day 13 of 18, downingtown and a movie

Bonnie and I chose to do the Downingtown Volkkssport walk today because it is ending and we needed Chester county. Except we didn't. Valley Forge is in two counties. Oops. I only need Philadelphia county and the southeast is done. Now comes the hard part. That's about 10 of the 67 needed to finish the program. Most counties don't have sanctioned walks. Many will require an overnight stay.

Today's walk was pretty much a big figure eight. We signed in at a restaurant at a lifestyle mall. Then headed into town.

After going thru the business district, we reached the first house in the town, this little log cabin. If you look closely at the picture of us above, we would have to duck to go into it!

We turned at the cabin and entered a park, then followed the trail thru the park to the comfort station which was locked. Thankfully there was a job johnny (generous P3). We were headed back to the trail when we saw where it connected to the road, so we just went out to the road. We came out close to the lifestyle mall.  We passed the mall, turned right and picked up another trail, then turned around an came back to the restaurant.

As my readers know last April I had my first accident in nearly 30 years. Today I almost had two.  After the second one I literally had to pull my fingers off the steering wheel. I had a death grip. I'm all shaky again. The first one was right outside Downingtown. The bozo decided to turn onto the highway. To do this s/he had to cross over my lane. Bonnie screamed first. I braked and swerved. I nearly hit the cement.

Then on the way home we missed the turn for 100 and ended up in Phoenixville. We stayed on 113 to 29 and took 29 home. Our hour drive took two. On 29 things were looking fine until some young people decided that a stop sign was optional. Slow and roll I think it's called. Again screaming, braking,  and swerveing.

I was just getting my confidence back behind the wheel and it's gone again.

Then when I got home I sat in my desk chair and it broke. Clearly the gods are telling me something.

The broke chair and a lost disk resulted in a massive cleaning of my desk counter. I nearly forgot about scoobie movie night!

We went to the Banko at ArtsQuest and it was nice. $10, only one theatre, people were polite and over 16, and the popcorn was good.  (Over 60? only $8!) I made Bonnie take the picture.

Was the movie as good as the book? No. Was the movie good? Yes. Personally  don't think I would have finished the PCT.

And because I promised pictures everyday, below are the lights on First Avenue.

day 12 of 18, ghostly edition

Tonight I did the Christmas Historic Haunts tour of downtown. It was fun. Sadly not terrific exercise. But no ghost tour is. Some of the stories were repeats from what I heard on the Revolution one a couple of years ago. The guide was terrific. And the candles were a nice touch.

It began at the Moravian Book Store. (I would have loved to build that tree, but I would not want to re-shelve all those books!) I arrived about 10 minutes before the start. Every time I picked up a book I told myself "no time to read". Five more minutes and I would have spent a $100. My willpower in all things stink. I did buy one book after it was over. It's at the end of the post.

When the guide arrived, a clerk past out the candles and we were off. We headed south on Main, and stopped at the Brethern's House.

Then we moved on to the old Chapel, God's Acre, the Sun Inn, the Hotel Bethlehem and then back for the final story to the Bookstore. The Sun Inn's ghost was documented in an episode of Ghost Hunter's on SyFy.

Clearly, we did not walk far. Maybe, a half to three-quarters of a mile.

This was my purchase. Moravian Walking Guide and Tour Book. It includes walking tours for Nazareth, Bethlehem, Emmaus. The design is weak, but it's packed with stuff. That tiny oval says "Pennsylvania". It made me think maybe there were others for additional Moravian enclaves, like Winston Salem. But since it's published by the Nazareth Historical Society, I doubt it.

day 12 of 18

This is a two-walk day. Will that make up for the two days I didn't walk? I don't think so.

Today the pictures begin with my house. I only decorated outside. Ebenezer Scrooge's evil twin is inside. I didn't realize when I took the picture that the bag of trash was on the porch. (The chairs are facing each other to help keep snow off them during winter.)

I headed down the hill and out Itaska. Then out Broadway toward CVS.

I stopped in the Wells Fargo parking deck to take pictures of the graffiti art project, but too many cars were blocking it. On the way out I noticed this sign.

When I arrived at CVS, I wanted to see if they had leftover Christmas balls—I have a commission for name balls. Alas, they didn't. I'll keep looking. The clearance sales should last most of the weekend. If not, I'll get them next year.

Then I head up Fourth to Delaware.

This house probably looks better at night. Its at the corner of Seneca, 3rd and Delaware. Right on the curve.

I decided not to go out Delaware and went out Seneca instead. I've always loved this door. I was glad they had wreaths on it so I could take a picture.

This porch in the 500 block is a little cluttered, but I really like the sled and skates. The Halloween cauldron is a nice touch.

