This evening at the Giant a youth was stocking bananas, and I asked him how he decides which bunches go in the "Perfect Now" section and which in the "Perfect Later" one.
"I never even noticed that!" he said.
"Well, come up with a good explanation for the next person who asks," I suggested. "Be creative."
He was a good sport. He promptly held up a bunch, pointed at it and declared with utter confidence, "These are guaranteed to turn bright yellow tomorrow!"
Thursday, June 27, 2019
PENN: Way outside the box
A resident on Route 796, near Baker Road, periodically posts along the road a signboard with an inspirational message on it. The most recent was "Think like there is no box." At least one of my cats is way ahead of him; let's just say that this household goes through a lot of paper towels.
WEST MARLBOROUGH: Nap time
The other afternoon, I spent some quality time rocking in my backyard hammock, but there was no possibility of taking a nap, what with the chittering ruby-throated hummingbirds buzzing back and forth to the nectar feeder and the wren parents feeding their never-sated nestlings in the birdhouse. A squirrel certainly had no problem relaxing, though: rather than his usual racing along the fence, hopping over each post, he was sprawled out along a tree limb, balanced securely by his paws, the breeze ruffling his tail. He looked up briefly when a red-winged blackbird landed nearby, but then went back to slumberland.
No hammock time for the hard-working guys making hay!Over the hill I could hear the rhythmic thump-thump cadence of a baler.
No hammock time for the hard-working guys making hay!Over the hill I could hear the rhythmic thump-thump cadence of a baler.
KURC: Underground Railroad tours
The dates for this season's bus tours sponsored by the Kennett Underground Railroad Center are July 21, Aug. 18, Sept. 15, and Oct. 20 (all Sundays). "Visit documented Underground Railroad sites, historic homes, and Quaker meetinghouses while learning about local abolitionists and antislavery activity in the Kennett Square area. The tour also presents the contributions of local African Americans and their faith communities in the quest for freedom from slavery."
The bus tours start at 2:30 p.m. at the Brandywine Valley Tourist Information Center (which used to be the Longwood Progressive Friends Meetinghouse), 300 Greenwood Road, Kennett Square. Reservations are required. You can purchase your ticket online ($20) at the KURC website or call 484-544-5070 or email info@kennettundergroundrr.org.
The bus tours start at 2:30 p.m. at the Brandywine Valley Tourist Information Center (which used to be the Longwood Progressive Friends Meetinghouse), 300 Greenwood Road, Kennett Square. Reservations are required. You can purchase your ticket online ($20) at the KURC website or call 484-544-5070 or email info@kennettundergroundrr.org.
AVONDALE: Goodbye to Angel
It's so hard to lose a beloved family pet. I was picking up cat supplies at Pet Supplies Plus in Avondale when a woman came in with some cans of dog food to donate to the CompAnimals rescue. She told me that she was donating the food because her Maltese, Angel, age 11, had died on Mother's Day and was sadly missed. "We spoiled that dog," she said, tearing up a little bit.
LONGWOOD: In the media
Longwood Gardens is featured in the summer issue of "Martha Stewart Living" magazine. The article, "Inside Longwood Gardens: A Dreamscape of Old-World Architecture and Kaleidoscopic Blooms," is by Lise Funderburg, with photos by Claire Takacs that depict familiar sights like the Meadow Garden, the fountain display, the waterlilies, the Flower Walk and the Love Temple.
In addition to describing the history of the Gardens and the plants, trees, and events, Lise also writes about the animal life: recently sighted have been a "yellow-breasted chat, a songbird threatened by habitat decline; and the clay-colored arrow, a Great Plains dweller," as well as some mink paw prints.
In addition to describing the history of the Gardens and the plants, trees, and events, Lise also writes about the animal life: recently sighted have been a "yellow-breasted chat, a songbird threatened by habitat decline; and the clay-colored arrow, a Great Plains dweller," as well as some mink paw prints.
CONCORDVILLE: Red and white
We were on an errand run along Route 1 the other day and I spotted a sign for "Polish Lounge." I immediately conjured up a club that served Polish delicacies like pierogies, kielbasa and beer; maybe there would be Polish-language newspapers or Polish-language classes. I was surprised to think that enough folks of Polish descent lived in our area that this could be a going concern, and made a mental note to check the place out online when I got home.
