Monday, November 20, 2023
A Sunday Afternoon With Kelly And Me - (Pizza Margherita, Farmers Market, Bodhi Coffee, And A Cemetery)
I don't know why, but the first thing that popped into my head when giving this post a title was the painting - A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte by artist Georges Seurat. Which was the primary focus in a Broadway musical masterpiece entitled, Sunday in the Park with George.
I almost fainted when I spotted the table with freshly baked BREAD. If I could live on carbs for the rest of my life, I would...
Kelly gets around the city on her very own electric scooter. She even let me try it, as I almost crashed into the brick pillar...
This place had such a great ambiance. I loved the stools, which were handmade. And the Americano's were excellent. I really liked how they served them in mason jars. So unique...
These yellow things were all over the cemetery. We finally figured out they were seeds (HUGE seeds) that had fallen from the trees. At one point, we could hear them falling. It was at that moment I wished I had worn a hard hat...
I know, it makes no sense because as you will see, Kelly and I did not spend a Sunday afternoon in a park. Hardly. But we did spend last Sunday afternoon doing all kinds of fun stuff.
The weather could not have been more perfect - sunny and crispy cold. We finally got my kind of weather. And it's about time. I was getting sick and tired of sweating in November.
Please enjoy our Sunday afternoon...
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Sorry I didn't take a picture of the pizza and salad when the waiter initially brought them to our table. But we were both so hungry, we just dove into them - chewing and talking the whole time. What was extra special about the romaine salad was that they added a sprinkle of chopped mint leaves, which gave the salad a minty burst of flavor. I will be trying that when I make a romaine salad in the future. Here is what remained of our delicious lunch...
First stop: Pizzeria Stella
As you all know from my pizza post, I worship it. Especially Pizza Margherita. So, that's what we ordered at Pizzeria Stella. We also split the most delicious romaine salad...
This is me having a foodgasm while eating the pizza. My tastebuds literally reached a climax! The only thing missing was Donna Summer singing Love To Love You Baby...
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As you can tell from the crowd, everyone was enamored by the little boy in the stroller. Isn't he adorable? What a cute little face! I LOVE💚babies...
Next: Caffe' Americano's at Bodhi Coffee (Notice the dog. It looks like he's reading the menu, deciding what he wants)
Local artwork on the walls..
And lastly, a visit to our favorite cemetery. Yes, we both love hanging out in cemeteries, reading the tombstones, and saying hello to all the dead people...
Thanks so much for coming along with Kelly and me. Hope you enjoyed it!
Have a fantastic rest of your week.
🍂🍁 And Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! 🍁🍂
Okay, I am so jealous that Kelly rides around the city with an electric scooter! I want one of those so bad! I bet they're ideal for city life. I don't live in a city, but I would still like one for going to certain places. A friend of mine has one and I tried it. Boy, those things really move. They take some time to get used to driving them. So much fun!
ReplyDeleteAnd your day seemed like so much fun too! I have never been to Philadelphia, but it looks so charming. It has that kind of "old city" look I like. From some of the photographs, it looks like a small European city you would see in the UK.
Yes, I remember your post about Pizza Margherita. Glad you finally got one. Me too, if I could live only eating carbs, I would. And you know, health gurus are now saying that carbs are not a bad as they make them out to be. I think anything in moderation is fine. I am certain not giving up carbs.
Fun, informative and entertaining post, Ron! Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving Day!
Oh Ron, I want to come to Philly and hang out for an afternoon with you and Kelly. Can I? Pretty please? I love pizza, coffee, a farmers market and cemeteries. And I mean that. I really do like to walk through cemeteries!
ReplyDeleteThe pizza looked so good, particularly the way you ate it. Mint in a romaine salad? Got to try that. I bet it would especially be a nice touch in the hotter summer months.
It finally got cold here too. It's been a strange November, hasn't it? I wonder if we're going to get snow this winter. We got nothing last year.
" At one point, we could hear them falling. It was at that moment I wished I had worn a hard hat." - Lol! Those yellow things DO look huge.
Yes, I enjoyed coming along with Kelly and you very much! Thank you, Ron. I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving on Thursday. I will be spending the day with a few family members. Small group. That's how I like it.
Hey there, Candice!
ReplyDeleteI know, isn't that electric scooter faaaaaaaaabulous? No kidding, when Kelly first got it she let me take it for a spin. And like you said, it really takes some time to get used to it because it goes FAST. But yes, do much FUN! I used to work with a guy several years ago who had one as well. He drove that thing everywhere!
"It has that kind of "old city" look I like. From some of the photographs, it looks like a small European city you would see in the UK."
