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Well, it finally happened.

We got some snow this winter.

And it's about friggin' time.

However, it didn't last long. Like approximately four hours. And then poof!...it was gone. 

I know that most of you (actually, ALL of you) are glad this winter has been ultra-mild so far because you can't stand the cold, you can't stand the snow, and you can't wait for longer days, sunshine, and sticking your toes in the sand at your nearest beach. But for someone like me who loves the cold, loves the snow, loves shorter, grey days, and can't wait to throw my body on the ground and make snow angels, Winter is the season in which I flourish - mind, body, and spirit.  

As with most places in the world, the weather has been getting more and more bipolar with each passing year. The weather seems to drastically change by the hour. One hour it's one temperature, the next hour it's another. Oh, that is except for Summer. When it comes to Summer, the temperature goes from hot to hotter and stays that way up until the end of November and sometimes into December and January. In case you haven't noticed, there is no longer Spring or Autumn. And if we do get those two seasons, be sure not to blink because you'll miss them. I think eventually there will be only one season, Satanic Summer, and that's when I'll most likely move back to Florida because that's Florida - it's Summer 24/7/365. In fact, I can just picture me sitting on the beach in Boca Raton, sweltering, and moaning obscenities...


And just to prove to you how bipolar the weather has been in Philadelphia, here is a screenshot I took of the weather on Sunday, January 2nd, and how quickly it changed the next day.

Now mind you, on Sunday the 2nd, the temperature got well into the high 60's and the humidity was 75%, so the temperature felt like 80. I actually saw people in t-shirts, shorts, and flip-flops. In JANUARY!!!

And then on Monday, January 3rd, it plummeted into the low 30's, with gusty winds and snowfall. Oh my God, I was so HAPPY. In fact, it started snowing as I walked out of Trader Joe's that morning. So as soon as I unpacked my groceries, I grabbed my camera and walked to various parts of the city and took photographs for over two hours...
 

Here's what I was able to capture with my camera and cell phone...


What's really great about when the weather gets cold and snowy is hardly anyone else is on the streets, so I practically have the whole city to myself...


Well, except for the dogs. They're like me, they roll around in the snow...








Don't you love this? It's a historical outhouse that I guess Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross and George Washington used in the old days. I checked to see if they left any toilet paper, but alas...they didn't. However, I did find a Poo-Pourri Toilet Spray in lavender...


This is a perfect example of city life in Philadelphia. People just dump their unwanted items on the sidewalk, like this chair with no legs. There have been times when I've seen couches and dirty mattresses too...


Oh, and check this out. Even Benjamin Franklin from his grave is reminding us of the indoor mask mandate. Thanks, Ben...


When I got home that afternoon, I made a huge pot of delicious soup and had it for dinner with a warm crusty baguette. What a heavenly way to end a cold, wintry day. 

Yup, what can I say? I love me some snow...


And don't worry folks, Summer is just around the corner. In fact, it may very well be here within the next hour. So get out your sunscreen and thong. Oh, and please be sure to get a professional pedicure before wearing your flip-flops. You don't want your feet looking like two armadillos. 

Have a faaaaaaaaaabulous rest of your week! 💗


28 comments:

  1. Well, those ARE some lovely scenes, despite the four letter word attached to them! Hahaha! Great capture of the holly and berries! The city scenes are just beautiful. The outhouse confuses me, though. Is it really the original wood structure or a replica? And what’s with the location? Did they just randomly plop it down in Philly or is there some significance to it being there? Sorry for the potty focus! Lol!

    We only reached 50 degrees last Sunday, so I still wore a winter coat on my walk,just not my polar one. We are supposed to be getting snow the next few days. I’m okay with a dusting, but boy do I HATE shoveling that sh*t! I’ll be sure to send it your way! XO

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  2. Ron, you had me laughing throughout this whole post. I love the peguin! And this had me ROFLMAO, "You don't want your feet looking like two armadillos." You are so funny!

