Dear Old Sandy Fe

 
This trip had to include a quick stop at Irene's. Her dear old pup, Sandy Fe, is now fifteen, and who knows how much longer she'll be around. Irene insists I'm one of Sandy's favorite humans, so this was a must-do visit. Sandy is the only dog left from the group that were all puppies nearly at the same time, that included Maggie.



With the aid of more medications Sandy's feeling much more spry, and went on a two-mile walk with us. She and Irene manage this nearly every day, thanks to a little-used road that is kept plowed. Sandy even manages to run-hop a few steps every now and then. She still loves life!



We walked an entrance road to Letchworth State Park. I've taken you to this park in western New York before. This is another view of the Hogback. It's the ridge on which that dark line of trees grows, lower down than the edge of the bluff.



And today I made it back to Michigan, across the Blue Water Bridge.



Chuck and Sylvia graciously took me in again tonight. Home tomorrow!

	See Letchworth Hogback- The Other Side
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Goodbye Philly, for Another Year

 
We left Philadelphia this morning. I didn't make it as close to home as planned due to bad weather, but I'm on my way.

Philadelphia is a city of contrasts. There are many buildings dating to Colonial days. Skyscrapers and brownstone can be seen in most every view.



We all walked Rachel to work as part of our farewells. She helps develop curriculum at the Franklin Institute Science Museum.



And, of course, nothing says Philadelphia like row houses.



But the city also has dozens of wonderful murals. Here's an example.


One last view of the skyline on the way out of town.

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Here We Go- Philadelphia Flower Show 2015

 
We had all day long at the flower show, and we took good advantage of that! We went right at opening time.



Hurry! Go in beneath the marquee. The theme is "At the Movies."



The entry space was flanked with concentric rings of red and white flowers.



And multi-colored formal bouquets in the pools.



Don't forget to look overhead!





I begin the trip home tomorrow, but you'll get lots more flower show pictures over the next few weeks.

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Sundays in Philadelphia

 
Even though I didn't get here last year, this is at least my 4th Flower Show trip, so Sundays before the show have almost settled into a routine. First Marie and I go to Mass, and then we all go to Dave and Rachel's church. Today, Rachel sang the special music.



Mia tried to be shy, hiding against Daddy Dave.



Anja was willing to show off a learning project done by her youth group.



I thought I should offer proof of all this food I keep talking about. Dinner tonight was tortellini and antipasto. We are full. (Now, Mia is the little jokester)

	See Fun, Friends, Food
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Fun, Friends, Food

 
We just hung out today, ferried the girls to their activities, ate a lot of food and had fun.

Casper the cat is a new addition since my last visit. Quite a handsome fellow.



We played a game that was new to me called Forbidden Island. It was only the fourth time they had played it. Instead of a competitive game, it's collaborative. You have to work together as a team to collect certain items from the island and then all airlift away before the island sinks under rising floodwaters. They had never won it before, but had learned a lot of strategy ideas from the previous attempts. We managed to win, with much cheering and high-fives.



Then we had dessert. Of course I forgot to picture it, because then all we were interested in was eating it! We had brownies with ice cream, chocolate sauce, whipped cream and raspberries. We did a great job at making empty bowls.



We also decided that Monday will be flower show day, so tomorrow will be more family/friend fun.

	See Arriving in Philadelphia
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