Fr my 4th of July personal intimate festival, I watched Walks With My Dog, an Acron tv production in which British actors walk in their home counties with their dogs. A lovely woman walked with her Cavapoo in Kent, a recognizable (to me anyhow as I watch a LOT of British tv) actor walked with his two Labs in Cornall and visited an obscure site that I was proud and thrilled to name - the little building from which Britain laid cable to all corners of the empire. It is no longer of much use as we use fiber optic cable, but nonetheless, it is the ground zero of our connected world. I knew about it from a very old issue of Wired Magazine, probably back to the 90's.
Second to the tv show, naturally, I walked my dog, Trixie, as I do every single day all year long. Currently we walk in Knight's Park around 8:00 a.m. to catch the cooler temps as Trixie has dark brown fur and can't take the heat. In cooler seasons, when there are no ticks or chiggers, we frequent Pakim Pond, and many other hiking trails such as the Maurice River Bluffs, but from March through September, these days, we stay out of the woods and away from Lyme disease bearing ticks.
My other 4th of July treats are a vegetarian feast of red skin potato salad from ShopRite (surprisingly delicious = even to a potato salad snob like myself) cole slaw and Jersey corn (microwaved in its own leafy wrapper).
If you watch Netflix, catch What the Health, a good show about food and our health. You may prefer to forego that hot dog or burger, and opt for a veggie burger or the aforementioned salad, corn and cole slaw options.
Happy 4th of July, whatever you do and wherever you go! We will also enjoy our little local parade down Kings Hwy., and there are man locations where we can see the fireworks from home.
Happy Trails and remember - a dog can die in a few minute left in a hot car so take your dog home before you go to the store! Then you can continue to enjoy many years of happy walks together.
Jo Ann (and Trixie)
Friday, June 30, 2017
Monday, June 26, 2017
Bastille Day at Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia
IF you have never visited Eastern State Penetentiary in Philadelphia, there are several times in the year when special events are taking place. I visited a year ago with some friends on an ordinary day (I think the blog about it is archived). It is fascinating.
You might think it is all sad and tragic, but history gives you a long perspective which helps keep the sadness at bay.
One of the special event days is coming up and although I won't be there, it sounded pretty cool to me. The Storming of the Bastille, a signal spark in the French Revolution, is celebrated at Eastern State on July 15. In France, this special holiday is celebrated on the 14th of July although the actual storming of the Great French Prison and armaments fortress took place on June 24th.
For mor info on the Eastern State Pen event go to their web site
www.easternstate.org or just google Bastille Day at Eastern State Pen.
The Bastille was also a prison where political prisoners were held, and enemies of the crown who could be imprisoned without appeal and for undisclosed amounts of time.
Happy Trails!
Jo Ann
You might think it is all sad and tragic, but history gives you a long perspective which helps keep the sadness at bay.
One of the special event days is coming up and although I won't be there, it sounded pretty cool to me. The Storming of the Bastille, a signal spark in the French Revolution, is celebrated at Eastern State on July 15. In France, this special holiday is celebrated on the 14th of July although the actual storming of the Great French Prison and armaments fortress took place on June 24th.
For mor info on the Eastern State Pen event go to their web site
www.easternstate.org or just google Bastille Day at Eastern State Pen.
The Bastille was also a prison where political prisoners were held, and enemies of the crown who could be imprisoned without appeal and for undisclosed amounts of time.
Happy Trails!
Jo Ann
Solar Eclipse August
In case you missed it, the note of a solar eclipse has been written up in several science magazines and this Sunday in the Courier Post. Since I had posted on several star gazing events coming up, I thought I would add a note about the eclipse as well. I can't really go to these anymore as I can't drive at night - vision problems, but you can!
This is the first coast to coast solar eclipse in the US in 99 years! Although total solar eclipses happen about every two years or so, usually they occur in the middle of the Pacific or some other place where we can't see them. But this one cuts diagonally across the US. This one takes place on August 21 and cuts from Oregon to South Carolina. Day will briefly become night.
Along this path, the eclipse will be total. In other places it will be partial. As all article recommend, wear protective eye covering. The eclipse will last about 2 minutes.
I am sure as the time gets closer we will get a more accurate estimate of the time when we can view this. Nothing I read so far was able to give a time to start looking. I guess when we see the shadow of the moon and it begins to get dark, we will know!
"When the moon hits your eye and it darkens the sky, that's an eclipse" Sing it to the tune of the old song about the pizza pie!