Yes, you're right. And particularly that part of the city. It's the Society Hill area of Philly. And it's the oldest section of the city. The architecture here is one of things I really like about Philadelphia. It's an old city and has a lot of history.
"And you know, health gurus are now saying that carbs are not a bad as they make them out to be. I think anything in moderation is fine. I am certain not giving up carbs."
I too have heard that. Years ago, carbs were consider SATAN. Now they say that they are not as bad as people make them out to be. Like you said, MODERATION. However, it's hard for me not to go overboard eating carbs.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Candice. Happy Thanksgiving to you too!
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Helloooooooo there, Abby!
ReplyDeleteYes, you most certainly CAN come to Philly and hang out! Let me know if and when. Ooooo... I can take you to all my favorite cemeteries. We have a lot here in Philadelphia.
Doesn't that mint sound intriguing? I had never heard of putting chopped mint leaves in my romaine salad, but it was DEEEELICIOUS!
"It finally got cold here too. It's been a strange November, hasn't it? I wonder if we're going to get snow this winter. We got nothing last year."
I've been wondering the same thing. We literally got FIVE snowflakes last winter. That's all. I want A LOT of snow this winter. And I want it cold. If it doesn't happen, I'm moving to Alaska, Iceland, or Antarctica. HA!
Aren't those yellow things HUGE? And you should have heard what they sounded like when they hit the ground. BOOM!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Abby! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day with your family! Me too. I prefer small groups.
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What a great day you and Kelly had! fantastic photos, Ron! I am loving that dog in front of the coffee place. So cute He does look like he's reading the menu. LOL! Is Philadelphia dog-friendly? I think most cities are. That coffee bar looks like my kind of place. Love the name - Bodhi Coffee. Sounds like Buddha! I've never seen a place serve coffee in mason jars. That is so damn cool!
ReplyDeleteThe fresh produce at the Farmers Market looks so fresh. Did you buy anything? I would have bought all those grapes. And is that kale in those crates?
"The only thing missing was Donna Summers singing Love To Love You Baby..." ---- Cracked me up! And I'm old enough to remember that song. They used to play it at the disco clubs!
I'm so glad you finally got your weather, Ron. It's gotten colder here too. I really like when it gets cold during Thanksgiving and Christmas. It feels more like holidays!
Have a great Thanksgiving Day, Ron!
Hiya, Daniel!
ReplyDelete"I am loving that dog in front of the coffee place. So cute He does look like he's reading the menu. LOL! Is Philadelphia dog-friendly? I think most cities are."
Isn't that dog the cutest? And I didn't notice that it looked as though he was reading the menu until I got home and uploaded the photos from my phone to my computer. And yes, Philly is very dog-friendly. In fact, where I work, we encourage people to bring in their dogs. We used to offer them doggie biscuits at one time. I LOVE when people bring in their dogs. Some customer get very annoyed by it, but I don't care.
No, I didn't buy anything at the Farmers Market, but almost bought the BREAD! And yes, you got that right...it's kale in those grates. Don't you love grapes. And the ones at the Farmers Market were BIG.
""The only thing missing was Donna Summer singing Love To Love You Baby..." ---- Cracked me up! And I'm old enough to remember that song. They used to play it at the disco clubs!"
I know, me too. This one club I used to go to (The Copa) used to close the club at 2 AM by playing 'Last Dance' by Summers as their final song for the night. What great memories!
I agree, it feels more like the holidays when it's cold!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Daniel! Happy Thanksgiving Day to you!
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Ron, I forgot to mention in my last comment. I noticed on your blog sidebar that you are currently watching the Showtime series, "Fellow Travelers" ME TOO! Isn't it incredible? Both actors are so good in their roles. Each week, I eagerly await the next episode. Four more left!
ReplyDeleteRon, how ironic. While in college I took and art history class, so I am familiar with Post-Impressionist George Seurat and that painting! But I knew nothing about the Broadway show. How interesting! Did you ever see it on Broadway?
ReplyDeleteWhat a funfilled day you and Kelly had. The weather looked perfect. I like when it's cold, but the sun is out and bright. Nothing better than feeling that warmth, while at the same time, enjoying the cold.
I read some of the pizza menu at Stella. Would love to try The Pistachio and Spinach pizza's!
Those electric scooters are becoming more and more popular. The price of gas is insane. Two of my friends have one.
Happy Thanksgiving, dude!
That looks like a gorgeous day, Ron. I don’t mind a nip in the air if I can still feel some sun on my face. Kelly is so cute and looks like a lot of fun. Did you meet at one of the places you’ve worked?
