trade show booths, store design, and merchandising. They even fed us! We concluded our day with friends Laura, Amy L., Hao, and Inna at Shebeen in NoLIta, followed by dinner at Lombardi's, the best pizza place in Manhattan.
The conference also supplied us with a magazine featuring cool store spaces around the city. We spent the following day wandering around Fifth Avenue (after an important stop for brunch at Friend of A Farmer near Gramercy Park, and a walk around the park, thanks to Heather's friend Inna, whose building has a key). Our favorite store decorations were at Henri Bendel, with a whacked-out Alice in Wonderland and rabbit heads on mannequins, painted gold. Heather had been graciously invited to the Empire State Building office of Ronnette Riley, a famous architect whom she worked with on the design of the Apple store in SoHo, so we visited there before a party on the Upper West Side.
We spent Friday at the ABC Store in Union Square. They have have three restaurants there! The store is phenomenal. We went from there to Time Warner Center, where there's a Bouchon and a Bouchon Bakery (mmm), then to Lincoln Center for the New York City Ballet's Nutcracker. With visions of sugarplums dancing in our heads, we called it a night early.
Saturday, Superman met me in the city, and after brunch at Jane, we wandered around SoHo and the West Village, met Laura and her sister to shop at the Young Designer's Boutique, checked out the East Village, and finished Part A of the tour in Union Square. We headed uptown to Central Park, which is romantic and lovely during the holiday season. There's nothing quite like standing next to Wollman Rink, looking up at the bare branches of trees framed by tall buildings, with the lights from Tavern on the Green in the distance. Ahh.
We left the park reluctantly and entered the Fifth Avenue fray. We'll never do it again, but Superman had to see the holiday decorations once in his life. After a walk-by of the tree and ice rink at Rockefeller Center, we'd had enough, but took a fatigued jaunt through Times Square, just to give Superman the complete experience. We ended at Da Enzo, home of the best gelato in New York City, near Penn Station at 494 9th at 39th. After a lovely dinner, we sent Laura to a holiday party and settled into seats on the Wilmington-bound Amtrak, headed home to our cat and Christmas tree.
The conference also supplied us with a magazine featuring cool store spaces around the city. We spent the following day wandering around Fifth Avenue (after an important stop for brunch at Friend of A Farmer near Gramercy Park, and a walk around the park, thanks to Heather's friend Inna, whose building has a key). Our favorite store decorations were at Henri Bendel, with a whacked-out Alice in Wonderland and rabbit heads on mannequins, painted gold. Heather had been graciously invited to the Empire State Building office of Ronnette Riley, a famous architect whom she worked with on the design of the Apple store in SoHo, so we visited there before a party on the Upper West Side.
We spent Friday at the ABC Store in Union Square. They have have three restaurants there! The store is phenomenal. We went from there to Time Warner Center, where there's a Bouchon and a Bouchon Bakery (mmm), then to Lincoln Center for the New York City Ballet's Nutcracker. With visions of sugarplums dancing in our heads, we called it a night early.
Saturday, Superman met me in the city, and after brunch at Jane, we wandered around SoHo and the West Village, met Laura and her sister to shop at the Young Designer's Boutique, checked out the East Village, and finished Part A of the tour in Union Square. We headed uptown to Central Park, which is romantic and lovely during the holiday season. There's nothing quite like standing next to Wollman Rink, looking up at the bare branches of trees framed by tall buildings, with the lights from Tavern on the Green in the distance. Ahh.
