I think it's so wonderfully ironic that the opening of our cities, states, and countries after many months of being in lockdown have coincided with the opening of our summer flowers.
Now if you know me well, you know I'm not a fan of summer. Well, it's not actually summer I'm not a fan of, it's the heinously satanic heat and humidity that comes with summer that I'm not fond of. However, I do try and find the positives within the summer season, such as: getting a tan, looking at men's legs in shorts, eating good produce and seeing brightly colored flowers!
Here in Northeast, Philadelphia was one of the later-to-open cities because we had high numbers in cases of Covid-19. We officially opened June 18th, but it's only been within the last five days that our retailers and restaurants have begun to open, and with much caution. Most restaurants offer outdoor seating only, but a few offer indoor as well. I think it depends on their size because the larger restaurants have more inside space to distance their tables.
Anyhoo...
Now if you know me well, you know I'm not a fan of summer. Well, it's not actually summer I'm not a fan of, it's the heinously satanic heat and humidity that comes with summer that I'm not fond of. However, I do try and find the positives within the summer season, such as: getting a tan, looking at men's legs in shorts, eating good produce and seeing brightly colored flowers!
Here in Northeast, Philadelphia was one of the later-to-open cities because we had high numbers in cases of Covid-19. We officially opened June 18th, but it's only been within the last five days that our retailers and restaurants have begun to open, and with much caution. Most restaurants offer outdoor seating only, but a few offer indoor as well. I think it depends on their size because the larger restaurants have more inside space to distance their tables.
Anyhoo...
Today I would like to share some photographs of all the colorful blossoms in the city. I've been taking pictures like crazy because I wanted to get the flowers at their peak. I also took photographs of a few of our restaurants, so you could get a feel for how Philadelphia is opening after its three month hibernation.
When you walk the streets, you can literally feel the jubilation emanating from everyone because they are so happy to be outside again, being semi-normal.
Please enjoy some summer delights...
When you walk the streets, you can literally feel the jubilation emanating from everyone because they are so happy to be outside again, being semi-normal.
Please enjoy some summer delights...
I ADORE daisies because they always look as though they're smiling and singing, so I had to share another picture...
Indoor seating at P. J. Clarke's...
Outdoor seating as well...
(What's really nice about many of the restaurants here in Philly is that they've taken up space in some of the most beautiful, old buildings. I think the architecture adds to the ambiance while you're dining.)
Customers waiting to get a table...
Outdoor seating at a really charming parkside restaurant called, Talula's Garden.
Isn't it cute how they roped off the outside tables and added the tin planters? Very clever...
Isn't it cute how they roped off the outside tables and added the tin planters? Very clever...
Outdoor seating at Latin inspired cuisine Bodega Bar & Kitchen.
This place is always packed...
This place is always packed...
Outdoor seating at a very popular Indian restaurant called, indeblue...
I thought I'd finish this post with a picture of a fire hydrant to cool me off after all the heinously satanic heat and humidity of summer. 👿 LOL!
Happy Summer, y'all!
💗
Ron, you photos are just beautiful! The two pics of the daisies are precious! I love daisies too. Do you remember a line from the movie, "You've Got Mail", when Meg Ryan's character says, "I love daisies. They're so friendly." That;s one of my favorite movies.
ReplyDeleteI've never been to Philadelphia, but from your photos it looks like such an attractive city. Even here the people seem to be so happy that things are opening up. I was finally able to get a haircut after three months. I cut a little of it myself because it was getting so unruly. It's been so nice to see restaurants opening up again.
Have great week, Ron!
So many pretty flowers you’ve found! Our daisies are in full bloom here, too. I’ve gone to happy hour once now on a patio. I felt bad for the server because I know it’s hot outdoors with the mask. But it was good to socialize again because I need it! Those tables at Bodega do not look six feet apart though! Just saying!
ReplyDeleteHope you haves great week. I need to get it in gear for my post today. XO
Ron, such gorgeous flowers you've captured here! Some I recognize (like the coneflowers and daisies), but others I don't. Still, ALL are beautiful and I thank you for sharing them.
ReplyDeleteWhat clever restaurateurs you have there! Love how they're making the best out of a bad situation by distancing diners and beautifying their often make-shift spaces. Good for them ... and the patrons!
