Trying To Stay Healthy

At the New York City Ballet trying not to pick up any bugs.

Winter View Along The Schuylkill II

Winter View Along The Schuylkill

New York Bound

Walked over to University City to Starbucks prior to boarding Amtrak. This will be our last trip to NYC prior to my surgery.

Long Ago Workplace

Decades ago I worked part time in this location on Chestnut Street in Philadelphia. Back then it was F. W. Woolworths. I worked in the food services department at the snack bar and at the fresh soft pretzel stand.

Councilman Jim Kenney For Mayor!

No way that nazi Lyn Abraham will be elected next mayor of Philadelphia. Jim Kenney has a great record on city council. He enjoys the support of labor and he has always been there for the LGBT community. Jim Kenney For Mayor!

At Starbucks Central

My pour-over decaf tastes particularly great on this cold day.

Snowy Morning Walk

In Fairmount Park it is pretty considering it could have been unwalkable if the storm had hit as forecast.

Vegan Lunch: Healthy And Ethical

Salad with kale, dried cranberries, field greens, shredded carrots, sliced mushrooms, garbanzo beans, crotons and balsamic vignette dressing topped with hot sauce and hot pepper flakes.

Happy Birthday To My Husband, Dan!

Happy Birthday, Dan! Love XOXO,

Jim

Snowy Dog Park Fun

Bradley enjoys a romp this morning across the street from our house in the unofficial dog park.

Bradley Waits

Outside our local grocery story, Bradley patiently waits for us to do our shopping.

New Model Locomotive

A nice,small Voltamp "Suburban" made about 95 years ago. It runs Good!

Schuylkill Banks Snow Scene

Snowy City

This morning in Philadelphia...we only got a light dusting from a fast moving storm.

Vegan Lunch

At Liberty Place downtown Philadelphia.

MLK Day Of Service Phila. Orchestra Concert

We really enjoyed yesterday's Philadelphia Orchestra free concert held at Girard College in Philadelphia. It's a joy to watch our great conductor Yannick Nezet Seguin.

MLK Day Concert

The Philadelphia Orchestra at Girard College in Philadelphia.

Marriage at the Supreme Court: Joe and Rob

It is an outrage the way legal gay and lesbian marriages continue to be disrespected by bigots in the few remaining states that do not have marriage equality!

The Met Opera In HD

Enjoying Franz Lehar's "The Merry Widow" this afternoon with Renee Fleming Ann  Nathan Gunn.

Aki Japanese Restaurant

For lunch...then the oral surgeon...ugh!

Clay After Surgery

A friend who had open heart surgery earlier this week. Wow! I only hope I look 25 percent as good as he does after my surgery!

Fun Get Well Card!

I received this really neat get well card from one of my friends who also collects Voltamp model trains!

Loki

Snapped this at breakfast yesterday. Loki loves to lick the butter off of toast. He usually gets on a shoulder and meows until he gets a crack at the toast

MR. TURNER - OFFICIAL TRAILER [HD]

Wonderful film!

Heart Surgeon With A Great Web Site!

My heart surgeon, Dr. Wheatley, has an excellent web site focusing on aortic pathologies. I am so lucky to have such an expert to repair my aortic aneurysm and replace my aortic valve on February 16.

Train Show Today

At the Atlantic Division train show in Northeast Philadelphia.

Keeping Busy

Took down the holiday decorations today. Did some research on my medical status. I have a month to go before surgery. Time will drag on.

Starbucks Special Birthday

My barista and the rest of the staff at my favorite Starbucks made me feel happy on my birthday...and the gentleman in front of me at the register bought my coffee for me. Life is good!

My 66th Birthday! Hooray!

I made it to 66 today, damaged to be sure, but still here! Here's the great birthday card that Dan gave me.

Open Heart Surgery February 16

The good news is that I found a cardio-thoracic surgeon who I like and trust. Dan and I met with him Wednesday at Temple University hospital. He is a specialist in aneurysms like the one I have. His suggested treatment plan is comprehensive, which is what I want. Now it's time to prepare. Today I visited my dentist to get clearance from her. I'll need a tooth extracted but everything else is OK. It's a bit overwhelming but there is now a light at the end of the tunnel.

This graphic shows the procedure I will have to replace my diseased valve and aneurysm. It's a bit more than I planned for but it's necessary.

Surgical Consultation No. 2

At Temple University Hospital to get a second opinion from a different thoracic surgeon.

Snow!

Well, the mild winter has turned into a cold, snowy one!

Surgical Consultation No.1

At Penn-Presbyterian in Philadelphia to consult with a surgeon there about my aortic valve disease and aneurysm.

Mild Winter! ...So Far!

Last winter was really the winter from hell. So far this winter has been very mild. Let's hope it stays that way!

Holiday Baking

I was a little late this year, but I finally got around to making Viennese Crescents for the holidays the other day.

The Other Eagle

At Macy"s formerly John Wanamaker's downtown Philadelphia.

Holiday Sights

The holiday show at the Comcast Center and the Love Park tree...two of my favorite attractions during the holidays.