We left the park reluctantly and entered the Fifth Avenue fray. We'll never do it again, but Superman had to see the holiday decorations once in his life. After a walk-by of the tree and ice rink at Rockefeller Center, we'd had enough, but took a fatigued jaunt through Times Square, just to give Superman the complete experience. We ended at Da Enzo, home of the best gelato in New York City, near Penn Station at 494 9th at 39th. After a lovely dinner, we sent Laura to a holiday party and settled into seats on the Wilmington-bound Amtrak, headed home to our cat and Christmas tree.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Welcoming the Holidays
As BostonErin's Fab Husband would say, "You can't swing a dead cat"...without hitting a holiday event in our area. On Saturday, after being awakened by a real, very alive cat still thrilled to be home from the vet (she appears to have learned how to meow; how delightful), Superman and I perused Spark, the free weekly newsmagazine available at newsstands around town, to determine which of the twenty nearby historical sites, decorated for the holidays, to visit. We decided upon the Hale-Byrnes house, whose only open house day was Saturday, the Chaddsford Winery (actually in Pennsylvania), and the Brandywine Museum (also in Pennsylvania). We figured we could also fit in a Christmas tree purchase and a trip to Trader Joe's. Aggressive, as Superbro would say.
Because we were planning to participate in the First Annual Reindeer Race in Newark at 6:30 P.M. we had to get a move on. We hit the Hale-Byrnes house first, as it is just a few miles from our house and on the way to our other attractions. We walked in as a fife and drum band, dressed in Revolutionary War style, began playing Christmas carols. Totally cute. We decided that if I need more activities in Delaware, I could play drums in the fife and drum corps. Matt got a real kick out of imagining himself saying to people, "Gosh, we'd love to come to dinner on Saturday, but Katie's got a gig with the fife and drum band at a Revolutionary War battle re-enactment." I must be clear; I am not making fun of battle re-enactments; they fascinate me. But the image of myself dressed like George Washington, spending Saturday at one, playing marches, just sends me into hysterics.
But I digress. The Hale Byrnes house is on the banks of the Delaware River and the site of George Washington's meeting with Captain Kirkwood and some of his other top officials prior to the Battle of the Brandywine. George was there, actually-well, someone was impersonating him. There were some other Revolutionary-era ladies, too. Everyone was very friendly; we had hot cider and cookies and chatted with folks. A woman about my age asked, "So, how did you hear about us?" I replied, "Oh, I found a flyer somewhere, and we live right near here." She said, "Cool. I live here." No way. She lives in the historic house! So cool. I was beside myself. She was thrilled to be talking to people her own age, and we were thrilled to meet a nice person...who lives in a historic house!
After a few fife and drum carols, we headed out for our next stop. Every Christmas tree farm we passed, we missed, due to late sign-spotting, so we gave up on that and headed to Chadds Ford. Unfortunately, we also saw Chaddsford Winery too late. We'll go back--maybe once our supply from Trader Joe's runs dry. There's a Brandywine Valley wine trail that could provide some entertainment in the cold winter months. Instead, we gave into our hunger pangs and had lunch at Hank's, "Where hungry people eat, and friendly people meet." We did make it to the Brandywine River Museum, home to works of art by the Wyeth family. They have a holiday train display that fills a room and is fabulous. They also have a dollhouse. The setting is on the banks of the Brandywine River, utilizing lots of brick, glass, and old wood, and it's just gorgeous.
We did hit Trader Joe's on the way back, but no Christmas tree was purchased. When we got home, we rested up for our run. We joined 200 of Newark's runners a half-block from our house, signed up, attached our race numbers and jingle bells, waved to YouDee, the UD mascot (a blue hen), and took off running. The 5K utilized a fantastic running and biking trail in town that we hadn't tried yet--now we have a great, car-free running route. It was a kick to be out with other runners enjoying the evening. When we finished, there were tons of snacks and drinks for the runners, and we wandered around Winterfest, drinking hot cider, watching ice sculptures being made, and listening to holiday carols played by a local brass band.
The next day, we went to Longwood Gardens to see the 400,000 lights all over the estate. Sublime. On the way, we bought our tree at a family-owned farm. It's a Frasier fir, and it's lovely! The season is officially in full swing!