Thanks for braving the heinous heat and humidity, my friend. Just know your efforts weren't for naught! xx
Great shots as always, Ron! Even if I didn't already know you well, "heinously satanic heat and humidity" would be a dead giveaway about your summer feelings. As you know, I'm with you there, but I will say I have come around quite a bit since moving to Rapid City. With such distinct seasons and winters that are cold and snowy, it's easier to tolerate summer knowing how short it is. My own list of positives would include late nights spent on the backyard patio, hiking and camping opportunities, and women's legs. Not necessarily in that order. :P
ReplyDeleteHaving said all that, it's been especially hot here as of late. Quite a contrast to summer 2019. It's going to be 95 today, with more 90s later in the week and during the weekend.
Stay cool, my friend!
" heinously satanic heat and humidity"
ReplyDeleteRon, that cracked me up laughing because I hate the summer too and that's the perfect way to describe it!
Oh my, your photographs are FABULOUS! The colors you captures are just beautiful. God, I so dearly miss the foliage of the north. Florida is very boring. We have palm trees and birds of paradise which you get tired of after awhile. You're restaurants look so chic and city-like. That's another thing I miss about the northeast, the way the buildings are old and historical.
Have you eaten at indeblue? I love Indian food and just wanted to know how it was.
Happy summer, Ron! xo
Thank you, Candice!
ReplyDeleteDon't ya' just LOVE daisies? And yes...yes...yes, I do remember Meg Ryan saying that in the movie, which by the way, I own. I adore that movie!!!
The one thing I really like about Philadelphia is the architecture and the history. I like things that are old, and Philly is a very old city. I especially love lower Philadelphia because it's the oldest part of the city.
" was finally able to get a haircut after three months. I cut a little of it myself because it was getting so unruly. It's been so nice to see restaurants opening up again."
Yes, that's another thing I've seen opening--our hair salons. And they are busy too!
Thanks so much for stopping by. my friend. Have a fantastic week!
X
"Our daisies are in full bloom here, too"
ReplyDeleteAren't they the BEST? They are probably one of my favorite flowers. They're so cute!
" I felt bad for the server because I know it’s hot outdoors with the mask."
OMG, I know! And it's been very humid and hot there lately. Personally, when I'm outside, my mask is off. And a lot of people here do the same. When I'm indoors, that's another story.
You're right, those tables DON'T look six feet apart in that photograph. Ummm...I'll have to walk by there this week and check it out.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a grrrrreat week! Looking forward to reading your post!
X
Helloooo there Debbie!
ReplyDeleteThank you. And you're welcome. Glad you enjoyed them.
You know, even though I love flowers, I'm so bad at knowing their names. I only the basics. I actually have a black thumb when it comes to flowers. I kill everything LOL!
I was delighted to see how many of the restaurants here got very clever with their outdoor seating. Philly is a big-time FOODIE city, so they needed to do something so that the patrons could enjoy their menus and start eating at restaurants again.
OMG...I cannot believe how humid and hot it's been already. Yesterday was 95 degrees!!! I'm just praying to god almighty that I get through this summer. UGH!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a spectacular week!
X
Thanks, Mark! :)
ReplyDelete"As you know, I'm with you there, but I will say I have come around quite a bit since moving to Rapid City. With such distinct seasons and winters that are cold and snowy, it's easier to tolerate summer knowing how short it is."
Yes, I can totally understand that. However, we barely and I mean BARELY had a winter. It didn't even snow. Had we had one like yours, I think I'd be a bit more accepting of summer as well. And I very happy that you're enjoying it!!
"Not necessarily in that order. :P"
LOL! I hear ya!!!! I feel the same!
"It's going to be 95 today, with more 90s later in the week and during the weekend."
Same here, Mark! OMG...yesterday it was 95 degrees and VERY humid, so it felt like 100 degrees. This coming Friday is supposed to reach 93,
But as you said, summer is a short season so I can deal with it.
Thanks a lot for stopping by, my friend. Have a faaaaaaaaaaulous week!
X
Hola Denise!
ReplyDeleteHA! That's the first thing that popped into my brain when I was typing that line. Yesterday it was freaking 95 degrees and sooooooooooooooooooooo humid, so it felt like 100! I usually go out for nighttime walk after I eat dinner. However, it was way to damn hot last night.
I understand your feels because having lived in Florida, I know. After a while you get sick of looking at palm trees. They're beautiful, but it gets old. I didn't realize how much I missed the foliage here until I moved back. And not only that, but the whole feel of the northeast. I love being back north.
No, I haven't eaten there because I don't like Indian food at all. Most Indian food is hot and spicy and I don't do "spicy." I also can't stand the smell of curry. However, that restaurant is always busy, so the people here love it.
Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have a vunderbar week!
X
Ron, I love the summer but my girlfriend is so not a fan. That's one area where she and I differ. We have trade off, I complain during the winter and she complains during the summer. LOL!
