Hope you had a beautiful weekend. So much happening in town, people are emerging from their year long pandemic pods, most fully vaccinated.
Philly Chit Chat is getting hired to shoot parties again, and placing them in the media, it’s what we do!! See About for more info. OK let’s check out HughE Around Town…
On the verge of opening is Lamberti Pizza & Market at 7th and Chestnut. Good news I hear Stephen Starr’s Jones across the street is planning to open, as Jones, not as one of the concepts.
Congrats to Telemundo’s Alondra Anaya who got engaged to her beau earlier this month.
Which was perfect timing as roomie and co worker Miguel Martinez-Valle, Telemundo and NBC10 has moved in with his beau Raymond Smeriglio this passed weekend. They already have a favorite corner in their new home.
Moving On another of Miguel’s co-worker, Drew Smith, NBC10. He’s moving back home to Boston, as his partner Fede finishes up his medical degree. I’ll miss them so much, but am so happy for them both and the great love they share.
Another fond farewell to Kristen Rodgers, Fox29’s sports anchor since 2017, she recently left to join her love in Hawaii. You can’t fault anyone for following their heart. So happy for my friends, congrats to all of them. Staying….
Happy Birthday to Fox 29’s Alex Holley. What a joy to call her my friend. She is exactly who you see on TV, warm, friendly, kind, generous , talented and funny!! Love you Alex Holley, Philly is lucky to have you.
Curtains up. Theatre Philadelphia proudly announces the return of Philly Theatre Week from April 22 to May 2, 2021. After a year of dark stages, millions in lost ticket sales and thousands of lost jobs, the Philadelphia theatre scene will rise again after the pandemic shut-downs with 11 days, 64 organizations, 72 events, and hundreds of performances. This fourth year celebration will showcase the strength, resilience, talent and diversity of the tri-state region’s theatre scene through virtual and in-person shows that will be hosted in every corner of Philadelphia, and in the Philadelphia suburbs, Delaware and South Jersey. Events will include a variety of live and pre-recorded virtual performances, panels, workshops, theatre-by-mail, audio plays and in-person outdoor events. All tickets for participating shows are specially priced to be accessible to all, with tickets being free, $15 or $30 each. Philly Theatre Week tickets are officially on sale now at www.phillytheatreweek.org. (all photos provided by Philly Theatre Week)
Welcome to LaNeshe Miller-White who took over the reigns for Theatre Philadelphia just seven months ago – and several months into the pandemic. Not only was this a sensitive time for the organization bringing on a new director after its founding director had left, but the new director would need to lead the organization to a new chapter and out of the pandemic crisis. Miller-White is a cultural producer, actress, and marketer. She is a graduate of Temple University’s School of Communications and Theater. She believes in using art for social change and is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Theatre in the X, a West Philadelphia based theater company that produces accessible theater productions for Black audiences and provides opportunities for Black artists. She became the new Executive Director of Theatre Philadelphia in August 2020.
Murder By Gaslight Saturday, April 24 from 7:00pm-8:00pm Saturday, April 24 from 8:00pm-9:00pm Sunday, April 25 from 7:00pm-8:00pm Sunday, April 25 from 8:00pm-9:00pm Live Outdoor Event – In Person Event
Murder By Gaslight – Are you prepared for a touch of the eccentric, and steeled against a chill up your corset? Are you yearning to add an experience at once fantastical while also unnerving? Then join us for a historical walking tour with a murderous twist! There’s been a very Victorian murder in Philadelphia. Enter a world of stodgy alienists and charismatic charlatans, saucy painted ladies and tweedy robber barons, steam powered engines and horse drawn carriages. Stroll the byways and shadowy corners of Old City, led by your guide – who just happens to be the victim of a 130 year old murder! You will be tasked with inspecting the crime scene, gathering the clues, and questioning the suspects you meet along the way. And perhaps, just perhaps, you can stay one step ahead of a wily murderer, avoid a similar fate, and have a chance to solve a – MURDER BY GASLIGHT!