ReplyDeleteMint on salad is a new idea to me, but sounds good! The coffee shop looks like such a relaxing place to hang out and chat. And I love visiting old cemeteries, too. I really want to make it a priority to go see my grandparents’ and great grandparents’ graves next year. I just need to find someone to go with me because they are not located in safe areas of the city.
Those giant seeds are what my husband has always called Monkeyballs. They were always around where he lived as a kid. I swear I only started seeing them about 20 years ago. It would be awful to get clonked on the head by one!
I hope you enjoy your holiday, Ron. I’m going through some crap right now with my mother, so send me some of your good energy! Loveya!
You're watching it too???? Isn't it FABULOUS? I saw a trailer for it several weeks ago and it looked very good. So, I found it online and started watching it. I was instantly hooked. In fact, I told one of the guys I work with about and now HE'S watching it. I know, only four more episodes left. After it's done, I may go back and watch certain episodes. LOVE both the actors, but Jonathan Bailey's character is my favorite.
ReplyDelete"While in college I took and art history class, so I am familiar with Post-Impressionist George Seurat and that painting! But I knew nothing about the Broadway show. How interesting! Did you ever see it on Broadway?"
ReplyDeleteOMG Matt, that is soooooooooooooo ironic because a lot of people are not familiar with the painting or the artist. And no, I did not actually see the Broadway production, but I did watch a filmed copy of the show and fell it love. But before that, I didn't know anything about George Seurat. The musical stars Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters.
You are so right...
" I like when it's cold, but the sun is out and bright. Nothing better than feeling that warmth, while at the same time, enjoying the cold."
....my feelings as well!
Those two pizza's caught my eye as well. Kelly and I will most likely go back, so I will try them then.
It's true, I see more and more people using electric scooters. Especially here in the city.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Matt! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your girlfriend!
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" I’m going through some crap right now with my mother, so send me some of your good energy! Loveya!"
ReplyDeleteWOW! That's ironic because you have been in my thoughts while meditation each day, so I've been sending you TONS of positive, healing energy. I know it's been challenging for you and your mother, so just know that I will continue to share good vibes...
((((((((((((((((((( YOU ))))))))))))))))))))
Yes, Kelly and I met at work back in 2015. She left the job to do some other things, but she and I kept in contact. She's the ONLY person I keep in contact from that job. Funny, when we met, we felt like we knew each before. Our souls felt very connected. She's such a loyal and good friend. I feel blessed to know her.
I know, mint of salad was new to me as well. But I have to say, it really added a brightness to the taste. The salad also have shavings of Romano cheese, which was heavenly.
"my husband has always called Monkeyballs. "
LOL! OMG, that is hilarious! I had never seen them before, so it was startling to see them all over the cemetery grounds. And like I said, we could hear them dropping off the trees with a THUMP!
Thanks so much for stopping by, dear friend. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Love ya' too!
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What a lovely outing, Ron! Pizza is one of my favs, too, and your expressions are priceless. I love the dog reading the menu, as well as the farmer's market, with all its delicacies. And I think I've said before how peaceful I feel walking in a cemetery. Why, you can totally feel your heart rate slowing down, can't you?
ReplyDeleteThose huge yellow balls are the same things Monkey found on his Walktober walk. I Googled them and learned they're from an Osage orange tree (a member of the mulberry family, but no relation to a real orange). The fruit typically isn't eaten by humans or foraging critters because of its latex secretions and woody pulp. I imagine it would hurt if one dropped onto your head!
Thanks for letting us enjoy your day with Kelly, too. Happy Thanksgiving, my friend! xx
Goooood morning, Debbie!
ReplyDeleteThe day was both fun and relaxing for the two of us. Neither one of us had ever been to the coffee place, so it was nice to experience something different. Yes, don't you LOVE the dog that looks as though he's reading the menu? I didn't even notice that until I uploaded the photos from my phone to my computer. He was so friendly too, he let me pet him.
"And I think I've said before how peaceful I feel walking in a cemetery. Why, you can totally feel your heart rate slowing down, can't you?"
You are so right about that, Debbie! Yes, you can feel your heart rate slowing down! Great observation!
"I Googled them and learned they're from an Osage orange tree (a member of the mulberry family, but no relation to a real orange). The fruit typically isn't eaten by humans or foraging critters because of its latex secretions and woody pulp. I imagine it would hurt if one dropped onto your head!"
Thank you for sharing that because we didn't really know what they were or where they came from. We just assumed they were some sort of seed from the trees. They were EVERYWHERE!
Happy Thanksgiving to you too, my friend! X to you and Monkey!
