Constructive Conversations

So this morning, as I am headed to work, I passed by a construction site across from campus. I have photographed this site several times and love watching the progress. Well today I stopped to talk to one of the construction crew who was overseeing the pouring of a concrete sidewalk.

He was really nice and very supportive of the design field. In discussing the project he estimated that it should be done in the next few months. The interior of the building is complete and now in use. There are just a few exterior portions, such as the sidewalk and courtyard, which are left to be finished. It is really exicting to see all the construction sites but even more when you get to ask about it, learn from what you see and get told.

I really appreciated it when he mentioned that there is only so much you can learn from a book, at some point you have to see it or do it to get it. Add that to common sense and all kinds of designs become realities. And it seems that Pennsylvania is the place to test this as construction sites are popping up everywhere, and this gentlemen told me he has more projects coming soon.

I didn’t linger to long this time to get good photographs but below are a few fuzzy shots of my morning joy!

Stay curious, explore, and don’t be afraid talk those working on projects you admire! There is so much more to gain than there is to lose!!

 

University City Summer Fun


https://www.universitycity.org/community-events-arts-and-culture


If you are looking for a bit of fun after summer classes or work in the University City District then the link above is a great place to start. There are several recuring events, some of which I have written about before including University City Dining Days, 40th Street Summer Series (music), and some I haven’t written about but hope to experience, such as Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll and Movies in Clark Park.

These events are a great way to meet people in your community, get to know the area, and find places/activities to get involved with once the school year starts again. I will certainly be attending a few of these events this summer and can’t wait!

Center City Sips


https://www.centercityphila.org/explore-center-city/ccdsips


Center City Sips is a downtown Philadelphia summer happy hour hosted by select bars and restuarants on Wednesday nights. The happy hour runs from 5-7 pm. The happy hour consists of $6 cocktails, $5 wines, $4 beers, and half price appetizers. It is a lovely, and cheaper way to hang out with friends after work! However, make sure to get places early as the lines will definitely grow too long to last the happy hour timeframe. The same goes for transportation, try to book your uber or lift early, or just walk. It may be the quickest way after all. I learned that hard way after spending most of happy hour in a delightful uber conversation. Not all bad but needless to say not the best way to ensure cheaper drinks.

For more information and a list of participating bars and restuarants check out the link above. Enjoy a Sip of wine with friends next Wednesday!

National Doughnut Day!!!


A doughnut a day may not keep the doctor away but it will certainly put at bay any sad summer blues. If you haven’t already gotten a doughnut today, it isn’t to late.

Several places are celebrating including Krispy Kreme, Dunkin’ Donuts, Walmart, and Papa Johns. Surprised? So was I. But who can argue with a little sugary delight and quirky history facts.

While I was researching places to celebrate national doughnut day I learned the history of this odd but delicious holiday. According to USA Today (and a slew of other news articles), “Celebrated annually on the first Friday in June, the day of the pastry was established in 1938 to honor The Salvation Army Donut Lassies, women who served the treats to soldiers during World War I.”  (https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/nation-now/2018/05/30/national-donut-day-2018-get-freebies-and-sweet-treats-june-1/634088002/)

With that neat fact Lassies and a list of stores still serving go get yourselves a sweet treat! Happy National Doughnut Day!

Weekend To Do’s


Not sure what to do this weekend? A colleague of mine introduced me to two fantastic sites that chronicle events in the city.

UWISHUNU (https://www.uwishunu.com/) is a fun site with a wide variety of listings from festivals, music, museums, reaturants, basically a little bit of everything. Every entry is labeled for the week or for the weekend which is great for planning.

Campus Philly (https://openartsphilly.com/events) lists more indoor events related to museums or galleries. This site is also supposed to be a great way to get discounted tickets to listed events. Always worth keeping an eye out.

If you can’t wander to far from campus stop by the Van Pelt Deitrich Library for a copy of Summer at Penn. There are two versions of Summer at Penn: a magazine guide to restuarants and events or a larger poster listing only events. Both versions list events from the end of May all the way to the end of August. They are wonderful resources to plan out the summer.

I may not have plans for tonight but after perusing these sources I will certainly have plans for the weekend! Have fun making plans!