Spring has truly sprung (achoo), and Mike and I felt the need to hit the pavement today…HARD…and take advantage of the lovely weather. We’ve had a pretty busy year from May to April…Spain (it was BUSINESS), Ireland, Punta Cana, Boonville, San Francisco, Napa. The IRS, college, and a couple of other obligations will keep us grounded for a while, so we’re looking for adventure wherever we can find it.
After considering all our options (and reflecting on the beauty of new life with the baby goats born next door) we headed into Philadelphia. We took PATCO, and decided to walk to the Art Museum (where we are members.)
Impressed with our interest in “culcha?”
Anyway, the walk was quite enjoyable. Mike loves to smoke a cigar while walking through Rittenhouse Square. I heard one woman proclaim “this is like sitting on the boardwalk!” The people (and dog) watching is spectacular. Although, is it really necessary to do yoga handstands by yourself surrounded by people you don’t know and who don’t care about your level of “limber?”
I’m just jealous.
The streets between Rittenhouse Square and the Art Museum are actually picturesque and quiet. We approached the museum and were amused at the long line of people (probably tourists) waiting in line to take a picture with the Rocky statue. Then the harsh reality struck. People are pigs.
The steps of the Art Museum were littered (pun intended) with water bottles and other trash. In one spot there was a completely discarded fast-food picnic that actually included a Dunkin Donuts Box of Joe.
The trash can was five feet away.
Or less.
Really?
This museum is a significant piece of Philadelphia’s history. Show some respect.
We walked (slowly) up the famous Rocky steps and took a breather. We’re old.
Mike suggested lunch and I readily agreed. As we walked back toward Center City we were surrounded by political campaign volunteers placing brochures under doormats and lots of joggers. Mike said it was like being in the middle of a track meet. I sort of started jogging.
Ok, walking fast.
I knew there was a cocktail at the end of this part of this expedition.
The only thing standing between me and some sort of refreshment was a slightly deranged woman screaming that she was “racing for the cure.”
In her bare feet.
On 21st Street.
Threatening to “cut” the taxi driver who was staring at her.
Mike put his hand on my lower back and encouraged me to “jog” a little faster.
We happened upon a mural that I thought would be perfect for Earth Day.
I’m late.
We have a favorite Cuban restaurant on Pine Street. It was the site of a phone call several years ago when my sister was heading out on a cruise for her 25th wedding anniversary. She was frantic. She and her husband had missed the boat.
Seriously.
They got to the seaport in Baltimore after the cruise line had stopped the boarding process. They had to fly to Bermuda later that night. I was sworn to eternal secrecy. I will take this opportunity to tell you that I told her it was going to happen.
The boat left at 4:00 pm…at 12 noon she was getting her nails done.
In Chadds Ford.
I knew they were toast.
Back to today…the service at our restaurant was slow.
Mike was losing patience at the delay of the delivery of his beer, so I took the opportunity to eavesdrop on a couple of guys clearly on a first date.
Is that so wrong?
When you choose to dine al fresco you’re fair game.
Because Mike was more interested in the progress of his fantasy baseball team, I continued to listen.
I think things were going well. Typical first date stuff. (Less martinis than were involved in our first date, though.) The guy on the left was cool, handsome and wearing beautiful blue driving mocs. The guy on the right looked a little nervous and did WAAAYYY more talking.
And belching.
Isn’t that bad “first date” karma? I couldn’t see his face, but I’m guessing suave Left Guy was grossed out.
They talked about all sorts of things. Movies, prior relationships, breakups, and various states they had lived in. Bar Mitzvahs (guy on the right) and First Communions (guy on the left.) Left guy had lived in Florida and was fluent in Spanish.
Then the talk turned to mental health. Right Guy started to go on and on about the medications he was taking.
Lexipro was working well for the last year or so. Thank God.
He also thinks he’s OCD.
At this point I’m waiting for Left Guy to make a dash for the door.
Oh wait. We’re all outside.
I’m no genius, but shouldn’t you save medication and mental health for a later date?
We had a train to catch, so I’ll never know how it worked out.
If it worked out.
I’m going with no.
On the train home, the guy in front of me looked like he was studying an NCAA playoff bracket.
Way too closely.
On closer inspection, I realized he was looking at some sort of molecular structure.
I think I may have judged incorrectly.
Sorry. He’s probably going to cure some horrible disease.
I expect the worst on the train. I can’t be blamed…I was on sensory overload. Maybe I should consider Lexipro.
I’ll stay out of the city for a week or two.
Have a great week.
WeilStyle 