Because we were planning to participate in the First Annual Reindeer Race in Newark at 6:30 P.M. we had to get a move on. We hit the Hale-Byrnes house first, as it is just a few miles from our house and on the way to our other attractions. We walked in as a fife and drum band, dressed in Revolutionary War style, began playing Christmas carols. Totally cute. We decided that if I need more activities in Delaware, I could play drums in the fife and drum corps. Matt got a real kick out of imagining himself saying to people, "Gosh, we'd love to come to dinner on Saturday, but Katie's got a gig with the fife and drum band at a Revolutionary War battle re-enactment." I must be clear; I am not making fun of battle re-enactments; they fascinate me. But the image of myself dressed like George Washington, spending Saturday at one, playing marches, just sends me into hysterics.
But I digress. The Hale Byrnes house is on the banks of the Delaware River and the site of George Washington's meeting with Captain Kirkwood and some of his other top officials prior to the Battle of the Brandywine. George was there, actually-well, someone was impersonating him. There were some other Revolutionary-era ladies, too. Everyone was very friendly; we had hot cider and cookies and chatted with folks. A woman about my age asked, "So, how did you hear about us?" I replied, "Oh, I found a flyer somewhere, and we live right near here." She said, "Cool. I live here." No way. She lives in the historic house! So cool. I was beside myself. She was thrilled to be talking to people her own age, and we were thrilled to meet a nice person...who lives in a historic house!
After a few fife and drum carols, we headed out for our next stop. Every Christmas tree farm we passed, we missed, due to late sign-spotting, so we gave up on that and headed to Chadds Ford. Unfortunately, we also saw Chaddsford Winery too late. We'll go back--maybe once our supply from Trader Joe's runs dry. There's a Brandywine Valley wine trail that could provide some entertainment in the cold winter months. Instead, we gave into our hunger pangs and had lunch at Hank's, "Where hungry people eat, and friendly people meet." We did make it to the Brandywine River Museum, home to works of art by the Wyeth family. They have a holiday train display that fills a room and is fabulous. They also have a dollhouse. The setting is on the banks of the Brandywine River, utilizing lots of brick, glass, and old wood, and it's just gorgeous.
We did hit Trader Joe's on the way back, but no Christmas tree was purchased. When we got home, we rested up for our run. We joined 200 of Newark's runners a half-block from our house, signed up, attached our race numbers and jingle bells, waved to YouDee, the UD mascot (a blue hen), and took off running. The 5K utilized a fantastic running and biking trail in town that we hadn't tried yet--now we have a great, car-free running route. It was a kick to be out with other runners enjoying the evening. When we finished, there were tons of snacks and drinks for the runners, and we wandered around Winterfest, drinking hot cider, watching ice sculptures being made, and listening to holiday carols played by a local brass band.
The next day, we went to Longwood Gardens to see the 400,000 lights all over the estate. Sublime. On the way, we bought our tree at a family-owned farm. It's a Frasier fir, and it's lovely! The season is officially in full swing!
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Supergirl in Maine
On Sunday, I bid the sun Aloha at 4pm on the west side of Cape Elizabeth, Maine. I never thought I'd find commonalities between Hawaii and Maine, but like islands and peninsulas and capes everywhere, you can see the sun both rise and set within about ten miles. That's not the best part of this vacation, though. I've gotten to spend ample time with Superman's aunt, uncle, cousin, parents, and grandparents, 5/7 of whom live in Maine, in the same neighborhood. And what a neighborhood! Beautiful houses, beach access, a run away from the Portland Head Lighthouse and park, where I've run almost every day, and lovely, friendly people. My favorite dog lives across the street. She's from Delaware, as it turns out--SuperAunt's neighbors' daughter goes to UDel, and the dog was picked up on the way back to Maine one vacation. I've got to find the breeder...
Which brings me to pets. Poppette the Rockette is at the vet's this week--lovely, friendly people who exclaimed, "Oh, she's so cute!" upon her arrival. She's in good hands, and getting to play with other kitties, which she really likes, but I miss her!