What did I find out? It's a nail salon. Maybe they do French manicures.
What did I find out? It's a nail salon. Maybe they do French manicures.
CONCERTS: In and around the lake
The outdoor concert by All Good People on June 26 was terrific. The Yes tribute band attracted a large crowd to Anson B. Nixon Park on a warm evening. I hadn't heard anything by Yes in years, if not decades, but was amazed how well I remembered the music and the fanciful lyrics.
The show started in the traditional Yes fashion, with Stravinsky's "Firebird Suite" on the sound system, and then the band members took the stage and burst into "Siberian Khatru." The band played for about two hours, including favorites like "Close to the Edge," "Long Distance Runaround," and "Roundabout." They closed with "Starship Trooper," and one member of our party said that their version was even better than Yes's at a couple of shows he had attended!
The food provider for the evening was supposed to be a Mexican food truck, but they were a no-show, so the organizers scrambled and ordered up a bunch of Domino's Pizza.
As we were leaving, one friend remarked how lucky we are to have this concert series so close by, in such a beautiful spot -- and free!
In last week's column I wrote a preview of the show and mentioned that I'd seen the real Yes in 1976 at JFK Stadium. A reader emailed me, saying he thought he was the only person in the Kennett Square ZIP code who had been to that show. I replied that it had been a magical evening indeed, and that today, as grown-ups, we would have been worried about the traffic on I-95, the bathroom lines and how late we'd get to bed.
The next Anson B. Nixon show will be on Wednesday, July 3, by Burnt Sugar The Arkestra Chamber, performing the music of David Bowie and Prince, as well as original works.
The show started in the traditional Yes fashion, with Stravinsky's "Firebird Suite" on the sound system, and then the band members took the stage and burst into "Siberian Khatru." The band played for about two hours, including favorites like "Close to the Edge," "Long Distance Runaround," and "Roundabout." They closed with "Starship Trooper," and one member of our party said that their version was even better than Yes's at a couple of shows he had attended!
The food provider for the evening was supposed to be a Mexican food truck, but they were a no-show, so the organizers scrambled and ordered up a bunch of Domino's Pizza.
As we were leaving, one friend remarked how lucky we are to have this concert series so close by, in such a beautiful spot -- and free!
In last week's column I wrote a preview of the show and mentioned that I'd seen the real Yes in 1976 at JFK Stadium. A reader emailed me, saying he thought he was the only person in the Kennett Square ZIP code who had been to that show. I replied that it had been a magical evening indeed, and that today, as grown-ups, we would have been worried about the traffic on I-95, the bathroom lines and how late we'd get to bed.
The next Anson B. Nixon show will be on Wednesday, July 3, by Burnt Sugar The Arkestra Chamber, performing the music of David Bowie and Prince, as well as original works.
UNIONVILLE: Under renovation
Friends have decided that instead of moving, they're going to gut their kitchen. Comparing and selecting appliances, flooring, cabinets, faucets, shelving and tiles, and then deciding how to arrange everything, is an arduous process that the husband, only half joking, equated to divorce, combat or mortal illness in its sheer complexity and unpleasantness. They sold their fridge and are currently using the spare "party" fridge in their garage, which means a trip outdoors every time they need something. Most of the renovation is going to be done while they are far away from Unionville on vacation, and they are steeling themselves to the certainty that upon their return, they'll find something unexpected.
Thursday, June 20, 2019
KENNETT: Free summer concerts
The first concert in the summer series at Anson B. Nixon Park was so enjoyable! The band, Western Centuries, was very good, the rain held off until later in the evening, the park has never looked better -- plus we always enjoy watching the dogs, the kids and the amazing lady spinning her hula hoops.
At intermission Bette McConnell of Unionville came over to say hi and told us that she and her husband decided to celebrate their 54th wedding anniversary by having dinner at Hartefeld and then coming to the concert. She said, with justified pride, that even though her husband broke his hip last year, he was still able to compete in this year's Kennett Run.
The concert on June 26 is by All Good People, a Yes tribute band, and all of us who were teens in the 1970s are looking forward to that one! I have been telling everyone who will listen that I actually saw Yes at the now-razed JFK Stadium in Philadelphia in the summer of 1976, on a double bill with Peter Frampton.
The Wednesday evening concerts are free and start at 7 p.m. You can bring a picnic or buy supper at the park.
