Showing posts with label Philadelphia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Philadelphia. Show all posts

Saturday, June 30, 2012

July 4th 2012


We usually are not home to celebrate 4th of July
but this year is an exception so about my only patriotic decor 
is my front door.
My daughter, Monica, took me to the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena, CA for my birthday and these are two of my treasures I brought home.


These patriotic printed flowers are cut out of recycled tin.


Here is a closer look.  


Last year we were in Washington D.C. at this time.



We had lunch at Union Station and continued to tour many sites.



 Lincoln Memorial


White House


 My grandson, Davis, and I always have room for popcorn.


Grandsons, C.J., Davis, and Eli  with the Washington Monument in the background.
C.J. informed me that this is the tallest free standing structure.  If you would like to check out 10 amazing facts about the Washington Monument, click here.


We were privileged to have a tour of the Pentagon by our friend, Jason, who works there.
It is a city in itself and if you would like to find out more facts, click here.


Davis making a speech.


Outside the Pentagon is a 9/11 Memorial.


A visit to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is a must.
Find out more information by clicking here.



The serene setting of the changing of the guards at Arlington Cemetery. 
If you would like more facts, click here.


Visiting the Supreme Court and it is obvious 
by Eli's $$ sunglasses that we had just visited the U.S. Mint .



Love the architecture and lampposts.


If you are "Proud to be an American", click here.
 

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Combining the Romance of Chess

The first Friday of every month is the blog party "Vintage Black Friday" and every Friday is "Foodie Friday" so I wanted to join the two.  I believe you will find this combination both delectable and inspiring.

I couldn't decide which should be posted first so I chose the way opponents decide in a Chess game.  Holding a white pawn in one hand and a black pawn in the other, my husband chose the black pawn which represented the "Vintage Black Friday" party.  Therefore,  let the "Romance of Chess" begin.


The 1945 chess board was set up on a vintage desk.




The black pieces were placed first upon the vintage 1945 board since they won the draw to be first played.
The feather bouquet in the vintage black metal vase adds romance to the setting.
Adding a touch of black on the vintage clock helps to speed the game along.



This vintage chess set had the original First Edition, June 1945 rules book.
This booklet states, "The development of Chess through the ages presents an interesting and enlightening story.  It is a history that lends dignity and honor to the game."



All the chess pieces were still in the "Chess Men" box.
All the vintage black squares, numbers, and letters add charm and romance to this vignette.



It is interesting to note that the first person to bring Chess to public notice in the United States was Benjamn Franklin, who wrote an essay on "The Morals of Chess."  However, very little Chess was played in the United States prior to about 1825.  From then on, it gradually increased in popularity. 

In fact, this Independence Day weekend, my son, Nate, who lives in Philadelphia, is playing in the Continental Chess Association Chess Tournament:  'World Open 2010'  held at Valley Forge, PA..  He, also, has designed a Chess tournament online for his California relatives young and old.  They love the competition.


"Chess is truly a game that should live forever.  It sharpens the wits and is an endless source of intellectual pleasure for novice and masters alike."

You say, "How does this tie into Foodie Friday?

The first ingredient in this deliciously rich dessert is  
Chessmen Cookies.
When I first had a piece of this yummy dessert, it was so rich and delicious, I decided to make it for a "Lunch in the Country" dessert.  If you would like to go back to that post click here.

I didn't learn until after I had tasted the dessert (I should have known) that it is Paula Deen's 

"Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding"

Ingredients:

2   bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies
6 to 8 bananas, sliced
2 cups milk
1 (5 - ounce) box instant French vanilla pudding
1 (8 - ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping thawed, or equal amount sweetened whipped cream


These are the ingredients so you know why I said it is so rich and yummy.
You first line the bottom of a 13 by 9 x 2 inch dish with one bag of Chessmen cookies.
Then, layer 6 - 8 sliced bananas.  I used six.


In a bowl, combine the milk and pudding mix and blend well using a handheld electric mixer.


Using another bowl, combine the cream cheese and condensed milk together and mix until smooth.



Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. 



Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until well blended.



Pour the mixture over the cookies and bananas.



Even the "Mama" couldn't wait for a taste of the banana puddin' before the cookies were placed on top.



Cover with the remaining bag of Chessmen cookies and refrigerate until ready to serve.


This is a great recipe for serving about 12.  Prep time is about 30 minutes and it is easy.

Whether romancing playing the game of Chess or 
 using Chess to romance your decor or
or romancing over a Chess cookie dessert
It all ties in to the Romance of Chess.


WISHING YOU A SAFE AND
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY !!
I will be celebrating for a week with family so watch for posts after that time.

I am joining Vintage Black Friday or click on VBF button on my sidebar or
Foodie Friday click here.




Monday, February 15, 2010

A Visit to Snowy Philadelphia

I took a time out from blogging for a visit with my son and daughter-in-law who live in Philadelphia.  We were fortunate to not get stranded at the airport yet we got to enjoy the snow covered area. 

The next day when the sun came out and the guys had shoveled the snow, I ventured out to the front sidewalk for this picture of our son and daughter-in-law's place.


Since the roads had been cleared we ventured out to shop at King of Prussia mall.


I loved the flowers on the backdrop of this store window.


Even though I don't have many occasions to dress formally anymore, it is always fun to check out what Jessica McClintock is creating.


The mall had an exhibit of Norman Rockwell figures.


I took this picture for my Mom because she loves to read and always has her nose stuck in a book.


Since the leaves have fallen, this is a good time to check out some of the houses and fences.

 
Photos with iphone in a moving car aren't the best pictures but it gives you an idea of the snow in the area.  I especially love the windows in some of these older homes.


The picket fence caught my eye.


Unless you had a blanket and heater there probably wouldn't be any rocking on that porch this day.


This picture was taken on our way to the airport to leave Philadelphia.  The old bridges are fascinating.
We had a good time and left just before the record snowfall began.