Happy Trails, in the woods, in the park, or in the sky -
Jo Ann
This is the first coast to coast solar eclipse in the US in 99 years! Although total solar eclipses happen about every two years or so, usually they occur in the middle of the Pacific or some other place where we can't see them. But this one cuts diagonally across the US. This one takes place on August 21 and cuts from Oregon to South Carolina. Day will briefly become night.
Along this path, the eclipse will be total. In other places it will be partial. As all article recommend, wear protective eye covering. The eclipse will last about 2 minutes.
I am sure as the time gets closer we will get a more accurate estimate of the time when we can view this. Nothing I read so far was able to give a time to start looking. I guess when we see the shadow of the moon and it begins to get dark, we will know!
"When the moon hits your eye and it darkens the sky, that's an eclipse" Sing it to the tune of the old song about the pizza pie!
Happy Trails, in the woods, in the park, or in the sky -
Jo Ann
Friday, June 23, 2017
What to do Where to Go Batsto Reminder
Saturday une 24, Astronomy Presentation and Star Watch
Conducted by the Willingboro Astronomical Society
7:00 - 10:00 FREE at Batsto Village 609-567-4559
( Held again at Saturday July 29)
Saturday July 8 89th Annual Capt. Emilio Carranza Memorial Service begins at 1:00 at the Carranza Memorial Call Atsion Camp Store 609-268-4444
Saturday July 15 The Carpenter Frog Pinelands Guided Hike, Bring water and lunch Begins at 10:30, 3 to 4 miles FREE, Meet at Atsion Camp Store 744 Route 206 Call 609-268-0444
The Following all at Historic Batsto Village:
August 18, 12th NJVI Civil War Encampment
Sept 24 Fall Antiqu Glass & Bottle Show
October 15 Country Living Fair
Look for info at www.batstovillage.org and Facebook page Batsto Citizens Committee/Historic Batsto Village or call 609-561-0024
Happy Trails!
Jo Ann
Conducted by the Willingboro Astronomical Society
7:00 - 10:00 FREE at Batsto Village 609-567-4559
( Held again at Saturday July 29)
Saturday July 8 89th Annual Capt. Emilio Carranza Memorial Service begins at 1:00 at the Carranza Memorial Call Atsion Camp Store 609-268-4444
Saturday July 15 The Carpenter Frog Pinelands Guided Hike, Bring water and lunch Begins at 10:30, 3 to 4 miles FREE, Meet at Atsion Camp Store 744 Route 206 Call 609-268-0444
The Following all at Historic Batsto Village:
August 18, 12th NJVI Civil War Encampment
Sept 24 Fall Antiqu Glass & Bottle Show
October 15 Country Living Fair
Look for info at www.batstovillage.org and Facebook page Batsto Citizens Committee/Historic Batsto Village or call 609-561-0024
Happy Trails!
Jo Ann
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Free Music in Gloucester City this Summer
Hosted by Michael Tearson ( renowned counter-culture dj as famous as a rock star in his WMMR days!) Time 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Place: Proprietor's Park, on the Delaware River on King Street at Powell.
June 27 - Kenn Kweder with Skip Denenberg (Songwriter)
A Tribute to Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash
Opening Act: Lost Art
July 11
Swinging Cool Cat
Rock & Roll, Jump, Blues, Jazz and Swing
Opening Act: Drew Harris from Naked Sun
July 25
Dave Kelly with Bryan Schnell from Tulsa Oklahoma
A Tribute to the sounds of American Southern Rock
Opening Act: Dave Bakey from Celtic Thunder
August 8
Jon Toulon with Mike Brenner
A Tribute to the Grateful Dead
Opening Act: Michael Tearson
Broedast Pioneers Hall of Fame with Bill Ferguson
August 22
the Swingz featuring Fan Smith, Jr., Steve Butler, Eric Smith
Opening Act: Sage Lobiano
June 27 - Kenn Kweder with Skip Denenberg (Songwriter)
A Tribute to Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash
Opening Act: Lost Art
July 11
Swinging Cool Cat
Rock & Roll, Jump, Blues, Jazz and Swing
Opening Act: Drew Harris from Naked Sun
July 25
Dave Kelly with Bryan Schnell from Tulsa Oklahoma
A Tribute to the sounds of American Southern Rock
Opening Act: Dave Bakey from Celtic Thunder
August 8
Jon Toulon with Mike Brenner
A Tribute to the Grateful Dead
Opening Act: Michael Tearson
Broedast Pioneers Hall of Fame with Bill Ferguson
August 22
the Swingz featuring Fan Smith, Jr., Steve Butler, Eric Smith
Opening Act: Sage Lobiano
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
Museum of Failure
You may have visited when I was posting on my Museu of the Ordinary Person. I got up to episode 3, but I have 5 episodes with a shocking reveal at the end and I will resume on a rainy day when nothing else is happening.