Thanksgiving was wonderful. Everyone pitched in, and we had marvelous turkey, stuffing made from scratch by Super dad-in-law, green bean casserole also made from scratch by Super dad-in-law, who's a heavenly cook, butternut squash and salad made by SuperAunt, potatoes peeled by SuperUnCole and mashed by Supercute Cousin, and FOUR PIES. SuperGrandma provided one, SuperUnCole provided one, and yours truly made a pumpkin maple pie (thanks to BostonErin and Mollie Katzen for the recipe heads up) and apple pie (thanks to SuperAunt and the Mennonites for the recipe). YUMMY! The apples are from our bushel--Gold Rush, they're called, from North Star Orchards. Delish! I'm sure I'm missing food or improperly attributing some thanks, but it was a great dinner, and better yet, great company.
Back at SuperHeadquarters in Cali, Superbro, Supermom, and Mark P. whipped up the traditional Beman Thanksgiving, with a pecan pie addition from Snooky and Celeste. Apparently, there was one recipe dud, but what are you going to do? It happens.
My workout plan has also featured 30 minutes on the elliptical trainer while watching "Desparately Seeking Susan," after the beach walk on the west side of the Cape. Superman and I also swam the day before Turkey Day at the fabulous Cape Elizabeth pool. I've seen four lighthouses, been to the L.L. Bean outlet AND factory store, visited the Old Port, toured around Portland (SUCH a gorgeous city!), seen a bunch of awesome houses, passed Roberts' Woods where everyone here cross-country skis and snowshoes in the winter, visited the Scarborough Marsh, where you can kayak in the right season, played Mancala, Othello, Life, Snakes and Ladders, and Candy Land, read a bunch of books, and just generally had a fantabulous time. The Superrelatives could not be more generous with their time, food, and stuff. They're helping us pad our home furnishings and decor, and SuperAunt re-taught me to spray paint (it's been a while since Supermom and I painted my Esprit shoes gold for my sixth-grade goldfish costume). I'm ready for home projects (painting walls, desk, chairs) when I get back to DE!
Off to put some lights on the SuperGrandparents' trees! Happy Holidays!
Which brings me to pets. Poppette the Rockette is at the vet's this week--lovely, friendly people who exclaimed, "Oh, she's so cute!" upon her arrival. She's in good hands, and getting to play with other kitties, which she really likes, but I miss her!
Thanksgiving was wonderful. Everyone pitched in, and we had marvelous turkey, stuffing made from scratch by Super dad-in-law, green bean casserole also made from scratch by Super dad-in-law, who's a heavenly cook, butternut squash and salad made by SuperAunt, potatoes peeled by SuperUnCole and mashed by Supercute Cousin, and FOUR PIES. SuperGrandma provided one, SuperUnCole provided one, and yours truly made a pumpkin maple pie (thanks to BostonErin and Mollie Katzen for the recipe heads up) and apple pie (thanks to SuperAunt and the Mennonites for the recipe). YUMMY! The apples are from our bushel--Gold Rush, they're called, from North Star Orchards. Delish! I'm sure I'm missing food or improperly attributing some thanks, but it was a great dinner, and better yet, great company.
Back at SuperHeadquarters in Cali, Superbro, Supermom, and Mark P. whipped up the traditional Beman Thanksgiving, with a pecan pie addition from Snooky and Celeste. Apparently, there was one recipe dud, but what are you going to do? It happens.
My workout plan has also featured 30 minutes on the elliptical trainer while watching "Desparately Seeking Susan," after the beach walk on the west side of the Cape. Superman and I also swam the day before Turkey Day at the fabulous Cape Elizabeth pool. I've seen four lighthouses, been to the L.L. Bean outlet AND factory store, visited the Old Port, toured around Portland (SUCH a gorgeous city!), seen a bunch of awesome houses, passed Roberts' Woods where everyone here cross-country skis and snowshoes in the winter, visited the Scarborough Marsh, where you can kayak in the right season, played Mancala, Othello, Life, Snakes and Ladders, and Candy Land, read a bunch of books, and just generally had a fantabulous time. The Superrelatives could not be more generous with their time, food, and stuff. They're helping us pad our home furnishings and decor, and SuperAunt re-taught me to spray paint (it's been a while since Supermom and I painted my Esprit shoes gold for my sixth-grade goldfish costume). I'm ready for home projects (painting walls, desk, chairs) when I get back to DE!