When I reached Bishopthorpe I headed home. It was only a mile and a half. But it was better than sitting on my butt.

Shortly, I be leaving for the Christmas Haunted Walking Tour downtown. I should get another mile or so in. And hopefully be entertained.

Tomorrow, we will be doing the Downingtown volkssport walk.

day 11 of 18, with razzleberry dressing

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Even though it's a holiday, I got my butt out walking. Did you?

My brother lives in East Allentown and is on vacay. My sister is house-sitting, and she was coming to my house so I'd needed to pick her up. There is a nice 3-mile loop there that I can walk. All signs pointed to East Allentown today.

One thing I learned today is that the people on this loop love a good (or bad) Nativity set. This photo essay will have lots of Nativities. It's the perfect theme for Christmas day. (The one on the left is from my brothers front yard. I'm almost certain he made it.)

Another thing I learned is that this neighborhood loves inflatables. No matter how big or small their porch or lawn is.

I headed out Hanover Avenue east toward Club Avenue.

I took this picture of the blessed mother, because after all, today is her day. She did all the hard work. I love the look on her face. It's almost a smirk. And the roses in the dirty water. In December. And St. Frances (I think) over her shoulder. (Catholics please correct me if I'm wrong.)

This festive arch was on Hanover Avenue.

On Union Blvd. I found this mural. It has nothing to do with Christmas. In fact, I can't figure out what the theme is at all. It's actually kind-of creepy.

 An inflatable Nativity. With reindeer in front. It actually fit well in the yard.

 Now this one doesn't fit on the porch. There is barely enough room to get in the door.

I had wondered why Irving Park fell off of Bill White's Christmas light tours. It used to be terrific. Now I know. It's just random themed inflatables around the pool, inside a fence. Most were falling over or totally deflated. I choose these Hanukkah ones to mix it up a little. Though the little bear with the dreidel is tilting. He is clearly deflating. There was also a menorah, but it fell over. Still haven't found a Kwanza display.

I bet this house is lit up well at night. They even have stuff in the back yard. (Have I mentioned how I love Christmas lights?) What I love about this one is the mid-century plastic blow molds (I learned that term watching the Holiday Light Fight on ABC), and the modern plastic cut outs on a stick. Notice how the wise men are leaving in one direction and the camels are going in another.

This wireframe (see, you do learn watching television) snowman was also at that house. I'm guessing the wise men were going to visit him next.

The whole time I was out I was looking for a sign that said "Keep Christ in Christmas", or "Jesus is the reason for the season." Do you think I could find one when I wanted one? Nope. Not even on the churches.  This Nativity was at Our Lady Help of Christians on Hanover Avenue. It's ceramic and looks hand painted. It was really low. I should have gotten down on my knees to take the pix, but frankly I wasn't sure if I'd get up again.

 The Christmas tree lot across the street still had a few trees.

Finally, I was back at my brothers. These are his flower boxes. My S-I-L is excellent at decorating. I picked up my sister and headed home.

Mileage, about 3.

Almost forgot. Razzleberry dressing. Last night I watched Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol. The song is now stuck in my head. And it's appropriate for today.

day 10 of 18

It's raining. Again. Not sure if I will get my walk in. I at least need to do a mile. Even if it means I just go around the block.

I did get all the volkssport cookies delivered. But I did it by car. They were all very pleased.

It's weird not Christmas shopping. It's weird not having a tree up. Change is good, right? Too bad I'm not really good at it.

Later ...

The rain tapered to a drizzle and I seized the opportunity. I needed some groceries and also needed to go to the post office.

I headed up Fiot, then up Eighth avenue and down Brodhead to the post office. I was at Broughal when the skies opened. Thank goodness I took an umbrella.

When I left the PO I headed to Ahart's and purchased the groceries. Have you ever tried carrying two heavy sacks of groceries, an umbrella and walk further than a parking lot at the same time? Don't. It isn't pretty. I walked home straight out Broadway instead of going up Wyandotte.

Before leaving Ahart's I almost rented a movie from the Red Box but remember the DVD player isn't hooked up. And watching movies on the computer isn't comfortable. Watching an one hour television show is hard enough.

When I took Sharon home I stopped at the cemetery. Mom or Dad must have a patriotic secret admirer. There was red, white, and blue plastic flowers and a flag in their vase.

No sure what I'm going to do tonight. No school. Still adapting to free time. I stopped going to church a couple years ago when I realized I was a hypocrite. I used to go to a friends for the feast of the seven fishes, but no more. Looks like I'll read.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVE!

haunted christmas walking tours!