    I agree, the weather has been slowly turning bipolar. And it's all over, not just in the States. I have friends in the UK and it's happening there as well. I enjoy winter too, and over the years its become so different from when I was a kid. I remember it snowing in October. Now it bares snows.

    Great photos! I love the one of the dog runningn in the snow. Wonderful capture.

    Glad you were able to get out there and enjoy a nice snowy, winter day, Ron!

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  3. Thank you, my friend! I was sooooooooooooooooooo happy that I was able to get out there as fast as I did that day because it was such a quick snowfall. And I laughed at your four letter word attached to them line!!!!

    "The outhouse confuses me, though. Is it really the original wood structure or a replica? And what’s with the location? Did they just randomly plop it down in Philly or is there some significance to it being right in that little courtyard? Sorry for the potty focus! Lol!"


    GREAT question!!! I know, isn't so completely ODD how that the outhouse is just plopped there? There's actually another one in that same area on the other side of a historical building called, Carpenters' Hall, in Society Hill that was built in 1724. It's the same building where I took the photo of Ben Franklin and the mask mandate. And I'm pretty sure they are the original outhouses that were repaired and painted. However, the doors are sealed, so you can't actually go inside and used them. Because trust me, all the homeless people here in Philly would try to use them if they could. HA!

    Yes, please...if you get snow...send it my way!!!!!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a spectacular weekend!

    X

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  4. Hey there Candice!

    HA! I just couldn't resist saying that! I'm a firm believer that if you're going to wear sandals or flip-flops, GET a pedicure first.

    " I have friends in the UK and it's happening there as well. I enjoy winter too, and over the years its become so different from when I was a kid. I remember it snowing in October. Now it bares snows."

    You're right, it IS happening all over the world, not just in the States. And yes...I recall going out Trick or Treating for Halloween and it being so cold and sometimes snowing!

    I was so lucky to get that doggie shot because he/she was running so fast, I could barely focus my camera. There were quite a few dogs in the parks that day.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Candice. Have a grrrrrreat day and weekend!

    X

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  5. Ron, there are so many things I was to say about this post. First, AWESOME photographs! That one of the snow covered tree roots is gorgeous. You really know how to capture the beauty of a season that many people don't like. Being that I'm originally from New York, I miss the change of seasons. Like you said, here in Florida it just goes from hot and hotter, and the humidity can ruthless. Love the little Ronnie penguin, he's so cute!

    " I checked to see if they left any toilet paper, but alas...they didn't. However, I did find a Poo-Pourri Toilet Spray in lavender..." LOL!!! I literally laughed out loud at that at my desk. I also laughed at the pedicure comment! I had the same question that Bijoux had about the outhouse. I was confused about it being real and what it was doing there!? I read your comment response to her and got my answers, so thanks.

    That pic of Benjamin Franklin and the mask sign is actually very clever. And is that final photograph in front of the pizza place suppose to be one of the Blues Brothers? That's what it looks like to me.

    Thank you for the morning laughs, Ron. You are so entertaining. I love it!

    Have a great weekend! xo

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  6. Ron, I've always found the first snowfall of the season to be beautiful, and these photos of yours depict that. However, you know I'm a summer girl, and I love sunny, warm days -- with no rain or storms.


    You're so right: our weather is changing ... and not necessarily for the better. Places in the country's mid-section (Memphis, Nashville, etc.) have never gotten this much snow, and I can't imagine they're happy with it. On the other hand, we here haven't had any snow (not that I'm complaining, but it's been so frigidly COLD that I dare not walk Monkey or me outdoors). And he's got a lot of puppy energy to burn off!


    Hang in there, my friend. Winter, too, shall pass and, as you said, we'll be back to flip-flops and sunscreen before you know it! xx

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  7. Hola Denise!

    Thank you! I was so freaking happy that I got out there when I did because it snow very long and it melted very quickly, even though it was very cold that day. By mid afternoon it dropped down into the 20's.

    OMG, yes, it's not only the heat in Florida that bothered me, but the intense humidity as well. In fact, that's worst than the heat.

    "I had the same question that Bijoux had about the outhouse. I was confused about it being real and what it was doing there!? I read your comment response to her and got my answers, so thanks."

