SHHHHH...

We have momentum back...

2024-12-31T17:30:00.001-05:00

As I continue towards minimizing time on social media and focusing more on the slower joys of my life, I turn (quite literally) to books I've been meaning to focus more on.

I have books in my library that were bought in an earnest attempt to enhance my view of the world, history I know, and broaden my horizons. They continue to stack up and collect dust. So in an attempt to hold myself accountable and forge a better me and outlook on the world, I'm here to commit to enriching my nights a bit with some books I should have cracked open years ago...

I highly suggest this pocket-sized collection of William Butler Yeats poetry.

The Lake Isle of Innisfree

I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,

And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made;

Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for the honey-bee,

And live alone in the bee-loud glade.

And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,

Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;

There midnight’s all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,

And evening full of the linnet’s wings.

I will arise and go now, for always night and day

I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;

While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey,

I hear it in the deep heart’s core.

For a sample of one of his most famous: visit here

The Joy of HappyPatina & Blog Posting

2024-12-30T11:25:00.001-05:00

There are little moments in my life that remind me of the slower days, removed from today's modern take on social media, that bring me back to the joy of blogging. I've been determined to find the right moment to squeeze some life back into this little old website, and the inspiration has been - HappyPatina.

Oscar reached out to me this year sharing more about the genesis of his work. What I loved immediately about his note was the interest in combatting today's culture of consumerism and wastefulness. His mission is to create products that stand the test of time and look good. Hats off to you, Oscar!

The EDC (every day carry) kit contains a perfect, minimalist wallet, key FOB, and tough leather bracelet. To my delight, there's also a care kit - I cannot wait to apply my first coat of leather oil.

Also, I particularly love the size of the wallet - it fits in all of my jeans pockets. For the other ladies out there I know, we can agree that our pockets are not always accommodating!

You can buy your EDC Kit here.

Golden hour: Avalon, NJ in the early Spring

2022-09-12T19:37:00.001-04:00

Making an Adirondack Chair

2021-01-10T09:34:00.005-05:00

The Adirondacks are synonymous with Summer in my family. Even more, we spent a few extra honeymoon days in the 'dacks following our weeklong adventure in Vermont.

I was in Lake Placid and stopped at the wonderful little bookstore on main street. It was closing time and I saw Mary Twitchell's simple Easy-to-Build Adirondack Furniture book. The shop keeper rung me up, took my $4 and smirked and said, "give me a call after you build your chair!"

Okay, you sassy-pants bookstore guy - I did it! While it is the basic chair, I'm pretty proud of my first attempt. I think all-in-all it cost me about $55 in materials. I used pine and about 1/3 less screws than Mary suggested. It's pretty damn sturdy and what was better, the book was perfectly put and easy to follow. I took some artistic liberties on a few sections, but happy so far. Looking forward to diving into the intermediate version, and hell, maybe a foot stool.

$55 Materials

$4 book

Pride = you can't put a price tag on that, baby.

Christmas 2020 at Longwood Gardens

2021-01-09T09:32:00.002-05:00

Longwood Gardens is a magical plant paradise located in Kennett Square, PA. On a whim, one chilly December night, we decided to look up ticket prices and head over. Turns out if you think you're going to visit more than once a year, a membership makes the most sense! We did it - wow, I feel like a real adult. "Me?" "Why, yes, I am a fully-fledged botanical gardens member, at your service." In order to get the full effect, read that in a snobby accent of your choice.

I know it's already 2021 and many have taken down the last hints of Christmas, but wanted to share a snapshot of a fun evening out. The light show and grounds were absolutely stunning. I cannot wait to see what the next season has to offer.

Longwood Gardens - site

Happy Trails

2020-11-20T08:15:00.002-05:00

Getting out on the trail or into nature as much as we can these days. Finding myself in Wissahickon more now that any other time this year. Grateful for the ability to get out and do. Enjoy the trails my friends.

