HAPPY EARTH DAY

BUT HONOR THE EARTH EVERY DAY, NOT JUST ONCE A YEAR!

Traveled around the world...

Yep, it was easy to travel around the world today without ever leaving the region.
How? By visiting the International Spring Festival at North Penn High School in Towamencin, of course.

It was great to see all of the informational booths from various countries, watch performances by groups representing a diverse array of cultures and, of course, travel to the cafeteria for a wide selection of ethnic fare.

This was the 22nd year for the festival, which has its roots at the Lansdale Public Library. Library staffers,  along with the International Spring Festival Committee, work hard to create the festival each year, which attracts about 5,000 people.
I can attest to the fact that there was a huge turnout to celebrate the diversity of our area.

This young lady was trying out some of the musical instruments...

Loved these men and their accordions!

How about visiting Egypt?

 And there was intriguing artwork on display by North Penn students...

If you missed the fest this year, be sure to mark your calendars for next April. It's a wonderful, FREE event!

Yard work...

I love having open space around my home. But I'm not a fan of yard work. It's becoming very clear, however, that I have to get my lawn mower out of hibernation and cut the grass.
Sigh .... It could be a long summer.
In preparation, I have a lot of branches and twigs still to pick up and was out there doing just that, when I decided to also catch a few of the precious signs of spring just too beautiful to ignore.

I love dandelions and have no plans to ever dig up a single one. Relax ... they're pretty! And this daffodil is just one of the many that has lifted my spirits, but it's nearing the end of its run, sadly.

Fabulous forsythia! One of the plants my daughter gave to my a few years ago for Mother's Day.

 Yea! My money plants are starting to bloom!

A tiny wildflower in my yard.

I don't know what this tree is that came up years ago at the edge of my yard, but it has pretty flowers.

I enjoyed the yard "work" of snapping photos ... can't say the same of a summer filled with mowing the lawn!

New York, New York!

Saturday was a beautiful day, especially after the rainy, raw weather we've been having. And my daughter and I were happy that are plans to go on a day trip to New York City, via Hagey Bus, turned out so well. We couldn't have asked for better weather! These first photos show Times Square, of course, and the photo at the right includes the famous ball that drops on New Year's Eve, seen just above "2013."

Our main goal in heading to NYC on Saturday was to visit the International Center of Photography, and the exhibits, "We Went Back: Photographs from Europe by Chim" and "Roman Vishniac Rediscovered" were moving and thought-provoking.

After that, we headed to Bryant Park and, of course, passed some New York natives...

Bryant Park was beautiful and plenty of people were out enjoying the day. Notice the skyline reflected in the building at the left. We ate our lunch by the fountain at right. 

Of course we had to make a little time for shopping ... and looking up!

These aren't your typical bus passengers ... but are great advertisements for the Jekyll & Hyde restaurant/bar.

And then we spotted this cool car advertising the BowlMor, so we went in, were dazzled, had a delicious drink and appetizer ... no time for bowling, though.

Of course the day flew by too fast once more, and soon it was time to board the bus for home. And one last look at the New York City skyline....

All the best, Brian and Anne!

Saturday was a new beginning for Brian Bingaman, as he wed Anne, now his lovely new wife.
 When I was editor at The Reporter, Brian was one of the staff writers there -- and of course he still is.
It was always great working with Brian, and I was honored to be invited to his wedding.
Here the happy couple enjoy their first dance, to John Lennon's moving song, "Oh My Love."
A perfect choice!

I've known Brian, his parents and his son for ages, and it's been a pleasure to watch his son grow into a fine young man, now 16. Brian Jr.'s toast at the reception was both amusing and moving -- good job!
The wedding ceremony itself brought out the love Brian and Anne share. And the flowers that Brian's mom, Lynn, designed were gorgeous. Brian even performed with his band, Fish Relics, at the reception. Talk about a hard-working groom!
It was a family effort to bring this beautiful day to life.
Sorry I don't have more photos to share, but here are a few.
Here's the delicious cake:

And I even won the centerpiece on our table!

No, this wasn't a guest at the wedding, just an attraction at the main building of the Rising Sun in Franconia, where the reception was held.

I hope their life ahead will be filled with joy. There always are ups and downs in a marriage, but their love should lift them up and carry them over the rough spots.
All the best, Anne and Brian!!