Today I'm headed out for a two-week vacation with cousins in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Virginia. Boarded a SW plane to Philadelphia with a stop in Dallas for my "last" Whataburger for 2 weeks!
Landed in Philly. Lin and her sister, Donna picked me up from the airport then a couple of hours later we all picked up Lou as he was arriving from Quebec. Spent the night at Donna and Richard's house that evening before heading to New Jersey for the rest of the week. Here are a few pictures of Donna and Richard's beautiful house and yard.
Many thanks to Donna and Richard for their kind hospitality.
Next off to New Jersey to take Audrey out for lunch. She had no idea I was coming so it was a complete surprise!
Audrey, Rick, Lin, Lou and Cathy
Audrey, Rick, Lin, Lou and Cathy
After visiting with Audrey for a good part of the afternoon, I had a special request for supper...a genuine Philly Cheesesteak! And that's what I got here at Lou and Georgeann's where I'll be staying the rest of my time here in New Jersey.
Day 3 - Wednesday, July 11
Today it's all about Philadelphia! Big Lou, Lou and I headed off to the city to see all parts Philly...historical, cultural and lots of reminiscing. I was actually here about 50 years ago!!! Still have some memories of days gone by!!
City of Brotherly Love
Philadelphia Skyline
Liberty Bell - Cathy and Big Lou
Liberty Bell - Lou, Big Lou and Cathy
Explanation about the "Crack"
Liberty Bell with Independence Hall in the background
Benjamin Franklin gravesite
Thought this was really cool!!
The Betsy Ross House
Elfreth's Alley - dating back to the early 1700's
Love, Love this wreath!!
Only one wagon wide back in the 1700's!!
Stopped in this old fashioned candy store
Who remembers smoking candy cigarettes!!! I do!!
Brick paver streets
City Tavern
Philadelphia architecture
Cobblestone streets
Philadelphia "row" houses
St. Joseph's Church
Letter from George Washington to all Roman Catholics
Carpenter's Hall
Independence Hall
Painting of the "Signing of the Declaration of Independence"
This is where it (the signing) took place!!
Independence Hall
Philadelphia City Hall
Philadelphia City Hall
Statue of William Penn sitting atop City Hall
Recreating "Rocky" at the Museum of Art
Another view of the Philly skyline and City Hall
Street where Big Lou grew up
House where Big Lou grew up. I remember coming here many, many years ago!
Really enjoyed a full day of Philly. Can you believe that 88 year old Big Lou walked over 5 miles in the city with us!! Amazing. When we left the city we got stuck in a 2-hour traffic jam that normally would have been just 30 minutes max. Yuk. That made for a long day!!!
Day 4 - Thursday, July 12
This morning Lou stayed back in Pennsylvania to visit with Lin's relatives. He will join us after lunch. So Big Lou took me by to see Lin's childhood home.
Then we headed over to Fort Mercer on the Delaware River
The Canadian Goose
Whitehall House and Museum - used as a field hospital during battles
This Robin got its worm!
Trenches
This actually is a deterrent to the Canadian geese...and it actually works. No geese in this area. They really do make a mess (poop) everywhere and this is a way to keep them off parts of the grass.
Delaware River looking toward the city of Philadelphia
Off we go to Cape May, New Jersey and the Jersey Shore. It was beautiful and a gorgeous warm day.
Big Lou, Georgeann, Lou and Cathy
After a bit we decided to rent a bike and tour around to see all these beautiful Victorian houses and hotels. Enjoy!!
Our mode of transportation!
Next stop, Atlantic City and the Boardwalk on the Jersey Shore
"On the Boardwalk"
Boardwalk Pier
Cathy and Lou standing on the Jersey Shore in the Atlantic ocean
Casinos
Push carts originated back in the 1920's
More of the Boardwalk
Entrance to the Pier
Couldn't resist putting in a $20!! No luck though!
Day 5 - Friday, July 13
Today was a more relaxing day. First stop of the day was a local Amish Market. Many goodies to choose from!!
Next stop of the day was to pick Audrey up, take her out to lunch and spend the rest of the afternoon with her.
Returning back to Lou and Georgeann this was what was waiting for us! A true Italian meal -- ravioli, meat balls, Italian sausage and sauce (or as a true Italian calls it "gravy," salad, bread and wine. It was so delicious!
After dinner we headed back to Swathmore, PA and Lin's sisters house. We were told that we shouldn't miss Donna's brother-in-law's house and gardens. I can see why. It was just beautiful. Enjoy!
Caught this hummingbird back at Donna's house
Then we took a stroll to downtown Swathmore. I felt as if I was in a time warp and had traveled back in time. This little town is so cute and felt like a true Americana town.
What a great week it's been. Had a great time visiting with my cousins in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Tomorrow I head to see my Virginia cousins.
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