At intermission Bette McConnell of Unionville came over to say hi and told us that she and her husband decided to celebrate their 54th wedding anniversary by having dinner at Hartefeld and then coming to the concert. She said, with justified pride, that even though her husband broke his hip last year, he was still able to compete in this year's Kennett Run.
The concert on June 26 is by All Good People, a Yes tribute band, and all of us who were teens in the 1970s are looking forward to that one! I have been telling everyone who will listen that I actually saw Yes at the now-razed JFK Stadium in Philadelphia in the summer of 1976, on a double bill with Peter Frampton.
The Wednesday evening concerts are free and start at 7 p.m. You can bring a picnic or buy supper at the park.
NEWLIN: Hateful graffiti
Somebody spray-painted racist graffiti on the sign in front of the Newlin Township road maintenance building overnight on June 15 or 16. Rob Mastrippolito of the township public works crew alerted the state police, cleaned the foul message off and rearranged the movable letters on the sign to say "NOT COOL." A justifiably upset Rob said it was not exactly the way he wanted to spend his first Father's Day.
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
EAST MARLBOROUGH: New townhouse development
What's with the new three-way stop sign on Schoolhouse Road at the McKinstry farm? It was installed due to anticipated traffic from a 150-townhouse development, Longwood Preserve, which will be built on a 32-acre tract on the west side of the road. The interior roads for the development have just been installed, and construction of the townhouses, to be built in groups of four, is expected to start this autumn.
The new development is just north of another townhouse development, "Schoolhouse Lane."
The new development is just north of another townhouse development, "Schoolhouse Lane."
RESCUED: Dogs with a past
Thirty dogs -- the largest turnout ever! -- took part in the annual Rescue Dog Parade at Plantation Field at noon on June 19. The owners walked their dogs clockwise around the ring and then lined up across the middle. Prizes (dog toys) were awarded for the youngest dog (Ozzie, a 14-week-old Corgi mix), the oldest dog (Gypsy, an 11-year-old "mutt from the pound") and also the dog rescued from farthest away (Holly, a pit bull/Rottweiler mix from Dallas, Texas). There's usually a prize for the smallest dog, but that would have been a tough category to judge this year because there were so many little canines.
Large or small, the dogs were very well behaved and friendly. Before the parade, my hand got licked plenty of times as I greeted the dogs of people I knew.
The parade took place during a schooling show at Plantation Field, and all the entry fees from the horses went to three dog rescues: Greenmore Farms, Brookline Labrador Rescue and All Mutts Matter. Pet Valu of Longwood was the sponsor.
Large or small, the dogs were very well behaved and friendly. Before the parade, my hand got licked plenty of times as I greeted the dogs of people I knew.
The parade took place during a schooling show at Plantation Field, and all the entry fees from the horses went to three dog rescues: Greenmore Farms, Brookline Labrador Rescue and All Mutts Matter. Pet Valu of Longwood was the sponsor.
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
LENAPE PARK: For sale
The 22-acre property at Route 52 and Route 100, better known as Lenape Park or the Brandywine Picnic Park, is up for sale with an asking price of $1.49 million. The online listing describes it as a "fully equipped and ready-to-open Amusement Park
and Family Fun Center" with a capacity of more than 5,000 guests. The ad mentions pavilions, on-site catering facilities, an office building and "extensive paved and overflow parking." I had to chuckle at that choice of words, considering how often the park gets flooded when the Brandywine Creek goes over its banks.
Those of us of a certain age have fond memories of visiting Lenape Park in the 1960s: the swings, the fun house, and the wonderful carousel complete with brass rings. I can't say my memories of the wooden roller coaster are fond, though; I was terrified.
Those of us of a certain age have fond memories of visiting Lenape Park in the 1960s: the swings, the fun house, and the wonderful carousel complete with brass rings. I can't say my memories of the wooden roller coaster are fond, though; I was terrified.
VACCINE: I got mine
Because there's a nationwide shortage of the new shingles vaccine Shingrix, my doctor alerted me to put my name on a waiting list. My regular pharmacy didn't have any, but a few days later I happened to be in another pharmacy getting Dearest Partner's refills and asked if they had Shingrix by any chance.
Why, yes; they'd just received a shipment. Easy decision. I got the shot right there and then-- even though there was some insurance glitch and I ended up paying $169 out of pocket. (They did give me a lollipop after I got my shot.)