    And that's a great question because it does seem incredibly odd about the outhouse and WHY it's there. As I shared in my comment response, there is another outhouse not far from where that one is. They're there for historical value. Philly is very particular about preserving the history of this city, which I really admire and life. That's one of things I actually like about this city - their historical preservation.

    I thought the Ben Franklin thing was clever too!!! And yes, you are spot on...that IS one of the Blues Brothers (Elwood). They have it outside so that you can take photographs with him and then post them on Instagram for publicity.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have a great rest of your day and weekend!

    X

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  8. Hellooooooooo there, Debbie!

    OMG...me too! There is nothing like that snowfall of the season, that's why I was so excited when it finally snowed on Monday!

    " However, you know I'm a summer girl, and I love sunny, warm days -- with no rain or storms."

    Yup, I knew that. And that's how most people are, they LOVE summer and sunny warm days so I understand. However, after living in Florida for 20 years, I've had enough of that. I moved back to get the change of season, but alas...there is no much change anymore. :(

    "Places in the country's mid-section (Memphis, Nashville, etc.) have never gotten this much snow, and I can't imagine they're happy with it. On the other hand, we here haven't had any snow (not that I'm complaining, but it's been so frigidly COLD that I dare not walk Monkey or me outdoors). And he's got a lot of puppy energy to burn off!"


    Yup, it's happening everywhere, isn't it? Places that didn't ever get cold or snow are now getting it. Oh, if I lived closer to you, I'd be more than happy to take Monkey for his walks. He and I would have so much fun in the cold and snow.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a superb weekend!

    X

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  9. Ron, I forgot to ask, where did you get the animated snow globe? It's adorable!

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  10. Isn't it cute? I got that on a free graphic design website called, Canva. It's such a great website where I create so many of my blog post graphics.

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  11. Simply lovely shots! Snow can create some gorgeous photos. I like the holly berries, flower head and tree roots the best. PJ's photo challenge for January is Black and White. You might consider joining in the fun with some snow pics? We're sitting at a high of 19F today with a low tonight of 6F. We missed the snow system that is making a mess of Tennessee and Kentucky so you might be in luck soon. Hope 2022 treats you well. X

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  12. I'm going to need a retraction!!! LOL I'm not glad for a mild winter. What I don't like are blizzards. Oh, and ice. Now, in a tall glass of tea, ok, yes! On steps and sidewalks it's evil. EVIL! Actually, I do like cold weather though. Now, I don't really want to be outside in it for toooo long.. but that crisp, cold air does feel very good in smaller doses. Ron will attest to my liking the cold because it gets quite chilly in our bedroom at night. I don't turn the heat down as much as I'd like... but to 62 and he's all bundled up and at some point in the early hours I'm kicking the blankets off and complaining because it's soooo hot. 62 feels hot sometimes!
    I also think snow is pretty! Just a few inches though, thank you. Too much more than that makes it a bit annoying to get around because we have to drive everywhere here. Especially after blizzards, those plowed piles of chunky, icy, dirty snow sitting all over the place are just fugly!! We're expecting snow late tonight...just hope it's enough to close schools because I've been picking up my granddaughter this and next week so having to shovel and clean the car and drive in school traffic will be bleh.


    Now for the photos... I love the holly one and snow covered long grassy looking plants under it is totally cool!

    Speaking of poo-pourri... we actually have a couple bottles of it. One of them my girlfriend made with essential oils. They do work. ;) LOL

    Wishing you more cold weather, and *small* snowfalls. Too much though and I'll be making big snowballs and throwing them over the bridge at you! ha!

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  13. Thank you, Lisa! I feel so lucky that I was able to get out there at the perfect time to take pictures. I was a like a crazy person, snapping photos. HA!

    "We're sitting at a high of 19F today with a low tonight of 6F. We missed the snow system that is making a mess of Tennessee and Kentucky so you might be in luck soon."