Halloween 2020

2020-11-18T07:49:00.005-05:00

Dwight the dog was in full lion costume, the pumpkins were carved just in time, and the candy was set outside in bowls for any potential trick-or-treaters that dared to come out. To our surprise, the candy didn't last the night! Neither did our pumpkins, which seemed to make their way into the yard by those blood-thirsty suburban deer that boldy walk around in hoards and annihilate everything in your garden. Punks.

Mini-Mooning in Vermont

2020-10-05T08:08:00.001-04:00

This Summer 2020, with its highs, lows, and unpredictableness to say the least, has been a complicated time to travel. In a bout of planning and finally a special "go-get it" attitude, we opted to Vermont for an outdoorsy honeymoon.

Lake Champlain has an immense amount of charm and wildness to it. It was the perfect destination for folks uncertain about testing the limits of Covid and exposure. Everyone masked up. We biked, strolled, hiked with glee - what an amazing place to enjoy the best of Summer, in the safest way I've witnessed yet. Thank you Vermonters for welcoming us.

Betzwood Biking | Valley Forge

2019-10-26T11:15:00.003-04:00

Found my way out to Betzwood one Friday afterwork! A really easy single track running into fast turns and high berms near the end of the line. Nice little way to invite in the weekend and stretch the legs.

Endo Summer '19

2019-09-14T07:26:00.002-04:00

I'm sitting in my living room - 7:20am on a Saturday looking back through some recent memories of this summer. What an amazing one it has been. Looking forward to the crispy fall air seeping through open windows, the sound of leave crunching underneath of my maxxis and pumpkin beer. Cheers!

A summer that's not too shabby, 2019

2019-07-16T16:44:00.001-04:00

Just when you thought this died, I pump a lil' life back into it. 2019 has been a whirlwind of adventure. Getting experienced in a new job, moving in with my now fiancé, and vacationing to beautiful places.

Photos above are from the Adirondacks in New York. Views from Mt. Baker, Haystack, and the Lower St. Regis. Ice cream from Donnelly's, a daily tradition to make sure you don't wither away from all the hiking, and in the end - a coffee from a diner before departing. All in all a fabulous getaway. Check out a previous post on the Saranac Our Legacy IPA

Just got back from a 47mi road bike ride. In the spirit of Le Tour lately. Been spinning a lot lately, but moreso on the mountain bike. Hope your summer is grand.

Mountain Biking | White Clay, DE

2019-01-18T21:10:00.000-05:00

I've always had this place in the back of my mind. And it's taken years to finally get in my car and drive for 50 min over the border to Delaware and unpack my bike. Well worth the drive because this was some of the best singletrack I've ever been on, ever. Ever. Honestly I felt like I could pump around for ages and the only limiting factor would be hours of sunshine left and water packed. I even managed to sight some foxes during the ride. Can't wait to get back out there.

Glen Onoko Falls

2019-01-10T08:42:00.001-05:00

To ring in the new year it was decided a hiking trip was in the cards. Just about 90 minutes from Philadelphia is a quaint little town called Jim Thorpe. The Lehigh river runs through the town, Lehigh Gorge State Park, and Glen Onoko Falls. There are a million websites and blogs out there telling you how best to travel to and thru the park, so I'll save the tips. The hike itself was unexpectedly challenging. After parking the car, crossing underneath the bridge (hang a right when you decend the steps) and up the falls side of the trail first, I could feel my heart ticking rather quickly. Some parts of the trail required being down on all fours, strategically picking foot holds, and maneuvering up alongside the humming waterfall. The trees, even in winter, were fabulous in the overcast and moody day. We opted to do the loop which would normally be around 3.5 miles, but we accidentally took the shortcut (2.7 mi) and missed the overlook at the top. Rookie mistake, but a reason to go back and enjoy it during another season!

Podcasts to Catch

2019-01-02T14:04:00.003-05:00

For most of my adulthood I have commuted to work on foot or bicycle. Rain or shine I relished in the fact that I didn't have to burn one ounce of gas and improved my overall health and mindset twice a day pounding the pavement. Well, the past year has been a bit of a change and the past month a most amazing change (new job 👏) - I roll on four wheels now. So this has given me a bit of time to figure out how to make my commute the most enjoyable experience as possible.