I want to move to Philadelphia. Maybe I should visit first? You two make it seem to be a lot of fun. I'd LOVE to live in a city where I could just zoom around on a scooter. Your city is so charming. ❤️
ReplyDeleteI love Margherita pizza! I would have eaten first and then taken the photo. I GET IT.
And there was good energy in that coffee shop. I love the light in there as well.
SEEDS?? What kind of trees were they? Those are so cool!
It looks like your weather has been mild, as has ours. It's been nice to get out and enjoy it, and I'm glad you did as well!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful city with me, my friend! Have a wonderful holiday season. On Thursday, I'll be thinking of you. Please give the squirrels some peanuts for me. 😘❤️
Kari, ANYTIME you want to come visit Philly, let me know (email me) and I will be MORE than happy to meet up with you and Mike, and give you a tour. One of these days I would love to visit Chicago because I always hear what a FABULOUS city it is. I love the LOOK of Chicago, with the waterways running through it and the bridges. So cool!
ReplyDeleteIsn't Margherita Pizza the best of all bests? To me, it's so simple yet, so full of delicious taste. Kelly and I scarfed down that pizza so fast. LOL!
"SEEDS?? What kind of trees were they? Those are so cool!"
Debbie (in the comment above yours) said that they are seeds that come from a tree that is related to the mulberry family (Osage orange tree). And what's strange is that in all the years I've lived here, I never noticed them before.
Yes, we had days here in Philly that were OVER 80 degrees. One day it rose to 84. In NOVEMBER! So, I am ready for some nice cold fall/winter weather. I love this time of year.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. You have a wonderful holiday season as well! And yup, I got my bag of Trader Joe's peanuts all ready for the squirrels!
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Ron, you did it again! Every time you post about different places in Philly, you introduce me to places I've never been. That area looks wonderful! Where exactly were you? I want to go there and have lunch and coffee with my husband.
ReplyDeleteI love those photos of you having a foodgasm eating that pizza. You are too funny! Just from the look on your face, I could tell your tastebuds reached a climax. LOL!!!
We love to go to Farmers Markets, so we will have to try that one. Thanks for leaving the links, I like when you do that because it lets us know about the place. I found some of the neatest places from you.
You are hilarious on that scooter! Happy to see that Kelly wears a helmet when she's driving around because you can't trust the drivers in this city. They just as soon knock you down and drive off.
The final pic of the cemetery is so beautiful. You caught the sunlight perfectly.
Thanks for an entertaining AND informative post, sir! What are you doing on Thanksgiving? Our daughter, her husband, and baby are in this week, so we will be having dinner at home.
Happy Thanksgiving! xoxo
Hellooooooooo there, Elaine!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear that you've enjoyed the places I've highlighted. We were in Society Hill. All those locations were all pretty much in the same location. The only place we had to walk to was the cemetery. But that was only a few blocks away. I love that area because it's the oldest part of the city. I love the architecture down there. So many of the homes and businesses have storm cellar doors on the street level. So cool!
That Farmers Market was so nice because it wasn't huge, but it had a lot. It's only open on Sundays though. I normally work on the weekend, but last Sunday I had off.
"Happy to see that Kelly wears a helmet when she's driving around because you can't trust the drivers in this city. They just as soon knock you down and drive off."
Oh yes, she definitely rides wearing a helmet. And I agree, the people in cars in the city are WACKO! Even the bike riders on the sidewalks are wacko. I've seen them hit pedestrians walking down the street.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Elaine! Have a faaaaaaaaabulous time with your family! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones!
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I'm with you, Ron. Tim (Jonathan Bailey) is my fave. Hawk ( Matt Bomer) is such an asshole at times. I like how in the series it goes from the past to the present, and through several decades. Excellent storyline!
ReplyDeleteYes, he is an asshole at times. I too like how they change from the present time to the past AND moves from the 50s to the 80s. I love how the styles of clothing and hairstyles change with each decade. It's SO WELL done!
ReplyDeleteRon, you had me smiling throughout this whole post! I hope you don't mind, but I copied and downloaded that collage photo of you having a foodorgasm, and will be sending it to a friend of mine who also love pizza, specifically Margherita! Your facial expressions are priceless! Also, you have beautiful eyes!
ReplyDelete" we both love hanging out in cemeteries, reading the tombstones, and saying hello to all the dead people..." ---- ROFLMAO!
I love the look of that Bodhi coffee bar! So cool that they serve their coffee in mason jars. Never heard of that. And the doggie out front? How cute is he!!!