Off to put some lights on the SuperGrandparents' trees! Happy Holidays!
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Tea: The Legends, the Romance
Longwood Gardens is my favorite place in Pennsylvania. I've been weekly since moving here, and it gets better with every visit. Now, if only the volunteer coordinator would call me back! I am now a Frequent Visitor, as is Superman, so we get in free whenever we want to go, and get discounts for our guests (so come visit). Last night, I couldn't resist signing us up for a lecture by Jessica Litt, who owns The House of Tea (http://www.houseoftea.com/) in Philadelphia. A former jockey, Litt inherited the business when her father, who had been a soldier, a circus clown, and a chef, passed away. She is now master of all things tea, as persnickity as you might expect, but interesting to hear speak, anyway. We learned a lot about different types of tea and how it should be consumed (however, we cheapies will stick to our Lipton with milk and honey for now). Following the lecture, we sampled Witch's Brew, which is actually an infusion, rather than a tea, and is delicious--my favorite. Then we tried a white tea, which was very mild, but good. These were hand-poured for us by Litt and a volunteer, out of a real teapot! We had scones, cookies, and petits fours with our tea--so civilized. Next up was a green tea, better than any I've tried, and a Ceylon, which was delicious. The last round was a Chinese tea that we agreed smelled like stinky feet, and tasted smoky, and to be honest, a little odd. Clearly, our palates are unsophisticated. Last, we had a first blush Darjeeling (picked in spring, and did you know you're only supposed to keep tea for six months? It goes bad! Shame on me; my Lipton is a year old!). Now, Matt can talk with his officemate about his gourmet tea.
The best part about being at Longwood at night, though, was that we got a first glimpse of the Christmas decorations, which promise to be phenomenal. We were greeted upon arrival by a trea lit up with orange lights, could see down a path of Christmas trees, and could see blue snowflakes sparkling in the woods in the distance. We can't wait to go back for Christmas!
The best part about being at Longwood at night, though, was that we got a first glimpse of the Christmas decorations, which promise to be phenomenal. We were greeted upon arrival by a trea lit up with orange lights, could see down a path of Christmas trees, and could see blue snowflakes sparkling in the woods in the distance. We can't wait to go back for Christmas!
Monday, November 13, 2006
Volunteering During the Holiday Season
Today, the New York Times has a great "special section" on giving. There are a ton of really interesting articles about volunteering, charitable giving, and nonprofits. It was so heartening to see a whole section of the Times devoted to that. I always feel inspired to volunteer as the frenetic pace of fall ends and the holiday season begins. I am so lucky to have so much; I can give of myself to others, many of whom have less, or are in less desirable circumstances. I realize that life can turn on a dime; I'd hope others would be there for me if my chips were down, so the least I can do is give now, while I have the resources to do so. I certainly donate money, and I like to combine that with a dose of manual labor here, some gardening there, some work with kids elsewhere.
Two ideas I got from today's article are to raise guide puppies for the blind and to send a care package to a soldier. I never supported the war in Iraq, but that doesn't mean that my heart doesn't go out to the soldiers there. I'd like to show just one of them that I care. From the Times, I found a website that has seemingly endless opportunities to do that:
http://155.7.40.58/AmericaSupportsYou/send_packages.html
On Volunteer Match (volunteermatch.org), I found a few good opportunities in the Delaware area--some naturalist options where I could use my teaching skills, and a few pet socialization opportunities. There are also some things at the library and with the Girl Scouts, which I've found on my own. Hopefully, the Volunteer Coordinator at Longwood Gardens will call me soon, too. It's great to feel that I have a little extra time to volunteer, but I've always done it. It's important to me. It's meaningful to give to the community, on many levels, and it makes you feel good!
