Henry Ossawa Tanner

Kate's Log - StarDate - 12 February 2012

While driving on Fairmount Avenue last week,  I saw some banners hanging from the telephone poles.  They were for an exhibit at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts on Henry Ossawa Tanner.  To be honest, I had never heard of this gentleman so, of course, I needed to Google him when I got home. 

Eakins Oval

Henry Ossawa Tanner was born on June 21, 1859 in Pittsburgh, PA and in 1864 his father moved the family to Philadelphia, PA. At the age of 13, while walking through Fairmount Park, Henry encountered an artist at work.  At that point, he decided that is what he also wanted to do with his life.  Throughout his teenage years, he painted and sketched and visited galleries in Philadelphia as much as possible.  Tanner was the first African American artist to gain international acclaim. He studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts so it only seems fitting that the museum would be exhibiting his works during Black History Month.  Henry was a student of Thomas Eakins.  Aside....Eakins Oval in Philadelphia is named after Eakins.  The picture above might seem familiar to some you.  If you recall the scene in Rocky when he looks down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway from the Art Museum steps, Eakins Oval is right in front of him...end of Aside.  Tanner was one of Eakins favorite students.  Years later, Eakins painted a portrait of Tanner one of only a selected few of his former students who had this honor. 

The Banjo Player

Though a very talented artist, mostly known for his biblical work, the late 19th century was still a time of great racism in the US and Tanner was not exempt from it.  For that reason he left the country with plans to go to  Rome.  But before going to Rome, he stopped for visits in London and Paris.  When he arrived in Paris, he fell in love with "The City of Lights" and since he felt that he would be able to thrive more artistically there, he made Paris his home. He never made it to Rome..at least not then.  He would come back state side occasionally but for the most part, France was his home.  He died in Paris in May 1937.

This biography only briefly touches Tanner's life and accomplishments.  For more information on this wonderful artist and to see some of his works, please visit:

• www.biography.com/people/henry-ossawa-tanner-9501966
• http://clinton2.nara.gov/WH/EOP/First_Lady/html/hot-bio.html
• www.canvasreplicas.com/Tanner.htm
• www.pafa.org/Museum/Exhibitions/Currently-On-View/Henry-Ossawa-Tanner-Modern-Spirit/Henry-Ossawa-Tanner-Modern-Spirit/1147/

More adventures to follow....thanks for reading.

Orange Crackers and Black and White Milkshakes...A Throwback Memory

Kate's Log - StarDate - 3 February 2012

Recently, I made a purchase of Lance Toast Chee peanut butter crackers.  You know the ones, orange crackers with peanut butter.  Though lately, it's hard to find the peanut butter.  Eating these crackers takes me back to my childhood and the 1960's.

I grew up in Fairmount in Philadelphia or as it is known to many today, the Art Museum area (say this with your best Thurston Howell III voice). But to us old-timers, it was and always will be Fairmount.  Back in the day, the neighborhood was mostly blue collar and middle class and filled with kids.  In the summer, we would play outside the house all day and never wanted to "come in" for anything.  But at the end of the day, we would need to return home, take a bath and settle in to watch TV.  There were only three channels back then and we had a black and white TV..imagine that.

Every once in a while, my sister and I (and brother when he got older) would get a special treat..a black and white milkshake and orange peanut butter crackers from Maxine's.  Maxine's was a corner store in Fairmount; some of us remember corner stores.  We had a lot of them in the neighborhood back in the 1960's but not so much now.  Maxine made the best milkshakes in the world or at least the best shakes in our little world.  And she always loaded up her ice cream cones with tons of ice and push it down into the cone.  Not like Steven's who would give one little 3/4 of a scoop and not even push it down into the cone...the nerve.  But I digress. When we were all spic and span and shiny clean, "Mom" would walk over to Maxine's and get us our "special treat".  I remember we couldn't wait for her to get back.  We would run to the kitchen and get out our glasses.  Mom would pour half of the shake into each glass and one of us could not have a millimeter more than the other or WW III would break out.  And we would each get three crackers.  We would retire back to the living room, sit on the floor (with Dad snoring on the sofa) and watch our favorite shows...The Monkees, Gilligan's Island, Batman (pow, bang)  and so many others.