ReplyDeleteAs always, your photos ROCK the house! I love your focus on so many of these. They're sharp in parts of the photo and blurry in others. Do you manual focus or auto?
Isn't such a great feeling to see everything opening up again? And I agree, the perfect time for it. I love the look of P.J. Clarke's. What building is that? It's beautiful.
Happy summer, dude!
Hiya Matt!
ReplyDeleteOMG, that is so funny how the two of your are different when it comes to winter and summer. But you know, I know several couples who are the same way. One likes warmer weather and the other likes cold. Usually, though, it's the guy who like cold and the girl who likes warmer weather.
Thank you. Yes, I primarily use manual focus and have been doing so for awhile now. I will sometimes use auto if I'm not sure about the lighting. I let the camera do the work.
Isn't that building FAB? It was The Curtis Publishing Company at one time. Now, it's a restaurant, offices, and even condos. I the love the pillar in the front and the HUGE windows.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Happy Summer! And enjoy the heat!
X
Beautiful photos, Ron! The color and clarity is really impressive. Can I ask, what camera(s) do you use? And did you ever take classes in photography.
ReplyDeleteHasn't it been great to see cities and states opening up? As you said, you can feel the jubilation from everyone to finally be outside again, even though we are still being cautious.
Thanks, Daniel! :)
ReplyDeleteI used a Canon Rebel EOS t5. I sometimes take pictures with my smartphone too, but I primarily use my camera because I can adjust the settings. I bought the camera about 5 years. It's nothing fancy, but it does the job. I eventually want to get a different lens though because the one it came with is limited in its ability to ZOOM. And no, I've never taken a class, I'm self-taught.
Yes, it's been so awesome to see everyone opening up. And just in time for summer!
Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a fantastic week!
X
Gorgeous shots of the flowers! Had to laugh at the 'looking at men's legs in shorts'. That's something we share in common. Have a great week! :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear friend! :)
ReplyDelete"Had to laugh at the 'looking at men's legs in shorts'. That's something we share in common."
HA! I know, I'm a sucker for nice legs AND a nice butt!
Much thanks for stopping, Fiona! Hope you're having a faaaaaaaabulous week so far!
X
Thanks for letting me know what camera use. I'm thinking of investing in one and am overwhelmed by the choices.
ReplyDeleteRon, your photos are gorgeous! Not being a fan of summer (like you), your photos make me see the beauty in the season. The two photos of the daises are just lovely!
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for sharing the various restaurants in Center City because my husband and I are always looking to try something new. He and I both enjoy Latin cuisine, so we may have to try Bodega.
And speaking of heat, hasn't it been so intense the past couple of days? I am so looking forward to a few days of relief because it's so hot and humid that I don't want to leave the house.
Stay cool, Ron! Have a great week xo
You are so welcome, Daniel! I've had both Canon and Nikon cameras and liked them both for different reasons. I got lucky when I purchased my Canon because I had a $100.00 gift card that someone gave me, so I was able to use it on my purchase. At the time, they were running a great deal on the camera, so I got it cheap.
ReplyDeleteHey there Elaine!
ReplyDeleteThank you....:)
I try and find all the positives of summer because it makes it easier for me to move through it.
Anytime I walk past Bodega, it's always packed, so it must be good. The Indian restaurant is packed as well.
OMG...the humidity has been the thing that's killing me. It's been so humid I feel like I can barely breathe. Today, though, we're getting bit of a break, thank god!
Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Enjoy the rest of your week and stay cool!
X
I'm with you, Ron, on not being a huge fam of heat and humidity in the summer. That said I do enjoy all the colors that it brings out especially in colorful flowers as you've included. I liked the interspersing them with the restaurant pics too. Having lived in Philly while attending Temple Univ. I do recall Curtis Publishing and nice that the building has been re-purposed. Living in a former textile mill now we are big fans of re-use.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment on my getaway post and now I plan to see if I can find Somewhere in Time to watch it as I do know about the film, but never seen it.
Hey there D!
ReplyDeleteIsn't the heat and humidity of summer the worse? And to think that I lived in Florida for 20 years kills me because it's hot and humid there constantly. But yes, the colors of summer are such a joy and make it worth it.
"Having lived in Philly while attending Temple Univ. I do recall Curtis Publishing and nice that the building has been re-purposed. Living in a former textile mill now we are big fans of re-use."
So you do know the building? That's awesome! Isn't it a beautiful? The architecture is stunning. It is know filled with offices, restaurants, and condos. Like you, I too love the look of things like former textile mills because they have a rich history. I love old buildings!