Two ideas I got from today's article are to raise guide puppies for the blind and to send a care package to a soldier. I never supported the war in Iraq, but that doesn't mean that my heart doesn't go out to the soldiers there. I'd like to show just one of them that I care. From the Times, I found a website that has seemingly endless opportunities to do that:
http://155.7.40.58/AmericaSupportsYou/send_packages.html
On Volunteer Match (volunteermatch.org), I found a few good opportunities in the Delaware area--some naturalist options where I could use my teaching skills, and a few pet socialization opportunities. There are also some things at the library and with the Girl Scouts, which I've found on my own. Hopefully, the Volunteer Coordinator at Longwood Gardens will call me soon, too. It's great to feel that I have a little extra time to volunteer, but I've always done it. It's important to me. It's meaningful to give to the community, on many levels, and it makes you feel good!
Supergirl and BostonErin Visit Three States in One Weekend!
The weekend began in Philadelphia, actually. I welcomed BostonErin to the city of brotherly love at 11 AM on Friday--in the wrong terminal. Therefore, I had to welcome her by cell phone until I was able to find my way through baggage claim to the proper location. We headed back to DE, where we had lunch with Superman, wandered around town and campus, tried to track down the marching band and failed, and bought new toothbrushes (we're having a little issue with pictures staying on the wall in our house, and the latest incident involved a photograph falling on top of our toothbrush holder). No one likes a toothbrush that's been behind the toilet.
After a brilliantly cooked meal (thank you, Superman) and the usual good conversation, we made applesauce from half of our bushel of apples and played with Supercat, AKA Poppette the Rockette. Supercat likes BostonErin--Erin plays mouse, and cat dancer, and is quiet and sweet around cats.
Saturday, after applesauce pancakes, we took a girls' trip to Pennsylvania for an afternoon at Longwood Gardens. We stopped for lunch in Kennett Square at my favorite place in town, the Half Moon Bar and Grill. Next, we visited a specialty paper store, where the owner thought we were the most fun people he'd seen all day (we really are quite fun, but perhaps he hadn't seen anyone else that day, either). We had quite a chat with him, and I have some plans for my Christmas cards now.
At Longwood, the Christmas decorations-in-progress are looking more and more elaborate, pansies have been planted, my favorite huge tabby cat was out and about, and we got to hear some Korean drumming. Another highlight was the traveling puppet theater. I'd been expecting several adults, several puppets, and a lightweight portable theater of some type. In fact, the traveling theater was worn by a person in tights, Converse, with the theater as her upper body. A frog puppet was available to act whenever children were nearby, and as we passed the puppet theater person, murmuring, "So cute...", the frog said, "Hi there!" So nice to be greeted.
We couldn't tear ourselves away from Longwood in time to make it to the Brandywine River Museum or Chaddsford Winery, but fortunately, I live here. Our goal for the day was to find Trader Joe's, and we did. Unfortunately, Trader Joe's cannot sell alcohol within the store in Delaware, so after stocking up on groceries, we had to locate a liquor store. We traveled down 202, which is close to the PA border, meaning that it has every store known to man, so that the Pennsylvanians can cross the state line and shop, sales-tax free, any time they like. All the liquor stores were on the wrong side of the road, so we returned to Newark and went to the one in town. Not too many pinots or zins out here, so we bought some shiraz.
Another great meal, this time with wine, followed by more good conversation and cat entertainment. My kind of weekend.
Sunday was Baltimore. We wandered around the Inner Harbor, ate Maryland crab cakes, toured a Norwegian Royal Navy ship, and visited the fabulous National Aquarium, where we saw sharks, dolphins, frogs, all manner of fish (we found Nemo!), and even some birds and monkeys. The building is a beautiful glass and concrete structure with fabulous viewing tanks and a few very real-feeling exhibits--rainforests and Australian outback. We drove home in Chesapeake Bay/Veteran's Day weekend traffic, making it home just in time for Peace A Pizza slices and a (thankfully, traffic-free) trip to the Philly airport.
