2014 Update

Wow, has it really been 8 YEARS since I posted here? Well, it seems we have some catching up to do. All is well and I’m happy to report that Princess Simbalina Cleopatra Persephone is alive and well and still perfect. She has a new brother, Duke Buckingham of Pelham. He is a rescue that I adopted with an ex-boyfriend (enough said about him) in 2009. They get along as well as possible considering Simba’s abhorrence of canines. The house in Fishtown was sold in 2008. The renovations looked amazing and a tidy profit was made and promptly reinvested into a very run-down , huge (5,000+sf), old (circa 1890) mansion in the beautiful Pelham neighborhood of West Mount Airy, a 5 minute drive to the Wissahickon park where Simba, Buck and I would enjoy weekend hikes. That house was sold for minimal profit during the housing depression of 2011 to two architects who, I am hopeful, will restore the grand dame to her former glory. After a short stint renting a furnished home in Chestnut Hill, I relocated to sunny Miami and purchased a home (built in 1939) that has been a pleasure to renovate. Travels since my last post have included Amsterdam/Africa, Egypt, Italy, Seattle/Vancouver, Cape Cod, the Hamptons, and a few weekend trips around Florida. Nanci is now married. Molly is now divorced and a proud mom. All friends and family are basically happy and healthy except for Granny who has Alzheimer’s. My new neighbors are the best neighbors in the world and the nicest people in all of Miami, a city which has made me realize that perhaps Philadelphia really is the City of Brotherly Love. Everything is relative afterall…

Happy 2006!!

Simbalina Last week, after a lengthy and exhausting lawsuit against my former contractor, I received a cash settlement to resolve the matter once and for all – exactly 7 days before the sheriff was scheduled to sell all personal goods in contractor’s home. It will be a relief to start the new year without waiting, wondering and worrying … Happy New Year to me!! I just returned from a 6-day trip to sunny Florida where I spent the xmas holiday with my adopted Florida family. Christine & I made a traditional “7 Fishes” Italian dinner for xmas and consumed lots of bubbly. It was my first visit to Christine’s new house which is simply beautiful, my first visit to Mary’s mansion since it’s been fully furnished / decorated, and my 1st visit to FL in a year. What Else? I’ve been hanging out a lot with my new neighbor / friend Eve who happens to be a fabulous cook and dog lover. Simba loves her new auntie and cousin Macy. Eve has taken us hiking and her home provides the Princess w/ a doggie-door so she loves to visit. Eve is definitely Simba’s new favorite sitter. Zachary came to Philly for a visit back in July with his friend Pat. We went out to dinner (Alma de Cuba), then out for drinks at Continental Midtown & post-drinks at Bar Noir. George dropped the boys back at their hotel & spent the night with me. It was super good to see Zachary (and nice to spend the night with George!). I’ve been busy with the Beautification Committee and of course, home renovations. The 1st floor floors and stairs were installed on Halloween and look incredible. I took a week off to unwrap the living room furniture, decorate and unpack boxes. After 1.5 years, it feels incredible to have a real living and dining room. The house has finally come together and looks fantastic. This year’s Fringe Festival (August-September) was great and I reconnected with Hippie Chick Kim which is always lots of fun. Speaking of reconnections, in October I began spending incredible amounts of time with my old acquaintance, Yale. After my birthday, we agreed not to see each other until he is officially free to do so…’nough said I’m sure. Steve picked up Eve & I on new year’s eve, we picked up Eve’s new beau, Bill and settled into the Four Seasons for a couple of bottles of bubbly before joining Nancy’s house party which was much fun. I was in a non-sober state way before midnight and drank water the rest of the evening which included a trip to a party in my ‘hood that I arrived to around 1:30AM and departed somewhere around 3:30AM. My neighbor Emily and Eve’s friend Kristin both invited me to the party so I thought it would be fun. The party was held in a warehouse and a good time was had by all.

