Driving to Paducah KY Saturday Sept 5th

Carolyne and I headed to Paducah Ky Saturday 6:30pm. The sunset as we drove though Elmer, then though Delaware. West Virginia was full of S-Turns so it was dangerous to hit the speed limit at times. In most of West Virgina and all Kentucky had a 70mph limit. We arrived in KY and saw an intense fog roll in. We arrived in Paducah at 10:30 am with no sleep but were in good spirits. More on this after I sleep....

1st Friday Art Exhibit in Bridgeton at Energy Plus

Last night I attended the opening reception "A Moment of Transcendence: Crossroads of Energy", at Energy Center Plus on Sept 4, 1st Fri, 6-9pm, 32 E. Commerce Street, Bridgeton. Participating artists are Carl Johnson, Carolyne Krull, Peter Kinney, Rita Lynn Lyman, Sandra Morrissey, Liz Nicklus, Steve Testa, Robin M. Viola, and Jeff Waring.
The studio at the Energy Plus is excellent and a nice crowd came out to check it out. You can see more photos my Picasa page. Carolyne teaches classes here as Ostara Yoga Saturday morning 10:30 am and Monday nights at 5:30pm. Come out and enjoy!

I Visit the Maraposa Coop in West Philly

Yesterday I went to the Maraposa Coop to do some one-time shopping. I was a member for about 5 years till 2004. Since that time the membership has gone from less then 200 members to about 600 or more members.
I did notice that the store was cleaner and more organized then I remember 6 years ago and that along with the influx of new wealther residents and the funky atmosphere has helped this coop. They now plan to move to a larger space up the street at a former bank building that is current a baptist church. The prices are still pretty high and one should stick to bulk items since some pre-package items are at 50% mark up. They do tell the customer the markup amount behind the counter which pretty cool.

Near the Coop are 2 large murals. They dipict life in this area of West Philly. Yes, they are idealized but they are very well done. You can see them on Baltimore Ave between 46th and 47th street. They are a vast improvement over the one's that were there 6 years ago when I used to frequent the area.

I am off to work after a visit to the dentest.

Waning Summer 2009

It's been awhile since I last said anything here. Believe it or not, sometimes I am not in the mood. Life has been a bit strange. The weather for instance turned from hot and muggy to crisp cool Fall in a day last week. The welfare office could be a sitcom you know. I mean, they made a show about goofy Nazis in Hogan's Hero's so anything is possible. I mean if I have to hear WDAS (glorified Top 40 pop station) play that crooner Maxwell sing about "Pretty Wings" again, I will have to take a long road trip and take a few days off in Kentucky..darn it

Today was a cure for my disinterest. I had an interesting day. I had jury duty at 12:30pm so I just slept in today till 9:30 and it felt pretty good.
I have been waking up at 5am to take the bus to philly to save some $$ etc. I was there ONLY 2 hours, I was chosen to sit in seat number 1 where 3 others had been excused from the jury. I said my occupation, where I lived, and told them of Carolyne's being a yoga instructor and running the Fithian House Gallery. I did mention that I served in a jury 2x one being a murder trial. The defense attorney booted me off and I was pleased.
I got my hair cut talked with Jim Penlin for a bit about the woman who painted the mural at the Levoy theatre. We looked up info on Paduicah We are planning to take a Labor Day road trip Sat, Sun and Monday. I love road trips. Check this out

It should make for an interesting weekend no matter what transpires in these waning days of Summer 2009.

City Comission Meeting Sept 1st 2009

I went to the City Commission meeting on this fine September 1st. It was packed to the max with folks concerned with the Route 55/49 project. State officials from the Department of Transportation came out and stated that the project will be scaled back and the The 220-year-old oak tree near the corner of Wade Boulevard and Route 49 will not be affected. Rt 49 will not be widened. The heavy hitters of the local political scene were out. Lou Magazzu, Jeff Van Drew, Matt Millim and Nelson Albano. I did get a chance to let Sen Van Drew know how important the Levoy is to the future of the Arts District in Millville. He reacted positively to this. We shall see very soon if the Senator puts his back-slapping to good use. At the meeting the Commission approved the city buying a property at the corner of Buck and Pine Streets. I walk my dogs by there everyday and I for one am glad the city will buy it. I really like the suggestion that Mayor Shannon made to tear it down. Commissioner Vanaman wants the city to consider being a landlord. This is a silly idea. If anyone looks at the property, they will see it needs work. The city will need the land to further the develop the riverfront area. This property is next to the library and make the area whole for future development. This is smart of the city.
I then had to leave the meeting at 7:45pm. I missed Commissioner Vanaman vote NO for an extra $325, 000 of UEZ funds to assist in the Levoy. He did express support for Pete Peirce's dream and the project. I guess he felt the need to save money or to show his bonafides to the Millville First contingent in the audience. I do not know.. After the meeting a friend asked Lou Magazzu a few questions. No video but great reporting.

Aug 27th

Well, August is winding down. It is 5:30 and I hear the nice sound of crickets. Work is going a bit better, I got a biospy done 2 days ago and payday is tomorrow. I got a ride home from my Step-Daughter who happened to be in town. Man, what a relief, I had just missed the 6:30 bus getting home as well.

Congress is still on its month-long vacation, health-care reform is in limbo while we hear that Ted Kennedy just died. He was a champion of health-care reform.

I was on the internet and saw this sign. Its pretty funny and it reflects how I feel at work somedays.

This Past Week

Well, I just had to mellow out after last week with its death panels for Grandma and paper shortages/system problems at work. I was one frustrated amigo for sure. 3rd Friday went pretty well. Bob White and others (including a former RRCA Board member) paid a visit. We had to take our sign that was on the corner of High and Pine Streets. (So did the Psychic as well). I will have to ask about the ordnance and when the sign can come up etc this week. Going to the dermatologist tomorrow at Penn in Philly. They are going to check on a small growth on my temple. Its barely noticeable but the doctor thought it should be checked out.I paid a visit to see 3 old friends in Baltimore for dinner. Steve cooked up some tasty chicken and homemade sherbet (not sure that is the correct word). This past Sunday we went to a park in Vineland (near the intersection of Lincoln and Chestnut Sts) and celebrated our neighbor's child's birthday. The beans and chicken were very tasty as well. Went to Carolyne's Yoga class with our dog June. Its very good for my tight muscles.
I am getting pretty good business in my dog walking and being my friend's agent. Its good to have extra spending money these days. Man, It was so HUMID, it was gross.
In the outside world, the Phillies are doing well They are up 7 games at this time. The Eagles signed Michael Vick and the uproar began. I mean he has a drink and THAT makes the (Phila Daily)News??
The state budget impasse continues on but at least I am gettting paid. Its still hot outside and I am very tired.