donald and others

Today I spent some time with Donald at the Simpson House, a retirement home. We worked in the gift shop together. Donald lived on the same block in Fishtown section of Philly for many years. His wife was born in the house they lived in.

Donald worked at Sears's department store for many years as a salesmen. So he takes his role in the gift shop seriously.

We took some time today to sit in the patio with some other folks. Paul, a man I have gotten to know was out too. He has a sad story, as he and his wife are separated since he became ill. He is in the nursing home while his wife is still able to live with their daughter. He sang three beautiful songs for me today. He was a member of a band in his lifetime- played accordion, but was best known for his drumming. Paul said that he still air drums with is sticks in the evenings. He also LOVES John Wayne.

There are others too, that lived exciting lives, and are now winding things down. It's neat to get to know them now and at the same time get to know their past.

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Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Valentine's Day is one of those weird holidays that make some people sick with vomit and other sick with love (or hope for love). In the past I have celebrated with good friends or tried to forget the day. Often I finished out the day saddened by the sight of no flowers, chocolate or a swooning boy at my window.
Two years ago, I wondered what would happen on Valentine's Day. Hubie had asked me on a date in early January, but we weren't necessarily dating. I had to brace myself for a regular night at home, as I did not want to be too disappointed if he did not ask me out. But, of course Hubie came through. He asked if I wanted to go out for dinner "tomorrow night." Failing to mention, "for Valentine's Day," for sake of possible embarrassment on his part. Good job Hubie!! (Thanks to Rich and his brother's excellent advice).

so I was a little nervous with the whole V-day dinner, especially since Hubie and I had not known each other for long. I could tell Hubie was too, hence him not mentioning this dinner was for V-day. I asked PJ, the guy I was co-leading small group with how I could overcome our anxiety about the Valentine's day subject. He suggested that I make a little joke about it. He even demonstrated how I could phrase the joke (he could see I really needed some help). I figured PJ is a guy, and maybe Hubie would respond to his guy lingo.

...he didn't get the joke...more awkwardness endured.

This year Hubie started off Valentine's Day early with red roses and monkey bread (in the shape of a heart) yesterday. Tonight we are going to Vietnam Restaurant. It has been fun!

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Here I am with my new reading glasses. Pretty hip right??


The optometrist said the glasses will make reading easier for my eyes if they get tired. He said I could wear them on the end of my nose for knitting... Talk about GRANDMA!!!
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It snowed in Philly, and we took pictures of our backyard. Hubie and I are so proud to have outdoor space. It is rare in the city to have such a large space.


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Juliana's 29th Birthday!!


Bethany, Juliana and I celebrated Juliana's birthday at Las Cazuelas restaurant on Girard Ave. It is a great place to dine, and no wait to get a table. We got arroz con pollo, saite of some kind and chile relleno. The owners are from Campeche, one of the places I traveled in Mexico.

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I can't wait to take pictures of our kitchen at our house in Kensington. It looks so much better with the back splash tiled and a couple more finishing touches. My dad will be very pleased! He rehabbed it a year ago October.
The porch is almost redone, just need to fill screw holes when it gets warmer. Plus, the new outdoor light fixture really makes the place look better.
Hubie and I enjoy rehabbing together. It feels nice to make a home into something more functional and aesthetically pleasing.

O, and I started to volunteer in a nursing home near our house. It is good for me- I got dressed up- almost like going to work. It felt good to do something outside the house. I haven't experienced that for four months now.

That is what I have been up to in Philly! I do love it here! Come and see this wonderful/crazy/dirty/work in progress city sometime:)