Aliens in the Apple

Visit to Mr. J

Franci 15 Jul 2011 Being tourists Family Food Funny things Jaunts out of NYC Kids

A couple of weekends ago, we visited our good friend, Jeremy, in Philadelphia.

What a blast — we did some sight-seeing, but also my favourite pastime: having good discussions over good food.

There was of course also an appropriate amount of teasing which Jeremy thrived upon. (We have ample reason for this kind of fun because Jeremy is my daughter’s sister’s father’s youngest sister’s boyfriend.)

I took a heap of photos on this trip because I had just received my new camera, so you’re getting treated (or tortured, depending on your perspective) to a post with lots of photos!

Crossing into Philly:

Seeing the skyline as we enter the city:

We drove past this church on our way to his house — I liked the lines of the building.

What empty streets! So wide, and so empty! See my little cameo appearance?

And here’s Jeremy’s street:

And the house where he lives:

And the mammoth with whom he lives. The mammoth was drawn by one of his house mates and is called Woolworth. I thought you’d all benefit from knowing that.

Jeremy took us to see some of the historic parts of Philadelphia. We went to Penn’s landing where there was a big market and had lunch there.

Don’t you think Jeremy looks good pushing a stroller? Awww, how sweet.

(Marica was a bit tired and sick that weekend, only for us to find out the next week that she had Strep. Oops.)

Manly talk while waiting for our sliders. (Sliders are small hamburgers.)

We saw Independence Hall (currently under construction).

Nearby was a garden with a statue of The Signer (of the Declaration of Independence). I had a bit of editing fun turning it into a black and white picture — I like the silhouette effect that produced.

After lunch and a bit of wandering we had a rest on a lawn next to some other historic house (can you tell we’re not too into the details?) and Jeremy practiced sign language off a card that a deaf man gave me earlier. I had to catch him making an ‘L’, of course! :-)

I reckon Ben is like a good wine — he just gets better every year he ages! Yes, indeed, I married him for his looks. (Among other things.)

THE FOOD for our dinner almost deserves a separate post to itself. We bought it at an indoor market (Reading Terminal Market) that sold pretty much everything you could think of — everything fresh and delicious. We got bratwurst there and some salad ingredients, as well as some sticky buns for our Sunday morning breakfast.

We had our yummy dinner outside in the backyard — the weather was pretty much perfect. The mosquitoes, not so much.

Marica thought it was funny to pretend that she was drinking beer. We thought it was funny too.

A plate filled with goodness. Watch out for the claw of doom, it pounces when you least expect it!

Grilled mushrooms with butter, garlic salt, pepper, parmesan and fresh mozzarella. And don’t forget the fresh basil. Oh yum.

Salad of arugula, red pepper and fresh mozzarella. Simple. Hmmm.

A little something out of Jeremy’s dad’s kitchen to burn the living daylights out of you.

The verdict:

Thanks for an awesome 30 (or so) hours, Jeremy! We had a great time. We’re looking forward to your (plural) visit in August!

Comments (7)

Jeremy E 15 Jul 2011 at 9:35am

Nice! It was a blast having you guys there! I too look forward to our visit in a month :) It’ll be cool to see you guys too ;)

Abby Murphy 15 Jul 2011 at 3:19pm

Food looks great! Everything else does too :)

Alexia 15 Jul 2011 at 5:09pm

I love all your veiled references :)

Eva 17 Jul 2011 at 7:28am

Hi! Fun to get your report! Wish I could see you Philly when I’m there in August (just for about 24 hours, though).

Jeremy E 17 Jul 2011 at 8:53pm

When will you be in Philly? Lillian will be here between the 17th and 24th, and I’m sure she’d love to catch up with you!

Elrike Hoyt 18 Jul 2011 at 11:53am

Looks like you had a lovely time together. Wish we could join you!
Oh, and Bevan says the food looks way to fancy. Take that as a compliment, Franci! :-)

Franci 18 Jul 2011 at 12:10pm

I like making fancy food, as long as it tastes good! :-) You’re welcome to join us, hint-hint!