Dear Blog

dear blog, I just returned to work after a fabulously long, restful w/e. Saturday afternoon, Steve picked up Simba & I, we drove to Taconnelli’s for take-away (Steve’s first experience), and dined at his place. After our fine dining experience, we went to Marlton (that’s right – NJ) to see a play about F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. It was an interesting story and the director worked film into the set in lieu of elaborate back-drops. Early the next morning, the 3 of us departed for Cape May. Mom tells me I was there when I was “younger” but I had no recollection of it whatsoever. It is truly beautiful. The historic Victorian homes are all intact. The gardens & trees provide much needed shade & the beaches (with showers & umbrella rentals) were clean. There are 2 pet-friendly beaches and several pet-friendly hotels. Much to my surprise, Simba was not at all interested in the water. I carried her out into the ocean, talked to her the whole time, dipping her slowly into the cool water. The second I let her go, she hastily paddled her way back to shore as fast as she could. Then ran over to Steve for protection against her insane mother. I made a second attempt about an hour later (thinking that she'd have fond memories of her first foray) but she repeated her hasty paddle to shore & mad dash to blanket / Steve). I did not repeat the insanity. It was odd to see the majority of dogs running into the ocean, as happy as could be whilst my Princess lounged on her beach towel (and our blanket) under the umbrella. She really is her mother’s daughter. Sun night, we went to "the Quarter" @ the Tropicana casino in Atlantic City. The Quarter has a bunch of well-known Philly / NY restaurants (32 degrees, cuba libre, carmine's, pf chang, etc.). We dined at 'Red Square' - the Russian-themed, Jeffrey Chowdorow restaurant chainlette w/ the “ice bar” (original located in the Bellagio in Las Vegas). We had a very good / expensive dinner and sampled some nice vodkas from the motherland. Dinner was enjoyable but it was distressing to sit in such a fab. restaurant, eating good food, soaking up the atmosphere whilst surrounded by older folks (sorry to be cruel) & people wearing shorts & sneakers. At one point, I saw a couple come in with 2 little girls. I found it appalling. There should be a dress code. After dinner, we taxied over to the Borgatta (new casino) for the Black Crowes concert. The Borgata is GORGEOUS (for an AC casino, that is) & very similar to the Bellaggio. They both have the hanging glass lighting sculptures (from the same artist), separate hotel entrance, upscale shopping arcade, art gallery, fancy casino area, etc, etc,. but again, I was horrified by the sneakers, sweat socks, tee-shirts and plastic cups – truly horrified!! The show was in a huge banquet room. There were about 35 rows of 'stadium seating' set up against the back of the 'hall' while the area in front of the seats (about 2 times the size of the seated area) was all standing room. We sat in the first row of seats smack in the center. The stage was neat but rather boring (lots of tall / standing candelabras w/ candles burning). The smell of incense made me absolutely nauseas after about 5 min. & I literally felt sick the entire time so I was not a happy camper. The Black Crowes played all (new?) stuff that I never heard so I couldn't really get into the music. I think that may have been my last concert; I didn’t have much patience for all the young, noisy people who seem to have no manners whatsoever. We went back to the beach Monday & the weather was perfect. (I did not force Simbalina into the water.) Steve dropped us home @ 6:30ish & I was fast asleep by 10 pm after reading several chapters of Wuthering Heights. Once again, those “Literature experts” were right about the classics – it’s nice to finally read them.