The Shingrix manufacturer has set up a website so you can track the popular vaccine's availability. Apparently there aren't many anti-vaxxers in the 60-and-over set, or possibly they have personal experience with shingles, which can be horribly painful and long-lasting. A dear friend of mine who has a sky-high pain threshold (and doesn't let a trifle like a fracture or a concussion interfere with her foxhunting) was in utter agony.
Why, yes; they'd just received a shipment. Easy decision. I got the shot right there and then-- even though there was some insurance glitch and I ended up paying $169 out of pocket. (They did give me a lollipop after I got my shot.)
The Shingrix manufacturer has set up a website so you can track the popular vaccine's availability. Apparently there aren't many anti-vaxxers in the 60-and-over set, or possibly they have personal experience with shingles, which can be horribly painful and long-lasting. A dear friend of mine who has a sky-high pain threshold (and doesn't let a trifle like a fracture or a concussion interfere with her foxhunting) was in utter agony.
EAST MARLBOROUGH: Bagel shop closes
Palm-A-Bagel, in the Marlborough Square Shopping Center, closed its doors this week; apparently the owners are moving out of state. One of my readers wrote to say, "They made the best bagels and had that NYC cultural
contribution."
I've been eating low-carb for a year, which alas doesn't include bagels (even freshly made ones), but I remember full well how tasty they were.
Coincidentally, I have another bread anecdote to share: at the Giant checkout this evening I overheard one excited young employee saying to another, "Dude! You just changed my life!" and he hustled off. I asked the coworker how exactly he had changed his friend's life and he showed me a new product, a mini-pack of King's Hawaiian Rolls. The smaller size makes a perfect snack, he said.
I've been eating low-carb for a year, which alas doesn't include bagels (even freshly made ones), but I remember full well how tasty they were.
Coincidentally, I have another bread anecdote to share: at the Giant checkout this evening I overheard one excited young employee saying to another, "Dude! You just changed my life!" and he hustled off. I asked the coworker how exactly he had changed his friend's life and he showed me a new product, a mini-pack of King's Hawaiian Rolls. The smaller size makes a perfect snack, he said.
FAMILY: He got the cool gene
The Young Relative and his father met us for dinner at Café de Thai the other night, and I was struck by the sight of the handsome Y.R., wearing sunglasses, pulling up in his fine German automobile with his father in the passenger seat.
"How is it possible," I asked him, "that I can be related to someone so utterly cool?"
The Y.R. didn't miss a beat. He looked over at his father and delivered the best Father's Day present imaginable.
"I take after my Dad," he said simply.
"How is it possible," I asked him, "that I can be related to someone so utterly cool?"
The Y.R. didn't miss a beat. He looked over at his father and delivered the best Father's Day present imaginable.
"I take after my Dad," he said simply.
Friday, June 14, 2019
NEWLIN: A milestone
A very happy 100th birthday to the remarkable Ruth Thompson of Newlin Township. In addition to raising a family, Mrs. Thompson served as the township tax collector for 30 years and held other positions in the township government as well. The Newlin Historical Society interviewed her recently, and here is one of the stories she shared:
"The farmers around here met on the store property in Unionville that belonged to the Crossmans. It was a store and now it’s an apartment house. It is across the street from the corner store/Catherine’s Restaurant. They met on the front porch, or inside when it was cold. When they met, they used to call it “Congress.” They would meet after work or on lunch breaks, and they would share information. The group included the Thompsons, Burnett Wilson, and some of the other farmers -- Sutherlands, Murphys, Chambers, Wickershams, Barnards -- all the locals. They would know everything that was going on in the neighborhoods."
CENSUS: Are you curious?
The Census Bureau is looking for people to ask personal questions as part of the upcoming 2020 Census. They promise not only "great pay" but "flexible hours." Anyone interested is asked to apply online at 2020census.gov/jobs.
Wednesday, June 12, 2019
UNIONVILLE: New hours at Hood's
Hood's BBQ in Unionville will have new hours starting June 30. They'll be closed Monday and Tuesday. Hours on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday will be 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The management is also recommending calling ahead for takeout orders.
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
CHATHAM: The latest plans
There were lots of maps on display, and plenty of opinions voiced, at the June 11 open house to introduce PennDOT's proposals for the Route 41 and Route 841 intersection in the village of Chatham. There is now a blinking light there, and "islands" have been installed north and south of the village in an attempt to slow traffic on the very busy Route 41.
