Thank you to the kind folks at Famous Footwear in the Longwood shopping center! On Saturday evening, while we were en route to a concert and pressed for time, both of my shoes decided to self-destruct: the soles and uppers completely parted company.
My companion dropped me off at the doorway of the shoe store and went to park as I shuffled inside. The clerk took one look at my now-useless shoes, chuckled and suggested a few possible replacements. I handed her the four pieces of my former shoes and I heard them "clunk" into a trash can.
Her suggestion of a pair of Skechers was perfect. I found my size, bought them and put them on, and we were on our way with plenty of time to spare.
Saturday, April 1, 2017
BREW-HA-HA: You can eat there now
The Brew-Ha-Ha coffee shop in Greenville now serves food and alcohol! Although the shop is still located in the Powder Mill Square shopping center off Route 52, it has moved to the back portion of the shopping center. When we were there late Saturday afternoon, there were numerous families and groups of friends eating, chatting or tapping away on their computers. A few hardy folks were even sitting outside on the patio, though it wasn't especially warm.
I ordered a turkey and cheese sandwich on a sourdough baguette and my date had the tortellini -- both were tasty, and our server was charming. We were also brought two warm brioche rolls with cinnamon butter, on the house. I had never had Boylan Cola before, and it tasted like a mixture of Coca-Cola and old-fashioned root beer.
On the walls I recognized a few of the oversized, old-fashioned French advertising posters from the "old" Brew-ha-ha, along with an eclectic mix of other artwork and bric-a-brac. The tables and chairs are rustic wood, and the whole atmosphere is comfortable and casual. I could definitely see myself bringing a proofreading project there and camping out for an afternoon.
I ordered a turkey and cheese sandwich on a sourdough baguette and my date had the tortellini -- both were tasty, and our server was charming. We were also brought two warm brioche rolls with cinnamon butter, on the house. I had never had Boylan Cola before, and it tasted like a mixture of Coca-Cola and old-fashioned root beer.
On the walls I recognized a few of the oversized, old-fashioned French advertising posters from the "old" Brew-ha-ha, along with an eclectic mix of other artwork and bric-a-brac. The tables and chairs are rustic wood, and the whole atmosphere is comfortable and casual. I could definitely see myself bringing a proofreading project there and camping out for an afternoon.
EAST MARLBOROUGH: Slow down through town
I'm seeing signs that speed enforcement is being stepped up on Route 82 through Unionville. The police vehicle (with or without Chief Robert "Clarkie" Clarke) has been parked at the URA fields across from Hood's, in the former feed store parking lot next to the post office and at the four-way stop at Wollaston Road. There are also timers on Route 82, near Hood's and near Unionville Elementary School, that tell you how fast you are going. They blink reprovingly when you are doing more than the 30mph limit.
One of my spies also reports that the Pennsylvania State Police had a speeder stopped on Newark Road near London Grove Friends Meeting the other afternoon. I was glad to hear it; people drive dangerously fast on that stretch of road.
UHS: A track meet
On Wednesday afternoon we attended the Young Relative's first home track meet of the spring season. Naturally we focus on him (thoughtfully, he wears bright sneakers so we can spot him even across the field), but we enjoy seeing all the athletes out there. The kids joke around with each other between races, and stretch and jog and do high-knee runs and (apparently effortless) sky-high tuck jumps to keep themselves loose.
I love the good sportsmanship on display: one girl cried out in delight when realized she had just set a PR (personal record) and all the girls, whether on her team or not, congratulated her.
The PIAA official running the race was quite an amusing character. He was strict about the rules forbidding earrings, necklaces and watches and made the competitors hand over the offending items to their coaches. He had little patience when some athletes were confused about who was running in a certain relay race: "If you don't know who's on your team, I can't help you!"
When the meet started at 3:30 it was a beautiful warm afternoon and I dressed accordingly, forgetting that the UHS stadium can be a treacherous microclimate. By 7 p.m. (of course, the Young Relative ran the very last leg in the very last race!), as the sun was setting, it was cold and very windy. I had unearthed a sweatshirt from the work truck and had a painter's dropcloth wrapped around my bare legs, sarong-style. I was still shivering. I noticed that even the YR, who wears shorts year-round, donned some leggings and a sweatshirt over his shorts and running singlet. A more seasoned mom told me she keeps in her car three weights of jackets for just this reason.
I love the good sportsmanship on display: one girl cried out in delight when realized she had just set a PR (personal record) and all the girls, whether on her team or not, congratulated her.
The PIAA official running the race was quite an amusing character. He was strict about the rules forbidding earrings, necklaces and watches and made the competitors hand over the offending items to their coaches. He had little patience when some athletes were confused about who was running in a certain relay race: "If you don't know who's on your team, I can't help you!"
