Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts

Thursday, February 06, 2025

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures

Hi folks! Today's post is all about pictures, can you tell?

I had so many images stored on my computer and cell phone, it was time to clear up some space by sharing them on my blog.

So, I apologize in advance for OD'ing you with pictures.

Feel free to scroll through them fast.

These are all city photographs from June 2024 through January 2025. Some I captured with my Canon camera, others with my cell phone.

Okay, and here we go...

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Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul

Isn't the exterior stunning? The day I went there it was closed. It's normally open seven days a week. However, with Philadelphia's hefty homeless situation, the cathedral is only open on Sundays (for mass) because people just walk in off the streets and make it their home. I will say, though, the cathedral helps the homeless each month by offering meals that are set up on the side of the cathedral...

The next two photos are of the little chapel next to the cathedral - The Chapel of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament...

As I was leaving the cathedral, look what I discovered when I looked inside the manger. I immediately noticed that baby Jesus was not lying in the straw crib. I was shocked. I assumed someone walked by one day and had STOLEN him. Can you believe that?

Notice the face on one of The Wise Men in the back row (red arrow). He looks HORRIFIED that baby Jesus is gone.

Oh well, whoever stole him, I hope they remember something.

Karma's a bitch.

Especially when you mess with baby Jesus. A-men!

I love this red door...

If you follow me on Instagram, I'm sure you've already seen these next three photos of the steel and glass Comcast Center...

Don't the people walking on the metal beams look real?

And look at what some nice person did to this jewelry advertisement poster. Don't you love the carton of French fries on her forehead? And I think she looks gorgeous in that moustache, don't you?

And of course, what would Philadelphia be without its monthly riots?

Below, you will see a riot that occurred last June during Gay Pride Month. It started at about 8 PM and continued until 1:30 AM. There was complete pandemonium in the streets. Sirens, police officers, police cars, screaming, yelling, garbage can fires, helicopters flying above, and people jumping on cars that were stopped at the traffic lights. There was even a point when several rioters boldly ran over to the police officers who were just standing there and tried to attack them.

In Philly, what's wrong is right, and what's right is wrong. The city makes laws but then never enforces them. You can pretty much do anything you want in Philly. It's a free-for-all city.

I've renamed Philadelphia's tagline from — "The City of Brotherly Love" to...

Philadelphia — "It's a riot!"

The colors in this mural are so bright, vivid, and bold...

I did not see the bird flying around the tower atop City Hall until I downloaded the picture from my cell phone...

Okay, you will not believe this story. Do you see that ADORABLE dog with that ADORABLE face? Well, do you know what that ADORABLE dog did on the floor in a coffee shop?

He made a PEE PUDDLE.

ADORABLE...

Here are two then and now comparison photographs.

The Girard Trust Bank (left) is now The Ritz-Carlton (right)...

City Hall via North Broad Street

I tried to shoot my photograph from the same angle. Close, but not perfect...

This final photograph is of me and my dear friend Kelly. She and I went out one day and practiced with our cameras. Kelly has such a great eye for photography...

Thank you for taking the time to view my photographs.

Have a fabulous weekend, everyone!💕

Monday, August 19, 2024

No Offense August, But October Is More My Type

As most of you know, I am not fond of summer.

However, even people who love summer have mentioned that they find the heat and humidity hard to handle this year. They too are looking forward to autumn.

Besides the oppressive heat, this summer has been rough for me. There is something "off" about it. The overall energy seems chaotic and tense. Instead of people being happy about summer, they seem much more impatient and argumentative. I've witnessed more screaming matches on the streets, and more horn honking and bird-flipping than I ever have. Even though I don't like summer, I can usually move through it without bitching and complaining. However, this year it's been extremely challenging. Maybe it's because I live in a heavily populated city, but I find myself dreading the thought of mingling with bumper-to-bumper people. When I'm not working or running errands, I am hibernating indoors. I find it too hot to do anything else.

This is why I look forward to spending more time outside, once autumn rolls in and brings cooler air. I long for the day when I can finally wear a turtleneck and a jacket.

For me, my senses (sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch) are immeasurably affected by the fall season. Ironically, although autumn is a time when things are dying, I personally feel more alive.

Therefore today, I would like to share a sneak peek into my favorite season; anticipating the sensory delights that come with autumn.

Hope you enjoy!

🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁

These first two photographs are of Yardley, PA., which I plan to visit come autumn...

I found this list online and 💛'd it...

Autumn is cozy soup season...

And pumpkin bread with coffee season...

The aroma of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg...

I could live in this house...

Autumn in Japan...

Fall Foliage in Upper Black Eddy, PA...

Yup, I can't WAIT for autumn...

Happy Pre-Autumn, everyone!

🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁

Monday, July 01, 2024

My Love Affair With Scotland

For the past eight months or so, I've been having a love affair with Scotland. And yet, I've never been there or given the country much thought. However, for some strange reason, many of the movies I've been watching (old and new) have been set in Scotland, revealing how ruggedly gorgeous it is.