Without A Cue Productions is thrilled to take its interactive mystery theater on the road – literally. During this hour long walking tour, our guests will not only learn some of the more interesting tid bits about our city, but will also solve a murder – all outdoors and on the move! This show represents a major pivot for the company known for employing professional actors in murder mystery-style theatre at Peddler’s Village in Buck’s County and at the Shore in Cape May, New Jersey. Now, after a major pivot for the female-led company, Without a Cue Productions makes its first major debut in the Philadelphia market.
Zoo Motel April 22-May 2 Live Virtual Theatre Event
Theatre Exile invites you to check into ZOO MOTEL, devised by director, designer, and performer and Philadelphia Fringe Festival favorite Thaddeus Phillips in 2020 as a quarantine experiment that offers a window into what’s possible for live performance — a world where audiences from around the globe can share a mind-bending adventure in the comfort of their own home. Broadcast live and online from one room in a South American village, ZOO MOTEL takes audiences on a journey to Spain, Japan, the Mojave Desert, and around the world alongside fellow motel guests in a family friendly performance that showcases how connected we are even in a digital world.
Peoples Light – Deja Morgan
People’s Light – Spiritual Uprising April 22 – May 2 Pre-Recorded Theatre Event $15 Zonya Love (Lights Out: Nat “King” Cole, Broadway’s The Color Purple) brings her forthcoming collection of re-imagined Negro Spirituals to the People’s Light stage in this filmed concert event. The nationally acclaimed actor-musician leads a full band through evocative new renditions of songs like “My Way’s Cloudy” and “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” while illustrating the music’s deep cultural and historical significance.
Fat Ham at the Wilma Theater
Fat Ham The Wilma Theater -Comedy, Drama, LGBTQ+, Philadelphia Premiere, American Premiere, World Premiere – Access any time with Registration: Click “Buy Tickets” to register for this event. You will be provided an access link during Philly Theatre Week directly from Wilma Theater’s box office. Contact tickets@wilmatheater.org for any questions.
Inis Nua Theatre Company How To Be Brave April 22 – April 25 Pre-recorded Theatre Event Pay What You Can Single-parent Katie is having a terrible morning: her mom is yelling, her daughter is bleeding, and the smoke alarm just went off. Overwhelmed, Katie runs out the door and on a wild ride through Newport, Wales. Featuring a stolen BMX bike, a quick dip in the River Usk, and an impromptu public dance number, How To Be Brave is an uplifting reminder of how our hometowns shape who we are.
InterAct Theatre Company The Niceties – A Virtual Presentation Thursday, April 22 – Sunday, May 2 Pre-Recorded Theatre Event Free
A “blisteringly smart” (Boston Globe) drama in which Zoe, a brilliant Black college student, and her white history professor Janine square off over the role slavery played in the American Revolution. Heightened by protests and a social media frenzy, their taut and timely debate careens out of control and threatens to derail their careers and their lives. Directed by Kathryn MacMillan. Starring Angela Bey & Janis Dardaris. Audiences register in advance and receive the streaming link on April 22nd. Register after April 22nd, and you’ll receive the link directly from InterAct Theatre Company within 24 hours!
Mallbodies Mallbodies, A Performative Elegy to the American Shopping Mall Thursday, April 22 – Sunday, May 2 Audio Performance Pay What You Can
Shopping malls hold a strong place in American culture as well as personal culture. Mallbodies, is a soundwalk performance dedicated to – and in critique of – our experience and memory of the American shopping mall. This project is designed to be listened to by individual audience members using headphones while exploring a shopping mall of their choosing. Mallbodies explores the origins of the shopping mall, our attraction to it, our histories within it, and how malls could function today and into the future. Mallbodies is performed for an audience of one (or do it with a friend!) as they stream the series of tracks on a playlist on the Mallbodies website: www.mallbodies.biz.
TONIGHT TONIGHT A Special Event
The Phoenix Theatre The Second Annual Surprise Birthday Party for William Shakespeare Friday, April 23 from 7pm – 9pm Love Virtual Theatre Pay What You Can
Don’t tell Shakespeare, but we’re throwing him another surprise birthday party! This year the bard is turning 457 so we’re all getting together again to perform some more of his work! It’ll be a night of scenes, monologues, songs, sonnets, and of course…CAKE!
