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At last, at last, we have Spring in Philadelphia. The warm weather burst through just a week or two behind the Cherry Blossom trees, and just in time for the many outdoor activities, and festivals our city offers.

Yesterday, Barbara, Jim T. and I walked our way over to the Tut exhibit.
At Eakins Oval a race was just ending, at Von Colin field, a girls’ baseball game was underway and as we walked we realized everyone had heard the call of, ‘YO! Philly! C’mon out it’s Spring.’

The Tut display was worthwhile, very crowded, but what did I expect on a Sunday in late April. The people were all mannerly and that helps in an elbow to elbow, art filled room. It was so crowded we even bumped into our young friend Florence and her friends. They were excited to get their names printed out in Hieroglyphics from a machine for a dollar. That is a bargain, even if we teased her about where on the refrigerator she would hang it.

Before we got to the actual exhibit, about 50 of us were gathered into a darkened room where this young man gave us an introduction to the exhibit and our expected behavior, no camera’s etc.. The young man did this so well he was applauded when he finished, proving once again there are no small parts in life, just small actors. This young man is going to be a star in whatever he attempts. I regret I did not get his name and story.

When we came out of the Franklin Institute we made our way to the Public House. Warmly greeted by a pretty and lively hostess we were shown to a table and given a menu. Seeing no one else after 10/15 minutes, we left. On the way out the hostess, with bright exhuberance and a broad smile told us thanks and have a GREAT day. If nothing else the Public House gave us a good laugh.

A short walk down the block we went into Mace’s Crossing at 17th and the Parkway. We were given a tourist’s dream table on the second floor that overlooked the Parkway. We were just having a beer. The waitress treated us as kindly as if we had ordered Steak and Lobster and a bottle of Moet. For once in Philly, on the Parkway, we did feel like we were in Paris. The cost was also very reasonable, about $12 excluding tip.

What a wonderful day, the light weather, waving color of flags on the Parkway, lots of different looking people out and about, this is one of the reasons you live in a big city.

Around the corner from Mace’s Corner is Tir Na Nog an Irish place that put us in mind of O’ Brian’s on Rue Dominique in the 7th. A Yank’s respite when in need of English, air conditioning or you just need a break from the French.

Tir Na Nog is better than O’Brians because it is right here in Philly and served us some spectacular, iced cold, Oysters. Jim and I are going to kick ourselves for not getting another half dozen. Barbara enjoyed the popcorn shrimp that came with very tasty popcorn.

At the bar you could hear the young Irish lads talking about this and that. Perhaps Tir Na Nog does for them in Philly what O’Brian’s does for us while away from home. Certainly, going to get back here for the oysters and the Irish Pub ambiance.

Leisurely, we strolled along the Parkway towards the Library. The Library was having a book festival. We stopped into book stalls from the many universities in Philadelphia, most of whom support our brilliant professors and some local writers. Lots of interesting small books about local history and much more .
Street Magic, music, authors……we really have to make it a point to attend this more fully next year, god willing.

No, I did not leave without buying a book. I picked up a twenty-five cent paperback of ‘The Killer Angels’ by Michael Shaara. Someone I know or will meet, will not have read what, in my opinion, is such a great understandable view of The Battle of Gettysburg. Other people that liked this book were Ken Burns the film maker, General Schwarzkopf and everyone else I know that read it.. Read the book.

We headed towards home but first stopped for an early dinner at McCrossen’s Tavern. We were there before the senior citizens, who, I noticed, downed a few appletini’s and finished before us…ahh! my hereos.

Tiffany, who made everyone look old, was a very capable waitperson, going the extra mile to be sure you are a satisfied patron, without hoovering. Tiffany knew how and when to serve. Had a sandwich and some drinks here once with Mike and Chris but never dinner.

This is a neighborhood restaurant we are coming back to soon. Dockside Chowder hit the spot even though we were eating after a warm walk. My critics and I picked it apart, maybe needed more cream, maybe too much heat on the palate, maybe too many potatoes and not enough seafood, but in the end we all enjoyed the chowder. It’s good.

Jim had the mother of all homecooked meals, meatloaf, mashed potatoes and veggi’s. He deemed it very good, stealing a bite, I agree. Not as good as my mom’s but, whose is. ( I think it is a rule in life, whenever you have a mother dish you must say, “not as good as my mom’s, or gram’s.” You can check wikipedia for this fact.)
Barbara had the other mother dish, Chicken Pot Pie, which was also very good…not as good as my….

We hailed a cab on Spring Garden St. and went home.
This was one of those Spring city days that gets marked in your memory for years to come.
How lucky are we.