Jim’s Steaks South Street Philly

In Philly for about 24 hours for wedding Sunday at noon.  Steve and I drove up 16th St and he got out and read the Historic Marker at Louis Kahn’s office building 1501 Walnut St., drove past my parents’ old home on Lombard, and South Street where we actually waited in line with the other tourists. There is a lot of construction near Independence Hall. We drove by Ben Franklin’s grave where Mark and his Grampie used to throw pennies.     Drove out to City Avenue through a lot of traffic where we saw a man come out of nowhere and  cross highway  76 and jump on a car hood two lanes over.  Lots of police cars from all directions a minute or two later.   We tried to watch the local news to see what happened.  Unexpected. Glad he didn’t pick my car to jump on.

The Saturday night line at Jim's Steaks on South Street, Philly.

Alvin and the Chipmunks Cake- Michael is FIVE

Laura just texted a photo of the cake. Then we were on the phone. James was taking pictures with his new camera so I asked him to send an image via email.  I bagged the scheduled post. So today features the combined creative efforts of guest blogger/photographer James Weaver – & the birthday cake Aunt Lala created for Michael Joseph who is five today. Happy Birthday Michael!

First time La has attempted the buttercream transfer process She says it is harder than it looks!

Frosting recipe-  3 sticks of butter, 8 cups of Confectioner’s sugar, some Wilton foodcolor, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 3 Tablespoons of milk.

For information on Alvin and the Chipmunks click here

Buttercream Transfer Process
Happy 5th Birthday Michael!!

Urban Communication

Gangwish Street in Bloomfield.
Wish I could have entered this shot in the Communication show.

I have 3 photos in Communication  show/1650 Gallery, 1650 Echo Park Avenue in Los Angeles until August 29th. You can see the Croatian sign outside a church in Porec(the 8th photo down) and the rest can be seen here.)Hiriing Now- Ritter’s sign and No Cardboard Dumpster. Today’s post would  have been a great addition to the show.  Took it yesterday on way home from school.

2 Dr Chevrolet Coupe, c.1947? (2 views)

Went online to try to match the car model, noticing the details like how the headlights are placed.  I took this at the red light at Howley St and Friendship Ave.  Drove around the block and got the side view, too. A real beauty.  Historic, vintage, restored cars like this one evoke childhood memories of the gray Dodge Wayfarer we had in Montclair NJ. This one the  color of whipped butter. Polished. Parked on the street, just waiting as me I drove home from Greenway School where we had training today. What a car! Scroll down for second view.

The owner must love driving this beautiful car.
What a surprise to find this historic vehicle on the way home from school. The car looks like it is smiling.

Washington Parting Shot

Mary suggested this one. The cherry with a tiny leaf still attached on it. Farewell Washington.  We live so far apart and it isn’t an easy trip to make often.  We miss David but feel fortunate to had such a loving and happy relaxed time together.  When you tell someone you are just back from Washington they ask if you made it to the exhibit at the Corcoran and then you have to explain it is Washington STATE.  Washington head silhouettes on all the road signs.  I will have to research the history of how the state got named.

Washington cherry on Mac.
Now it is computer and phone communication from WA to PA and NYC.

Polish Hill Pittsburgh- Early Evening Light

Happy 8th Anniversary, Mark and Erika. As I pulled out of the FedEx parking lot I looked up and saw the light on Immaculate Heart of Mary where you exchanged your wedding vows. Steve and I drove over the little bridge and up the hill to capture the church in light and shadow. Just remembering your happy day.  It sure was hot. love, Ma

Happy Anniversary Mark and Eirka!

Remembering Joyce Brengarth Singh,Ph.D -“Farmgirl at heart.”

Professor, Social Worker, Psychotherapist, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Friend.  Joyce grew up on a honey bee farm in Boonville Missouri.   These jars of honey were photographed at night in Croatia and are posted as a tribute and celebration of her life. Photographed in the town on Cres on Cres Island when I visited Matthew two summers ago. Joyce and her husband Bunt (Dr. Singh as well) were loving parents to both Mark and Matthew during their high school years and beyond. Thank you.  Click here for newspaper article about Joyce’s life.  After Monday’s funeral, her husband and sons, Prem and Davinder, will accompany her to her final rest in a family plot in Missouri. Mass of Christian Burial is Monday(today) at 10AM St Bede’s.  Newspaper article is from Sunday.

Jars of honey to remember Joyce B. Singh growing up on a honey farm.
Pollinators are so important. Jars of honey to remember Joyce B Singh.

Tasha Nicole, Rat Terrier, Flies DELTA- Exclusively!

Flight from Spokane to Minneapolis- ready to be stowed under the seat in front of her to prepare for takeoff.   I met my traveling companions. Turns out Delta Airlines is Pet Friendly. Must weigh under seventeen pounds, though.   A first for me (to see a dog on a plane) seems Tasha Nicole is a seasoned flier.  Very well behaved I will add. Not a sound, she slept the whole way unlike the kids in the row across the aisle and up one!  Oh my.    And Sunday August 15th is TN’s 9th birthday, too.

I asked permission to photograph and blog and her gracious owner agreed.

I heard about a book on the radio last year, One Nation Under Dog by Michael Schaffer.   When I was growing up I remember some dogs lived outside in a doghouse.

Other airlines charge $150 each way! DELTA deemed "Pet Friendly".

Learning To Shoot Star Trails

Here is the photograph AFTER the second round of advice on how to shoot the stars.  And their trails as the earth moves.  I was able to hold down the shutter for 260 seconds @ f4 stop and 400 ISO.If you  look at the yoga studio you can see that there was very little camera shake, even though I traveled without my cable release or tripod.  Next time I will be better prepared. My photography colleague sent me an amazing link if you want to see amazing star trails. Click this link.   I am back in Pittsburgh but wanted to post one more Okanogan photograph.

Saw three shooting stars but these star trails fascinate me. Next time!!!!

All That Djazz – Great Gyspy Jazz at Twisp River Pub. WA

Gershwin, Djazz, All of Me, Black Orpheus to name a few....Sitting along the Twisp River, enjoying the 3 hours of music without a single break.

Mary, David and I enjoyed three hours of  music.   Final night in WA we drove up to Twisp River Pub.  There was a guest clarinet, Wayne Mendro.  John Weeks on the violin. Dick White on guitar arranges everything.  Mike Lundstrom on dobro and singing. Ron Clark on the bass and a guitar tonight.

Here is what I found at their website. …  “All That Djazz” is a Gypsy Jazz quartet based in North Central Washington state with a repertoire comparable to that of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli, the guitarist and violinist who formed the legendary “Quintet of the Hot Club of France” in 1934.  The “Quintet of the Hot Club of France” is considered by many jazz historians to be the best jazz ensemble of all time.  Django Reinhardt was certainly the most renowned jazz guitarist of his day.  “All That Djazz” pays homage to their hero and mentor Django in the spelling of Djazz.”  quote from the website for All That Djazz (click)

The light on the right is an old beer keg.  Note the hops growing behind the band.