11th Hour Theatre Company Quarantine Cabaret: Elena Camp & Rajeer Alford Saturday, April 24th from 7:30pm-8:30pm Recording will be available for 2 weeks after the original air date. Live Virtual Theatre Event
Adorable real-life couple, Elena Camp & Rajeer Alford, will serenade audiences with moving duets, unique interpretations of classical musical theatre pieces, and more as part of 11th Hour’s spring Cabaret Series. Event will be streamed live on April 24th, and available for replay up to two weeks after original air date.
EgoPo Classic Theater Nocturne April 28 – May 2 Live Drive-In Outdoor Event (In Person Event) $15
“Fifteen years ago, I killed my sister”. Thus begins this haunting story of pain and isolation. Before the event, you receive directions to a remote abandoned parking lot in Philadelphia. You arrive in the night, your vehicle illuminating the empty landscape. A man appears out of the darkness, blinded by your headlights. Through your FM radio, he begins to share the story of his journey to redemption. You, and your car, become essential players in this theatrical nightmare as his life (re)emerges out of the darkness and silence.
Participation in Philly Theatre Week was free for the above and other participating organizations, artists and businesses. Enrollment was open to independent artists, organizations, theatres or establishments within a 35-mile radius of Philadelphia’s City Hall. Extensive outreach efforts included theatres, galleries, schools, artists, screening rooms, and all theatre-supporting restaurants and businesses.
While exploring the variety of work in Philadelphia’s theatre community, audiences will also have the opportunity to make a donation to Theatre Philadelphia’s Emergency Relief program, designed to provide financial support for theatre workers and artists whose jobs and opportunities were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Philly Theatre Week is presented by Theatre Philadelphia. Additional Theatre Philadelphia funding and support is provided by the William Penn Foundation, Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and the Philadelphia Cultural Fund. 2021 Philly Theatre Week partners include Ticketleap, Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, and Yelp.
Apple TV+’s psychological drama Servant debuted in 2019, I assume most of you have already seen it or heard the basic plot which I will repeat here SPOILER ALERT: It quickly garnered rave reviews and praise from the audience and critics alike. Especially for its dark environment, thrills, and dark humor. Created by Tony Basgallop created the series Servant follows a grieving couple, Dorothy and Sean (Lauren Ambrose and Toby Kebbell), who bring Leanne (Nell Tiger Free), a nanny with a mysterious background, into their home. Rupert Grint also stars as Dorothy’s brother. To cope from the death of her child, the mother creates a new life using a life-like reborn doll, hoping it’s real.
This couple was filmed spreading out their blanket. It’s hard to see but the guys cap (r) says Servant on it.
Servant season 2 dropped on Apple TV Plus earlier this year on Jan. 15 and wrapped up in mid March, so you can binge watch the whole show in one sitting if you want.
Nell Tiger Free film M. Night Shyamalan’s Servant 3 in Fitler Square Park in Philadelphia, Pa on April 20, 2021
I love how Leanne (Nell Tiger Free) is in scary character even though she’s getting instructions on how to play this scene.
As is the normal case, I’m not going to reveal too much of what I saw when they were filming as M Night is very protective of his plots, and since I know him personally I’m going to respect that aspect of the show. If I didn’t know him, who knows what I’d tell you.
Remember this fun scene last fall
It was fun to watch them film, it’s great to have productions back. Most of the filming of the show is going to be done in the studio in Garnet Valley, but the scenes this week are the exterior shots. They have a replica of the the 2100 block of Spruce Street in the studio, including the interior of the house on Spruce St where the “Turners” live (Read about the generosity of the family who live at that address and what they did with the location fee in PhillyMag.) I hope someday to see it in person.
Yesterdays scene dealt mostly with the father and nanny walking in the park, although there was some intrigue. The park looks amazing, and had a new jungle gym, which I later found out was only for the movie. I didn’t get a photo of it as there were kids playing on it and I try and avoid shooting random not starring role kids.