But today, I heard on nprp, the bbc broadcast that a Danish Psychologist has opened a so far popular Museum of Failure, to show that behind every success there is failure that had to be overcome and that the person or team experiencing the failure had to persevere beyond it.
He got the idea when he visited the Museum of Broken Relationships in Croatia.
When I get home from the gym and my painting plan, I will look up these museums, I'd love to see what they have!
Happy trails (whether in the woods or the mind)
Jo Ann
But today, I heard on nprp, the bbc broadcast that a Danish Psychologist has opened a so far popular Museum of Failure, to show that behind every success there is failure that had to be overcome and that the person or team experiencing the failure had to persevere beyond it.
He got the idea when he visited the Museum of Broken Relationships in Croatia.
When I get home from the gym and my painting plan, I will look up these museums, I'd love to see what they have!
Happy trails (whether in the woods or the mind)
Jo Ann
Monday, June 12, 2017
My Ukulele Lessons at Collingwood Music Store
I was doing a book/workshop on creativity that asked what thing we had always wanted to do and had never done.
All my life from when I was a child, I had wanted to play a musical instrument. Also, I had wanted to learn a formal dance practice, and I had! I studied Graham Technique for nearly 8 years. I had wanted to write a book and I have written and independently published 3! Most of all I had wanted to draw and paint and I have a degree in Art and I can draw and paint. But, I had never learned an instrument.
When my daughter left home, I kept her piano tuned and eventually I thought, "Why not, it's sitting right here in the living room." So I took lessons for a year and I did like it but I stopped.
For Mother's Day, my daughter bought me a Makala Shark ukulele, so I tried teaching myself but I soon felt it was hopeless, then, I found Collingwood Music Store and saw that they gave lessons.
My teacher, Scott, is marvelous. He is delighted when you 'get it' kind and supportive when you are struggling, and he has impeccable pacing. He is a natural and gifted teacher.
Now, I am a three- time award winning teacher, and I taught in the graduate Art Department of the University of the Arts for many years, so I know a good teacher when I see one. He has a gift! He makes the lessons so much fun. I feel encouraged and inspired when I take a lesson.
When you are learning something entirely new and foreign to your existing skills, there is a lot of nervousness, at least for me, so I appreciate lessons with no anxiety.
This week, I am learning "You Are My Sunshine." Previously I learned 4 chords and how to read the basic notes. Now we get to the real deal - a song! I will let you know how I make out.
And if you, too, have always wanted to learn to play an instrument or if you have one gathering dust and you are finally ready to learn how to play it, I strongly recommend Collingwood Music.
Ted Velykis - Owner
856-854-5094
9 Lincon Ave.
Collingswood, NJ 08108
Music Lessons for all Ages: Guitar, Bass, Piano, Drums, Voice, Violin, Banjo and more!
Also Vinyl LP's, Vintage and Boutique Instruments, Accessories
Buy-Sell-Repair-Special Orders
www.CollingswoodMusic.com
All my life from when I was a child, I had wanted to play a musical instrument. Also, I had wanted to learn a formal dance practice, and I had! I studied Graham Technique for nearly 8 years. I had wanted to write a book and I have written and independently published 3! Most of all I had wanted to draw and paint and I have a degree in Art and I can draw and paint. But, I had never learned an instrument.
When my daughter left home, I kept her piano tuned and eventually I thought, "Why not, it's sitting right here in the living room." So I took lessons for a year and I did like it but I stopped.
For Mother's Day, my daughter bought me a Makala Shark ukulele, so I tried teaching myself but I soon felt it was hopeless, then, I found Collingwood Music Store and saw that they gave lessons.
My teacher, Scott, is marvelous. He is delighted when you 'get it' kind and supportive when you are struggling, and he has impeccable pacing. He is a natural and gifted teacher.
Now, I am a three- time award winning teacher, and I taught in the graduate Art Department of the University of the Arts for many years, so I know a good teacher when I see one. He has a gift! He makes the lessons so much fun. I feel encouraged and inspired when I take a lesson.
When you are learning something entirely new and foreign to your existing skills, there is a lot of nervousness, at least for me, so I appreciate lessons with no anxiety.
This week, I am learning "You Are My Sunshine." Previously I learned 4 chords and how to read the basic notes. Now we get to the real deal - a song! I will let you know how I make out.
And if you, too, have always wanted to learn to play an instrument or if you have one gathering dust and you are finally ready to learn how to play it, I strongly recommend Collingwood Music.
Ted Velykis - Owner
856-854-5094
9 Lincon Ave.
Collingswood, NJ 08108
Music Lessons for all Ages: Guitar, Bass, Piano, Drums, Voice, Violin, Banjo and more!