A world that I dabbled in, but didn't live in entirely before, has now become my life blood. Ladies and Gentlemen, 'True life - I'm addicted to Podcasts.'

Faves of 2018

Wolverine: A LongNight

Coming up

The Habitat
and more!

MaaAAaaaAAAaaaps - A song by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs

2018-12-28T10:01:00.000-05:00

Source: Randall Munroe at XKCD via here

It has occurred to me that you can consider geography more of a hobby than a necessity nowadays. I always find that people interested in this 'hobby' tend to lean into the realm of 'interested-in-the-world-around-them,' but to what degree? I find that the degree often characterizes a hobbyist and, is at the core, fascinating and often entertaining to the max. For instance, my dad could tell you by location the types of trees that characterize the landscape based on latitude and country. For the life of him, he couldn't tell you about languages or more cultural references in those places. Geography is always used for the individual purpose to solve a problem, understand industry, or sail the ocean methodically. The beauty is in the degree of the beholder?

I took a geography class in college and was delighted by the professor. Forgive me, but I can only recall his name was Stanley 'something or other.' Stanley's second stab at a career led him away from field sciences and to the classroom where he used an old fashioned projector to showcase his photographs from his travels. I was hooked. Honestly, the only class I never skipped. I was always quite satisfied in high school by geography classes and wanted to fulfill some of my general requirements with this juicy bit of schooling. So there I was, in class, feverishly drafting the most meticulous notes in my book about Stanley's anecdotes in Russia, or his trek in Mongolia, and his visit to the markets in Southeast Asian countries. Every time he would share tales, or which were all related to and perfectly intertwined into the lecture for the day, I would find that time would be up in class and I'd disappointedly close my book, linger, and leave. Couldn't wait for a day to pass so I'd be back in the room. If this class were a Netflix series, I'd be clicking 'Next Episode' before those 5 seconds of buffer could count down themselves. But, alas, this was real life and I had to employ some patience.

So, Stanley not only taught us an immense amount about geography, but also about topography, global industries, beautifully painted timelines of trade, war, language, and more. There wasn't enough time to digest everything, and I certainly didn't have enough money to stay in school forever and be a pseudo geography master, but sometimes I think back to this time - and how unrelated it was in the long run to my overall education, but how enriching it has been to my life. So I continue with the joys that come along with this type of study. This hobby. Thanks Stanley 'something or other.'

In any case, I thought it would be cute to share the above comic. I recently had a few conversations about geography with friends it APPALLED me that their understanding of the geography around them was so limited. Even more so, that they thought the Robinson Projection depicted actual and non-distorted land mass sizes. SCOFF. LAUGH. So, I had a good chuckle at the comic.

3 Minutes worth watching.

Norwegian Fairytales | Illustrations from Kay Nielson

2018-12-27T08:49:00.000-05:00

East of the Sun and West of the Moon: Old Tales from the North

Taschen Version, above, Here 🙌
G.H. Doran, 1922. Here (Free Online Read)

Constantly intrigued by Scandinavian Folklore, I've stumbled upon the works of Kay Nielson by way of the Public Domain. If you are moved and fascinated by these tales and the breathtaking imagery that Nielson brings to us, have yourself a gander.

Loosely related, from my past posts: Norwegian Folktales, Old Fashioned Ski Postcards...

Beer Review (61): Ballast Point Spruce Tip Sculpin IPA

2018-12-26T10:13:00.001-05:00

Brewery: Ballast Point Beer: IPA| Beer Advocate Score: 4.06/5 Abv: 7%

Crispy citrus bite now built into one of my most beloved IPAs, ever. I had no idea until a recent case swap at work that this little guy existed, what a delight! It's on a short fun, so go grab yourself a case to enjoy all winter!

Pre-Christmas Photo Dump

2018-12-18T23:09:00.003-05:00

I've recently been browsing through posts on here and got a resurgence of excitement to begin posting again. Heck, if all we can do nowadays is post things on social outlets, then at least I'll keep up with my 'internet diary,' as I more or less call it. Lots of fun happenings in the last two months all of which include bread, beer, cheer, doggos, and biking. I hope everyone is getting into the spirit of things and looking forward to catching you here more often than not!