I went back today, Wednesday, and the jungle gym was gone. Rupert was filming an exercise in the same space, with a “trainer”, and gym equipment. Sorry the quality of the photos aren’t awesome. I shot using my phone cause I didn’t want to create a crazy atmosphere if I pulled out my camera. These are just fun photos for my blog and local media, so you can see what’s happening.
Toby Kebbell and Nell Tiger Free film M. Night Shyamalan’s Servant 3 in Fitler Square Park in Philadelphia, Pa on April 20, 2021
This is probably the best photo I took, and I shot it on Tuesday from about a block away using a longer lens and my professional camera. Today’s the last day they’ll be there, but they will be back in May and June. Because Covid it’s a longer shoot, as they are being super careful, and they’re really are. Most of the time everyone is wearing their masks, even during rehearsal, and only during filming do the actors and extras take off their masks. Thanks for bringing the production to Philly, and for helping out our local economy, employing local talent, the Teamsters, spending money in housing, gas, catering. Thanks to Greater Philadelphia Film Office and Heery-Loftus Casting. Thanks to all my readers, and tipsters. I couldn’t do this without you. It’s a labor of love.
John Caputo, Sarah Doheny, Thom Cardwell, Harry Giordano and Michael Feighan at the Thom Cardwell Roast produced by Sarah and Harry in 2007.
Harry, Harry, Harry Philadelphia weeps today as you are gone. Bigger than life, full of joy, spreader of love, you my friend always made sure everyone was taken care of, had everything they needed, connected them to the people who could fulfill their needs, the most generous guy who lived life to the fullest. There will be no other like you Harry Giordano.
Harry with the judges from Let Them Eat Cake 4/13/09
I met Harry through Sarah Doheny and Thom Cardwell and they told me you have to meet Harry Giordano, you’re going to love him. And I did. Harry told me about his yearly event Let Them Eat Cake (which he co-founded with Mark Kingsdorf – red shirt)), and I loved that too. A charitable extravaganza featuring an abundant amount of colorful and delicious cake creations by local bakeries, which raised money for City of Hope. Then when Harry changed jobs and went to Variety, a mission to serve children in the Philadelphia area with disabilities he brought the event there and it was even more successful, and fun as kids then attended got to enjoy the delicious treats and be amazed by the very creative cakes.
Harry Giordano and Mark Kingsdorf
Condolences to his parents Harry and Cathy, sister Christina Giordano Musallam, and niece Gia who we got to see grow up on Harry’s FB page. His pride and Joy. Condolences to all his friends, there are so many.
Hey darlin, I am so happy to read you and Michael are doing better. I wanted to reach out to see if you could promote … These are strange days indeed, but this too shall pass. Stay safe and much love to Michael. Thank you my dear friend. Sent from my iPad – No Harry, Thank You, it was always my pleasure !! Heartbroken.
Sonja Morgan Bravo – Real Housewives of New York City Her daughter goes to school in our area, In the past year shes been spotted at Parc, and a.kitchen dining. She takes her Cameo seriously A+++++
Cameo is an online service that lets people hire celebrities to create personalized videos. I love this service, it’s also a great pivot in these pandemic times. As a celebrity photographer I’ve been photographing notables at red carpet events, book signings, liquor promotions or various appearances, even before the pandemic these events were few and far between as Social Media has allowed them to stay in touch with their fans. This is just another extension of fan connection, and doing it efficiently, and safely while still connecting with their fans, even more personally. I reviewed a lot of them and they’re great. Most charge a reasonable fee, some even donate their fee to charity, but they’re all priceless if you connect with that celebrity who touched your life, or inspired someone in your life.
Double Dare and Philly Resident Marc Summers $100 Here he’s wishing a couple congratulations on their new baby! Definitely worth it!!
Brandon Graham NFL – Philadelphia Eagles $100 Cheaper than buying a signed jersey of his.
