Neighborhood kids cooling off in the dog days of August.
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JUMP!!!
Posted in Looking South, Philadelphia, Photography
Tagged city pools, South Philly, summer
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Carnations
Flowers spotted on Saturday morning on 9th Street.
Posted in Italian Market, News, Philadelphia, Photography
Tagged 9th Street, carnations, flowers, pink
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Rice Stuffed Tomatoes
It’s that time of year, when tomatoes are at their best, and this dish is a wonderful partner for grilled chicken or fish. Short-grained rice cooked in fresh tomato puree with basil, topped with breadcrumbs and baked. The perfect recipe for those of you with a bumper crop of tomatoes! Continue reading
Posted in Lovin' from the Oven
Tagged side dishes, stuffed tomatoes, tomatoes, what to make for dinner
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Looking South – Rocky and his Croissant
This little fella resides in the giant oak trees that surround our local pool. I recognize him for his brown fur and ratty in the middle tail. The trash cans at the pool provides a smorgasbord for my little rodent gourmand. I’ve seen him nibble on pretzels, Popeye’s chicken, watermelon, and yesterday, a croissant with ham. He’s adventurous, and it’s fun to watch him eat!
Strawberry Mango Raspberry Tart
On Wednesday, our friend Dan had what he calls a “zero” birthday – put any number in front of it, and you’re in a new decade. But it’s all good, Dan’s retired, traveling, and taking some damn fine photographs! I made this fruit tart to help ease him into his new decade – happy birthday Dan! Continue reading
Posted in Lovin' from the Oven
Tagged baking, cream cheese, Dan, fruit tart, summer fruit, the unbirthday cake
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The Grey Man – Generations
My latest collaboration with author J.L. Curtis, who wrote a novella for The Grey Man series that takes place 20 years in the future.
Marine Corporal Jace Cronin, a scout/sniper, survived insurgents in the Philippines, only to be handed an even greater challenge: the Naval Academy. He won’t be headed in alone, though. Esme Carter got her own slot and is ready to go head to head with him over who’s the best. They’ve got their eyes on lieutenant’s bars and pilot slots, and woe betide anyone who gets in the way!
It’s available for the Kindle, and you can purchase it here!
Posted in Book Design, Illustration
Tagged e-book design, J.L. Curtis, Kindle Direct, The Grey Man - Generations
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C&S Discount
One of my favorite stores on 9th Street has closed, and it breaks my heart. C&S Discount has been an anchor on the corner of 9th and Carpenter for forty years, unfortunately the building has been sold and they’ve lost their lease. Yesterday, Tony and Suki shut the doors for good. Continue reading
Posted in Italian Market, News, Philadelphia, Photography
Tagged 9th & Carpenter, 9th Street, C&S Discount, Italian Market, party supplies, Tony & Suki
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Our Oasis
Two blocks away from our house there’s a lovely swimming pool that’s shaded by several mighty oak trees. When the temperature climbs to the 90s and the humidity is unbearable, this is the place to be!
Posted in News, Philadelphia, Photography
Tagged fab lifeguards, love my pool, Philly rec center, Ridgway is the only way, South Philly
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Succulents and Cacti
A sweet little group of plants I spotted on 9th Street this week.
Posted in Italian Market, Philadelphia, Photography
Tagged 9th Street, cactus, plants, succulents
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The Concert Stud Variations
When I was assembling the various vector pieces of my Grandma Went to Altamont illustration in Affinity Designer, I was figuring out what my characters looked like as I went along. I had a vague image in my head of what I wanted, but that evolved as I fiddled with shapes that I either stuck with or, in most cases, vetoed. There was a couple of variations on the concert stud character also known as Mighty Joe Karate that I thought I would share. Continue reading
The Victory Building
The Victory Building on 10th & Chestnut, was designed by architects Henry Fernbach and Phillip W. Roos and built in 1873. At the time, it served as the office of the New York Life Insurance Company. In 1890, the insurance company decided to expand and added three more stories to the building, topping it with a mansard roof in the Second Empire style.
It was purchased by Sam Rappaport in 1974, who allowed it to deteriorate with plans to demolish the building in the early 90s. Architectural preservationists stepped in, and the building was sold and renovated. It’s one of the jewels of Chestnut Street!
Posted in News, Philadelphia, Photography
Tagged Henry Fernbach, Phillip W. Roos, Sam Rappaport, Second Empire style, The Victory Building
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Rocky & Bullwinkle
I spotted this brown squirrel at the pool over the weekend, indulging in some leftover chicken. His buddy was patiently waiting to devour the breading that fell on the picnic table. Finger lickin’ good!
Posted in Glorious Food, News, Philadelphia, Photography
Tagged birds, fried chicken, picnic in the park, Ridgway Pool, South Philly, squirrels
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Blackened Fish Tacos
So, I made my own tortillas – I know it sounds crazy, but it was actually pretty easy and tasty! For these fish tacos, mild cod is spiced up with cajun seasoning, paired with avocado, tartar sauce, and shredded cabbage for the crunch factor. It was easy to put together post pool, and a big hit with the fellas! Continue reading
Posted in Lovin' from the Oven
Tagged avocado, cod, easy dinners, fish tacos, meatless meals, tortillas
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Alley Gate
This is a photo I took several months ago of the sweet little wrought iron gate next to the Christian Street Baptist Church which is currently being demolished. This gate, the tiled entryways, the park with the bocce ball court at the end of the block are what makes South Philly unique. The Fante-Leone pool, Mario Lanza and Frank Gasparro’s homes, and now this church are being or have been torn down to make way for outrageously priced, three story homes with parking. The character of the city and it’s history is the reason people want to move here – if you demolish it, what’s the point of moving to Philadelphia? You could live anywhere.
Posted in News, Philadelphia, Photography
Tagged Bella Vista, Christian Street Baptist Church, greedy developers, South Philly
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