In fact, there were moments when watching a film with the backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, I got emotional and teary-eyed. There is something extraordinary not only about the physicality of Scotland, but also an energy that goes straight to my heart.

Scotland is how I envision heaven to be.

Here, take a look at its spectacular landscapes...

I love sheep. They look like large cotton balls with four legs and have the sweetest little faces...

Scottish Highlands in the fall...

Kilchurn Castle...

The Catholic Church of St Mary and St Finnan in the Scottish Highlands. So exquisitely GOTH...

Eilean Donan Castle...

These next two photographs are of Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland...

Isn't the historical architecture breathtaking?

The town of Portree...

Glorious sunset over the Scottish Highlands (River Sligachan)...

Heavenly, isn't it?

In case you're interested, here is a link to a delightful video I discovered on YouTube that highlights the reunion of Ewan McGregor and his brother, Colin, in A Brothers' Guide to Scotland. It will give you a clear picture of the gorgeous Scottish Highlands.

Ewan and his brother Colin look so much alike. I adore their Scottish accents.

Ewan expressed something at the end of the video that sums up Scotland perfectly. He said:

"I think whoever made the world started with Scotland and got it right!"

And I agree!

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Have a terrific week, everyone! 💕

Are there any places in the world you feel particularly drawn to?

*all photos found online

Thursday, May 23, 2024

Tipping in America Has Gotten So Out of Control

Do you remember the good old days when the tipping protocol was only for waiters, waitresses, and bartenders? And that was because they got paid (and still do) a measly hourly wage, requiring them to rely on tips to make a living.

Today, however, have you noticed that wherever you go and whatever you purchase, a "tip option" is forced in your face, shaming you into adding a percentage to even a place like Starbucks, where they receive an average wage of nearly $17.50 per hour and feel as though they deserve something extra for simply pouring a cup of coffee and handing it to you? -

NOPE, sorry, I don't buy it.

Therefore, whenever the tip option comes up on the POS screen, I tap the No Tip button. I've even had several coffee shop employees come right out and ask me, "Would you like to leave me a tip?" And I don't have a problem saying, "No, but thank you anyway."

Have you also noticed how the percentage of tipping has escalated over the years? -

If this keeps up, we will all have to take out a personal bank loan just for tipping!

And do you know what's crazy? In a country like Japan, where the cost of living is WAY higher than it is in this country, the Japanese have a no-tipping policy. They don't feel the need to accept tips to feel appreciated. To them, giving outstanding customer service is all part of the job. They believe that they are there to serve you in the best possible way. Yet, in this country, many people feel entitled to a tip for merely dragging themselves out of bed in the morning and showing up for work.

One time in Japan, I tried to give the gentleman who cut my hair a $10.00 tip (in Yen) because his customer service was beyond outstanding, but he politely declined it.

Being that I work with the public, which also includes people from other countries, I experience a lot of clients asking me, "Wow...why is it that wherever I go in America, I feel pressured to tip everyone?" And I usually tell them, "Don't feel pressured to tip anyone in this country unless they are a waiter, waitress, or bartender because they rely on gratuity. Other than that, there is no need to tip."

What I'm curious about is how all these other occupations in America became included in our tipping policy. Hell, why don't we just start tipping surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists, lawyers, and engineers for doing their jobs?

Here is a United States tipping guide I found online (personally, I tip only two on the list) I refuse to tip the others just because it's expected of me. -

What's next? Tipping for self-checkout? -

Wishing you a tip-free weekend, everyone! 💕

Tuesday, May 07, 2024

A Look At Swarthmore College, PA

Back in March, you may remember that I published a few photographs of Swarthmore in my Hello Spring post, but didn't have time to visit and photograph the college campus. So about two weeks ago, I took the train back to Swarthmore and did just that.

Like so many of the college campuses in Pennsylvania, Swarthmore took my breath away. It was absolutely gorgeous. I felt as though I was visiting a medieval castle in Ireland, Scotland, or England.

Not only did I gasp at how beautiful the college was, but the surrounding grounds made the campus all the more alluring. The grass, trees, and flowers, were so impeccably manicured. It looked as though the college specialized in horticulture.

Before I share my photographs, here is a brief overview of Swarthmore College:

Since its founding in 1864 by the Quakers, Swarthmore College has given students the knowledge, insight, skills, and experience to become leaders for the common good.

With a curriculum unmatched among liberal arts colleges of its size, Swarthmore offers more than 600 courses and undergraduate research opportunities—from the humanities and performing arts to the social and natural sciences and engineering.

Swarthmore’s idyllic, 425-acre arboretum campus features rolling lawns, a creek, wooded hills, and hiking trails. It is located just 11 miles from Philadelphia.

Please enjoy (warning: heavy picture post. I got carried away Lol!)...

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The first thing I saw as I approached the campus was Clothier Bell Tower...

Clothier Bell Tower rings every quarter-hour during the day and every hour (softly) at night. How does one ring a bell softly, you ask? Well, unfortunately, there aren't any bells in Clothier--just very large speakers...