Jalen Hurts NFL – Philadelphia Eagles No Price Listed, maybe we have to wait til after the first full season. He has done a few shout outs CHECK HERE
Kristen Alderson $35 born and raised in the Philly suburbs (Underrated, under priced. She is worth her weight in gold and chocolates. Adorable and charming.) Actress – General Hospital – One Life to Live
Vince Papale – $50 Former NFL Player – Philadelphia Eagles (LEGEND – Needs to up his price, I’d pay $100. He’s inspiration, super
Ryan Howard – $300 World Series Champion – Philadelphia Phillies
Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi – $300 MAWMA can’t wait to make a video for you! MTV – Jersey Shore – Not Italian, not from Philly, probably not even from Jersey but so fun. Worth it!! Famous for being real.
Carson Kressley born in the burbs, every year he comes back to host the Ladie’s Day Hat Contest at Devon Horse Show – $69 (Interesting price!!) – Bravo – Queer Eye for the Straight Guy/ RuPauls Drag Race
Bob Saget – $349 all money raised he’s donating to charity!! Actor – Comedian May 17, 1956 born in Philadelphia, PA married to Kelly Rizzo, but she’s not from Philly. Chicago born. She’s the host/creator of Award-Winning Eat Travel Rock TV, Blonde Sicilian Chicago/LA gal- lover of tattoos & The Simpsons.
My Facebook Friend Jon Gosselin lives near Reading, Pa. – $50 (Jon’s a great guy, completely misunderstood. A hustler, grinder, worth his shout out. Just wants to brighten your day.) TLC – Jon & Kate Plus 8
Jon Dorenbos – Request Fee Worth every bit of his charm, charisma, humor. In 2019 before cameo existed, he did a shout out for me to my brother in law for his 50th Birthday. I’ll always be grateful, it made his day. Former NFL Player – Magician – America’s Got Talent
I appreciate these celebrities for participating in this service spreading joy and smiles to the faces of those who love them. Many of these folks are multi millionaires and do this just to connect with fans on another level. THANK YOU!!
I kinda had dinner with @iamwandasykes Wanda Sykes and Alex Sykes @iamalexsykes@spicefinchphilly on Friday night. At first I wasn’t going to sneak a photo as Alex Sykes and I follow each other on Instagram and it’s kinda like breaking the “4th wall knowing each other”, but like that snake parable story, I stayed true to my “paparazzo” self and grabbed a sneak shot. After I finished dinner, I did say a quick hi to them both before I left, and I didn’t ask for a photo. Just a quick hey, it’s me, and it’s you and I love your Instagram posts. I totally told them about my trip to Florida, as they just got back as well. They asked how mom was doing. Hey mom!! TONIGHT: Wanda is participating in ABC’s “Roll Up Your Sleeves” on Sunday, April 18 at 7PM. Thanks Wanda!! You all must follow their Instagram, they are so loving, and so hysterical. During dinner they ate across from each other, but when they had dessert they sat next to each other, which is when I got this shot from where I was sitting at the bar.
Hey bud!! Spring has sprung, the blooming trees have blanketed the landscape and people are emerging from their hibernation, safely with their masks on. So much happening around town as well and I’m excited to share it with you. Then get out and enjoy the beautiful day and each other.
The big story this week is the Banana Republic at 1401 Walnut Street is closing on June 9th, and the big going out of business sale. After I posted this on Social Media a few readers found out that the landlord decided not to renew the long time clothing store, could it have something to do with their parent company GAP not paying rent in 2020 at many of their Simon Mall locations around the country, which they settled with undisclosed details a few months later. But this location is not a mall, and it is not connected to Simon.
Thanks so much to Jay Farrell who left a message on my FB page with the updated info about the property. The Zoning Permit. Looks like a bank could take over half the space, and a clothing store takes the otherside.
The Good News: The Banana Republic Factory Store (discount) remains open 1911 Chestnut St. and since the retailer was pushed out of the space, I wouldn’t be surprised if Banana Republic doesn’t resurface somewhere on Walnut St.
