Here we are. Can it possibly be my week #9 already. July feels like a blur of time that is now just days away from being over. August will arrive in just a few days. It is true what you hear that the older we get the faster time flies.
This past week Melissa had an opportunity to see a friend in Germantown, Pennsylvania. He opened www.merzbachers.com
This bread is unbelievably good. It has the outside crispy and the inside delicious flavor with a soft texture. We ate the entire loaf! Check the local grocers or go online to purchase some. It’s worth every penny! 
I had a real treat this week! Evan, one of our Rangers, took 3 of us up into the Independence Hall sphere where the Centennial Bell hangs and tolls on the hour. We climbed up 5 flights of stairs in very tiny stairwells to see the inner workings of the clock, the bell and did I mention the roof as well. Below is a reminder picture of this location at Independence Hall.
The stairs were narrow and twisting. The ceilings were low. I had no trouble with the ceilings and made it through all the narrow spaces. Whew!
All four of us could have fit easily around the clanger and underneath the bell, which weights slightly over 13,000 pounds.
A view from the top:
I didn’t get too many pictures. It was so awesome to see that pictures could not do it justice. This is as we were headed down from the top.
Thank you Ranger Evan for giving Nick, Paul and me the opportunity to see this historic building. The clock, the bell, and the ability to see a 300 year old building up close and personal was a treat. The memories of this will last a lifetime!
Remember the Black Lab from last week at the pet store. I went back on Thursday last week and found out his name is Puddin’Pop and he found a new home right away. A little sad to see him gone but so glad to know he is with a family of his own now.
This Willow tree is located just outside the First Bank of the US. It is the most stunning Willow tree I have seen for a long time. How about you? Seen one lately?
The dots are in the glass to keep birds from hitting it.
We have had a going away party for one guide who returns to her home in LaHabra, CA and her teaching role. She was a big help for the summer rush and everyone enjoyed having her with us. I particularly liked her kind and patience voice and attitude with visitors. She, like me, learned a new appreciation for our parks and its employees.
Another employee leaving is Isabel who is our community volunteer coordinator. She connected with me day one and has been a wealth of information to all our volunteers. I see why all the Volunteers-In-Parks love her and will sure miss her. A going away party is scheduled for Thursday. It will be well attended!
It is the time of year/season that is bittersweet as we return to our homes. It’s difficult for us to leave and difficult for the permanent folks to say goodbye. I have made and will continue to stay in touch with many new friends.
When I arrived here and at one of my first briefings I heard discussion about the desire to develop and allow for the blind to have access to feel the historic Liberty Bell. Change can take a long time as we all know and especially so in government work. I recall the day this adaption was put in place and allowed for and how joyous the rangers were to bring this to a reality. Here is an article about our Ranger Chuck putting this in place. Click below to read and enjoy!
National Park Service ranger helps blind man touch Philadelphia’s historic Liberty Bell
Melissa and I had dinner last night with Bonnie Collins. Oh what a delight she is . . . warm and lovely. An inspiring woman with great observations and stories to tell. We enjoyed our time together and I wish we had taken a picture. Unfortunately I did not. Philly is lucky to have her as a resident! And I am lucky to have her as a friend. Thank you Bonnie!
I hope you are all having a great summer. I did see the Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial. However, I was in such a hurry because I went on my lunch break that I did not get a good understanding about the history of Mr. Kosciuszko. Look for that next week!
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Be Well, Stay Safe, and safe travels. Blessings to all!
Hugs, Mara
(Please forgive the unintentional mistakes.)