Today is Monday. Back to swimming, and some work at home, which will be cozy because it's raining outside. I'm contemplating some pie-baking for Thanksgiving and cleaning the house. Ah, another fall day on the East Coast.
After a brilliantly cooked meal (thank you, Superman) and the usual good conversation, we made applesauce from half of our bushel of apples and played with Supercat, AKA Poppette the Rockette. Supercat likes BostonErin--Erin plays mouse, and cat dancer, and is quiet and sweet around cats.
Saturday, after applesauce pancakes, we took a girls' trip to Pennsylvania for an afternoon at Longwood Gardens. We stopped for lunch in Kennett Square at my favorite place in town, the Half Moon Bar and Grill. Next, we visited a specialty paper store, where the owner thought we were the most fun people he'd seen all day (we really are quite fun, but perhaps he hadn't seen anyone else that day, either). We had quite a chat with him, and I have some plans for my Christmas cards now.
At Longwood, the Christmas decorations-in-progress are looking more and more elaborate, pansies have been planted, my favorite huge tabby cat was out and about, and we got to hear some Korean drumming. Another highlight was the traveling puppet theater. I'd been expecting several adults, several puppets, and a lightweight portable theater of some type. In fact, the traveling theater was worn by a person in tights, Converse, with the theater as her upper body. A frog puppet was available to act whenever children were nearby, and as we passed the puppet theater person, murmuring, "So cute...", the frog said, "Hi there!" So nice to be greeted.
We couldn't tear ourselves away from Longwood in time to make it to the Brandywine River Museum or Chaddsford Winery, but fortunately, I live here. Our goal for the day was to find Trader Joe's, and we did. Unfortunately, Trader Joe's cannot sell alcohol within the store in Delaware, so after stocking up on groceries, we had to locate a liquor store. We traveled down 202, which is close to the PA border, meaning that it has every store known to man, so that the Pennsylvanians can cross the state line and shop, sales-tax free, any time they like. All the liquor stores were on the wrong side of the road, so we returned to Newark and went to the one in town. Not too many pinots or zins out here, so we bought some shiraz.
Another great meal, this time with wine, followed by more good conversation and cat entertainment. My kind of weekend.
Sunday was Baltimore. We wandered around the Inner Harbor, ate Maryland crab cakes, toured a Norwegian Royal Navy ship, and visited the fabulous National Aquarium, where we saw sharks, dolphins, frogs, all manner of fish (we found Nemo!), and even some birds and monkeys. The building is a beautiful glass and concrete structure with fabulous viewing tanks and a few very real-feeling exhibits--rainforests and Australian outback. We drove home in Chesapeake Bay/Veteran's Day weekend traffic, making it home just in time for Peace A Pizza slices and a (thankfully, traffic-free) trip to the Philly airport.
Today is Monday. Back to swimming, and some work at home, which will be cozy because it's raining outside. I'm contemplating some pie-baking for Thanksgiving and cleaning the house. Ah, another fall day on the East Coast.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Fall in Delaware
Last weekend, Superman and I enjoyed a pastoral afternoon at Fair Hill, a gorgeous, huge park just ten minutes away in Maryland. It was an old DuPont family hunting estate (don't you love it? They had that whole place to themselves just for hunting!) We walked for several hours, entranced by the fall colors and the crisp weather. I've dreamed of a fall walk in the woods for so many years now, I felt like I was in a book. It was rapturous. We passed groups of people on beautiful horses, a fisherman, and a few other hikers. The funniest part was when we started hearing shouts and couldn't figure out what was going on. Suddenly, behind us, came a fleet of mountain bikers. It was a club, and they were taking different paths but calling to each other to keep track of where everyone was. They'd meet at different points. The coolest thing about this park is the myriad of little trails winding through it, all connected by bigger horse paths.