PennDOT's latest designs call for either installing a roundabout at or just north of the current intersection, or relocating Route 841 so that it crosses Route 41 north of the village. Each plan had its advantages and disadvantages in terms of traffic flow, environmental impact and the number of properties affected. For instance, in one proposal the gas station would be razed; in another, part of a farmer's field would need to be obtained.
The purpose of the meeting was to get residents' comments about the options. You can view the maps online (http://www.pa41.com/) and send your comments to the transportation department.
PennDOT's latest designs call for either installing a roundabout at or just north of the current intersection, or relocating Route 841 so that it crosses Route 41 north of the village. Each plan had its advantages and disadvantages in terms of traffic flow, environmental impact and the number of properties affected. For instance, in one proposal the gas station would be razed; in another, part of a farmer's field would need to be obtained.
The purpose of the meeting was to get residents' comments about the options. You can view the maps online (http://www.pa41.com/) and send your comments to the transportation department.
JENNERSVILLE: The plans God has for you
Due to a significant increase in worshippers, the Willowdale Chapel's Jennersville campus is planning to enlarge its worship center on Route 796 south of the Jennersville crossroads. According to an information sheet distributed about the project, the church is often filled to capacity; plans call for increasing the sanctuary seating by 50% to accommodate about 300 people per service. The church leadership is also proposing to update the audiovisual and lighting systems, install a baptistery, renovate the lobby and bathrooms, and relocate the café and offices.
Fundraising is underway and construction is expected to start this fall.
Fundraising is underway and construction is expected to start this fall.
GAP: The last breakfast
The Gap Diner, once the home of old-fashioned hearty eating, is out of business. A hand-written, sun-faded piece of paper on the door tells loyal guests that it's just closed for remodeling, but weeds are growing around the building, parts of the diner sign are missing and there's a prominent for-sale sign in the parking lot. Asking price for the 2,656-square-foot restaurant and its 3.6-acre lot is $995,750. It's located at the busy crossroads of Route 41 and 30, just over the Lancaster County line.
In the 1980s business took me to Mount Joy once a week or so, and I always enjoyed stopping at the diner at lunchtime for a grilled-cheese-and-bacon sandwich and a slice of cherry pie. It was the kind of place with lots of regulars, cheerful waitresses and strong coffee, and there were certainly no calorie counts listed on the menus.
In the 1980s business took me to Mount Joy once a week or so, and I always enjoyed stopping at the diner at lunchtime for a grilled-cheese-and-bacon sandwich and a slice of cherry pie. It was the kind of place with lots of regulars, cheerful waitresses and strong coffee, and there were certainly no calorie counts listed on the menus.
Friday, June 7, 2019
PLANTATION FIELD: Parade of rescue dogs
Just a reminder that the annual schooling show for the benefit of dog rescues will be held on Wednesday, June 19, at Plantation Field. All the entry fees from the horses go to several local rescue places, and at noon there's a parade of rescue dogs, with prizes given for the oldest and youngest dog and also for the dog that comes from farthest away. Anyone can bring his or her rescue dog; you don't have to be entered in the horse show.
Plantation Field is off Green Valley Road between Route 82 and Apple Grove Road.
Plantation Field is off Green Valley Road between Route 82 and Apple Grove Road.
SOUTH PHILLY: Summer job
I've been helping out an injured pal of mine with yardwork, and yesterday afternoon while I was mowing one of his neighbors walked over to say hi. It was hot, and I'd reached the most challenging part of the yard, so I was happy to take a break and chat.
He started reminiscing about his childhood summers in South Philadelphia, when his first job was helping to make and sell lemon-flavored Italian ice. He remembered going to the ice house for a huge block of ice and breaking it up with an icepick, but most of all he remembered that he was allowed to keep all the profits.
"Best job I ever had!" he said. "I'll bet I still have the recipe around somewhere . . ."
By that time another neighbor had joined us (with some very welcome cold drinks), and he continued the lemon-themed conversation by telling us that back in his drinking days he used to make lemon Jell-O with grain alcohol.
"You could set that stuff on fire," he recalled fondly.
I was baffled for a moment -- then realized he had said "limoncello," not "lemon Jell-O."
