The Best Season Of The Year

The seasonal foliage is breathtaking, especially in NEPA (Northeast PA).  I made my way north of Philadelphia for the weekend and was stunned by how beautiful the mountainsides were!  Philly trees have yet to turn for the season so you could imagine my surprise and delight. 

 

I bought a pumpkin for my small backyard in the city and let Muffin the Dog hop into the lake by my dad's house one final time before it gets too cold.  She just loves the water and chasing the ducks, so I let her go at it.  My dad made an apple pie and I had a nice little weekend away from the city.

 

Pumpkin beer is in full-flow at my house, so I'll have to share some new beers with you soon!

Early Summer

 

 

 

I spent a couple of days back home.  First order of business was ice cream.  Then, between rain showers and playing with the dog, we managed to split some firewood.  Oh and of course, ended the week out with a little bit of ice cream for everyone.

Thankful

Spending a few days away from the city for Thanksgiving was wonderful.  Muffin the dog got to play outside and explore and I was off the hook for walking duties!  Seeing family and friends over a couple of great meals is a great way to unwind after of months studying hard.

I'm thankful for these little getaways and family and friends and pets and and and dance parties in deserted bars <3  

Wissahickon Hike & Swim

Wissahickon Valley Park is part of the Fairmount Park system here in Philadelphia.  Fun fact:  Fairmount Park is one of the largest urban park systems in the United States!  Muffin-the-dog loves breaking the rules and running off leash on the trails.  She even spotted a snake (I put her leash on near the critter) and eyed up a few ducks bathing in the creek.  After about 45 minutes of hiking she got brave and jumped into the water to cool off!

This was last weekend and a late report of it, of course.  Not sure what is in store for this weekend.

Bastille Day is happening and will be celebrated on Fairmount Ave.
Franklin Fountain ice cream is always a good pick.
Indego is still on the to-do list.

I'll let you know how it goes ;)  Have a great weekend!

Philly Indego Bike Share

Philly Indego Bike Share is now in full swing.  Kisoks are popping up all over the city and more and more sightings of folks giving the blue bikes a go everyday.  Seriously, check out all of the stations!

I haven't given them a spin yet, but definitely on the agenda when I have some visitors in from out of town.  The bike itself looks like a tank and will surely be tough enough to handle all of the obstacles, weather, and potholes in the city!  Check out the specs here.  I'll have more to report when I pop mad wheelies on 'em in the future.  

Blue Skies and Park Visits

It's been a little slow here on the blog.  Things have been busy for me, but I should be back regularly and with a lot more new stuff to share.

We took advantage of the great weather and strolled around the city.  Muffin the dog was so tired, we had to keep resting in the shade.  I hope you had a great weekend and stay tuned!

Wissahickon and Forbidden Drive Trails in Philadelphia

 

 

Rain had a threatening presence on my weather app since the day before.  So I decided to get an early start and make the short trip to Forbidden Drive with Muffin in tow.  The sun peaked out through the grey sky every so often, but that didn't make the visit any less fun!  Little signs of life crept out through rocks, in the creek and all around.  Though the forest isn't too colorful yet, the different greens, browns and greys were a welcomed sight coming from the city.  It's been a bit of time since I've left the grid and pavement for the trails.

Muffin bounded along ahead of me only stopping when she heard a squirrel flee the scene or when the ducks quacked below.  We had a great morning romp through Wissahickon and thankfully avoided the rain that still lingered in the forecast.  Currently, as I type, Muffin is having puppy dreams on the couch and has avoided movement otherwise for an hour.  I feel accomplished!  Have a wonderful week welcoming Spring in.

More after the jump...

From All Around the Web, Part 3

We've finally had a cold snap here in Philadelphia, PA.  A little bit of snow fell earlier in the week and Muffin could not be more excited!  Here are a few things on my radar this week:

- These Snacking Squirrels
- Mat's visit to Birmingham
- This very real and reflective post by Tee
- Mountain Biking/Snow Posts over on Yeti Rides
- Still loving this Winter Warmer Beer
- A Great Sale over at Mr. Porter
- Limited Edition Shinola Bikes!
- This beautiful video of the Dolomites
- Ariele Lasko's Instagram and woodworking

From All Around the Web, Part 2

Trying to get Muffin to sit still in front of the tree...

It's mid week and you've already found the bottom of the internet, I know the feeling!  So here are a few things to get you through the day and hopefully pique your interest.

1. Grownup Tomboys
2. Well Spent Holiday Gift Guide
3. Guggenheim: Six Finalists for Helsinki 
4. O'Harrows Button Downs (W and M) 
5. This house in Norway
6. Swedish Pepparkakor Recipe
7. Nike ACG
8. Peanut Butter Coast's Baja Post
9. My favorite Bike Riding/Camping Site
10. These photos by Talulaah
11. Current Obsession: Peaky Blinders
12. THE Military Duffel by Whipping Post

Thanksgiving Weekend Photos

I'm sitting here sifting through pictures from last weekend taken in north east Pennsylvania.  Despite the sort of treacherous drive in on Wednesday evening (and the car sliding down the hill backwards), the snow was absolutely beautiful.  We strolled around back roads and checked to see if the lake was freezing up.  The annual Christmas tree shopping was a success too.


Lots of good food and great company.  Muffin loved being out in the snow and I did too!  I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday!