So Phar in Philly...

It is high time I gave you all an update on our time here in the city of brotherly love. Philadelphia is actually quite different than mid-Missouri, can you believe it? There is mass transit (well, that people use), tons of historic buildings, a lot more streets, and lively loud people.

I should start by saying that our housing accommodations are excellent. We have a huge room on the fourth floor of this house that the Library Company owns. The house was built in the 1860's (I think) and has tons of old wood. Apparently, the queen of Belgium once stayed here. Woo.

T.J. is busy all day looking at almanacs...boxes upon boxes! This leaves me to explore the downtown (or "Center City" as they call it) on my own. I have found some cool shops and a delicious bakery. One of my favorite things to do is sit in Rittenhouse or Washington Square. These little squares are filled with all kinds of people...so, I go and watch them and drink my water. It is frantically hot here. Who knew?

I haven't been to a lot of museums or historical sites. But, I have been to the art museum here and that was amazing. I saw some Van Gogh sunflowers, some Calder mobiles and jewelry, some Nandalal Bose, some art deco and modern Kimonos, and lots of other incredible works. I think my most favorite was the Calder jewelry. That guy thought in cool structural ways.

I have also gotten to meet up with some great old friends. Really quality people. We've been out to see Rachel and Corby in the burbs...(I went to Wake with Rach and she is a very quality person). I also got to accompany her to the zoo with her two little ones. Yesterday, I got to see Gail (who used to live in Columbia and was a founding participant in Tomlin Outdoor Theatre)...we walked around Center City and I gave her a tour of our house.

We've eaten some really yummy foods...and there will be more to come! Tonight, we might go to this mussels place. Annnnd, we're headed to New York tomorrow. We'll be staying with my oldest friend...Miss Carrie Howard...I am really pumped.

Hmmm...what else to say...pregnancy has definitely slowed my pace a bit, but that's fine, right? I won't always be able to nap like this, so I might as well now. I am sorry I don't have any photos, but T.J. has to use the camera all day. But, I'll document our time here sooner or later. Thanks for your calls and notes...we miss you all.