When the meet started at 3:30 it was a beautiful warm afternoon and I dressed accordingly, forgetting that the UHS stadium can be a treacherous microclimate. By 7 p.m. (of course, the Young Relative ran the very last leg in the very last race!), as the sun was setting, it was cold and very windy. I had unearthed a sweatshirt from the work truck and had a painter's dropcloth wrapped around my bare legs, sarong-style. I was still shivering. I noticed that even the YR, who wears shorts year-round, donned some leggings and a sweatshirt over his shorts and running singlet. A more seasoned mom told me she keeps in her car three weights of jackets for just this reason.
NIXON PARK: Gardens on the move
Christine and Steve Denno were good enough to send me an update about the Kennett Community Gardens at Anson B. Nixon Park. The garden area is moving from the south side of the parking lot (the one near the tennis courts) to the west side.
A group of gardeners and volunteers dismantled the old raised beds, a task that took about four hours. The next step will be to transfer the "old" soil to the new garden, where it will be used the shared herb bed, the Kennett Area Community Services garden plots, and the children's garden area. Laurel Valley Soils has generously agreed to donate "new" soil to fill the new garden plots."The next step is to install a fence, and once that is done we can then schedule a date to build out the plots, move the soil, spread the wood chips and start gardening!" An opening celebration is set for May 5th.
The new garden will have about 50 raised beds, measuring 3-by-10 feet each. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis at a cost of $25 for the year. Gardeners supply their own tools, plants, seeds, organic fertilizer and herbicides and share communal responsibilities.
Here is the contact information for anyone interested in reserving a garden: phone, 610-444-1416; email ksqcommunitygarden@gmail.com; internet http://www.ansonbnixonpark.org/activities-and-facilities.html.
Monday, March 27, 2017
DESSERT: News from Landhope
One of these days we WILL make it to Dylan's Desserts, the brand-new shop in the Liberty Place market in downtown Kennett. The first time we passed by, it was open but we were too full for dessert, having just chowed down on Buddy Burgers. The second time (Sunday night) Dylan's wasn't open, so we drove to Landhope at Willowdale to get our ice cream (scooped by Sue). Landhope is in the process of replacing its gas pumps and canopies so the southern parking lot is torn up and fenced off, but the store is still open.
"We appreciate your loyalty and hope you love our upgrade!" reads the sign on the door.
"We appreciate your loyalty and hope you love our upgrade!" reads the sign on the door.
NBC: Two meanings
"Your Exclusive Invitation to NBC Insiders," read the email teaser. "Become an NBC Insider!"
Well, OK, I thought: New Bolton Center is starting some kind of "neighbors" group and they want me to join. Nice! I'll check it out.
But alas, I realized I was mistaken as soon as I read the first line: "Are you a loyal NBC viewer? Want the scoop on our shows before anyone else?"
I guess that outside of Unionville, NBC stands for something other than New Bolton Center.
Well, OK, I thought: New Bolton Center is starting some kind of "neighbors" group and they want me to join. Nice! I'll check it out.
But alas, I realized I was mistaken as soon as I read the first line: "Are you a loyal NBC viewer? Want the scoop on our shows before anyone else?"
I guess that outside of Unionville, NBC stands for something other than New Bolton Center.
Sunday, March 26, 2017
OPTOS: An improved eye exam
I've been wearing glasses since the fourth grade, so I've long been accustomed to going for my annual eye exam and getting my pupils dilated so they can examine your retina. It's a strange sensation, and you have to squint and wear sunglasses for several hours afterward because suddenly the sun seems to have gotten exponentially brighter.
No more! I went for my checkup on Monday with Dr. Renny Sardella in Willowdale, and he has a new type of high-tech camera, called the Optos Optomap, that takes a photo of your retina in a matter of seconds, with no need for dilating drops. The enlarged image, which immediately pops up on the computer screen, shows the optic nerve, the macula, and the blood vessels in great detail. It was fascinating to see.
It's such a benefit to have healthcare people who know their clients well and live locally. When I described a momentary phenomenon in my eye as resembling the surface of the water in Longwood Gardens' "Eye of Water," Renny knew exactly what I meant.
No more! I went for my checkup on Monday with Dr. Renny Sardella in Willowdale, and he has a new type of high-tech camera, called the Optos Optomap, that takes a photo of your retina in a matter of seconds, with no need for dilating drops. The enlarged image, which immediately pops up on the computer screen, shows the optic nerve, the macula, and the blood vessels in great detail. It was fascinating to see.
It's such a benefit to have healthcare people who know their clients well and live locally. When I described a momentary phenomenon in my eye as resembling the surface of the water in Longwood Gardens' "Eye of Water," Renny knew exactly what I meant.
JIM HURST: A finger picking master
On Friday night we headed to Newark to hear Nashville bluegrass guitarist Jim Hurst in concert. Though he is an amazingly talented musician -- he said that just for fun he plays one song in a different key each night -- Jim is a humble and self-deprecating performer.
