Conviviality, Merrymaking, Remembrance

When I looked up the word Birthday the title words are just a few that popped up. Today I’m remembering my mom Rita on what would be her 95th birthday!

Rita taught me what a well-decorated home was. How the right accessories, art and plants transform a space. That a small lamp placed anywhere is always a yes. How to group family photographs enmasse on tables or a wall gallery style. How to turn simple fabric into a curtain swag and the immense enjoyment of shelter magazines. She really had an incredible eye.

I’m tickled to have several inherited pieces here in the Chalet.

Rita in my childhood home hosting a bridal shower for my cousin Sharon 1982

She was a delightful hostess and adored welcoming friends for any occasion. I learned that a meal doesn’t need to be complicated to be the best. She prepared the very best roast beef and her chocolate syrup recipe is fantastic. I was taught how to set an elegant table. How to pick greenery from the yard for an arrangement.

“Rita taught me to appreciate beauty. ”

My love of reading is due to her and our weekly library visits.

Before marrying Daddy she modeled and understood jewelry and shoes elevate any outfit. That you should always have these staples in your wardrobe: A basic black dress that can be worn year round, lined wool pants, leather gloves, a merino wool sweater and scarves.

My childhood home livingroom

All things I hold dear I learned from her and I count myself blessed she was my sweet, funny and beautiful mom.

Jungle Tales by James Jebusa Shannon

This painting by James Jebusa Shannon has for years held a special place in my heart. It reminded my sister of Mommy, she and I. Our mom had a copy of it.

You May Also Enjoy:

Rita & 1 1993

• Personal Flair

• Visionary Volumes

• Finding Your Style

Til next time be well.

Get Away - Philadelphia

As most of you know we took a quick trip to Philadelphia for a few days last week. I had such an overwhelming amount of friends and followers reach out to me and ask me to share the details of the trip. So I put this together. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out via email.

For our trip which was only 2-1/2 days I had a detailed itinerary. I spent 4 hours setting it up - googling locations and making sure our route made sense. You’ll see I have a time estimate next to each destination. What I hadn’t counted on was the reversal of mask requirements that had just gone back into effect - this coupled with the fact that less tourists were allowed inside exhibits at a single time meant we waited a bit longer for the Liberty Bell and to get into Congress Hall then I had allotted. I had not factored wait times into my schedule. Oh well the only thing this effected was we missed getting inside Carpenters Hall Tuesday afternoon and moved it to Wednesday. I added the real time with an * and you’ll see I made a note of properties that close at 4pm.

---

Tuesday: 

9am Departure / Arrival approx 11:30am.

The Franklin Institute: open 10-4. 271 North 21st Street Philadelphia (2 hours) We enjoyed a wonderful program in the Fells Planetarium.

Morris House Hotel: 225 S 8th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 – check in, eat snack (30 mins) We chose a hotel in the Historic District knowing this is where we wanted to concentrate our visit.

Around 2pm: 

Independence Hall: 520 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (30 mins) Unfortunately, I neglected to secure advanced tickets for Independence Hall and none were available while we were in town.

Congress Hall: next to Independence Hall (30 mins) *45 mins

The Liberty Bell: 526 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (20 mins) *40mins

5pm: Go back to Morris House Hotel: get ready for dinner.

We met up with family who live in town.

Dinner Bleu Sushi 7pm. 262 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 - Delicious!

Wednesday:

Museum of the American Revolution: open 10-5 101 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (2 + hours) - These tickets are good for 48 hours!

Christ Church: 20 N American St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (30 mins) 

The Betsy Ross House: 239 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (30 mins)

Around 1pm: Eat Snacks for Lunch or find a spot.

Elfreth’s Alley: 126 Elfreth's Alley, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (20 mins – Museum closed)

Christ Church Burial Ground closes at 4pm 340 N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (30 mins)

Arch Street Meeting House: closes at 4pm 320 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (30 mins)

Carpenter’s Hall: 320 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (30 mins)*15 mins

Benjamin Franklin Museum: 317 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (1 hour)

We made a stop at Craftsman Row Saloon and someone enjoyed one of their famous Milk Shakes!

Everything closes at 5pm - Go back to Morris House Hotel: get ready for dinner.

Dinner The Olde Bar 7:30pm. 125 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 This used to be Bookbinders and we had another Delicious meal and the signature cocktail Penicillin was terrific!

Thursday:

Check out of Morris House Hotel. Leave bags in Car. The hotel utilizes a parking garage located on 8th Street. After the discount from the Hotel we were charged $26.00 per day.

National Constitution Center: closed Mon & Tues 525 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (2 + hours) 

Independent Seaport Museum: 211 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (2 hours) (general admission + a 2pm tour of the submarine if tix are available / tour 30 – 45 mins long)  We ended up skipping this museum in end we wanted to get on the road but, I wanted to leave the information here for you.

Depart for the Chalet.

National Constitution Center

We lucked out when we happened to be the only ones in Elfreth’s Alley with another family - we happily took snaps of each other.

In Elfreth’s Alley

We thoroughly enjoyed getting away for a few days. It was great to see family too! There is definitely more to see in Philadelphia and we look forward to visiting again soon!

A few have asked what my favorite exhibit was. The Museum of the American Revolution was opened in 2017 it’s stellar - the entire second floor takes you through the history of the revolution starting in 1760 and ending in 1783.

The museum posses an incredible artifact President George Washington’s War Tent. After watching a film the walls ascend and you will be moved by this tent where Washington led the Army fighting for freedom.

Have you been to Philadelphia?

Til next friends be well!

My Baby is Double Digits!

I don’t often focus a post on family but, today is my sons birthday and not just any birthday - his 10th and this day feels momentous. Certain years feel this way the 1st, 5th and the 10th are definitively milestones. To think this journey started 17-1/2 years ago is crazy to me!

Liam is a hockey goalie, artist, sushi lover, enjoys museum trips into New York City and is so many other magical fun things. He is the first thing I think of when I wake and the last I think of before I drift off. I thank God for him every single day!

Here is 0 - 5 in the lower left and 6, 7, and 8 on the lower right. Top was last year on his 9th.

Today we will be spending the day letting this adorable creature know how much we love him with a special day of Mini-Golf and lunch at Stone Water in Lake Hopatcong, NJ.

Til next time friends be well!