    OMG...I can't believe how cold it is where you are in comparison to here. It was around 40 degrees here today, but next week I saw that our temps go down into the 20's! I'm hoping for much more snow this winter because it's been pretty lame so far, especially compared to last year when we got snow from early December all the way through March.

    Hope 2022 treats you well too, my friend. And thanks so much for stopping by. Have a grrrreat weekend!

    X

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  14. Helloooooooooooo there, Mary!

    OMG, I don't think I ever knew that you loved the cold weather as much as I do. I knew you loved Autumn, but I wasn't aware that you actually like Winter. Yahoooooo! I think you and I are the only two people who feel that way.

    And you sound JUST LIKE ME when it comes to keeping your bedroom chilly because I am the same way. In fact, when I go to bed, I turn the radiator heat off, turn the ceiling fan on, and jump into bed with my fours pillows and comforter. I love to sleep cold because I sleep better. Summertime is the worst for me because I can never get my apartment cold enough to sleep well. But I agree, the ice is EVIL, particularly in the city when you have to walk everywhere. I've slipped a few times during the Winter months on patches of ice on the sidewalk.

    ".... those plowed piles of chunky, icy, dirty snow sitting all over the place are just fugly!! "


    Same here in the city. After a few days, the snow gets all dirty from the cars and buses in the streets. FUGLY!

    Thanks, I took that photo of the grassy looking, snow covered plants in one of the parks in Society Hill. I saw them and though they looked so cool, so I snapped a few pictures.

    "Speaking of poo-pourri... we actually have a couple bottles of it. One of them my girlfriend made with essential oils. They do work. ;) LOL
"


    HA! Yes...they DO work, I know that because we have them at work in both bathrooms. That stuff is AWESOME! However, at home, like your girlfriend, I use a spray that I made from essential oils too. But I use it for all over my apartment because it refreshing the air and makes my apartment smell faaaaaaabulous!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor. And yes, do throw me some big snowballs, I'll welcome them. LOL!

    Have a fantastic weekend!

    X

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  15. Well, I for one, like the mild winters of the south. After 50+ years of snow, below zero temps from Sept.-May most years in Colorado mountains, I deserve balmy winters. Not crazy about the summers of course, but I don't have to shovel sunshine!! 😄

    Your photos are fantastic. And soup sounds perfect!! Now, go out & enjoy your wintry days dear Ron!!
    http://hootin--anni.blogspot.com

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  16. Hey there, Anni!

    Yes, I think the majority of people feel as you do, not a fan of the cold and the snow. And it's ironic you mentioned Colorado, that's a place I think I would love because of the weather. In fact, I know someone who recently moved to the state of Colorado and loves it. I think having lived in Florida for 20 years, I needed a change like you did. As I got older (like around 45), I began to crave colder weather because the heat made me so uncomfortable. I'd rather be cold than hot.

    I'm a penguin. HA!

    I'm going to make another batch of soup tomorrow. I love this time of year because it's SOUP season!

    Have a fantastic weekend, Anni. And thanks so much for stopping by!

    X

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  17. Ron, that outhouse is KILLING me! Why on earth do they have it sitting there in what looks like a park? I feel like it's a scene from Little House on the Prairie. LOL! Fantastic photos! I love the berries with snow on the leaves and the roots of that tree. Beautiful captures.

    I think you're right, most people are not winter people. I know a lot of people say that Spring and Fall are their favorite seasons, but like you said, they don't exist anymore. It's pretty much Summer and Winter. I like Winter because I don't like being hot. I can always get warm but when I'm hot, there is not much I can do besides stay inside with the A/C. I sleep better in the cold too. The summer heat and humidity aggravate me. I do like the longer days of summer though.

    "There have been times when I've seen couches and dirty mattresses too..." Does the city pick up those items from the street or do they just stay there? I've seen that in LA too. My cousin lives there and he drove me down a street with stuff just dumped on the sidewalks.

    Always so entertaining, Ron! Thanks for your sense of humor and photographic eye.

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  18. Beautiful photos, Ron, as always! This is how I enjoy the cold weather--through your pictures!

    When I go outside, I want sunshine all the time!