Dear Blog

Happy Belated Independence Day! I just returned to work after a 10 day hiatus which was spent eating, drinking, smoking, shopping, working on the house, spoiling the Princess & having lots of fun. Mary & Christine came to Philly last Thursday. I met up with them on Friday for lunch after a half-day of work & we reconnected several hours later for a yummy dinner at Barclay Prime in celebration of Christine’s birthday. We took a trip to Sea Isle to visit Mary’s 93 y.o. aunt (and eat seafood), a trip to the Poconos to visit cousin Carol, Phil & Vinny (and eat BBQ) and a trip to old city for a mini-shopping spree (& eat Malaysian). My favorite meal was dinner at Sovalo, a new Italian restaurant in Northern Liberties with Steve, Christine, Molly & Charlie. It was good to see Mary after several years of no communication. Simba & I had a fab. time in the Poconos. Vinny & his friend let me reel-in the fish and I gutted several of them myself!! What a fabulous retreat from city life; the cooler temperature, the peaceful lake, the fresh air, the deer, the grass; oh my – Simba & I were in heaven. Two days after Mary & Christine left, Zachary came to visit w/ his college friend (Pat) & Pat’s brother. Zack looks awesome (as expected!) and is so freaking mature, it’s scary. We had a good dinner at Alma de Cuba and then went out for drinks. George met up with us & we hooked up at the end of the night. Very nice but (per George's suggestion), a one-time occurrence. I'm hoping that George can explain to me how men's minds work as I'm clearly clueless. Steve, Simba & I went to the Haddonfield Art Festival which was larger than I expected. We had a very nice time despite the heat and I was successful in curbing my manic shopping. On productive note, I did manage to get the remaining wallpaper and paneling down from the 3rd floor bedroom. Much to my delight, I uncovered an antique, wrought-iron heating register in the wall. It was very exciting. I met with “brick guy” (Jerry) who will reinforce the 3rd floor wall and paint the decorative cornice on the exterior wall. I also met with "Mike" to complete all of the electrical work, exchanged messages with "Nick" about sheetrock / trim work and decided to install new (vs. refinishing the existing) h/w floors in the LR, DR and stairway. It’s been difficult adjusting to a ‘normal’ work schedule and I’ve continued to make entertainment plans for just about every night of the week (dinner at the Tap w/ Lori & Steve Monday night, BBQ @ Lori’s Tuesday, TRIA w/ Molly & Stephanie (from work) Wednesday, and dinner / fun with Doreen Friday. Let the fun continue!!

Nature's Calling

During a recent retreat to Kirkridge for Earth Care weekend (May 6-8, 2005), volunteers were asked to write down, enact or recall a moment during the day when nature spoke to them. Being the person that i am, just about everything spoke to me and i had difficulty choosing a particular moment; hence, the collage. Nature’s Calling - a collage of memories from Earth Care weekend at Kirkridge Retreat Center, May 6-8 2005. Wind howling Trees swaying Water flowing Flowers blooming Birds Chirping Clouds looming Leaves rustling Bells ringing Forget-me-nots waving Bumble bees buzzing Fossils forming Lakes glistening Rocks jutting Trails blazing Benches beckoning Insects crawling Sun warming Branches snapping Pine needles crackling Pebbles crunching Rakes scratching Grass whispering Shadows dancing Streams trickling Paddles paddling Dogs barking Fires cooking Leaves crunching Fish swimming Ponds sparkling Chapels hiding Spiders sticking Poison ivy climbing Altars forming Stones circling Owls cooing Maypoles flapping Labyrinth walking Bridges connecting Seasons changing People responding Nature Calling.

Dear Blog

yet another 2 months have passed since my last writing? terribly tragic! work has been very hectic. Philadelphia hosted the national RIMS conference this year (April), bossman agreed to host the Northeast Regional Sales Mtg in Philly - since no plans had been made in Balto / DC (May) and several proposals have kept me very busy. I did manage to take a few days off and have some fun. I spent my first w/e @ Kirkridge Retreat Center in the mountains for the annual “Earthcare” weekend. The group raked leaves, cleared hiking trails and spent some much needed quality time in nature. I was able to reconnect with 3 folks from the Guatemala pilgrimage (Valerie Brown, Frank Toia, and Illona Lind) and meet several newcomers. Another w/e was spent in DC for Dan & Jenny’s wedding which was beautifully simple and elegant. jenny’s gown & tiara, the bridesmaids & their dresses, the groomsmen & their suits, the FLOWERS (oi vey!), the church, the reception, the rehearsal dinner, the guests, both families, were all simply beautiful. It was also Simba’s first hotel stay. Overall, she did very well. I had the pleasure of viewing the Dali exhibit at the art museum (its only American tour destination) and purchased my first piece of “real” art via the Mural Arts Program’s Prison Outreach program. The painting, entitled “Thoughts of Man” was painted by George Newcomer, an inmate at Greaterford Prison. It depicts a suicide and the thoughts surrounding his actions. While the subject matter itself is dark, the painting doesn’t feel morbid (to me) as bright colors are used and the sky above conveys a very peaceful and serene feeling. The picture was hanging on exhibit at the White Dog Café where I dined with Steve before a ballet performance at the Annenberg. Steve also took me to visit granny & then to LBI for this season’s first LobsterFest. It was as good as anticipated. A wedding shower (Matt & Nicola) and baby shower (Lisa Glaser) also passed with plans for another (Lea Yeager) this weekend.