To us, there was nothing in the world like those black and white milkshakes and orange peanut butter crackers.  I very rarely have a milkshake now days but, when I am enjoying those crackers, if I close my eyes, I can still see my sister and I sitting on the floor, in our bathrobes, dipping our crackers into the shake and dreaming of marrying Davy Jones or Mickey Dolenz....those were really the days.

We weren't monetarily rich but we were rich in so many other ways. And that is why simple things like a milkshake and crackers were so special to us. I was and am very blessed and I would not trade my simple, innocent childhood for all the milkshakes in the world.

More stories and adventures to follow.

Remember, anything in italics and bolded have links to more information via the Links tab.

Happy Birthday FDR !!!

Kate's Log  StarDate 

30 January 2012

FDR & Fala

Last summer my sister and my eldest niece took a trip to the Hudson Valley in New York state. For those of you who know me, you know that one of the things on my "Bucket List" is to visit all the homes of the American Presidents. To date, I have made it to nine homes...Monticello and Mt. Vernon twice. Does that make eleven... hmmm probably not. The trip to New York was to visit FDR's home, Springwood, in Hyde Park and to take in the beautiful Hudson Valley. We all agreed that, even though it was a short vacation, it was a most wonderful one.

Springwood - Home of Franklin and Eleanor

Why am I writing about FDR (Franklin Delaneo Roosevelt), because today his 130th birthday.  When you visit the home of any of the presidents, you learn so much about them.  I always knew that FDR was a much loved president (for obvious reasons) but I did not realize was how incredibly brave he was as well.  More on that later in the post.

Young Eleanor

On March 17th (St. Patrick's Day) in 1905, FDR wed his distant cousin, Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, who was the niece of President Theodore Roosevelt. The couple had six children, five of whom survived infancy: Anna (1906), James (1907), Elliott (1910), Franklin, Jr. (1914) and John (1916).
Their's was a true love affair though there are those who would argue that it was a marriage of convenience.  I believe that they did love each other and they had great respect for one another.


Earlier in the post, I mentioned FDR's bravery. While vacationing during the summer of 1921, Roosevelt contracted poliomyelitis. Despite courageous efforts to overcome his crippling illness, he never regained the use of his legs. With the encouragement and help from Eleanor, and political confidant, Louis Howe, Roosevelt resumed his political career. In 1930, FDR began to campaign for the presidency.  I won't go into his great accomplishments because we can all easily learn about them at (click here) >>> FDR Library.  


Another instance of his bravery.  When FDR was a young man, he lost his beloved Aunt Laura in a tragic fire.  This event impacted him deeply. Fire was the only thing in life that he truly feared.  When he was at Springwood, he would practice his fire escape plan. Since he did not have the use of his legs, he would drag himself, on his arms, down the hall on the second floor of the home to the stairs and back again. He would practice this dozens of times.  There are many other things that he did to make his life as normal as possible without the use of his legs; often doing things himself with the help of others. The other interesting fact was that he had his trousers made longer then they needed to be so that, when he was seated, his braces would not show.  


Whatever your opinion of FDR, his achievements impacted our country and the world greatly. He was a president that the country needed at the time.  And according to Gallup, he is the sixth most admired person of the 20th century according to US citizens.  


I could write much more but will end the post now.  Happy Birthday Franklin Delaneo Roosevelt.  Here's to another 130.  And thank you from this grateful citizen.


That's my story and I'm sticking to it...more to follow.

The Search Continues...

Kate's Log - StarDate - 28 January 2012

Looking for a job, when one is out of a job, is a full time job.

I had decided that once I did not have a job to go to everyday, I was still going to keep some kind of routine in my life.  I get up, take a shower and get dressed.  No pajamas or sweats sitting in front of the TV even though that's what I really want to do.  Once in a while, I will watch a bit of Kelly or Rachael, but typically you'll find me at the computer scouring the job listings, filling out applications, responding to e-mails and making phone calls.  With my pad, pencil and trusty cup of joe right by my side.