I enjoyed his between-songs musings. He talked about the power of music as a deterrent to and a distraction from political divisiveness. A former long-haul trucker, he said he used to bring his guitar with him and use the vibrations of his truck and the rhythmic sounds of the highway as musical inspiration. He also talked about the scary experience of "white line fever," when you realize you've driven across an entire state without being fully alert.
Jim performed a few songs about his deep Christian faith and, and I was surprised he felt it necessary to say he hoped they didn't offend anyone. He spoke about the ways in which being an entertainer and being a Christian sometimes conflict.
Most of the musicians we go to see sell their CDs at intermission, and Jim was no exception. Before the break he encouraged us to take a look at his wares, and he said that even financial advisors tell you that CDs should be part of your investment strategy.
I enjoyed his between-songs musings. He talked about the power of music as a deterrent to and a distraction from political divisiveness. A former long-haul trucker, he said he used to bring his guitar with him and use the vibrations of his truck and the rhythmic sounds of the highway as musical inspiration. He also talked about the scary experience of "white line fever," when you realize you've driven across an entire state without being fully alert.
Jim performed a few songs about his deep Christian faith and, and I was surprised he felt it necessary to say he hoped they didn't offend anyone. He spoke about the ways in which being an entertainer and being a Christian sometimes conflict.
Most of the musicians we go to see sell their CDs at intermission, and Jim was no exception. Before the break he encouraged us to take a look at his wares, and he said that even financial advisors tell you that CDs should be part of your investment strategy.
WEST MARLBOROUGH: April meeting coming up
The West Marlborough supervisors will be having their monthly meeting on Tuesday night, April 4, at the township garage in Doe Run Village. Meetings have been quite routine of late, which is good for me as a resident but not so good for me as a reporter. Come out and see local government in action, visit with your neighbors and see the township road equipment up close and personal. The planning commission meets first, at 7 p.m., followed by the supervisors at 7:30 or so.
DINNER: Supporting the Scouts
On Saturday night we enjoyed a delicious spaghetti dinner at Kennett Friends Meeting, a fundraiser for Boy Scout Troop 24. They load your plate up with linguini, tomato sauce, and two giant meatballs and then ask you what should be a rhetorical question in the Kennett area: "Do you want mushrooms?" Of course we want mushrooms! They also give you rolls, a salad and home-made dessert, and the boys, in their Scout uniforms, bring you drinks.
MEETING: Learning about gun laws
My West Marlborough neighbor Starr Bright asked me to share some information about "Gun Sense Chester County," a group she is involved in.
"I am a gunshot survivor and am interested in responsible gun ownership as well as sensible gun legislation," she wrote. "My husband hunts and I have no interest in banning guns, but I am interested in sensible solutions to what has become a polarizing issue."
She said the group will be holding a public meeting at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, at the Church of Loving Shepherd, 1066 South New Street, West Chester.
"I am a gunshot survivor and am interested in responsible gun ownership as well as sensible gun legislation," she wrote. "My husband hunts and I have no interest in banning guns, but I am interested in sensible solutions to what has become a polarizing issue."
She said the group will be holding a public meeting at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, at the Church of Loving Shepherd, 1066 South New Street, West Chester.
BREAKFAST: Best meal of the day
There's a new breakfast and lunch place in town: Café Americana in the Giant shopping center on Scarlett Road. We ate there last Sunday morning and the place was quite busy with families, couples, friends and two women who looked like they'd just finished their barn chores (and were hungry: they ordered creamed chipped beef). The waitresses were cheerful, and we enjoyed a hearty breakfast of eggs and home fries. Cafe Americana is open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Speaking of breakfast: on Sunday, April 2, the West Grove-Avondale Rotary Club and the Avon Grove Lions Club will be holding their annual pancake breakfast at the Avondale Fire Co. firehouse on Route 41 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Avondale and West Grove fire companies.
Speaking of breakfast: on Sunday, April 2, the West Grove-Avondale Rotary Club and the Avon Grove Lions Club will be holding their annual pancake breakfast at the Avondale Fire Co. firehouse on Route 41 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Avondale and West Grove fire companies.
NUMBERS: Best marathon ever
At first I thought those oval "13.1" car stickers had something to do with advocating the unification of Ireland. Then "26.2" ones started appearing, and I knew there weren't 26 counties in Ireland.
Of course, what the numbers refer to is the miles in a half-marathon and marathon, respectively, and putting this on your car declares that you participate in this sport.
My interest in running extends only to watching the Young Relative compete as part of the UHS track team, and in Downingtown on Friday I saw the perfect car sticker on a Ford Explorer.
"0.0," it read. "I don't run."
Of course, what the numbers refer to is the miles in a half-marathon and marathon, respectively, and putting this on your car declares that you participate in this sport.
My interest in running extends only to watching the Young Relative compete as part of the UHS track team, and in Downingtown on Friday I saw the perfect car sticker on a Ford Explorer.
"0.0," it read. "I don't run."
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