The Story of Simbalina

below is verbiage from my proud parent announcement of September 9, 2004, posted here for posterity. ========================================================== for those of you who don't know, i am now the proud owner of a lovely, hyper, NEEDY, loving, gentle, and freshly flea-dipped, female dog named Simba. don't really know much else about her but she adores me & surely that counts for ALOT!! i found her saturday whilst loriloo & i were (unsuccessfully) searching for a farmer's market in the new hood. she was running around w/ no collar & no chaperone. 20 min. later, we saw her again; dodging cars. we squatted down & called her over & she plopped herself down on my lap. she smelled so bad & got all kinds of dirty, stinky, itchy , germy things all over my powder pink shirt. she made me carry her the rest of the way & that was pretty much the beginning of the attachment. i took her home & doggy-proofed my yard (over the course of 48 hot hours) & posted "FOUND!" notices all over the hood. ironically, i found Simba's (very unrightful) former owner who informed me of her Christian name & her history. she had been passed from house to house to house to house & was last living w/ a crack family who care nothing for her (hence her flea infestation & lack of collar - not to mention proper grooming!!). i was given free & clear title to the pup. thus far, i've lost 1/2 day of work & $200+. i still need to have her spayed, vaccinated & God knows what. the toys & treats for dogs are so stinking cute. i have NEVER had a dog (well, i had one for a very brief period when i was young) and would welcome any tips / suggestions / words of advice. dogsitters are also most welcome. : )

Dear Blog

Simbalina has it really been 2+ months since I’ve written? time surely does fly as u get older; mama was right - again! not too much exciting going on; I’ve been doing the winter hibernation thing. Doreen, steve & I went out as anticipated (per last posting). steve picked us up at my place and, after he & the Princess made the appropriate fuss over each other, we drove into center city. Steve dropped us off at Striped Bass while he parked the car. It was my first visit since steven starr took the place over and, naturally, it looks great. we had a single cocktail and then went over to Bar Lyonaisse where we shared a couple of glasses of wine before heading to the Barclay Prime for their famed $100 cheesesteak. Sadly, it was after 11 PM when we arrived and the kitchen closes at 10PM (what is this? New York?). so, after a quick cocktail, we rushed over to the Four Seasons who had assured us that their “late night fare” menu is available until 1AM. we noshed on a fabulous cheese plate, salmon plate, an award-winning cheesesteak springroll, etc. overall, a very mellow evening. the three of stayed at my house and Doreen was kind enough to take me to reStore the next morning to pick up my fabulous French doors. we had lunch at the polish restaurant (Sri Lanka) and called it a day. I finally had dinner at vetri and it was everything I expected. chris took me there for valentine’s day. I took him to the ballet (a gift to myself, really) and to a new smoked rib joint in the academy house (former marabella’s). mom took an apartment on Washington square & it truly is beautiful – such a perfect location for her / Lou. sadly, I lost my dog-sitter as mom usually relieved my Simba-walking duties 1x/week so I could have a happy hour night or stop at the grocery store without rushing home. so, I have hired a dog-walker 1 day / week to fill the void. Jennifer starts today & I’m having dinner @ mom’s new place. speaking of the Princess Simbalina Cleopatra Persephone, she got out of the house the other week and ran & ran & ran & ran. Contractor (Bob) came to work at the house & a new subcontractor came while Bob was in the basement and he left the door open (not knowing about the Princess) to get tools from his truck. the Princess got out, he chased her, she ran & ran & ran & ran…Kudos to the crossing guards, policemen, postmen, neighbors, friends, strangers and contractor(s) who helped me search for her. An incredible woman at 2nd & Lehigh (that’s right – SECOND & LEHIGH – miles away) found her, invited her in to the check cashing agency where she worked & called the number on her tag. I was so relieved to get her back; she’s such a part of my life. Immediately, Simbalina was given a new (easier to read) tag which i had failed to attach sooner. ironically, the subcontractor that let her out was bobby pfeifer – a childhood friend. such a small world! 2 degrees of separation… not much progress on the house; the (new) contractor has been busy with a big job and has been unable to do any work at my place for the past few weeks. in my mind, there’s approx. 2-3 weeks of work to be done and that’s it - provided, of course, I am the sole beneficiary of his labor.