    And leave it to you to find Ben Franklin's latrine and memorialize it! Honestly, what the heck is wrong with you?!?

    I loved those warm days of early January and I was so bummed when the weather went south.

    I will never understand your love of cold weather, but I think it's great that people can be some different. Life would be a drag if we all liked the same thing.

    We're supposed to get snow tomorrow and if it gets real bad, I will hold you personally responsible! And then I'll mail it all to you!

    Take care, buddy, and keep making the soup!

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  19. Hey there, Daniel!

    I know, can you believe that? A historical toilet right in the middle of a park? HA! And they don't just have one, but TWO. There is another one on the other side of the house, I kid you not. And yes, it does look like an outhouse from Little House on the Prairie!!!!

    Yes, you are spot one...most people do say that Spring and Fall are their faves. But I also know who LOVE Summer as well.

    " I like Winter because I don't like being hot. I can always get warm but when I'm hot, there is not much I can do besides stay inside with the A/C. I sleep better in the cold too. The summer heat and humidity aggravate me."

    DITTO on everything you said! Make me cold, but please don't make me hot. It drives me insane to be hot. I find it painful like most people find the cold. I don't know how in God's name I lived in Florida for 20 years?!?

    The city eventually picks up the stuff on the sidewalks, but it takes FOREVER. Sometimes it will sit there for WEEKS before it's picked up. And during the lockdown of COVID, it was almost a MONTH before it was picked up. The trash too! I've even seen homeless people use the mattresses to sleep on.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Daniel. Have a terrific weekend!

    X

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  20. Helloooooooooo there, Rob!

    "And leave it to you to find Ben Franklin's latrine and memorialize it! Honestly, what the heck is wrong with you?!?"

    HA! I know, can you freaking believe that? The outhouse sits outside of what's called, Carpenter Hall, which was where Ben Franklin used to apparently hang out with the boys in 1724.

    And yes, I know how much you love the warmth and sunshine of Summer. As much as I love the cold and snow of Winter. It's so hard for me to fathom that I used to LOVE the heat of Florida. I used to hang out on the beach for hours and bake in the sun. True, it would be a drag if we all liked the same thing, you're right.

    Oooooo....yes, please DO mail me all the snow if you get it. I can't understand why everyone is getting all this snow and we've hardly had any?!? I think I'm being punished. LOL!

    Oh and btw, if you look to the right of the photo with the outhouse, you will see in the background across the street, a brick building on the corner. THAT was the restaurant I think you said you ate at when you came to Philly years ago. It was called, The Little Lion, if I'm not mistaken. Well, there was a fire in the basement about two years ago, which caused the restaurant to close. The building is still there, but there is nothing inside. It's sad because that restaurant was always busy.

    Have an awesome weekend, buddy. And thanks for stopping by!

    X

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  21. Ron, you were the FIRST person I thought of when it snowed on Monday. I said to my husband, I bet Ron is loving this!. And then when it snowed again today, I thought, oh my god he's probably jumping for joy. You're right, Mondays' snow was very short lived. But then yesterday it dropped down to freezing temps and I had a feeling we'd get more snow, which we did.

    Your photographs, as always, are just beautiful! You always make Philly looks so appealing, even the photos with the chair dumped on the sidewalk. LOL! I see that a lot in South Philly too. And over the past year, even more. I just about died reading about the outhouse and the Poo-Pourri Toilet Spray in lavender. Hysterical! Where did take the photo of the guy sitting down with the snow on him? From the photo, I can tell it must be a pizza place, but where it located?

    This winter has been kind of wimpy, but I have a feeling we're going to get it from mid to late winter. And like you, I'm happy about that. Hubby and I love the cold.

    Have a great weekend, Ron. I'll be making soup this weekend too! ox

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  22. Oh, Elaine, I thought of you too when it snowed on Monday because you and I are on the same page with it comes to preferring the cold over the heat. And yes, I was ecstatic when I woke up this morning, opening my blind, and saw that it had snowed during the night. Of course, I was outside most of the afternoon running errands and enjoying it. I'm going to savor every minute of it this Winter. And I think you're right, Winter came late, but I think it might last through March. Even April.

