Falling Fast From Summer Into Winter

We often say fall is the best time to visit the Philadelphia region, with moderate temperatures and the colorful changing of the leaves.

Rather than staying home, however, we transitioned from summer into September by taking a relaxing, rejuvenating Caribbean cruise from Brooklyn.  That turned out to be a fabulous trip.

Back home, we did indeed enjoy lovely hikes through neighborhoods and forests filled with autumn leaves bursting with red, yellow and orange, plus accents of stubborn green.

Haverford College Nature Trail, assorted Ridley Creek Trails (video link), Haverford Northbrook and Southbrook Trails, the nearby neighborhood of mansions and our own lovely Merion Golf Manor all remained favorites.

Daily happy hours on our back deck, with Gina and Laszlo joining on Fridays.  Spending time with Emma taking her between events on her busy high school and skating schedule.  Strumming my guitar on the deck or in the den.  The days pass very pleasantly.

Living in Ardmore puts us in a terrific position to watch our granddaughter Emma shine.  Both her ice-skating rink and high school are in Ardmore.  We watched her nail her next level of Figure Skating and Paired Ice Dancing skills tests at historic Philadelphia Skating Club and Humane Society, where she has a parttime job teaching smaller kids and also volunteers to help with Special Olympics.

A new addition to her busy schedule is with her high school's volunteer program, boxing and delivering food to shut-ins.

She also joined the debate team.  I signed up to be a judge at a recent debate with multiple high schools competing.  I was not needed that day, but they allowed me to watch one of Emma's debates.  She was brilliant, bringing the enlightened philosophy of John Locke to the forefront of her position.  Very impressive, especially for a sophomore.

In evenings, we found plenty of television to keep us engaged, including "Blood of My Blood," the prequel to "Outlander," which we decided to re-watch.  I realized I must not have watched much of season one, which is rather shocking.

We followed the Phillies through an exciting season to their sad post-season defeat at the hands of the World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers.  With the arrival of football season, we cheer for the Eagles, giving each other high fives as if we did something that helped Philadelphia when the team scores.

Life at home is very good indeed!

Nonetheless, we miss family in California, so when October arrived, we flew to LAX for another great stay in Santa Monica and San Diego.

But that wasn't all.

Before flying home, we took Amtrak north for a family wedding in San Luis Obispo.  That was an epic event highlighting another amazing stay!

By the time we returned home, we were halfway through October.

A week later, we took the train to New Jersey to watch Amy skate in Silence of the Jams, a roller derby tournament.

"Ready Amy Fire" skates for the Wall Street Traitors. She is team Captain.

Amy's team lost to the Montreal Sexpos.

Montreal's players had a twenty-plus pound per player in a game fought with a lot of power blocks and shoves.

This was the first time Amy's team has lost with Julie and me watching in person.

It was nonetheless an exciting contest, with occasional flashes of brilliance from Amy's smaller but crafty team.

The biggest Sexpos took breathers occasionally, making for a better match for those jams.

Amy is also the Manager of the Gotham All-Stars, who lost to Minnesota in the 5 PM game played long after we had taken the train home.

While the focus was on roller derby, we also spent a little time visiting with both Amy and Lukas, who came over on an extended lunch break to watch the match.

Two friends who live up by Lukas's parents happened to be in the area, so they also attended.

Julie took some lovely photos of the home team's home, New York City, from the parking lot of the tournament they hosted in North Arlington, New Jersey.

On our way home, Julie and I got off at Drexel Station at 30th Street to meet Gina at Landmark Americana in Philly's University City for an alternative Friday evening happy hour meal.

The next weekend, we were handing out Halloween candy in our driveway.  After a slow start, we had a short flurry of activity.  Gina and Laszlo came over to join us on that chilly evening for our usual Friday meal together.

Creek in Merion Golf Manor that we pass on our "Duck Walk"

The temperature never seemed to warm much in November.  The leaves remaining in trees or wafting softly to the ground in the breeze maintained their autumn beauty, often enhanced by sun rays filtering through emptier branches.  Despite frequent sunshine, it has been feeling a lot like winter.

That doesn't mean we ignore taking our daily hike or stroll covering at least two or three miles.

About a week ago, Gina suggested taking the SEPTA train to Philadelphia to walk along the Schuylkill River to the Boat Houses.

This day was warmer than most of November, with temperatures in the 60s perfect for walking.

We enjoyed the scenic walk, which took us past the Philadelphia Art Museum around the time the Rocky Run concluded, so more people than usual in the area, but still not really crowded.

As long-time Monopoly fans (though we haven't played much lately), we appreciated finding Water Works along our path.

This week, we will celebrate Thanksgiving with a big group.  Amy and Lukas, Lukas's parents Silke and Winfried, Lukas's sister Rabea and Laszlo's parents Ria and Szilard will all be joining Gina, Laszlo, Emma, Julie and me for the feast.

While I don't usually tip my hand, I will add that Jay, Sasha and Owen won't be flying in to join us this year, because they are expecting a Butterball of their own: a new baby due around Thanksgiving.

Drexel Station at 30th Street

Wes walking uphill on the Haverford Southbrook Trail

The last photo and one above commemorate a new guitar strap and Lizard Spit Guitar Polish I bought with gift certificate our friends Karen and Randy Ishimoto sent me for my birthday. 

My old gold, black and white strap was also a birthday present, one I received 50 years ago...possibly 51 years ago...from my friend Sam Cracchiolo.  It had a long, strange trip with me through life, but it was literally coming apart at the seams.

Photo and commentary courtesy of TMI.