He started reminiscing about his childhood summers in South Philadelphia, when his first job was helping to make and sell lemon-flavored Italian ice. He remembered going to the ice house for a huge block of ice and breaking it up with an icepick, but most of all he remembered that he was allowed to keep all the profits.
"Best job I ever had!" he said. "I'll bet I still have the recipe around somewhere . . ."
By that time another neighbor had joined us (with some very welcome cold drinks), and he continued the lemon-themed conversation by telling us that back in his drinking days he used to make lemon Jell-O with grain alcohol.
"You could set that stuff on fire," he recalled fondly.
I was baffled for a moment -- then realized he had said "limoncello," not "lemon Jell-O."
SOLSTICE: The longest day
If you, like Daisy Buchanan in "The Great Gatsby," always miss the longest day of the year, this year it is June 21, the summer solstice. After that, the days start drawing in again, a few minutes at a time, until the winter solstice rolls around again in December. The difference between the longest and the shortest day of the year is a remarkable 5 hours and 50 minutes.
Unlike Daisy, you can always set a reminder alert on your phone.
Unlike Daisy, you can always set a reminder alert on your phone.
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
CARDS: To a special sister
I spent a half-hour at the card shop looking for a suitable birthday card for a family member who is an intellectual, with sophisticated tastes. A jocular card about the anatomical changes that accompany middle age, or one containing an earnest, sentimental verse written in script, would not go over well. Similarly, I could immediately eliminate any card featuring Donald Trump (though there were some pretty funny ones), a Peanuts character or the word "special."
Fortunately I managed to find an innocuous card with a perfectly acceptable nature scene and no verse whatsoever. My search was an entertaining one, though. Who knew there would be a market for birthday cards not only in Spanish but also Polish and German, as well as some purporting to be from the dog and the cat?
Fortunately I managed to find an innocuous card with a perfectly acceptable nature scene and no verse whatsoever. My search was an entertaining one, though. Who knew there would be a market for birthday cards not only in Spanish but also Polish and German, as well as some purporting to be from the dog and the cat?
WEST MARLBOROUGH: Township business
The June meeting of the West Marlborough supervisors took only 20 minutes from the call to order to the adjournment.
Supervisor Bill Wylie said that in a May 2 letter, the state Department of Transportation informed the township that they would not reduce speed limits on Routes 841 and 842 and Newark Road per the township's request, nor was a brake retarder prohibition justified. Wylie called their conclusions "a little disappointing." However, the letter did not entirely rule out the township's request to lower maintenance standards on some state roads. The supervisors have been seeking ways to reduce traffic and speeding in the township.
In the discussion that followed, the board and the audience offered examples of irresponsible driving and noted that the result of lowering the speed limit on Route 82 to 45 mph was that speeders simply passed those obeying the law.
"What is up with that?" commented Lofting Sr. in disbelief. "Everybody wants to get where they're going five minutes ago."
The supervisors said they'd be searching for a replacement for the late Elizabeth "Baz" Powell on the township's zoning hearing board and hoped to announce the new member's name at the July meeting. Roadmaster Hugh Lofting Sr. said his son Hugh Lofting, the road crew chief, would be applying for a state grant to replace deteriorated box culverts along Tapeworm Road as part of a maintenance program for unpaved rural roads.
Supervisor Bill Wylie said that in a May 2 letter, the state Department of Transportation informed the township that they would not reduce speed limits on Routes 841 and 842 and Newark Road per the township's request, nor was a brake retarder prohibition justified. Wylie called their conclusions "a little disappointing." However, the letter did not entirely rule out the township's request to lower maintenance standards on some state roads. The supervisors have been seeking ways to reduce traffic and speeding in the township.
In the discussion that followed, the board and the audience offered examples of irresponsible driving and noted that the result of lowering the speed limit on Route 82 to 45 mph was that speeders simply passed those obeying the law.
"What is up with that?" commented Lofting Sr. in disbelief. "Everybody wants to get where they're going five minutes ago."
The supervisors said they'd be searching for a replacement for the late Elizabeth "Baz" Powell on the township's zoning hearing board and hoped to announce the new member's name at the July meeting. Roadmaster Hugh Lofting Sr. said his son Hugh Lofting, the road crew chief, would be applying for a state grant to replace deteriorated box culverts along Tapeworm Road as part of a maintenance program for unpaved rural roads.
