Van Gogh Up Close Exhibit February 1 to May 6, 2012 At The Philadelphia Art Museum  (Day Trip from Delaware County, PA)

The Philadelphia Art Museum has the honor of being the only U.S. museum to host the current traveling exhibit of art by the impressionist artist Vincent Van Gogh.  The exhibit “Van Gogh Up Close” will be at the Philadelphia Art Museum February 1 to May 6, 2012.  Then it moves to Ottawa Canada.

Seeing Van Gogh’s work up close is truly amazing, for you can see the thickness of the paint and strokes on the surface of the canvas that you cannot see in a photograph.  The richness of his choice of colors are also striking because photographs cannot capture the true deep colors that he often used in his paintings.

Van Gogh was a passionate and troubled soul, and he produced some of the most amazing pieces of art that still have the power to ignite viewers.  To be in the room with Van Gogh’s art is closest way to be in his presence.

If you have never seen an exhibit of Van Gogh’s work I highly recommend you plan a trip to see this exhibit and enjoy your favorite pieces up close and from across the gallery room.

For more details about this exhibit, call the museum at 215-763-8100 or Open This Link.

(written by Gloria) 

Van Gogh Up Close Exhibit February 1 to May 6, 2012 At The Philadelphia Art Museum  (Day Trip from Delaware County, PA)

Snow Tubing In The Pocono Mountains January 2012 (Day Trips From Delaware County, PA)

If you live in Delaware County PA and enjoy snow, it is very possible for you to escape to the Pocono Mountains for the day to go snow tubing.  The snow-covered slopes in the Pocono's are approximately 100 miles from Delaware County and offer the opportunity for groups of school children, families and friends to escape from it all while enjoying the outdoors on an inner tube in winter. 

We recently were in the Pocono’s and had the opportunity to go snow tubing, something I have never done before.  We were at the Jack Frost/Big Boulder Resort area and enjoyed a few hours taking in the scenery as we kept returning to the top of the slope for more rides down the mountainside in the comfort of an inner tube.

If you decide to make this trip, call 570-443-8425 to check on weather conditions.  Click Here to find out more. Have a great time!  Happy Tubing!

Snow Tubing In The Pocono Mountains January 2012 (Day Trips From Delaware County, PA)

Learn How To Download Ebooks And Audiobooks In Delaware County PA - January 11, 2012

Do you have a new Kindle, iPhone or other device that can take downloads of books and you would benefit from live instruction? Well you are in luck. 

Thanks to Swarthmore Library there will be a free session with the Director of the Delaware County Library System demonstrating how to download free offerings from the library’s website.

Having someone go over the steps in person can make things a lot easier.

This program is compatible with Nook, Sony, Kobo, Android, iPad, iPhone, Kindle and other devices.   All Participants are welcome to bring their devices to the program in order to get things rolling.

This program is free and open to the public but you must register first.

Please register in person at the library, call 610-543-0436, or email swarthmore@delcolibraries.org

Swarthmore Library is located at 121 Park Avenue, Swarthmore, PA 19081.

Happy Reading!

Learn How To Download Ebooks And Audiobooks In Delaware County PA - January 11, 2012 

Blooming Geraniums In Early January in Delaware County PA
by Gloria 

There is an artic blast heading our way, the first of the season.  Winter has been above normal in temperatures until this week here in Southeastern Pennsylvania.  Today was the day to take these hearty plants off the three season unheated porch to ensure they do not freeze during the artic cold.

I have really enjoyed having geraniums in bloom until January. Yes I am also enjoying my Christmas cactus blooms, but there is nothing like a geranium with its red colors and the wonderful smell the plant gives each time I remove a wilted leaf or flower grouping.

The plants will survive the winter like they have for many years by entering into a dormant period, since I do not have many windows with good sun to house all my plants.

Once the longer days return after winter, these plants will be returned to the porch and perk right up to give more blooms of brilliant red.

Blooming Geraniums In Early January in Delaware County PA

Wallingford Train Station, Delaware County, PA
 

I truly enjoy train stations.  They are places of energy, visual and unseen.  They are like sanctuaries that hold thoughts and dreams, happiness and sadness of comings and goings.

They are places of beginnings and endings.

When I see a train station I am momentarily carried into an imagined place of earlier days, of a slower pace of life.

I am grateful when I see old train stations that are maintained and well used such as the Wallingford Train Station. 