LOVE Kelly's scooter! I have noticed more and more people, even here in Florida, using scooters. As one of your readers mentioned, the price of gas is insane. I don't know if I ever asked your before, but do you own car?
Thank you for sharing your day with Kelly, Ron! And I'm so glad that's is finally feeling like autumn there. I miss the seasons so much.
Happy Thanksgiving! And thanks for being YOU! xo
Hola Denise!
ReplyDeleteNo, I don't mind at all. If she's a fan of Margherita pizza like me, happy to share! And thank you for the compliment. :)
Me neither. When the barista/owner handed me our Americano's in the mason jars, I was like, "OMG, this is a first!" He said that he uses mason jars because they are cheaper than spending money on cups and saucers. He buys them in bulk.
"LOVE Kelly's scooter! I have noticed more and more people, even here in Florida, using scooters. As one of your readers mentioned, the price of gas is insane. I don't know if I ever asked your before, but do you own car?"
Kelly got the scooter over the summer. Her fiancé gave it to her for her birthday. So many people are now using electric scooters in Philly. Great way to get around, and they are easy to fold and store. And no, I do not own a car. The happiest day in my life was when I sold my car in Florida before moving back to a city. I am soooooooooooo not a car-person. Too expensive to upkeep.
We FINALLY got some nice, cold fall weather. Yahooooooooooooo!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Denise! Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!
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Hi Ron! Long time no see. I've been MIA for the past two years. So many changes in my life (all the for the good), so I took a break from blogging. But even though I haven't been blogging myself, I've kept up with your blog, reading your posts. I wanted to stop by today because Thanksgiving is right tomorrow and wanted to wish you a happy one and to tell you THANK YOU for still being here. I look forward to your energy.
ReplyDeleteLooks and sounds like you and your friend Kelly had a great outing on Sunday. LOVE the photo of you on the scooter, as well as the ones of you climaxing over the pizza. LOL!
I'm happy fall is here too. It was a very long, hot and humid summer that lasted way too long. Like you, I'm more of a cool/cold weather person. Hate to be hot.
Have a great day tomorrow, Ron! And keep on blogging!
*doing the happy dance*
ReplyDeleteOMG Robert, what a GREAT treat to see your comment today! I wondered what happened to you over the years. So many I used to blog with have been MIA. But every so often they will drop by to let me know they are still around. THANK YOU so much for doing that.
Hope all is well with you. And no worries, I totally understand when life changes and you have to prioritize where you put your energy. But I am beyond happy to see you again!
When and if you start blogging again, let me know.
"I'm happy fall is here too. It was a very long, hot and humid summer that lasted way too long. Like you, I'm more of a cool/cold weather person. Hate to be hot."
Ditto! You took the words right out of my mouth. And I hope this winter we get some snow because last year was such a letdown.
Happy Thanksgiving to you too! And again, mucho thank you for stopping by!
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Ron, I had to stop back to let you know that on Wednesday night, my boyfriend and I went to our favorite Italian restaurant and guess what we ordered? A Margherita pizza! I swear! And the whole time I was eating it, I thought of YOU!
ReplyDeleteHope you a great Thanksgiving day!
OMG Abby, that is FABULOUS! And I'm sure the pizza was too! Thanks so much for taking the time to stop back and let me know! X
ReplyDeleteYup, had a great Thanksgiving day. Hope you did too!
Hi Ron, these are great photos! Full of Autumn, my favorite time after the hot and humid summer months. Lovely photos of you and Kelly, and it looks like you both had a great time. The pizza looked superb, with the mint. I will have to try that too, and I loved your expressive face. I like to walk around cemeteries. There is such history and it makes me wonder what it must have been like for these people at different eras, some of the old ones particularly. This place looks very picturesque. Thank you for such a wonderful post, I thoroughly enjoy your writing style and all these beautiful photos. Happy Thanksgiving week!
ReplyDeleteGreetings, Denise, and welcome!
ReplyDelete"Full of Autumn, my favorite time after the hot and humid summer months. "
OMG, meeeee too! I am not a big fan of summer (because of the heat and humidity), so when it finally cools down and I can wear a jacket, I'm so happy!
Yes, that pizza was superb! I hadn't had pizza in a while, so it was such treat. Kelly and I both enjoyed it.
" I like to walk around cemeteries. There is such history and it makes me wonder what it must have been like for these people at different eras, some of the old ones particularly. "
You know, I think that same thing. Particularly old cemeteries, like the ones here in Philadelphia. Some of the dates on the tombstones go back to the 1800's!
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your comment. So nice meeting you. If you have a blog, please leave you website address so I can visit.
Have a great Sunday!
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