I stumbled into a Christmas ghost tour this morning in Historic Bethlehem. This is what happens when you slow down to look at all the nativities in the Moravian Book Stores window.

The walks have been running all month on weekends. I'm going to try and go Friday night. This is certainly on the docket for a group walking adventure next year.

From the website ...
"Ghosts of Christmas Winter Walking Tours 

scary Ghost Stories and tales of the glories of Christmases long, long ago…

Join us for a spirited look into the ghosts of Christmas past…Long past? Well, Bethlehem’s past…

Our new winter version of our popular Historic Haunts Ghost Tours will give you chills, and not just from the cold! You’ll hear tales of early Moravian Christmases, learn some local legends, and discover why we are known as Christmas City, U.S.A. Spend an hour with a costumed tour guide and a candle to light your way, while you visit the beautiful Historic District of Downtown Bethlehem and find out if the buildings hold more than just history. Many visitors have experienced Bethlehem’s past in a very vivid manor, and perhaps you will, too on our Ghosts of Christmas walking tour!"

Lydia and I did one during the day a couple years ago. It's interesting, fun, and doesn't burn more than about 5 calories. But you get to use a candle. How cool is that?

Now they need to make one for the south side. I bet that dead steel mill holds a lot of stories ...

day 9 of 18

Today it rained. I never made it down to Spring Garden street. But I did walk a bit. Again, probably not more than a mile.

I was really late with creating my Christmas gifts and I was pretty sure the on-campus copy shop wouldn't be able to do it. But they did. A Christmas miracle. I had to walk over and pick them up, then I took the scenic route back to campus. At that point it was only drizzling.

That little walk in the drizzle was the highlight of my day to that point. Helping Angel's family decorate the tree was the only other highlight.

Since I am done with both classes I don't need to be in class tonight so I decided to update my walking trackers. I last did it on NOVEMBER 16. I am more than a month behind. When I went to my FitBit page to get my totals I saw how poor my numbers were for the last 6 weeks.

1 day under 5K
16 days under 7.5K
16 days over 10K
8 days over 12.5K
and only 1 day above 15K

Youza. That hurts. The bulk of my days were between 7.5 and 10K.

Tomorrow I will be walking down to the Comfort Suites and over to the Hotel Bethlehem to deliver Volkssport cookie thank-yous.

day 8 of 18. a birdie poo'd on me

I've been seriously walking for exercise about five years, maybe six. Never once did a birdie poo on me. Until today. In front of the Williams Center. I felt the wet and thought there's nothing dripping ... oh. Yuck. Sadly I can't wash my hair at work. I tried washing it off but my hair is still gross.

Today at lunchtime I walked down to the peace candle. Down and back is probably a generous mile. One way it's down hill, almost running. The other it is climbing up.

Took lots of pix. Easton does it nicely for Christmas and I didn't even go to Spring Garden street.

Therefore, today's post is a photo essay. Thankfully you won't see all the pixs I took.

Sign in front of the Williams Visual Arts building. That street is hard enough to cross yet along cross twice. The should have built those walkways like they do in NYC.

 Flower boxes downtown.

 I think these were in front of Pearly Bakers.

Hanukkah menorah at the base of the candle in Centre Square.  Now what would be really cool is the addition of Kwanza candles. (I know, I know, made-up holiday.)

Centre Square now has a Little Free Library. Also a Toy's for Tot's distribution point. How I looked for a box to put my toys in. And it was right there all along.

IF I had a LOT of money, and a large family, and really wanted to live in downtown Easton I'd buy a brownstone. I think they are beautiful. But totally impractical for a un-handy, lower middle class, single person.

Tomorrow I'll be back in Easton. Maybe I'll try Spring Garden street and head up towards the library.

day 7 of 18, cookie baking, not walking

Yesterday was an epic fail walking wise. As the first day of winter, there were just not enough hours of light. As much as I love my ’hood, I'm not walking alone in it at night.

I was up by 6:30 and had the wash started by 7. Then I headed out to pick up Lydia and spent the day at Bonnie's making Christmas cookies. Sadly, I took no photos. I had to steal a collagé off of Lydia's FB page.

We baked a double batch of kifles, ginger, kiss, toll house, oatmeal raisin and flourless peanut butter. All but the kifles are gluten free. Bonnie found some great AP gluten free flour that works in most situations.

When we arrived back at my place at 3:30, I walked Adonis, served dinner and took Lydia, Adonis, and Sharon home--with a stop at Eryn's house. When I pulled into the garage it was pitch black out.

I was tired and didn't even make 5K steps. And still had a full night of grading to do. Break can't come fast enough.