Another Story I posted earlier this week on my Instagram Yeah finally announced!!! @federaldonuts is opening on the Parkway. As you know I got a tour in February of the new Pearl Properties apartment building The Terrace on 18th Street, and was filled in on this tidbit as well as more to come. (The fast-casual doughnut shop will occupy 1,500+ square feet on the ground floor of The Terrace. The Terrace location will have the most seating of any Federal Donuts location, including an expansive raised outdoor patio) Pearl Properties and Federal Donuts are excited to announce that a brand-new location for Federal Donuts is coming to The Terrace on 18th at 1776 Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Philadelphia’s iconic donut and fried chicken specialists will open their tenth location at the newest residence on Parkway.
Bummer Fairmounters Fine Wines is closing on Fairmount Avenue, and unfortunately you have to head about a 1/2 mile south to get your spirits at the new Fine Wines store at The Granary (1901 Callowhill St,) near the Target store. Neighbors on Next Door are hoping the post office next door will expand, or maybe they’ll take down the ugly building and build a more attractive one with retail. One could only hope.
Like spotting an unicorn, I saw a bride reveal her dress to her groom on Saturday at Fairmount Park. It was magical, people in the park were as excited as I was. PS Some of you folk who subscribe to PhillyChitChat and receive this post in your email will have to click on the Instagram link to see the video. The rest of you should be able to just hit play (BTW you later folks, could you subscribe to the blog in the upper left hand corner. Turns out the Feed burner subscription I used over a decade ago is about to be non existent. I could transfer the 15ks of your emails to the new subscription by hand, or you could just re subscribe which would be so much easier. Remember to verify your email after plugging it in to the subscription box. Thanks!!
The photographer (on left) Allie Wynands, tells me that yesterday was just a small service for an intimate group of guests, which took place at the Gazebo. Photos were taken, and a legal marriage took place. BUT the big wedding, with many more guests and celebration will be taking place next year in April, after the Covid19 pandemic is over, down the shore. Check out Allie’s Instagram page tomorrow for more photos from today’s ceremony.
Charity Speaking: The Andalusia Foundation’s Virtual Wine Auction fundraising event, which is set to begin tonight at 6 p.m. and closes on Saturday, April 24 at 10 p.m. This silent auction features some incredibly rare and extraordinary wine lots, wine-related items and a special dinner or lunch at Andalusia’s Cottage. Anyone interested in participating can do so from any location thanks to the auction’s virtual format this year!
To preview the auction lots and participate in the online, visit:
All proceeds benefit The Andalusia Foundation’s mission to preserve, maintain and interpret this National Historic Landmark for the public to enjoy today and for generations to come. They have beautiful gardens, and great bird watching.
During a virtual membership meeting and ceremony, The Saturday Club, one of the oldest women’s non-profit organizations in both Pennsylvania and nationwide, awarded grant funding to three local organizations with aligned missions. Annual philanthropy grants were presented to Cradle of Hope, Families Forward Philadelphia and Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center. The funds, which were raised by the club through virtual and in-person community fundraisers throughout 2020 and 2021, will be used to establish and enhance programs while providing key assistance to each organization.
Save The Date: The Philadelphia Film Society Presents
FEATURING A POST-SCREENING Q&A WITH MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY, PARKER POSEY & RICHARD LINKLATER Stars Matthew McConaughey and Parker Posey will join Linklater and host Jack Black – recorded via Zoom – for a look back at a film that captured the look and the sounds of an entire generation.
DAZED AND CONFUSED + VIRTUAL CAST REUNION RICHARD LINKLATER | USA | 1993 | 103 MIN | R April 20 | 8:15 PM | PFS Drive-In at the Navy Yard TICKETS
VIP Ticket with 6:30 PM VIP Reception | $200 (PFS Members $175) General Admission with 7:00 PM Entry | $60 (PFS Members $50) VIP Virtual Red-Carpet Party, Oscars Trivia Contest, & Gourmet Oscars Watch Box, 7:00 PM | $150 Donation GA Virtual Red-Carpet Party & Oscars Trivia Contest, 7:00 PM | $50 Donation All proceeds from this annual fundraiser support the Philadelphia Film Society’s mission of creating opportunities for diverse communities to experience film through initiatives that inspire, educate, challenge and entertain.
