We arrived by rail in the City of Brotherly Love on Tuesday morning – in the middle of Stella, the surprise nor’easter.  Fortunately, the snowfall amounts were not quite as much as predicted, so we were able to do some of the things on our list – well, after we made a quick stop at the local Macy’s to rummage through the end-of-season selection of gloves and hats.  Slim pickings, but we managed to find what we needed to stay warm.

Inside the Philadelphia train station.  Really a beautiful station.

Andrew, our Uber driver, and his hefty Ford F-350, which had no trouble at all with the piles of snow and slush.

Across from the hotel is the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul.  The flags you see flapping in the strong wind are country flags of the immigrants who originally settled in this part of Philadelphia.

We went to Independence Hall – where the Founding Fathers met to write the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution.  Sadly, we could not go inside as the buildings were closed because of the weather.  We did get a peek at the Liberty Bell through the windows.  By this time, it was snowing more than flurries and the wind was getting pretty cold.  So back to the hotel to warm up!

Beautiful city at night – especially from the 27th floor!

 

Up next, Philadelphia with clearer skies!

Jean

March 14, 2017 marked my father’s 95th birthday.  Those of us who are, ahem, of a “certain age,”understand how very precious it is to still have a living parent — and to have one reach this milestone is amazing indeed!  We are grateful for his continued good health and sharp wit.  We look forward to many more years of his stories and birthday parties.

Of course, such a momentous occasion required a celebration of equal size.  We planned a gathering of family and friends with a Roaring 20’s theme — but when I say “we,” I mean my sisters and niece did most of the leg work since I live half-way across the country.  Nevertheless, it was great fun to come up with costumes for Theo, our youngest son, and me.  My dad comes from a very large family, so even just immediate family nets a large group.  We had a great time catching up with everyone and by the time we stowed the last decoration and bit of leftover food, we were all pleasantly exhausted!

Not sure what we can do to top this when we plan his 100th birthday party, but we are up for the challenge!

Jean