I think you would really enjoy the film. It's such a heartwarming film about love. And when you see it, you'll know what I mean about how it resembles the hotel you pictured in your post.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a great rest of your week!
X
Summer delights for sure! Gorgeous shots! Nature has a wonderful way of calming even the most troubled soul, doesn't it? heinously satanic heat and humidity....yes, that is an accurate description of summer in middle Missouri as well. I hope the riots and protests have calmed down in your town so people can enjoy the outdoors more now heat and humidity and all. 🤣
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lisa! I was so lucky to get out there while the flowers were peaking. Aren't the colors beautiful?
ReplyDelete" Nature has a wonderful way of calming even the most troubled soul, doesn't it? heinously satanic heat and humidity....yes, that is an accurate description of summer in middle Missouri as well."
Yup, it sure is! And that's what I've been focusing on to take my attention away from the heat. Actually, today wasn't bad, is was only 81 degrees. However, Friday it goes right back up to the high 90's. Oy vey!
Yes, it's been rather calm here the past several weeks. We do have protests now and then, but nothing like the riots we had. And thankfully, our police men and women are still active in our streets making sure things don't get out of hand.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Stay cool and enjoy the rest of your week!
X
What? No pictures of men in shorts?!?!
ReplyDeleteFantastic photos, Ron! I swear, you could be a professional photographer. I feel like I can reach out and touch these beautiful flowers.
I love how these grand old buildings now house restaurants. You can feel the history all around you. There are some nice examples of that in New York.
Great job, buddy! You see, there are some good things about summer, even for a winter-loving weirdo like you!
Have a Happy Fourth and stop staring at men's legs!
HA! I know, Rob, I should have gotten some really good ZOOM IN shots of some legs!!
ReplyDeleteAw...thank you. Over the years I've been practicing my photography by trying to use manual mode instead of automatically using auto-mode. I feel like I'm learning more about how to get the "focus" that I want.
"You see, there are some good things about summer, even for a winter-loving weirdo like you!"
Yes, you're so right! Focusing on the positive instead of the negative. And it works!
Much thanks for stopping by, buddy. Happy Summer to you! And have a faaaaaaabulous 4th!
X
Ron! I just posted about flowers and then I came here! I guess it should not surprise me!
ReplyDeleteThese are all beautiful. Don't you love purple coneflowers? I have a ton of them in my front yard. I also love the simplicity of daisies.
Lovely photos. Love you, my Libra friend!
OH...MY...GOD!!!! I just this second came from YOUR blog and saw that you had also posted about flowers and just about died laughing! Oh well....we Libra's think a like, don't we?
ReplyDelete"Don't you love purple coneflowers? I have a ton of them in my front yard."
Yes! Yes! Yes! They're absolutely lovely! And it's so awesome that you have them growing in your front yard!
Aren't daises adorable? And you're right, they're very simple. That's what I think I really like about them. They're simple, but say so much.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my Libra friend. Have a fabulous weekend and 4th of July!
Cheers and X
I'm enjoying summer so far only because of my interest in fixing up our patio area this year. Normally, I'm inside with the a/c on arctic blast! But with being inside for so long with the closures/virus, getting plants/flowers and repotting them has given me a needed outlet. We have a fan outside that provides a decent breeze, and the canopy gives shade for the killer sun... but it's the mosquitos/flies that might drive me insane. It's not worth lighting all the tiki torches and citronella candles every time, and rubbing oils on exposed limbs, and spraying the cushions and under furniture with 192%DEET just to go out back. So still trying to find that balance. LOL
ReplyDeleteWe're not going to restaurants for inside or outside dining yet, still only getting takeout/delivery. We've gotten together outside with our kids though for some food and that's enough for us for now.
Gorgeous flowers! Your photos are just lovely. No favorite, they are all nice!
Happy to hear you're enjoying summer so far, Mary! And thank you, I had so much fun taking these pictures.
ReplyDeleteNormally, I too am inside with the a/c blasting as well, because you know how much I hate the heat. But like you said, after being in lockdown for so long, it feels so good to be outside enjoying nature.
Do you know what's funny about me and mosquito's? They don't come anywhere near me. And I read somewhere that's because there is a chemical in certain people's skin that repels mosquito's. And apparently, I have that chemical in my skin because they have no interest in biting me. THANK GOD!
You mention of tiki torches reminded me of my childhood because we used to have those on our backyard patio. I love the effect that they give at night.
Yes, I know a lot of people in my apartment building who are still doing takeout/delivery.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Stay cool!
X