HBO Photos
Speaking of films, the Kate Winslet HBO series filmed in our area last year debuts tonight Mare of Easttown. I was able to stay on top of the filming, but didn’t make it out to the set but about 2 times because of time constraints, as well as locations inside homes, and the studio. Where were the Mare of Easttown filming locations >> mostly in parts of Chester and Delaware counties, in towns including Coatesville, Marcus Hook and Downingtown. But they also filmed at Girard College in Fairmount, as well as Wissahickon Valley Park.
The 800 block of North 2100 Street is blooming right now. ChitChat with you tomorrow. I love doing these around town with Hughe posts. I know I always say I plan to do more, but I definitely will. I’m scouring your SM, reading press releases and will be filling you in here. Fill free to send me info as well and I will try and mention it here. Thanks for your support, and thanks for saying hi when we’re out and about.
Remember if you receive an email where you have to click on a link to get to the blog, re subscribe at the top left with your email as the other service ends in July. Thanks HughE
I’m back. It was great. I’m excited to get back to work covering Philly, and you. I’m excited to return to writing an around town column a couple times a week. Goal set, 5 blog entries a week going forward, promise. I have so much to share.
OK let’s check out a few photos from my first 3 days in Florida, when I went to Naples. What a nice city. It’s really getting quite built up since I first went there a decade ago to visit Mike’s Aunt Bernie and Uncle Bob. Bob and Bernie met during the war in the 1960s. They’re great people, very intellectual and we always have wonderful chats with them. Bob is an incredible photographer, something he picked up after retiring from the military. Self taught, and so talented. He took me to my favorite nature preserve Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary near their home. I’ve been back to see it 2 additional times. Let’s go check it out.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is about 30 miles north of downtown Naples, sorta like where Northeast Philly is for us from Center City. It costs $17 to visit, and the park mostly consists of a boardwalk which sits high above a swampy forest. It’s wheelchair and kid friendly. When you first walk in you can check this board to see what kind of wildlife had been spotted the previous month. I only saw a handful of these sightings. It was an off day. I normally visit Florida in Jan, Feb or March. April is a little warm for the wildlife, and it’s also mating season which they seem to do in private, somewhere deep in the swamp.
I was still happy with what I saw. Here’s one of the last shots I took with my Signma 150 – 600mm lens before the autofocus machinery decided to fail. It was the 2nd time in one year that this has happened, and I’ve only owned the lens less than 2 years. So annoyed. I have to send it back again for repairs. Great lens, no complaints online about this issue, I’m just lucky I guess. Anyway, I only obsessed over it for the next day or so.
I am a birdwatcher, but I haven’t committed yet to memorizing the birds, and I’m ok with it. Gosh I can barely remember peoples names anymore, I can admire what they wear as much has the pretty feathers on this bird, which is some kind of stork.
I love these air plants. They just float around and find random homes in trees, and I noticed in Florida, even on telephone poles.
Oh hi Black Racer snake. He was at least 5 feet below the boardwalk, and amazed everyone.
I believe this is a Great Egret or heron, we have them in our area as well.
That evening we watched the sunset at our friends Rachel and John Paz’ house near 5th Avenue in Naples. It was so wonderful.
The next day Mike and I headed to my 2nd favorite park, the Everglades. I’ve been there at least 2 dozen times, but only have driven there from Naples once before. This time I thought I would take a scenic road, County Road 94 Turner or Loop Road they call it. It’d be a shortcut road if it were paved, but it’s a 23 mile stony dirt road which you can only travel 15 miles max on and it takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete, especially since it’s chock full of wildlife – birds, gators, fury beasts and beautiful scenery. Well worth it. In fact you see so much wildlife that when you go halfway you wish the rest of the road was paved so you could get onto your next adventure.
Anihinga is a very common bird in South Florida. They usually sit like this airing out their wings.
Whereas we only saw 3 alligators in Corkscrew, we saw dozens along Loop Road.