PLANTS: So many temptations
In the past week I've made two trips to my favorite garden center, each time returning home with a trunk full of plants. On my second visit I was pulling my wagon to the parking lot and walked past two women unloading the contents of three wagons into the back of their white Cadillac Escalade. One said ruefully to the other, "And we just came here just to get some marigolds …"
Sunday, June 2, 2019
KENNETT SQUARE: Cats and more cats
On Saturday we spent a delightful half-hour at the Treetops Kitty Cafe in the shopping center at 305 West State Street in downtown Kennett.
We weren't sure exactly what a kitty café was but quickly found out. You pay an admission fee (it's a nonprofit, so all the fees go to cover expenses), sign a waiver in case a cat scratches you, de-germ your hands and then you are admitted to a comfortably furnished living room occupied by at least a dozen completely adorable cats and kittens. One big white cat snoozed peacefully behind me on the chair, while the sweet little guys ran around, explored their cat habitats, tussled in cat tunnels and batted at cat toys.
One dear kitten truly tugged at my heartstrings: as I was cuddling him he purred with contentment, but I had to remind myself -- repeatedly! -- that for now two "mature" cats keep me busy enough.
There's a book of information about the cats who are up for adoption and an album of cats who have already been adopted. Talk about heartwarming! A fellow visitor said she is a regular at the kitty café because she loves felines but can't have them at her home.
Treetops hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
We weren't sure exactly what a kitty café was but quickly found out. You pay an admission fee (it's a nonprofit, so all the fees go to cover expenses), sign a waiver in case a cat scratches you, de-germ your hands and then you are admitted to a comfortably furnished living room occupied by at least a dozen completely adorable cats and kittens. One big white cat snoozed peacefully behind me on the chair, while the sweet little guys ran around, explored their cat habitats, tussled in cat tunnels and batted at cat toys.
One dear kitten truly tugged at my heartstrings: as I was cuddling him he purred with contentment, but I had to remind myself -- repeatedly! -- that for now two "mature" cats keep me busy enough.
There's a book of information about the cats who are up for adoption and an album of cats who have already been adopted. Talk about heartwarming! A fellow visitor said she is a regular at the kitty café because she loves felines but can't have them at her home.
Treetops hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
KENNETT SQUARE: A wonderful tour
This spring's Bayard Taylor Home & Garden Tour was a particularly memorable one because all of the stops were inside the borough of Kennett Square. Groups of tourgoers with their maps and green wristbands could be seen all walking over town instead of driving from house to house as usual.
Dearest Partner and I arrived promptly at 10 and managed to get to all but four sites. The gardens were lovely and inspiring, the homes were enchanting, and the weather could not have been nicer. We applauded the hustle of some kids who noticed all the foot traffic along their street and opened an impromptu lemonade stand.
The Kennett Library's Special Events Committee did a terrific job. I heard nothing but compliments and appreciation for the "community" feeling of this year's tour (though one guide told us a fellow had grumbled there were "no mansions" this year).
We also made a stop at the Kennett Library, where there was an interesting Underground Railroad display (they called it a "pop-up museum").
For lunch we stopped at Fran Keller's Eatery and enjoyed delicious, huge omelets.
Running out of steam, we were walking back to the parking garage and saw a fellow sitting at an easel on his front porch, painting a marsh scene. We stopped to chat, and within 10 minutes found out that he and Dearest Partner had graduated the same year from Unionville High School. Small world!
Dearest Partner and I arrived promptly at 10 and managed to get to all but four sites. The gardens were lovely and inspiring, the homes were enchanting, and the weather could not have been nicer. We applauded the hustle of some kids who noticed all the foot traffic along their street and opened an impromptu lemonade stand.
The Kennett Library's Special Events Committee did a terrific job. I heard nothing but compliments and appreciation for the "community" feeling of this year's tour (though one guide told us a fellow had grumbled there were "no mansions" this year).
We also made a stop at the Kennett Library, where there was an interesting Underground Railroad display (they called it a "pop-up museum").
For lunch we stopped at Fran Keller's Eatery and enjoyed delicious, huge omelets.
Running out of steam, we were walking back to the parking garage and saw a fellow sitting at an easel on his front porch, painting a marsh scene. We stopped to chat, and within 10 minutes found out that he and Dearest Partner had graduated the same year from Unionville High School. Small world!
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