 

This is the Christmas cactus on my desk at work. And there is still some blooms on it.  Temperature and light must be perfect in the 19th century mansion. 

 And these are the office deco's. Usually there are artsy postcards on that wash line. Wanted to get a poinsettia to cover the stove pipe cover, but kept forgetting. Too late now.

Why am I showing you? Because I want to share how pretty it is. I live with the mean version of Scrooge. There is no Christmas joy at my house. Gotta take it where I can get it.

Today's plan. Walk downtown and take a pix of the peace candle. Yeah, it's more impressive at night, but, again, not walking in downtown Easton at night alone. I might be crazy but I am not a fool.

day 6 of 18, radnor

I guess you noticed day 5 was missing. I never made for my little walk to the Wawa. I was grading for two schools and it was suddenly time to pick up Lydia. By the time I did that, my car errands, her errands and got home it was pitch black. Tomorrow winter starts. So it should start to get light again in the evening.

We have less than three weeks off from school. Can you believe it? We go back January 12. Getting walking in Mon-Thrs will be a challenge. Mon/Wed is a two job day. Tue/Thrs only one. I have hope for Tues/Thrs. How I am going to get the to-do list done by then I have no idea. One thing for certain, I must buy health care. No more disposable income for me. My kitchen money will probably also go to health care until my car is paid for. For more than 30 years, I supported universal health care. Hell, I even supported it when I thought that "affordable" meant affordable. Why? there is nothing about health care that is affordable.

Today I did a Volkssport walk in Radnor. I had to go to Collegeville to pick up the 2015 materials to switch out the boxes (yes, on that dreaded list) and cookies for our host hotels. So I told the president I would just come to the Radnor walk. Alone. It was a bit odd without the others.

This walk was a major supply drop off. Everyone was picking things up.

The Radnor walk is a big square—at least the 6K is. You leave the hotel and pass the high school, turn a corner and get on a trail. You stay on that for a good mile. Then you turn left, on Wayne Blvd and head into Wayne. Then you come back Lancaster Avenue, with a tiny  detour.

It's a nice walk. Not many Christmas decorations. But I found a few to take pixs of.

Lancaster Avenue is route 30, the old Lincoln Highway. Along the way there are mile markers that look like huge tombstones. There was one at the High School also and I thought it was odd. But when I saw the Mile Markers I put two and two together.

The original ones are very small. But they only had to compete with cows and corn. Not shopping malls and industrial parks.

It was a nice walk. And I got Delaware county in my book. Next week is Dowingtown in Chester County, and it is going away Dec. 31. I'm seriously consider going. Anyone want to come?

Next Saturday night I am planning the first ever (and probably last)  every two feet movie night to see Wild. I'll go alone if I have to. There will be lots of other hiking/walking nerds there. It is playing at the Banko. (Well the Carmike too, but the Banko is in the 'hood and owned by a non-profit and not a mega-corp.) I read the book in about two days. Generally I hate movie versions of books, but I hear they did really well on this one.






When I read the book I kept thinking, I would do something dumb like this. (Hike the PCT unprepared, not sex and heroin.). Good thing I hate being alone. The PCT is much different than the Appalachian. You don't get desert and snow on the Appalachian.

day 4 of 18

Sorry, not in the habit of posting everyday. I had the computer all shut down when I realized I didn't post. This is day 4 (but posted on 5).

The Bethlehem–South volkssport walk box is at the Comfort Suites in south Bethlehem.  I noticed after the group walk that the directions were very low. Yesterday I walked down to fill the box.

This is a great spot to take pictures at this time of year. The South Bethlehem Historic Society has an ethnic tree festival that installed after Thanksgiving and stays up through Epiphany. The fifteen or so Christmas trees features most of the countries that came to south Bethlehem to work at the Steel. Easy to identify one like Poland and Russia and England to countries and ethnic groups I've never heard of. It is really nice. It was near check-out time so the lobby was full of people looking.

The ornaments on each tree reflect the cultures and the countries. As does the items under the tree including the skirts. It's amazing how many different styles of nativities there were.

On the walk down I saw that someone decorated the fire escape with garland. If you want to see it, look across the street from Pete's. When I head down there again, I hope there is less traffic so I can get a picture. It probably is against safety regulations but it is pretty.

I took a pretty direct route to the Comfort Suites. And I came home up Monclair and Wyndotte streets. Shorter walks need more difficulty.

Todays walk is to the Fountain Hill Wawa. I'll take the scenic route.

day 3 of 18

Clearly I need to keep my camera in my coat pocket.

Another short walk, but I did go out. I mailed my Christmas cards, delivered some art work to Farinon, and took the scenic route back to my office.