I am like a hunter, similar to Elmer Fudd, but instead of searching for the wascally wabbit, I am searching any number of websites on a daily basis; Indeed, Simply Hired or LinkedIn, just to name a few.  It takes a lot of time to sift through and decide what is worth pursuing.  It's very tempting to jump all over everything but one needs to be diligent and mindful.  It's slow going but the good news is that I have had a number of interviews and there are jobs out there

Being without a job makes one stop and evaluate what they might want to do with their next phase. It's a perfect time to make a change, if that is what someone has been thinking about and that is what I have decided. I have been in sales for a number of years but have decided to go back to my roots...the admin/support side of business. The last couple of years have involved a lot of travel and it can get very weary at times. The plus side though is that I have met so many wonderful folks...people I would have never met otherwise. And I have helped to transform the way people work. Sometimes God and the Universe steps in and makes the changes that we may have been dreaming about but too scared to pursue. It's easy to stay in a place that is comfortable for us.

I have used the word hopeful a lot in the last couple of months, but it's a word that really sums up the way that I feel...I am positively hopeful.  I am hunting and searching for the new adventure that awaits me.  And when I find it, you will all be the second to know.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it. So until next time...

And remember, words in italics and bolded have links to them on the Links page...check them out.

Ty One On...

Kate's Log ~ StarDate ~ January 19th, 2012

I am a huge American Idol fan and the new season officially started last night, January 18th on FOX.  Last year, the show introduced two new judges, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler. This post is about Steven Tyler.


I never knew much about Tyler before Idol and didn't follow him or Aerosmith. Well, I immediately fell in love with him. I so enjoyed the way that he was encouraging to the contestants when they showed potential but not enough to "Go To Hollywood" and his sense of humor was priceless.  He was extremely charming and endearing. And that smile...to die for.

You probably know that Tyler has struggled addiction most of his adult life but here is a little bit more about him that you may or may not have known.

• Born - March 26, 1948 in Yonkers,  New York
• Given name -  Steven Victor Tallarico
• Aerosmith was formed in 1970 and Tyler, who was typically a drummer in his previous bands, insisted on being the frontman and lead singer with Aerosmith (and the rest is history)
• In 1980, he was in a serious motorcycle accident that landed him in the hospital for two months
• In 2001, Aerosmith played at the Super Bowl XXXV Halftime Show
• In 2003, Tyler received an honorary degree from Berklee College of Music, and, in 2005, received an honorary doctorate from the University of Massachusetts - Boston
• In 2006. he had throat surgery
• In January 2011, Tyler made his debut appearance as a judge on American Idol
• In May 2011, Tyler released his autobiography Does the Noise in My Head Bother You? 
• Aerosmith's newest album is scheduled to be released in Spring 2012
• Tyler has four children:
• Liv...who played Fay in one of my very favorite movies of all times That Thing You Do
• Mia...who is an actress and a plus sized model..let's hear it for the big girls
• Chelsea
• Taj
• Tyler and long time girlfriend became engaged in December 2011

If you missed Idol last night, not to worry, it's on again this evening.  You know that this Irish lass will be glued to the TV.  I'm going to Hollywood...well, at least in my dreams.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it...more adventures and tidbits to follow.

PS..remember items in italics have links on the "As You LINK It" page.    

Change...

Kate's Log ~ January 17th, 2012

My friend Danielle posted this on her Facebook page and it really hit home for me as well.  I wanted to share with all of you.  


"We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us".


This quote is credited to EM Forster.  


Click on his name to learn more about him... EM Forster

Friday the 13th

Kate's Log ~ StarDate ~ Friday, January 13, 2012

For centuries, Friday the 13th has been considered an unlucky day. The fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskevidekatriaphobia and there are three Friday the 13th's this year; today, April and July. Many folks fear the number 13 and those people suffer from triskaidekaphobia. Our beloved FDR was one of those folks.  Some office buildings even skip the 13th floor; come on, the 14th floor is really the 13th floor..hello.

When I played on a company softball team (no laughing, I could run and jump at one time), I wore the #13 on my jersey...a purple jersey no less. No one on the team wanted the #13 but I felt that if I took it, it would make me look like a rebel and the he** with superstition. I don't remember anything too unlucky happening during that season aside from us having a losing record. But I don't think that had anything to do with the #13.

And by the way, did you know that there are 13 full moons during the year.  Since I love the full moon, I love this little fact.

We all have our superstitions and I don't begrudge anyone theirs.   Whatever your feelings about Friday, the 13th, there is no avoiding them. You can either meet them head-on or stay uncover until Saturday the 14th.

That's my story for today and I'm sticking to it.  
More adventures to follow...stay tuned.

