neighborhood

frankenstorm

| circadee

Happy Halloween everybody! It sure looks spooky around these parts thanks to the wrath of Hurricane Sandy – dubbed Frankenstorm here in the northeast.  On Monday, I posted a bit panicked about how our favorite coastal town of Cape May, New Jersey would fair.  Well, I am here to report that Cape May won the battle with Sandy.  Hooray!

Unfortunately our neighbors to the north did not make out as well as Cape May.  My heart goes out to all of those folks just up the coast.

Ironically our home town to the west in Pennsylvania seemed to be more battered than Cape May as well.  We lost power in PA on Monday evening and as of writing this have not had it restored just yet.  Our town is full of beautiful, mature trees – one of the draws of the neighborhood.  However, not all of the trees withstood the wind gusts.  Some toppled over on our power lines.  We were nervous for the large trees surrounding our house but they all stood strong.

After about 36 hours without electric and heat we decided to venture back east to Cape May.  That is when we learned that ironically the coastal town was in better shape than our Montgomery county town.

And that we had internet.  Hooray again!

It is amazing what lack of electricity can do.  I forgot what day it was, never knew the time and flicked the light switch on a ridiculous amount of times out of habit.  Living in the dark is not fun.  Oh and neither is wearing 2 pairs of pants to sleep.  

Anyway, back to the positive news around Cape May…

Boarded up beach houses suffered minimal damage

For the most part, sand dunes did their job as barrier

Only a few roads were sand covered

Everyone’s favorite Cape May landmark, Congress Hall, overlooks the sea

Sandy makes a grand exit leaving town with a show of clouds

A little bit spooky for Halloween

A flock of beautiful cranes bathed in the storm’s remnants

Again, I can’t stress how fortunate we are.  We have some flooding around the house.  Ok, our front yard is a pond but nothing we can’t manage compared to what others are experiencing.

I hope you are your family are safe, dry and warm this Halloween.

field trip

| circadee

I’m on my quest to soak up the last unofficial week of summer without rushing fall in like I normally do this time of year.  So today I took a break an enjoyed a stroll through a local U-pick zinnia farm in my area.  It was heavenly.  An absolutely gorgeous day for such a walk.  I could have stayed in those fields for hours.

Why did the chicken cross the road?

To get to the other field of zinnias of course!

After my walk, I visited the farm’s market which was stocked full of colorful locally grown produce.   Farm markets are always so inspiring to me for their rustic, simple style, the textures and all of the colors of course.  And just the overall quantities of produce.

And then it happened. Sitting right there in the middle of my blissful late summer moment was a sure sign of fall!  I can’t deny that it is right around the corner with a pumpkin that orange staring at me.  Bring on fall!

 

 

 

make a day of it

| circadee

Hey there!  I’m back with more details about this weekend’s sale.  I’ve been working diligently to get everything ready to go for our beach themed sale.  I hope you’ll stop by.  Here’s an itty bitty preview of what’s in store…

While you’re in the neighborhood, you must visit our new neighbor.  The Frock Shoppe will be celebrating their grand opening this weekend!  The Frock Shoppe is a new and resale boutique, with a mission of supporting our community through buying and selling top quality pre-loved, and new clothing and accessories.  All proceeds from the Grand Opening will be used to help local families with school supplies via their charity The Nottage Project!  I absolutely love their cause…and their taste.  This boutique is sure to impress!

Must.  See.  This weekend.

Since you’ll be visiting all of the great businesses at 1814 Valley Forge Road, Worcester, PA, I thought I’d give you some of my other faves just minutes away!  Yes, this list is for you, my city dwelling friends.  Come out to the country for the day – we’re just 30 miles from Philly.

Zacharias Creek Side Cafe – Just around the corner from us is this adorable and tasty cafe with outdoor seating.  Have lunch at the BYO and don’t skip dessert!  It’s that good.

Merrymead Farm – Meet the new calf who is just too cute and visit the piggies too.  But before you leave, sample the ice cream (who cares if you already had dessert) and get some farm fresh produce & milk.

Skippack Village – Spend the rest of the day strolling this historic neighborhood that is dotted with wonderful boutiques and antique shops.

Body Serene – Wrap up with a mani/pedi at this relaxing day spa.

Evansburg State Park – Oh, you want less shopping and more walking?  Definitely go for a hike in Evansburg.  Bring your fishing rod too.

Center Point Pond – Or you could always fish the stocked pond right in our backyard at 1814.

That brings us full circle  around the neighborhood.  I’m sure you’ll have a fabulous day.  We look forward to seeing you!