This week felt like a great week. The weather was pretty good. We had a couple really warm and humid days and then we had a breezy and cooler Monday this week that made up for those hot days. It was just beautiful. Everyone was full of smiles!
In 1776, it became the final resting place for Washington‘s fallen soldiers. Long mass grave trenches the width of the square were first dug along 7th and Walnut Streets, and were eventually expanded to the South side. And during the British occupation of Philadelphia in 1777, the dead from the neighboring Walnut Street Jail were also interred here. Many victims of the city’s yellow fever epidemic of 1793were interred here, and the square was also used for cattle markets and camp meetings.
The tomb of the unknown revolutionary war soldier lies in Washington Square.
I was on my own this week. I had my own schedule and I knew where all the places were that I was assigned. My anxieties were calmed and I was familiar with what was expected of me. YEAH! Happy days are here again!
Opened BFM (Ben Franklin Museum) a few days and assisted with Visitor Center other days. I worked the EW (East Wing) Line which is the line of people waiting to get in for their tour of Independence Hall. It can be stressful because many of the folks do not check this out before they arrive and are disappointed to learn the tickets have sold out. I feel for them, as do all of the rangers, but a 300 year old historical building can only sustain so much and someone has to be the bearer of that bad news when they did not get their tickets in advance.
To celebrate the 250th all tickets to Independence Hall will be free July 2, 3, and 4 so it will be first come, first serve. They will be free again on July 14 to celebrate the Major League Baseball All Star day! These free days will be a real challenge for all of the staff here who work the line and give the tours.
Our National Park Rangers work very hard. Many of them have their masters degrees in history. Anytime you pop in to one of our great parks, make certain you thank these Rangers for their service. They deserve it!
This week I had some time to relax and get to know some of our rangers. Maggie is the Ranger from San Antonio Missions who moved to Philadelphia a couple years back. She was the VIP Coordinator and did a great job in San Antonio. We have missed her there. But here she is in Independence Park and I am thrilled to hear that great laugh of hers again!
Maggie working the Ben Franklin print shop. Her favorite place to work! She is my Ranger of the week.This week, even though I was busier and more on my own, did not seem as long between days off. I continue to learn about different things but just small amounts that I can absorb in small bites of time. No more falls but I will say I now walk with one eye on the sidewalk watching for uneven squares on the sidewalk and things I might stumble over. So one eye forward and one eye downward. That might seem weird and I’m sure it looks weird. But I smile and say good morning anyway and some folks smile back; others look at me a little oddly!
Many days I walk through Chinatown on my way to work. I’ve gotten a bit braver about changing my walking route and have various ways to get to and from the park. Each way has a little different appearance but all are full of very old buildings and streets and most are very clean. The city seems to work hard at picking up trash and the citizens as well but it feels to me like there are many homeless people filling some of the nooks and crannies. I will admit it only seems to take one to feel like many. I hate seeing folks living on the streets and in such bad health, regardless of where it comes from. I’m sure drugs play a good part of many of these folks lives and that is just so very sad. I hate it but I still look them in the eye and say Hello with a smile when I can. We should never forget how difficult life can be for some and how grateful we should be for the good we have in our lives.
Grandson Thomas was here this past weekend and he and Melissa had a great time. He walked me to work both days so we had some personal visiting time as well. Being with our grandkids as they grow up is a wonderful time but becoming friends with them as adults is even better. I loved that he came to see me and he and his mom spent a day at the park visiting the different sites and especially the ones where I work.
FIFA fans were out in full swing this week as FunFest opened June 11 and the first soccer game playing on June 14.
Not sure what Juneteenth celebration will be like here but I’ll celebrate as it is also my birthday. I work that day but Melissa and I will go out for dinner for sure. And daughter Jen sent a package for me that I will open that evening. Hard to believe it will be my 77th this year. Life has been very good to me!
For those of you thinking of making a visit, I would love to see you. This week we will be moving out of the penthouse on the top floor to the studio in the basement. It is a one room with a murphy bed and no couch. We are in what is classified as “Midtown” or “Center City”. Hotels downtown are expensive due to the soccer fans and the 250th. There are ones that are reasonably priced but you must really search for them. Also, getting around can be a workout. Melissa and I normally walk but we also have bus passes that are free for seniors. We really don’t go out at night (after 8:00 pm) and feel very safe when we are out. My days off are Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Most museums are closed on Monday and some also on Mondays through Thursdays. I will be here for you in any way I can but wanted you to know some of the challenges you might face. Uber and Lyft are readily available as well. And hotels in New Jersey are said to be less expensive but farther away. I have not ventured across the water yet. As you might imagine, my first priority is the national park and the work I do there. Once I get that mastered I will venture out to see more of the sites. If any of you would like to share a few days with me I’d love to have you.
Several of you have sent a note about a mailing address. I’ve not had great luck with that and would suggest you simply email or text me. If you have something you need to mail to me let me know and I’ll get you Melissa’s work address.
You all know how much I love all dogs. Yesterday as I was leaving the park I met a family from Tucson. They have 3 huskies they travel with who are a father, age 12, his son, age 11 and a baby sister, age 1. Don’t they just warm your heart.
And for those of you who know my pup, Louloubelle, check out how well she is doing with our new grandson Graylen. She has been terrific and they have become best buds.
Life really is very good.
Well, this is my last day off for the week and I’ll be back to work tomorrow. I hope you have a wonderful week. I’ll be thinking of you send lots of hugs your way.
Blessings,
Mara (please forgive any mistakes.)