The 'Garden' State

Wenonah
The Wenonah Lake. Its really nice here. In the summer all families flock here to swim, play volleyball, sunbath-you get a real sense of community.




The 'Town Centre' !

This in the "town": freight train station, bakery, hairdressers - it's no real 'Tony and Guy' but it does the job.


This is Stockton Avenue, the street I live in.

This is my local 'drive-thru' bank! It's perfect as I can withdraw, deposit, pay bills, without getting out of my car!







Millville

This is Millville, the town that I teach in, its about 30 miles further south from Wenonah. It's in the Cumberland County, which definitely has a firm agricultural base-slightly different to Woodgreen! These houses, or cabins within the woods, are huge with acres of land (and barns!) all the way round. Some of the houses are preparing for Valentines and have huge hearts hanging outside!!! (It is America!)
Having overcome my visual shock of this 'rural' town -(it's taken 5months)- I am now truly able to appreciate the beauty of it: the life, the scenery, but most importantly, the people. People are so genuinely giving, caring and considerate. People happily and willingly give you their time. This seems to take precedence. These simple acts of kindness -the 'natural' (or rural) way of life- is what makes it beautiful to me. The popular saying in the States : "Have a good day" is not so irritating anymore. It's quite contagious and does seem to have a positive effect !

Penn University

Uncle Bob and I spent the afternoon at Pennsylvania university, which is beautiful. The grounds remind me very much of England (you would never think that you are in the middle of Philadelphia), the site had the most interesting buildings, a real mixture, they seem to be from all eras. The ornate, red brick building is the library and was built in 1891.

I was also able to have a brief chat with Benjamin Franklin (on the bench below!) . He was telling me how he is a great scientist, philosopher, musician, inventor, statesman and basically he believes that one day he will be remembered as one of Americas Founding Fathers!! He also proceeded to tell me that he strongly believes:"If you would not be forgotten, as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading or do things worth the writing". I then told him about my blog, he liked the idea! Thankyou for the time uncle B.

Christa and Jim's Cocktails Party

Christa and Jim had a very successful 'Bringing in the New Year Cocktails' Party'. We had lots of fun and once again Uncle Sal was in top form and expressed his new found love for 'sponge baths'. Uncle Bob, as always, endeavoured to extend my social circle, whether handing out my cell number (on more than one ocassion)was the way to do it, im not sure?!?!? (thanks uncle B!!!). Great party Jim and Christa, thanks for inviting your 'gooseberry'!

Gavriella is here - Jan 06 !!!

My beautiful cousin Leli loves me SO much that she decided to come to Wenonah to visit me. I showed Leli our local Hollywood Diner in Wenonah and the one and only club that exists here in the town : Adelphias. Leli's fun loving nature made it a very smiley night, with lots of new 'local' friends made for us both.

Leli and I took a roadtrip to Atlantic City (hardly a road trip- it took 50minutes- but it was still fun pretending that we were 'Thegla' and 'Louiza', I mean Thelma and Louise!!). The day began with coffee and shopping and ended with some Austrians, Sadists, Police and uncle Bob's shock at the possibility of bailing us out of prison (I'm still in disbelief).

My wonderful Uncle Bob, once again, generously offered to take 'The English Bunch' to a fantastic Italian restaurant in Old City Philadelphia. This is a great restaurant called 'Sbizzios', that Craig and I stumbled across when we first arrived in Philly. It's set high up, surrounded by walls of glass, overlooking a small cobbled piazza. The food was so tasty. I had to be uncle Bob's 'rent a date' (again!) as Aunt Carmie was in Syracuse (New York) with her sister Rose, drinking some wine whilst watching Desperate Housewives!! We had fun, thanks Uncle B, I love you a billion more than a million. x

The extremely short weekend visit was eventful, but more so, very special to me. Thankyou for bringing so much love and light into my house Gavriella, I love you and miss you already. xx

Boxing Day 2005

The day after Christmas, I was cordially invited to the 6th Anniversary Trip to New York City organized by Dan and Teressa Bevilacqua. A limousine 'bus' was hired for the whole entire day and there were 6 couples, Uncle Sal being the entertainment for the day!!It started off with amaretto coffees and doughnuts for breakfast, served by our host Dan, from the bar of the limousine. We were all given an itinerary which worked out perfectly!

Our first stop was at China town, leading onto Little Italy. Feeling a little peckish and rather parched, we headed for the Meat Packing District. We had some mouthwatering appetizers and mohitos, at the well known 'Spice Market' (compliments of Uncle Bob and aunt Caremela who unfortunately did not attend). Our next leisurely stop was Columbus Circle, Christa and I fell in love with The Mandarin Hotel! It was just, 'wow'! Following on from this, we took a stroll down Fifth Avenue for some shopping. By now, we were ready for dinner at the Italian restaurant,Carmines. Energetically, we got into the 'limo' and danced our way to a superb show: The Spelling Bee. Did I mention the stripper in the limousine in between the meal and the show??? Well there was one, he didn't go Full Monty, but he was very close, wasn't he uncle Sal ?!? And aunt Teressa was having a good old boogie to some rap music, which she concluded, she liked!!!

Just an awesome day, Uncle Dan! Thanks

Las Vegas - New Years Eve 2006!

I spent 5 days in Vegas, Nevada, which were just... FUN! Vegas is unreal. The hotels are humoungus and no amount pictures will do it any justice, you really do have to see them yourself. I stayed in theMGM, which is so huge, that by the time I left I had still not seen all of it. I spent 3 days on my own, where I got to see Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and took a plane ride over the Grand Canyon, a well warranted wonder of the world. It was breathtaking. Its incredible to think what water can do to some rocks! I also familiarised myself with gambling and decided, it just wasn't for me!

On New Years Eve, I was so happy (as you can see from my face above!), that my friends: Sally and Pamela were able to join me, as well as the new addition to the gang, Jodie! We all bought in the new year with lots of fireworks!!! And concluded that the new year 2006 would be all about: GIVING (long story but they know what Im talking about-'what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas'!).

Thanks-giving

On the last Thursday in November, all Americans celebrate thanksgiving- a time for all Americans to come together and eat lots of seeds and Turkey. I really enjoyed this festival, unlike Christmas, its really not commercial at all, its not about spending lots of money and buying or receiving presents, its simply about spending time with your family.

I spent it with mine! I went to Christa's gorgeous apartment in Philadelphia, with Uncle Bob and Aunt Karmela. Christa has been such a great friend and is Uncle Dan's daughter. We all ate lots, and the night ended with the women chatting around the table and the men falling asleep on the sofa. Some things never change, wherever you are in the world!