Archive for the ‘Pennsylvania’ Category

Big Bells

Wednesday, August 8th, 2012

Did you know it’s customary to throw a penny on the grave of Benjamin Franklin (“a penny saved is a penny earned” fame)?

Or poorly cast coins are called “waffles” at the Phillie Mint?

Or that the Rhode Island delegation never showed up at Constitution Hall because their state didn’t fund the trip?

Or that Geno’s Phillie cheesesteak sandwich is better Pat’s, though Pats originated the famous meal in 1937 (author’s opinion)?

Or that the Rocky Balboa statue has been moved from the top of the steps to the foot of them and over under a tree because it’s a movie prop, not an icon?

Or that I got to attend the first NON-sell out Phillie baseball game they’ve had in over 2 years (because they are playing so poorly)?

AND the bell cracked being rung in honor of George Washington’s 100th anniversary of his birthday in 1846.

Well there is so much to learn in Philadelphia (our nation’s capitol for the first 10 years) that my brain can hardly hold it all.

Milton Hershey

Wednesday, August 8th, 2012

Kisses, Twix, Reeses Pieces! Yes, they are here in abundance and more!

We took the tour at Chocolate Town and also a trolley tour around the city that bears Milton’s name.  But what I find most amazing is that every bit of profit from the Hershey products goes to support the Hershey Foundation whose key obligation is running Hershey School.

What started out as education for orphan boys now houses and teaches underprivledged kids. They are cared for in loving homes with “house parents” (like Jeff and Renee Glover) who nurture nearly 2000 youth in K-12 grades. There are over 160 beautifully maintained houses on acres and acres of land with parks, playgrounds, pools and sport complexes. The school buildings are state of the art and upon graduation, each student gets a crisp $100 bill just like in Milton’s day. And a scholarship worth over $70,000 if they qualify!

So next time you have a piece of candy, think of Milton Hershey and EAT MORE CHOCOLATE!

Intercourse, Pa.

Wednesday, August 8th, 2012

I think I’d like to try being Amish. It’s probably more work than I could ever imagine but the simpler lifestyle and seeing the rewards of your labors sounds appealing. They were quite visible everywhere we went on our sojourn into Pennsylvania — on horse and buggy , out plowing fields, hanging laundry, or gathered in talkative clusters.

And corn, corn, corn.

Oh and yummie peaches too!

Jams, quilts, silos, meandering roads all beckoned.

But best of all, I never saw an Amish without a smile on their face.  I think it might be contentment.

Adolph From Pennyslvania

Monday, July 9th, 2012

On our travels we always pray that God would show us His GLORY – and it has never failed that scales practically fall from our eyes and we see incredible sights and wonders.  Yesterday I teared up as it hit me like a ton of bricks, that it wasn’t the scenery that was the glory, but the people on this cruise!  In our attempt to meet everyone on this ship, we have heard about some amazing lives, and found the world a smaller place.

…but my tale.    

Adolph is a lively elderly gentleman whose son put him in assisted care a few years back when his wife died.  Adolph showed him up by deciding to travel 11 months of the year.  But the real story is that Adolph was a Nazi tank driver in World War II.  One day an officer commandeered his tank and subsequently the tank was blown up. Adolph’s dog tags were in the tank so while he became a POW in a Russian Prison Camp, his parents were told he had died in commbat.  Five years after he miraculously survived the experience he showed up on his family’s door step!

He’s a real hit with the single ladies on the ship and his dashing figure is always on the dance floor.              

I’ll try to get a photo soon!

Rocky Balboa: Philadlephia Icon

Monday, October 19th, 2009

DSC03825In 1983 ,with the advent of the first of many  “Rocky” movies, a statue of Stallone, (as the character Rocky Balboa,) was placed atop the art museum steps. It stood for many things, but most of all triumph over great odds.  But the city fathers decided, in 2007,that the statue was not art and was moved from the top of the steps with its view of the city, to a grassy mound at the bottem right of the steps. The steps, still a challenge to ascend, are still the site of people and athletes using them to represent their own victories, and many are seen posing in the “Rocky- the victor-pose.”

Reading Marketplace

Monday, October 19th, 2009

DSC03821I tasted the ultimate – the Macaroni and Cheese at Delilah’s in the Reading Marketplace. Oprah rates it #1, and it was pretty good tho’ pricey. ($5 for a dixie cup) Steve had a Phillie Cheesesteak. The Marketplace is indoors and been on this spot since before the birth of our country.  Good eats!

Phreezing In Phillie

Monday, October 19th, 2009

peoplemagPhiladelphia; City of Brotherly Love – not judging by our first taxicab driver. And don’t think that pedestrians have the right of way either!  The seasons are starting to change, but not as far along as I thought they would be, tho’ our time in the countryside has been minimal .  The cold and rain of the first few days have just served to remind us how challenging , and fun honest to goodness weather can be. Steve has had to put in 9hour days working the Rheumatology Convention(20thousand attendees) while I get to play. I went to Constitution Hall and enjoyed a live presentation of “We the People” and other displays. And then I did the female thing, and went to the Princess Diana exhibit…her dresses and bridal gown,etc.  It was the reliving of a tragic fairy tale. Lots of walking and then an evening with the senior Wilts. The city has Phillie Phever too! Great Phun!!DSC03836