Because we got lost, like we do everywhere we go, we actually found a better route to take to get there. The best thing? It passes by a family farm, very popular with families on the weekends, that sells a variety of great fruits and vegetables, plus honey, jam, cider, and other treats. We grabbed groceries there, and after a mishap where Superman waved to thank a driver who was letting us cross the road in front of him, then shattered a maple syrup bottle when the grocery bag broke, we went home to hot apple cider.
Our other fall activity was to buy a bushel of "second" apples at the farmer's market, and a very pricey food mill at Williams-Sonoma. We're going to make gallons of applesauce. We figure we can use the food mill the rest of our lives.
This weekend, Boston Erin comes to visit, and we're going to tour the sights of the Brandywine Valley. Can't wait!
Because we got lost, like we do everywhere we go, we actually found a better route to take to get there. The best thing? It passes by a family farm, very popular with families on the weekends, that sells a variety of great fruits and vegetables, plus honey, jam, cider, and other treats. We grabbed groceries there, and after a mishap where Superman waved to thank a driver who was letting us cross the road in front of him, then shattered a maple syrup bottle when the grocery bag broke, we went home to hot apple cider.
Our other fall activity was to buy a bushel of "second" apples at the farmer's market, and a very pricey food mill at Williams-Sonoma. We're going to make gallons of applesauce. We figure we can use the food mill the rest of our lives.
This weekend, Boston Erin comes to visit, and we're going to tour the sights of the Brandywine Valley. Can't wait!
Supergirl in the City
For some embarrassing reason, whenever I get ready for a trip to New York City, I start singing the song from "Annie" about New York, "N.Y.C." in my head. Of all songs. Not "New York, New York," or the U2 song, but "Annie." That aside, I was very excited to pack up my stuff and head to the Big Apple for the day to meet Wonder Woman, in town for a conference. I discovered the joys of Amtrak--real joys, because my train was not delayed, my seat was comfortable, and the scenery was lovely. I met a nice lobbyist from D.C. when a bratty child and his grandmother asked me to move so they could sit together (they were disgruntled after being kicked off the very delayed, broken-down Acela, and apperently felt that because their trian tickets were $50 more than mine, they were entitled to ask me to move.). Better than sitting with the bratty child, anyway.
I got into Penn Station on time, and thanks to Wonder Woman's excellent directions, made my way via subway to Caffe Reggio in the Village. Wonder Woman's friend Amy led us on a tour of culinary delights around the area. Caffe Reggio had great breakfast and beverages, and we followed it with a cupcake at Magnolia, chocolat at Vosges (in SoHo), and pizza in NoLiTa. At the very end of the night, after a jaunt up to the Upper East Side to get Wonder Woman's bags from a friend's house, and a long walk through Midtown to Wonder Woman's hotel, we were hungry again, so we went to the famous Carnegie Deli for some matzoh ball soup.
My favorite thing to do in New York is wander. I've seen shows and eaten at famous restaurants, but truly, I love to wander or run around Central Park, then spend the day in the Village, NoLiTa, or SoHo. It's fun to be an East Coaster and know that New York is less than two hours away on cushy Amtrak if I want to go!
I got into Penn Station on time, and thanks to Wonder Woman's excellent directions, made my way via subway to Caffe Reggio in the Village. Wonder Woman's friend Amy led us on a tour of culinary delights around the area. Caffe Reggio had great breakfast and beverages, and we followed it with a cupcake at Magnolia, chocolat at Vosges (in SoHo), and pizza in NoLiTa. At the very end of the night, after a jaunt up to the Upper East Side to get Wonder Woman's bags from a friend's house, and a long walk through Midtown to Wonder Woman's hotel, we were hungry again, so we went to the famous Carnegie Deli for some matzoh ball soup.
My favorite thing to do in New York is wander. I've seen shows and eaten at famous restaurants, but truly, I love to wander or run around Central Park, then spend the day in the Village, NoLiTa, or SoHo. It's fun to be an East Coaster and know that New York is less than two hours away on cushy Amtrak if I want to go!
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