A Phantastik Philly Adventure

Hey Friends,
Today I find myself reminiscing about a really great time I had with my Sonny Boy and his Fab Girlfriend over the winter break this past December. They flew in from out of state as they have done for the holidays the past few years and we went to Philadelphia for a day before Christmas. Fab Girlfriend is not from from the great state of New Jersey and in the past we have gone to Manhattan for a Broadway play and to see every thing that NYC has to offer (Rockerfeller Center Tree, Macy's window displays, etc.). This year we took a relatively short car trip to Philadelphia. We parked in an automated parking lot near Cherry St and walked as the weather was surprisingly mild to the Liberty Bell via some browsing in nearby stores. Security is now much more stringent than is was the last time I was there about ten years ago. The security guards searched through my purse and made me turn around and lift up my coat to make sure I was not a threat. The Bell is in an enclosed glass atrium and we stayed a few minutes to listen to the guide give the history of The Bell and FG took some pictures. We then walked a few blocks to Independence Hall where we went through the same type of security check and listened to the guide talk about the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The upstairs is currently closed for renovation and the exterior is under renovation as well. As an aside, I wound up seeing the movie National Treasure a few days later for a second time and I felt excited as I had just been there! We walked back to the parking lot and then went to the Reading Terminal Market which is Phillys' historic farmers market. But farmers market is too mundane a name for this place, it is a smorgasbord of every kind of food imaginable. We went there because I am a fan of the Travel Channel's Man vs Food and they did a show about Philly where they featured a pork, provolone, and broccoli rabe sandwich from a vender there by the name of DiNic's. It was fabulous, as were all the other fresh foods and freshly made treats in this historic building. Parking is across the street in a multi level parking garage that is only $4 if you spend over $10 in the market and have your ticket validated by a merchant. Here is the web address:  http://www.readingterminalmarket.org/about/ Definitely worth the trip, I highly reccommend it.
SB called a friend that he graduated college with who lives in Philly and we met him and his girl friend at a bar in Fishtown called Johnny Brenda's. This is a neighborhood place that has a good craft beer selection and a varied, interesting menu. I had a great falafel and a sparkling pink wine in a can with a straw (?) by the name of  Sophia Cappola. The younsters had craft beer which they enjoyed and we also had some interesting cheese served with figs. SB and FG have never been to a gambling casino so after a few hours spent inbibing with the friends we went to Sugarhouse Casino for some gaming. Nice and new and not tired like some places in AC but money goes fast so we did not spend too much time there. I came out $20 ahead and the kids lost about $20. The casino has valet parking so getting in and out was quick. Really enjoyed spending time with my adult son and FG! Can't wait to see them again. Life is short, have an adventure!
Your Friend in Adventures in RE,
Josie

Doggone it

Hello old friends, new friends and soon to be friends. I believe that is how a dog would start their first blog because that is how a dog would catagorize every person they meet. You often hear  phrases like "It's a dog's world", "Dog eat dog", "Tired as a dog". Well, you get my drift. Even though I am a dog lover, this blog is not about dogs. It is about seeing life in the upbeat way in which a dog sees the world. Everyone is a potential friend, someone to share a good time with.  This is the spirit in which I hope to accomplish  in my blogging. Life is an adventure, sometimes good, sometimes not so good. But in my opinion, always a funny story. So beginning today, I will try to blog about a good place to eat, a good wine I tasted, some good music I heard or a funny thing that happened to me. Tune in later to see if this works.
Your friend in Adventures in RE,
Josie