I took all the leftover cookies and cupcakes to work today. They were gobbled up. Yeah. Less in my belly.

Today I've done 12 flights, but barely 6K steps.

Tomorrow I plan to do the South Bethlehem Volkssport walk. The box is out of instructions. Soon I'll have to deliver cards and cookies. I'll be sure to take my camera. The ethnic tree festival is at the start point!

day 2 of 18

And I forgot to take a picture. Drats.

Today was the portfolio review at school. I ran around like a crazy lady. We were on the original (aka the barracks, or Hampton Winds) campus, and I walked over and back to the main campus three times.

My plan was to take the camera and take a picture of the second floor lounge where the kids paint the windows for the holidays. Some are Christmas. Some winter. Some Hanukkah. One window wins during the Winter Holiday Festival before exams.

Worked all day. Worked until a few minutes ago. Still got in nearly 13K steps. But there was so much food and grazed all day. I brought home 2 boxes of cupcakes and two zipper bags of cookies. they'll be going to work tomorrow. I can't leave them here.

devising a plan

I did go out at lunchtime and walked. It was probably just over a mile. But I did it. A couple houses were decorated for the holidays and it gave me an idea. You, dear readers, will hate it. But here goes.

Every day from now to New years I will take a walk, no matter how short. While I'm out I will take one picture of Christmas (Hanukkah, Kwanza, Solstice ... ) decorations. Then post it along with the route. It will keep me accountable. It will make go out. Maybe, just maybe, it will get me back in the habit.

The pictures might be of beauty or kitchy. Inside or outside. But no creepy elves on shelves. Promise.

Today's photos were taken on College Hill in Easton.

This Christmas cactus is in my office window. It's been blooming since Thanksgiving.

no I haven't fallen off the face of the earth.

Honest. I just have not been doing much walking. While I am looking for my mojo, I am gaining all the weight back it took me years to get rid of. I am eating like it is the end of the world. I've totally lost control.

The excuse of the moment is the end of the term. I am up to my eyeballs in grading. Chained to a computer like it's a prison sentence. Free time is spent chauffeuring people to and fro.

But it's bigger than that. I think I finally pinpointed it.  I've all my walking buddies are unavailable. I need to re-learn to walk alone. And that's hard. I hate solitude. Blame it on mom for having me last. I thrive in choas. Megan is now working. Bonnie is baby sitting. Lydia has no access to a vehicle. Betsy is injured. Angel is almost living at Target till the holidays are over. Even my colleague moved to Virgina. Everybody is unavailable.

In addition, I am sidetracked by Christmas.  

So far I worked on Christmas gifts. (I'm way behind.) We gone to the lights at the Lehigh Valley Zoo, and made candy house with my niece, her cousin and my friend. Next weekend we are all baking cookies and then sharing so we have more flavors and less quantities.

And Bonnie and I drove the baby to Christkindlmarkt. A mile and a half and we took the car. Sinful. But we wanted a happy baby with St. Nick. Ultimately, he did not care for the experience. (Over the weekend the wee one learned to stand up.)

Saturday Bonnie, Lydia, Megan, baby and I did go to Litiz for the Volkssport "Walk Through Time". It was held at 10:11 on 12/13/14. Cool, huh?

Litiz reminds me a lot of Bethlehem. I guess it's the German and Moravian influences. And it's packed at Christmastime. It was crazy finding a parking spot. We had to walk about a mile to the event, and it was so well attended that they ran out of maps. So we had to wait. Babies don't like waiting.

The route was pretty much a square. It went past Wilbur Chocolate, Linden Hall, and the Julius Sturgis Pretzel factory. Oh, and Hendricks' Flower Shop. I'm sure they thought we were nuts taking a selfie in front of their place.

The baby was pretty good. Talking a lot. We were pretty close to the finish when he became really unhappy. Mommy took him with her to get the car and his food. He was screaming by that point.

After getting our books stamped, I headed for my car and Bonnie and Lydia looked for a restaurant. We ended up going to Pork and Wally's. A lot of Liberty Bell Wanderer's showed up there also.

They we nice. The even nuked the babies food so it wasn't icy cold from the car. He had taken a power nap on the way back with the car, and was perfectly happy again.

Bonnie had "ham wings". They looked delicious. It was the shank portion and made to look kind-of like a lollipop.   Smoked ham on a stick. How could you go wrong?

After lunch we headed to Wilbur, and then back to the Pretzel Factory for the tour. I know I went to a pretzel factory when I was about 12 on a school trip or girl scout trip. But I think it was in Reading. I don't ever remember being in Litiz before.

Nice day. And it's a nice day today. Must get my lazy fat butt outside for a walk.