Weekends are for...

2018-11-09T10:22:00.000-05:00

Nothing like consistently hitting the trails and enjoying the change in season along with it. Clocking miles in the mountains and building up skills. Looking forward to branching out to new spots this season and keeping the momentum up in the winter!

Fall 2018 #Roundup

2018-10-24T09:02:00.000-04:00

Haven't made one of these in awhile, but also haven't been buying much for a year. I put all my pennies into the new Triumph Bonneville, which has left little in the way for goodies. I CANNOT COMPLAIN, the new ride is amazing. But, the weather is changing and the wishlist is growing, so enjoy. I've been getting into some new music and a lot of mountain biking <3

Giro Helmet
Beer: Friday Flannel

Chris Akrigg: Freetrials

Phoebe Bridgers Vinyl

Stirling Sweater APC

Chelsea Boots Doc Martens

Fathom by Giant

Reanimator Coffee

Blank Spots by Trevor Paglen

Beer Review (60): Block House Brewing | Pumpkin Ale

2018-10-22T16:11:00.000-04:00

Brewery: Block House Brewing Beer: Pumpkin Ale| Beer Advocate Score: 3.47/5 Abv: 7%

Hope Yinz like Pumpkin Beers, because this one is sure to shake up the normal repertoire. This is the most cinnamon-induced beer I've ever encountered and I actually love the overly sweet, and thick, sticky taste. This beer hails from the Steel City itself, and actually, the first time I'm hearing of the brewery. Hmm, maybe I live under a rock, but this is a nice little treat to discover.

Beer Review (59): Harpoon | Flannel Friday Amber Ale

2018-10-20T13:26:00.002-04:00

Brewery: Harpoon Brewery Beer: Amber Ale| Beer Advocate Score: 3.82/5 Abv: 5.7%

I'm usually not a huge fan of Amber Ale's - there's something about a caramel and malt in a beer that doesn't appeal to me much. This beer on the other hand was a gentle step into fall, with familiar seasonal flavors, like the aforementioned, but actually tasty this time! Maple syrup, crispy leaves, and a sticky mug of this will get you in the spirit.

Watkins Glen & Keuka Lake, NY

2018-08-27T22:25:00.004-04:00

Watkins Glen, NY is one of the most scenic places I've been to. 19 waterfalls that I remember dreading so much 'hiking' to as a kid, I have now learned to appreciate as an adult. The steps carved into the stream's edge and the walkways built behind waterfalls definitely makes the trek worthwhile. Seneca Lake is a sight to see, but not nearly as spectacular as the way nature carved its way through layers upon layers of rock over the course of thousands of years.

Just like any good ending to the summer, much was packed into a weekend away. Namely a night at Keuka lake. Yea, the funny shaped 'Y' finger lake of NY state. This one in particular is so clean and cheerful that I couldn't wait to get into the canoe and drift away. Only regret during this entire trip is that it was too short and I would have loved to have my bicycle. Looking forward to venturing back one of these days.

Beer Review (58): 21st Amendment | Brew Free! or Die Blood Orange IPA

2018-05-21T22:11:00.001-04:00

Brewery: 21st Amendment Brewery Beer: Blood Orange IPA| Beer Advocate Score: 3.75/5 Abv: 7.0%

Long time fan of this brewery and the original Brew Free! or Die IPA. Last Saturday was filled with warm, soggy weather brought on by Spring, so I decided to rest the bones and treat myself. This beer is fragrant and creamy with a bold citrus and hoppy bite. Buy a six pack, have a picnic, you are welcome.

Catchin' Spring Rays

2018-04-11T22:36:00.000-04:00

Spring has sprung in Philadelphia and I'm taking full advantage. I made a promise this year to myself to learn something new, again - then never let myself lose it. In walks Skateboarding. And there limps Vanessa. So here's a few shots from the last two weekends of taking in the sites, being adventurous, and catching a sunset.

Hope you all are well