Also Vinyl LP's, Vintage and Boutique Instruments, Accessories
Buy-Sell-Repair-Special Orders
www.CollingswoodMusic.com
Friday, June 9, 2017
Things to do - Places to go June with Camden County Historical Society
Dear Members of the Camden County Historical Society--
You are invited to join a Cooper River History Paddle Tour on Tuesday, June 20th 10am-12:30pm. The history paddle tour, based on the book “Along the Cooper: Camden to Haddonfield,” will be led by its co-author Robert Shinn, an officer of the Camden County Historical Society (CCHS). Whilst paddling, the rich history of this region comes alive as Shinn tells the tales of the Cooper. The route, led by experienced UrbanTrekker guides, takes paddlers through the still-viewable underwater remnants of a Victorian garden and a WPA-era swimming pool in Farnham Park and then under the bridges and railroad trestles that supported Camden’s industrial might in its midcentury heyday. Continuing toward the Delaware River backchannel, the juxtaposition of modern investment and poverty in the city is striking, as is the environmental richness and natural beauty leading to the paddle’s conclusion at Pyne Poynt Park. Urban Trekker will provide canoes, paddles and lifejackets. The fee per person to cover costs is $20 for CCHS members and $30 for non-members. Transportation service for those who bring their own kayak or canoe may be provided for a reduced rate if space is available. Advanced registration required. Use link below: https://urbanpromiseusa.donorpages.com/EcologyPaddleRegistrationOnly Sign up early as space is limited!
--Bonny Beth Elwell
Library Director |
Saturday, June 3, 2017
Glorious Day on the Maurice with Captain Dave
Yesterday, my two Barbara friends and I were gliding down the Maurice River with Captian Dave out of Millville. No more beautiful Spring day could have been found. It is a 2 hour round-trip at $15, call in advance to reserve your seat. Yesterday, we arrived just as a bus of folks from Medford Leas were departing The boat can fill up as it is very popular.
Naturally, we saw eagles, as well as other river birds, and enjoyed the now familiar sights of the Maurice River Bluffs and the Bercham dyke farm.
A brisk breeze kept us all cool under the sun, which we haven't seen in a few days, and the day was in every way perfect! Including a truly delicious lunch at Wildflowers Vegan Restaurant. I had a back bean burger wrap and the two Barbaras had saitan wraps and all of us agreed they were the best yet and the best wraps we had ever eaten anywhere.
Now, Saturday June 3rd, the sun is gone again, but we have the memory of our lovely day to remind us that summer is around the corner. And this afternoon a friend, and I, are going to the Strawberry Festival at St. Mary's Episcopal Church on White Horse Pike in Haddon Heights.
By the way, I added two new pictures in the side columns, the little free library at the Mt. Ephraim Clock on Kings Hwy. where I dropped off a couple of books and a cd. And, the view of Curtin's Wharf where my friend, Gail and I had lunch on Memorial Day - also couldn't have been a lovelier day, breeze off the Delaware, Caribbean live music, a convivial and cheery crowd - everyone in high spirits.
I am always delighted about the many wonderful things to do and places to go in South Jersey. I hope you are too, and if not, just read more blog posts and find more things to do and places to go and you will be too!
Happy Trails!
Jo Ann
Naturally, we saw eagles, as well as other river birds, and enjoyed the now familiar sights of the Maurice River Bluffs and the Bercham dyke farm.
A brisk breeze kept us all cool under the sun, which we haven't seen in a few days, and the day was in every way perfect! Including a truly delicious lunch at Wildflowers Vegan Restaurant. I had a back bean burger wrap and the two Barbaras had saitan wraps and all of us agreed they were the best yet and the best wraps we had ever eaten anywhere.
Now, Saturday June 3rd, the sun is gone again, but we have the memory of our lovely day to remind us that summer is around the corner. And this afternoon a friend, and I, are going to the Strawberry Festival at St. Mary's Episcopal Church on White Horse Pike in Haddon Heights.
By the way, I added two new pictures in the side columns, the little free library at the Mt. Ephraim Clock on Kings Hwy. where I dropped off a couple of books and a cd. And, the view of Curtin's Wharf where my friend, Gail and I had lunch on Memorial Day - also couldn't have been a lovelier day, breeze off the Delaware, Caribbean live music, a convivial and cheery crowd - everyone in high spirits.
I am always delighted about the many wonderful things to do and places to go in South Jersey. I hope you are too, and if not, just read more blog posts and find more things to do and places to go and you will be too!
Happy Trails!
Jo Ann
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