Wallingford Train Station, Delaware County, PA

Sinfully Delicious Gourmet Pastries of Brookhaven is Now In Media, Delaware County, PA

Sinfully Delicious Gourmet Bakery has just expanded by opening a new location in Media on Monroe Street.  A former Le Bec-Fin chef, Andrew, along with his wife Tamorah offer the public wonderful baked items to order and from their daily offerings to everyone who has a sweet tooth.

At the new location in Media, one can eat freshly baked items; drink a fresh brewed cup of coffee while sitting inside on a cold winter’s day.  Tamorah (Tammy) oversees this location and would be happy to meet you.

Located just off State Street between WSFS Bank and County Beverage, one can easily stop for a respite from shopping or enjoy a snack before or after a show at Media Theater.  Stop in after you mail your letters at the post office.

What ever your reason for being in Media, make it a point to visit Sinfully Delicious Gourmet at 107 South Monroe Street.  Such a sweet place to visit!

For more information visit their Facebook page Sinfully Delicious or call 610-565-3505.

Sinfully Delicious Gourmet Pastries of Brookhaven is Now In Media, Delaware County, PA

The Festival of Lights December 3, 2011 5pm Rose Tree Park, Media PA

It is that time of year again to bring in the holiday season with the annual Rose Tree Park Festival of Light which begins Saturday December 3^rd in Media, PA.  The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony begins at 5 PM garnished with the arrival of Santa Claus and live music from local choral performers. 

This ceremony lights not only the Christmas Tree but lights walkways, the grounds and many animated childhood figures like Charlie Brown and the Peanuts and Santa and all his Reindeer. 

If you cannot make this event, please be sure to visit sometime during the holiday season.  The Festival of Lights holiday display is lit nightly from 5:30 – 9:30 PM. 

Rose Tree Park is located on Providence Road/Route 252 close to Route 1/Media Bypass.

For more information please open this link – Festival of Lights.

Happy Holidays!

The Festival of Lights December 3, 2011 5pm Rose Tree Park, Media PA

Nature's Orchestration of Colors In Delaware County PA  -  Fall Colors November 2011

Street in Delaware County PA

PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR WINTER – A Check List for Home Owners in Delaware County, PA

Fall is here and winter is sure to follow. In many parts of the country, like here in South Eastern Pennsylvania, winters can be quite cold.  As homeowners, we found that a checklist can be a helpful reminder of things that need to be done before the freeze of winter sets in.

Here is a checklist that may be of help to you as the colder weather approaches. 
Please customize the list to your specific needs. 

FALL/WINTER CHECK LIST

__Put summer furniture away

__Plant bulbs before the ground freezes

__Caulk cracks and holes on outside of house

__Clean gutters

__Empty garden hoses/put away

__Shut off outside water supply

__Mulch plants as needed

__Chimney inspection

__Furnace inspection

__Change filter in heater

__Install programmable thermostat

__Set program on thermostat so heater is active when someone is home

__Change oil in cars/trucks to winter gauge oil

__Check tire pressure on vehicles

__Put antifreeze in vehicles

__Check batteries

__Check and replace wiper blades if need be

__Find window scrappers and put in an easy to reach place in vehicles

__Make sure snow blower works

__Find rock salt and shovels/put in convenient places by doors

__Change storm windows or add heavy curtains or place plastic over windows

__Bring out the lap blankets and woolies

__Air out clothes kept in mothballs

__Buy hot chocolate

__Renew membership to video store/update Netflix’s list

__Winterize the dog house – see if the roof leaks – add a wool blanket

__Stock up on birdseed

__HAVE A GREAT FALL AND WINTER!!

PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR WINTER – A Check List for Home Owners in Delaware County, PA

Linvilla Orchards – Pumpkin Land – Media, Delaware County, PA Fall 2011

Pumpkin Land is in full swing right now at Linvilla Orchards for the fall season of 2011.

Pumpkins and gourds of all shapes and sizes are on display, which offers a great treat to the eyes.   

Linvilla Orchards is a really fun place to visit with your family, with friends, on a field trip or just for a visit by yourself.  There is no admission fee to enter the property and it is open all four seasons of the year. 

There is an area to visit farm animals, a playground and for a fee you can have a tour of the grounds in a tractor drawn hayride.  Apple picking is still happening and don’t forget to check out the pies and jams inside.

Plan a visit to Linvilla Orchards to pick out your pumpkin and other decorations for Halloween 2011!

Happy Autumn!