Scrappy Hearts

got history?

 

Every summer Mark and I try to plan a few excursions to satisfy our wanderlust and this summer was no exception. Our historical journey found us driving down to Williamsburg last Sunday. We love any opportunity to explore history and since Mark had never been to Williamsburg it was an obvious choice! 

  

One of my favorite things about our little excursion was the opportunity to delight in the beauty of the area. So often life rushes by us and we can lose sight of the little things like a cool breeze on a sunny day and tons of Crepe Myrtle flowers in bloom everywhere we turn. We took our time, didn't make a grand plan and just let the trip take us where it would. We met some really interesting people, ate delicious homemade toasted coconut ice cream and ate several delicious meals. We even took a dip in the pool - look at me relaxing!!

We were only away for a few days but we were very relaxed when we returned. We took our time driving and came north via the Chesapeake Bay Bridge - Tunnel and treated ourselves to lunch at a little roadside diner that looked a little scary but served delicious food! All in all, we were grateful for the opportunity to spend a little time away! 

30 Days of Gratitude: November 10th

This tree makes me smile. I planted this tree in the yard in the fall of 2007 in the hopes that one day it would shade the corner of the house. Mission Accomplished! Not only that, the color it produces is amazing. Grateful for the beauty of fall and the stark contrast of a leaf-losing tree against a gorgeous autumn sky. Wonderful.

On Any Given Sunday

Home, that’s where you will find me on any given Sunday. But this Sunday, a couple of weeks ago, Mark and I ventured into Fishtown to visit with Jess. Actually we traveled over to Northern Liberties for brunch at Heritage, one of the places where Jess is currently working. We had a wonderful time catching up with Jess before her adventure to New Orleans for Mardi Gras! After our visit, Mark and I were anxious to have a little outdoor adventure so Jess recommended Wissahicken Park. 

“Come to the woods, for here is rest. There is no repose like that of the green deep woods. Sleep in forgetfulness of all ill.”
― John Muir

We drove out of the “city” anxious to escape and find ourselves exploring fresh greenery and the deep rich scent of a woody path. What fun we had. The day was gorgeous and the trail, inviting. 

Sundays are currently my only day off. I use my Sundays to take care of laundry, changing sheets and catching up on school work. But to have a Sunday which is truly a day off, like this Sunday of Presidents’ Weekend, is such a blessing. I am so glad that we didn’t waste it. I am so grateful for the opportunity to take a walk in the woods!

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Morris Arboretum

When I need a creative lift, I head outdoors. Today we were blessed to have a free pass to the Morris Arboretum which is the official arboretum of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Morris Arboretum is the site of The Pennsylvania Flora Project which is a field and herbarium-based study of the native and naturalized plants of the state. 

For me, it is a place to enjoy the beauty of nature surrounded by many plants that were planted in the late 1800's. I just love walking through a garden and exploring the many treasures that can be found there. 

Of course, while exploring, I take a few pictures. Today, on one camera alone, I took 284 photos. Whew! I can't wait to see how many I have on my other camera!

I am not going to share all of them, thank goodness, right? But here are just a few of my favorites:

Our trip to the arboretum today was made possible by the museum pass program being offered by the Camden County Library System. From their website:

"Starting July 1, the Camden County Library System  will offer a new museum pass program free to library card holders, just in time for family summer vacations. The new service provides passes to 10 museums and other local attractions in the Delaware Valley and beyond.

Passes to six of the attractions will be available from any of the library’s eight branches: The Academy of Natural Sciences,Garden State Discovery Museum, Grounds for Sculpture, Morris Arboretum, Wheaton Arts and Woodford Wildlife Refuge ."

Mark and I returned our pass to the Morris Arboretum as soon as we drove back into Voorhees this evening. When we arrived at the library the pass for Wheaton Village was there as was the pass for the Roebling Museum. Both of which I would love to visit, but there is just not enough time this week! So glad we planned this little adventure for today!

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Saturday Morning Sounds

This is my bedroom window on a Saturday morning. I love that it is actually two windows, facing two different directions. One of my favorite things is to lay in bed on a Saturday morning and listen to the sounds.

• the neighbor's lawn mower
• the bird's chirping in the trees
• Marsha's car as she heads out on her errands
• the young men across the street skateboarding
• the leaves of the birch tree rustling in the breeze
• Mark typing in his office
• the coffee pot brewing Mark's morning cup of java

I relish Saturday mornings and the lazy way I can begin my day.

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Sunrise, 3-12-14

And so it is, for the third day in a row, I left the house just before sunrise. I am not a morning person; not by any stretch of the imagination. I have to admit, however, that even I cannot ignore the beauty of a rosy sky at sunrise!

There was never a night or a problem

that could defeat sunrise or hope.

Shopping Local

Today we were on the hunt for a special gift for Miss Amanda's 16th birthday. Fortunately, we were able to shop local to find what we wanted, so happy for that!

It was such a gorgeous day we headed to Station Avenue in Haddon Heights. The perfect afternoon to explore the shops and enjoy the sunshine.

There was not very much snow left on the ground. Just a few spots here and there. Mark was able to walk around in short sleeves and I didn't need my gloves, which I always wear starting in October!

The sky was that beautiful clear blue that we are fortunate to experience in the winter. The sunshine was crisp and warm. We have not been out walking in quite a while and it felt good to stretch our legs and explore.

Haddon Heights is one of those older towns that grew up along the train route that took people from Philadelphia to Atlantic City and the coast. There are signs posted explaining the growth of the town and important locations. It was fun to learn something new and accomplish our shopping goal!

Tomorrow we party!

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Mark did such a good job pruning the roses before the spring. I can tell because this bush, whose name escapes me right at the moment, has never bloomed this lovely. The flowers are large and lush. The smell, heavenly. These are Jessie's favorite roses in the yard. She would pick them and bring them inside whenever she was home. It's too bad I cannot ship a bouquet up to New York so that she can enjoy them. Perhaps it is time for a road trip!

Secret Adventure

Beauty is whatever gives joy.

Edna St. Vincent Millay

So excited be a part of a project to create samples for a new online class! I am truly enjoying the process, it warms my soul to engage in the exploration of my surroundings in a thoughtful and reflective way. So today, while feeling a bit sour and bemoaning the start of spring in a very chilly way, I decided to seek the beautiful. I found this quote and this lovely photo in my files. Happy Spring everyone!