Love My Friends Award

I have two blogs, and in two days I've received an award for each from two really great blogger friends. This one is from Bogey who is in my opinion a genuinely nice and very intelligent person. I really admire his way with words and I enjoy reading his thoughtful perspectives on life, he is also honest and open. I look forward to his interesting posts, they don't always come daily, but when he does post there is substance and meaning. So please check out his View From the Fairway.

Thank you so much for this award Bogey, I hope you don't mind if I cheat on the rules by offering it to anyone who wants it, and is willing to reach out and comment on few blogs that they haven't visited before. -(I plan to do this) That's how I met Bogey he just appeared with some kind words and an award and we've been followers of each other ever since.

Happy Blogging!

Benjamin Franklin crossing the Delaware

For my Watery Wednesday post here are two pictures of the Benjamin Franklin bridge, which I have yet to cross. This bridge spans the Delaware river and connects Philadelphia Pennsylvania with Camden New Jersey. I took these pictures on the 4th of July at Penn's Landing. You have to look really hard to see water in the top picture but it's there.
When this bridge was built in 1926 it was the longest suspension bridge in the world.

Please click here to see Watery Wednesday posts from bloggers all around the world.

Philadelphia Fun Part One

Puttin' on the Ritz

Looking up while walking through Old City Hall on the way to a nice roast beef and peppers sandwich

After lunch at the Reading Terminal Market, Vicki stayed to look around while I followed the drums and the sounds of the crowd and ended up in the middle of an Indian wedding procession that was slowly but very loudly moving on the sidewalk across from the Terminal Market.

Edit Thanks to Kcalpesh I now know that this is the groom and very likely his sister on their way to the wedding, also that the procession is called "Baraath" in Hindi.

My wife Vicki and I made a last minute decision to spend Fourth of July weekend in Philadelphia. I have a knack for being able to get top notch hotels at relatively bargin prices.

This was no exception as I booked the Ritz Carlton for less that $200 a night. In typical James- and-Vicki fashion, we rolled up to the Ritz valet in our dirty 2004 Toyota Corolla. I was in my Target and Wal-Mart shorts and t-shirt ensemble, and Vicki was dressed slightly better in her department store sale jeans and top. Our luggage consisted of two old back packs and a duffel bag.

The hotel lobby is amazing. It was converted in 2000 from a bank that was built in 1908. I'm planning on doing a post on this incredible lobby in the future.

These pictures were taken Friday afternoon. After more exploring we went to an evening outdoor concert in front of Independence Hall featuring the Philadelphia Pops Orchestra.

Then on July fourth I went to the big parade. Later, Vicki and I did a quick sweep of old city and Penns Landing before resting up then going to the huge Sheryl Crow concert and fireworks extravaganza. So much fun and we didn't even have a cheese steak or a pretzel.

At least for a weekend that was my world. If you would like to see all of the other My World Tuesday posts, please click here.