At first I was shooting the Green Heron, if you can see it on the tree root, but then I kept seeing something to the left flailing around. It was an Anihinga and it was stuck in fishing line. It was heartbreaking as there was nothing to help it. Someone nearby did try and call the police or animal warden, but cell phone service was very bad in this area, and I’m not sure what they could have done anyway as the gators were circling. Although it would have been a great National Geographic moment on video, I just couldn’t watch and we left. If you are fishing and a bird gets caught in your line, do not cut the line. Reel in the bird and try and undo the bird, or cut the line as close to the body as possible, otherwise the bird will fly around with the fishing line and eventually get tangled up in a tree or something, maybe itself, and that is just cruel. We knew it was fishing line cause the red bobber was nearby and still attached.
A federal endangered species a fox squirrel crosses the street. They’re red with really bushy tails.
Anihinga
Bird of Prey looking for dinner along Tamiami Road (Tampa / Miami Road, very clever)
Then we headed south towards the Everglades, which will be next weeks post. I hope to have a great comprehensive post of people in the news, and what’s happening in Philly on Sunday. Then get more organized in my future posts. Thanks so much for your support, and for saying hello out and about, for your notes etc. I really appreciate it.
OK actually a little birdie is telling you, I’ll be away until next week, heading to Florida to visit Mom. This will be my last blog post until 4/15/21. I have scheduled interesting tweets, and will be posting on Instagram (and my new Instagram where I will be posting a lot more photos which have nothing to do with Philly, give me a follow there >> and everything to do with things I’m interested in.) and FB of my fun in Florida. So excited to see my mom in person after 15 months. Thanks to the healthcare workers, and all the front line workers who cared for me, and everyone during the pandemic.
In the meantime enjoy a few birds I photographed over the Easter weekend. Hopefully this time next year I will have an idea of what kinds of birds they are. I am bringing a birding book with me to get a clue. These were all shot at Edwin B. Forsythe. It’s about 45 minutes from Philly, and 20 minutes from AC. It’s really a great thing to do on a rainy day at the shore as well. It’s an 8 mile gravel road to drive on, with scenic views and nature. Cost $4
Blue Heron
Osprey building their nest
Caroline Wren
Getting in his greens
Reflecting on this year
Red Wing Black Bird
Easter Sunday was definitely one of the best days I had at the nature preserve
Have a wonderful week, and we’ll return on April 15.
In the wake of a devastating year in which COVID has critically damaged Philadelphia’s economy and taken thousands of lives, City officials and leaders from the region’s business community today announced Ready.Set.Philly!, a year-long initiative to promote the safe return to Philadelphia for work and play, aimed at restoring the city’s economic and cultural vibrancy. (This photo by Sam Sassano)
Left to right: Jerry Sweeney of Brandywine Realty Trust; Susan Jacobson, chair of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia; Angela Val, executive director of Ready Set Philly!; Mayor Jim Kenney; Bill Hankowsky, former CEO of Liberty Property Trust; and Michael Rashid, Philadelphia Commerce Director.
Last week I attended a great press conference to publicly launch the Ready Set Initiative which is a collaborative effort with the City of Philadelphia, the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, and coalition of businesses and organizations who will work together to provide information that will encourage, support, and promote safely bringing people back to Philadelphia – the heart of the region. I was bursting with joy as that is basically what I’ve been doing for a better part of the year.
Philly is Open, safely. Soon We Will All Gather.
How many of us dreamed of working from home for so many years, and now that we have for the past year, how many dream of returning to work. We miss the early morning walks to work. We miss our friends, office mates, copy machines, 30 second elevator chats, we miss happy hour, we miss our train mates, theater nights, live entertainment, Philly streets, people watching, so much about what is connected with working in an office we now realize it’s missing from our lives, and was a big part of us.
Sunsets, especially from the Four Seasons lobby.
What a great idea. >>> Ready.Set.Philly! is ready to get us back in the office, safely. The collaborative return-to-work civic initiative between the City of Philadelphia, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber and a broad coalition of employers and organizations throughout the region care deeply about Philadelphia. Follow them on Instagram, FB and ReadySetPhilly and stay on top of how things progress as we return to work, our offices and satisfy the curiosity of whatever happened to that banana I left in my top drawer as my friend Mel sometimes mentions to me
