Dora explores the Suburbs, PA

The day began at Soul Cycle, we had both never experienced this much talked about experience of cycling. The temperature outside on our mile walk to the studio was a humid 73 degrees, again the birds are so loud here its like a nature concert constantly. Ill take this weather any day over the current 112 oven in AZ. I had visions of Amy Schumer from the movie, “ I Feel Pretty” as I entered this warm, friendly, inviting, happy, positive, clean White/ yellow experience. Talk about knowing how to make exercise convenient for any one…..we were provided a tour of showers plus amenities should we want to ride and go immediately to work after. I get the concept and why it is such an addiction craze for some. The dark high energy room with candles burning and loud hip concert type music blaring can motivate the unmotivated. I will just say I Survived! I am glad I tried it, but its not my forte, although I did ride for the entire 45 min, not a comfy seat, i got a workout as I enjoyed the standing while biking moves and was dripping by time we left.

We exited and found a Starbucks, I had skipped my bucks yesterday and was in need. The Ritz Carlton hotel was next door so I did my usual peak into the life of luxury travel. We than walked through City Hall and were once again surrounded by SO much history as Philadelphia was the first original capital of the US. We listened to a passing by tour guide talk to his group and learned more interesting facts. In the middle of City Hall courtyard there was a circular wheel on the ground of the astrological signs. You know how much I like these signs and snapped a pic of the Scorpio by the November section. We than made our way back to our area to look through the windows to see the Original Liberty Bell. Another cool sighting of American History.

They have this great concept going on here now, its called Once upon a Nation. Basically there are 13 different benches set up around this City area where performer type students reenact a story from history for any one who wants to sit and listen to a story time type deal. Yesterday we had heard the story of the Duel between Hamilton & Burr- which was the 215th anniversary to the date. Today we listened to a story about a woman who pretended to be a man so she could fight in the Revolutionary war. I am certainly a learner who needs to listen to comprehend as opposed to read. These story tellers fascinate me. A great idea to teach our youth or everybody for that matter. We walked through a Portrait museum near our hotel. Once again I am in awe of Benjamin Franklin. He invented SO many things…..other than electricity and the light bulb, he had a thought or a problem and fixed it by inventing. Like the bifocal glasses and street lights, to so many other little things. Totally a man beyond his times. The sun is out and we found a lovely farm to table lunch spot for a brunch. The streets are all red brick lined, sounds of nature and blowing green trees. I love summers in the East coast. Live musicians line the streets, homeless people saying bless you asking for change. One guy specifically said he did not want pennies. A lady asking for signatures to vote, specifically asked about what party we are registered to ensure we are doing all in our power to get this guy out and make changes.

We packed up from the hotel, and walked 1 mile with our luggage to go back to the gelato place from yesterday. As we arrive at Gran L’Aquila Caffe to order another Grapefruit infused Aperol Spritz and the creamiest yummy gelato my phone rings with a PA #. A friendly serendipitous encounter, a guy tells me he found my TA luggage tag on the street with all my info on it. The funny thing is he says his name is Clark Shelton, he doesn’t want my personal info floating the streets of Philly and offers to meet or mail it to me. Soul has been the word of the day since morning, I tell him what a kind soul he is to have taken the time to try and locate me. I let him know he can mail it or throw it away as we are late for a train. Again, nice gestures from the Philly peeps.

We jump in Uber, hear another interesting Uber driver life story, make it with 2 min to spare and jump on the SEPTA train to the suburbs. Tonight was old times and super fun family filled times with overflowing love and laughter. Im at Woodley’s new neighborhood, I have bonded more with these 2 little beings, who are now 7 & 4, time flies 😉 Ellery has become my bff and holds my hand when we walk, talking up a storm with SO much to say. We walked to the main town of Phoenixville, a quaint Pizza joint BYOB dinner. Yummy cheesy pizza, great conversation and now as I type in bed at 1:30am 2 bottles of wine are complete. We walked along a beyond gorgeous movie scene type, trail that was woodsy with deer around, so beautiful with sounds of the river flowing by, the frogs are making noises, Bikes are buzzing past, joggers say excuse me to pass. We are one with nature.

There is a problem in PA with lantern flies……look them up. They are an invasive species from Asia, that are bugs not being killed by other insects. This family is on a mission to solve the problem and Ellery spots them and smashes them with her little foot. They are these black/red/white speckles and fly. Its a big deal. None the less this trail is gorgeous- we see bride and groom taking photos on a bridge nearby. We ate the yummy pizza and walked back on the trail home. The fact that we can walk, search for bugs, bunnies, animals, etc is very cool! A total nature kid haven.

Back at home we play, get ready for bed, kids go to sleep and adults finish a few bottles of wine reminiscing about life. We sat on this beautiful patio with the bright light reflecting from the moon in the dark sky. We see so many flickers of fire flies, and occasional bats flying by. Im again blown away by the sounds of nature being SO loud. We moved inside to continue looking at old photos of my many previous visits to all the other towns and homes they have lived. We pondered the trials and tribulations of life. It has been another great day…..these kids make me feel famous! I love solid quality friends. Im more a person with quality friends as opposed to quantity. Until tomorrows adventures…….Sweet Dreams to YOU,