Huge Philly Rally We Are Baltimore

Several Thousand...taking to the streets soon...

We Are Baltimore Demo Philadelphia

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Medicine Phl Demo

Headed to We Are Baltimore demo in Philly Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Baltimore Activities

The Peabody Library in Baltimore...a beautiful space Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

In Baltimore Visiting Friends

Pennsylvania Station, Baltimore. The city seems calm. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Beautiful Space!

On Sunday we attended the patrons' private champagne reception in between acts of Verdi's Don Carlo at the historic Academy of Music in Philadelphia. The reception was held in a beautiful hall on the second level of the building. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Good Friends in The Model Train World

Dave (L) and Josh (R) Rosenberg.

Masa Japanese Restaurant, York, PA

Masa is a fine Japanese restaurant that I have enjoyed for many years when visiting York, PA. Recently, they closed so that they could renovate and expand thier facility. They also added a full bar. The food is delicious and so I tend to gravitate there at least a couple of times when I'm in York.

At Model Train Show, York, PA

My good friends Dave and Josh let me sell my recently published book at their table at the show. I sold three copies today! Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Delayed Grief

A Cardinal at the feeder in Cherry Grove

It's apparent to me now that my own health challenges and long recovery from difficult surgery delayed my reaction to the loss of my beloved animal companion Bradley. This past weekend at the beach house, I couldn't get his loss out of my mind. As I took my familiar walks, the very same walks that Bradley accompanied me on so many times over the years, I saw him, and sorely missed him in my mind at every corner and at every familiar spot. There is a name for this phenomenon. It is called delayed or unresolved grief. The pain is real and perhaps stronger given the tendency to minimize the health problems Bradley was having in favor of remembering only the good, healthy times. Our friend Louise wondered if I would get another dog so that I would have a companion on my walks. For a number of reasons, getting another dog is problematic. But also problematic is the loneliness and the empty feeling I have now without a dog by my side. I've always enjoyed canine companionship in my adult life. Perhaps I've depended on them too much to be my companions and friends. Perhaps my delayed grief will pass, and I won't feel the emptiness and hurt on those late summer afternoons when Bradley and I used to go to the beach, take walks, play in the waves and fetch the ball. Perhaps, but right now I doubt it.

Late Daffodils

Opened today in our Cherry Grove garden. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Sunken Forest Walk

Quiet and pretty in the early spring. A place for remembering. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Pretty Guests At The Feeder: Cardinals And Red-Winged Blackbirds

A Favorite Restaurant Re-incarnated

We were sad last summer when our favorite Japanese restaurant, Tai Sho in Oakdale, L.I. closed and changed hands. The good news us that the restaurant was refurbished and is now open as Ichiban.

Warm Vantage Point

Loki sits on top of the Vermont Stove while gazing out the window facing Beach Walk in Cherry Grove. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Comfort

Nothing like a contented kitty asleep on your lap to make you feel like all is well with the world. On Fire Island, warm and snug are we! Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Bradley: 2001 - 2015

Jim's favorite photo of Bradly on Fire island

I'll be opening the Fire Island beach house this year without my buddy Bradley. We had to say goodbye to Braddy in February. The ravages of old age...arthritis, incontinence, and confusion detracted from his quality of life. It's always difficult to part with an animal companion, but Dan courageously did the right thing. We're both still grieving and it will take some time for us to get closure. In the meantime we're trying to concentrate on the great life he had and the many special memories of him that we will always treasure. Each of our beloved animal companions has a unique personality. Bradley was the most sweet-tempered, without a mean bone in his body. He was a little timid especially in the early years, but he opened up and became more outgoing as he aged. He was always a playful little guy. I enjoyed countless hours of play with him, throwing balls, sticks and a variety of toys for him to retrieve and return. He loved the beach. He played with a number of his canine friends on the beach year after year. While not a swimming dog, he loved to run and romp in the sand. He accompanied me to the beach and spent many days and hours under the beach umbrella. We enjoyed many, many long walks to the Pines and through the Sunken Forest on Fire Island, and in Fairmount Park in Philadelphia. He was a beautiful dog. We would often get compliments about him and questions about his breed (he was a mix.) He was unfailingly loyal and obedient. I never needed a leash with Braddy. He was always by my side and he always came when called. When I went snow sledding he would run along side me as I went down the hill. When I went in the water on Fire Island he would wait for me patiently, perhaps with some anxiety, until I returned from the water. He had a great relationship with two of our cats, our beloved Nikko, who died in 2010, and our current little sweetheart, Loki. He and Loki enjoyed many hours of playful sparring. So we have many wonderful memories of this special little dog. He had a long, wonderful life full of fun, and he was loved so much by his human companions. He was a lucky dog (he was a rescue,) and we were lucky to have cared for him and enjoyed him for 13-1/2 years.

Photo of Jim and Bradley by Bob Russell

Bradley and Nikko

Harbingers Of Spring

Seen along the Schuylkill River banks.

Aki Japanese Restaurant, Philadelphia

Tuna - avocado salad is a delicious course at Aki on Walnut Street in Philadelphia. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Dinner With Friends In New York City

Dan and I had a lovely time Saturday evening with friends Ed, Juan, and Juan's new friend Jimmy. We had dinner at a Sicilian restaurant in the village.

At The Metropolitan Opera

Today's opera is Verdi: Ernani Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

On Amtrak Headed To New York City

Visiting friends and an afternoon at the Metropolitan Opera. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

50 Years Of Great Service

Congratulations to Community College of Philadelphia and the dedicated teachers (including my husband) and staff on 50 years of service to the community of Philadelphia.  Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android