    That restaurant with the guy sitting out front was taken on Chestnut Street and 7th. It's down by the historical area of Philly in Society Hill. I've never eaten there, but walk past it a lot and it's always busy, so the pizza must be good.

    And speaking of soup, I made MORE soup tonight for dinner. I made so much that I'll have it for tomorrow night as well. OMG...I LOVE soup! Especially this time of year. And I'm always trying new recipes.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Enjoy your weekend and this fabulous Winter weather!

    X

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  23. Yes to cold weather and snow, Ron, from a fellow aficionado of cold and snow not sun and sand. We finally had the first measurable snowfall of winter here in Nashua, NH, on Friday, a mere 5-1/2 inches. It's hard to believe that spots in TN and KY had more snowfall than here in New England.

    What's really great about when the weather gets cold and snowy is hardly anyone else is on the streets, so I practically have the whole city to myself...

    That was perfect and SO glad you were able to get these images with no one in the way. What's with people discarding things on the sidewalks. It happens even here in a smaller city.

    I recognized one of the Blue Brothers in that statue. The image of Franklin masked up might be clever enough, but sad overall.

    Hope you and i get much more of winter and soon!

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  24. Hey there, D!

    Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay....another person who is an aficionado of cold and snow!!!! I know we're in the minority, but who cares, right? I would much rather be cold than hot. Plus, I enjoy everything about Winter - the comfort foods, the clothing, and I sleep better when it's cold.

    "We finally had the first measurable snowfall of winter here in Nashua, NH, on Friday, a mere 5-1/2 inches. It's hard to believe that spots in TN and KY had more snowfall than here in New England."

    I know, hasn't the weather all over been so strange? Where it normally gets cold, it hasn't been. And where it hardly ever gets cold, it HAS been.

    Yes, one of things I love about when it's cold and snowy, the streets are vacant because most everyone is hibernating inside. I went for a long walk yesterday in the cold and it was wonderful.

    I know, what's with people that feel the freedom to just discard things on the sidewalk?!? It happens a lot here.

    "The image of Franklin masked up might be clever enough, but sad overall."


    I know, when will this mask madness ever end?

    Thanks so much for stopping by, D. Enjoy the WINTER!!!!! And have a great rest of your weekend!

    X

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  25. I'm so glad you got a little snow to enjoy Ron and your photos are gorgeous
    ! You are so right about the weather these days, the changes are really scary. Calling for that professional pedicure now lol. So good to see you my friend. Have a beautiful Sunday and a great week!

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  26. Helloooooooo there, Martha! So great to see you, my friend!

    Thank you. I was so happy that I got outside quick enough to get these photos because it came and went so fast. Yes, hasn't the weather change (all over the world) been scary?

    "Calling for that professional pedicure now lol."


    HA! I just couldn't resist that because I think everyone should have a pedicure before sandal season - ARMADILLLOS! LOL!

    Have an awesome rest of your weekend and thanks so much for stopping by! Oh...and Happy New Year to you and your family!

    Cheers and X

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  27. Ron, we got snow too and were so happy. I was wondering if Philadelphia got any because I know how much you LOVE, LOVE, LOVE snow!!!! You're photos, as usual, are spectacular. I love that last shot of the Blues Brother's guy in the chair covered in snow. That is so cool!

    It's been so cold here this past week, has it been the same in Philly? Being a Winter lover, I know you are SO HAPPY!

    Hope you get to make lots of snow angels this year, dude!

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  28. Hiya Matt!

    Yup...we FINALLY got some snow and you're right....I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it! Happy to hear that you got some too.

    Yes...it's been extremely cold here. And its been that way for almost two weeks. Everyone is complaining except for me. HA! I keep telling them that I had to deal with the horrible heat and humidity last summer, so now it's their turn to deal with the snow and the cold.

    Me too, I hope to make MANY snow angels before Winter is over!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Matt. Have an awesome week!

    X

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