Fall, at least I think it is

Its fall in Philadelphia.  I had the pleasure of spending Labor Day weekend in Philadelphia and the weather was divine.  Absolutely divine.  Now I heard from enough people that I wasn't experiencing the norm, but no matter.  My visit was awesome.  I let it go far too long since my last visit to my mom.  It was a treat to see her and get to spend some time.  My mom is still a pistol and force of nature, there are just more naps in between.

Philadelphia itself was a treat as well.  Okay, call me thick, but it has taken my moving out of the Mid-Atlantic states for me to realize not only that I really like that area, but that I really love that area.  The close quarters of a old east coast city is just so vibrant, so alive.  I can understand how folks began to feel penned in and needed open spaces, but not so much for. me.  Walking around downtown Philly reminded me of how much I like urban living.  I think its why I loved Capitol Hill.  Its the equivalent of an urban suburb, if that makes sense.  A neighborhood inside the city.  My mom's area is like that too.

What is it about living so closely with others?  I love the way the buildings are right on top of the streets.. Stores, shops, restaurants, apartments, all intermingled with a park or two thrown right in the middle.  Its such a walkable, livable  kind of neighborhood.  In Miami there is much more green, much more space.  All of which is appreciated but it also puts people much farther apart. 

On Saturday afternoon we spent the afternoon sitting in Rittenhouse Square.  I can assure  you there is no better people watching anywhere!  There were tons of people to watch, dogs of every size, a huge parrot, and more.  We had the pleasure of watching a very large wedding party (8 attendants on each side) take their pictures.  It was such a huge and complicated affair that it ended up capturing the attention of quite a few onlookers.  Instantly, we all became experts and critics and that city bonding that happens in situations like that, began.  I think the drunk guy who seemed to sleep through being in the center of the entire photo shoot also helped.  You couldn't make this stuff up.  No one would believe it.

My two oldest sisters, my mom and I gathered for brunch. It was a lovely get-together and like all family gatherings devolved into hilarious laughing and even a snort or two.  Okay, fine.  I confess.  When my sisters make me laugh that hard, a snort has been known to escape.  My mom takes it all in stride but I do wonder sometimes, what folks around us think of our antics.  Mostly, I like to think they are just jealous.  Yes, that's it.  I'm going with that.

Did I mention how nice the weather was?  Temps in the 70s, sleeping with the window open.  We'll get there sooner or later, I hope.  First we have to get through the rest of hurricane season.  I think I'm ready.  I've done my prep and my shopping.  Lantern, check.  Food that doesn't need to be cooked, check.  Bottled water, check.  Most importantly, I've reserved a space at my friends' house under the bed should it get really frightening.  Have no fear, I have no intention of being some weird brave soul toughing it out by myself.  But so far so good.  Stay tuned, I'll keep you posted.

Its been a while since I've written, as one of my sisters pointed out so let me catch you up on a big event.  Baby lizard season.  Around here, when you're walking near any bit of grass... if you think you see something move out of the corner of your eye, you did.  Its a lizard.  They're everywhere skittering and scooting around.  A couple of weeks again, without any fanfare or announcement, it was baby lizard season.  They were everywhere.  Little tiny things, no bigger than an inch or so.  How cute.  My favorite was when I was commenting on the little critters, my friend asked me, "what?  you didn't have lizards where you came from?" Uh no.  The answer to that would be no.  No lizards skittering along the streets or sidewalks of Washington, DC.  No lizards in Philadelphia as far as I can remember.   There were some little frogs around when we would go to the Jersey shore, oh so many years ago, but that doesn't really count!

DC, Philly... not really known for their wildlife.  Rats maybe, but that's about it.

Its still hot here, but I'm hoping there's light a the end of the tunnel.  When I first came to look at what is now my house, it was April and that previous owner had the french doors in both the living room and kitchen open.  There was a cross breeze right through the apartment and I was sold.  By the time I moved in mid-June, it was way to hot for any of that.  So now I wait.  I am eager to experience open windows and breezes again.  It will come.  Good things come to those who wait.

Speaking of good things.... the time has come to take the brisket out of the oven.  I am making Rosh Hashanah dinner with my friends this week and I'm bringing the brisket.  Since that pesky job gets in the way of slow cooking the food of my people, I've cooked it tonight.  The house smells so delicious.  As always, thanks to my sister Rachel for reminding me yet again how to make it.

I'm off to extract this pot of cultural deliciousness from the oven.  Happy new year to all.  May it be healthy and happy for everyone!  Peace out!

Oh, I almost forgot... come visit, visitors are always welcome!