PHILLY PHOTOS

“DREAM GARDEN” MOSAIC

From a website description: “In the lobby of a somber office building that flanks Washington Square lies an unexpected treasure: the astounding Dream Garden – a 15 × 49-foot mosaic of more than 100,000 pieces of favrile glass. Color and light, masterfully combined by the studios of Louis Comfort Tiffany, bring to life the luminous vision of Philadelphia native Maxfield Parrish, who created the painting on which the mosaic was based.

“The brilliantly hued work was commissioned by Cyrus Curtis, publisher of The Saturday Evening Post, to grace his empire’s new marble and pillar fortified headquarters. The work has been displayed since 1916 as an integral part of the Curtis Center’s historically certified lobby, yet few people know of its existence. Those who find it – either deliberately or not – are never disappointed.” (http://www.visitphilly.com)

Murray knew of this beautiful mural and took us to see it. The photo is of Murray and his son Douglas seated before the mural. On the back side of the main lobby, Mike took this picture of me seated at a beautiful fountain.

PHILADELPHIA BELLA VISTA BED AND BREAKFAST

http://www.philadelphiabellavistabnb.com/

While in Philadelphia we stayed at the Bella Vista Bed and Breakfast, just a few blocks from Murray’s loft. I will never forget the over-the-top Victorian decorations, including this opulent statue tucked into a corner of the hallway. Walking ahead of me, Murray yelped and did a double-take. So Murray!

I always thought that the owner of a bed and breakfast cooked breakfast for the guests. At this home, fresh breads and fruits were available in the hallway. In our kitchenette, other items were available, such as cold cereal, milk and juice. The kitchen was outfitted with pots, pans and utensils so that guests could fix other meals in the room, provided they cleaned up after themselves.

BARTRAM’S GARDEN

http://www.bartramsgarden.org/

Friday (March 28) we ventured out in the Mazda. We picked up grandson Douglas, and then we toured Bartram’s Garden, a 45-acre National Historic Landmark which is part of the Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation.

John Bartram (1699-1777) was a horticulturist who owned 102 acres and systematically gathered the most varied collection of North American plants in the world. Unfortunately, at the time of our visit the garden was just beginning to awaken from its winter’s nap and the visitor center wasn’t open. We enjoyed wandering the trails through the garden and the views of the Schuylkill River.

CAMDEN, NJ

I perceived that Murray wasn't interested in accompanying Mike across the Delaware River to get his New Jersey caches on the Camden Promenade, so I suggested that we brave it alone. Early Saturday morning (March 30) we punched the coordinates into our GPS devices, and off we went in the little Mazda. It probably wasn’t more than a 10-minute drive from Murray's. Mike found a couple of caches – enough to satisfy his personal requirements. That's me leaning on the railing with Philadelphia across the river. The other picture is just Philadelphia.

THE LOFT

Later Saturday morning, we met Murray and walked into the fabric district located near his loft. I found a beautiful embroidered remnant in a dollar bin while Mike and Murray visited in the bike shop next door. Then we had to tell Murray that we would like to slow the touring and enjoy some rest and relaxation. I camped on his “dog bed for a human,” a round chair, while he and Mike worked out in the gym.

Easter Sunday Murray roasted a chicken for our dinner. The picture is of the dinner table set with plates from Murray extensive Jadite collection –very retro.That's Mike carving the chicken. Note the unusual table edge. KW