Chocolate Chip Cookies and the Sound of Music

Kate's Log  ~ StarDate ~ January 11, 2012

Someone asked me what my favorite Christmas gift was and that's a difficult question to answer.  I love all of my gifts because it means that someone took the time to think about and select something special for me.

This year, Hilary and Al made a donation to the St. Vincent DePaul Society on behalf of all of us...what a thoughtful gift.  But they wanted everyone to have something to open up on Christmas Day, so they baked chocolate chip cookies and each of us got a bag full...very yummy and low calorie, of course.  


The chocolate chip cookie was developed accidentaly by Ruth Graves Wakefield in 1930.  Ruth owned the Toll House Inn in Whitman, MA, a popular restaurant that featured home cooking. While making cookies one day, Ruth realized she was out of baker's chocolate, which is what she always used in her cookies.  Being the wonderful baker that she was, she substituted the baker's chocolate with a semisweet chocolate bar from Nestle broken into pieces. However, unlike the baker's chocolate, the chopped up chocolate bar did not melt and mix into the batter like Ruth thought it would. The small pieces of chocolate only softened and the chocolate chip cookie was born.  This only goes to prove that, sometimes mistakes, or lack of a key ingredient in this case, come other discoveries.  Thank you Ruth for forgetting to purchase your baker's chocolate at the grocery store that week and giving us one of America's best loved cookies. 

Jenna and Mark's gift were tickets to see The Sound of Music at the Media Theater in Media, PA on January 8th.  When the movie came out in 1965, I saw it twice (lucky me); once with my family and another time with a favorite cousin. I remember wishing I could sing in the hills of Austria like Maria. And what young girl didn't fall in love with Captain Von Dreamy... post whistle that is.  Even though I own the DVD, I still always watch it when it's on TV. The Sound of Music has always been one of my favorite things. 

Since I had two tickets, I asked Jenna if she would like to go with me. We had a lovely aunt/niece afternoon starting with lunch at the Iron Hill Brewery in Media (right down the street from the theater). We really enjoy the food there.
By he way, their menu weights 2 1/2 lbs..the waitress told us that because I remarked that it was heavy. She agreed and said that some of the staff had weighed it one day..very funny.  Lunch was topped off with one of our favorite desserts, Warm Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cake served with Vanilla Ice Cream.  After we devoured the cake we were off to the show.

The Media Theater is County Delaware's only professional theater.  It's a charming place built in 1927 as a vaudeville house.  The musical was outstanding and the cast had a lot of chemistry.  We especially enjoyed the Von Trapp children.  Can you name them? If you would like your hearts to be blessed with the sound of music why not see it too.  There's nothing quite like a live show. The play runs through this Sunday, January 15th.

That's my log entry for today.  More adventures to follow...stay tuned.

Driving Miss Molly

Kate's Log ~ StarDate ~ January 6, 2012

My niece, Molly, just turned 18 (Happy Birthday Molly)..she's a great kid, to me she's still a kid, and a freshman at the University of Delaware (Go Blue Hens).  She is currently learning the ins and outs of driving.  My sister, the KnitOne, PearlOnion blogger, has been teaching her but the time that she can devote to the lessons is limited.  Since I have some time on my hands, Molly suggested (or so she says but I think that it was my idea) that I take her out for some spins.  I purchased "The Irishmobile" (my Kiwi Green Ford Escape) which means that other people can drive it now. When it was a company car, only a spouse or another insured employee could drive it....Molly was on for a new driving experience.

After my first tasks of the day, taking my weekly shower and a doctor's appointment (nothing serious, just routine) were done,  I headed out to County Delaware to start my new assignment (yes I chose to accept it) which was Driving Miss Daisy Molly.


When I arrived in Swarthmore, Molly was ready for me.  We jumped; actually Molly jumped I kind of lumbered, into the car and started out on our adventure.  We drove around Swarthmore, Wallingford, Morton, Springfield and all points east and west.  She also practiced parallel parking which is always a challenge (she needs more work on that) but all in all, she did extremely well.  I will probably be giving her a couple of more lessons (as will her Mom and Dad) and she'll then be ready for the test.  Her goal is to have her driver's license before returning to Delaware in February.

We also made a stop at Macy's.  I had decided that my last big splurge until my hiatus is over was to buy a Keurig.  I had a coupon from Macy's for being a loyal customer and that was the logical place to make the purchase.  I am now the owner of a Keurig.  Looking forward to trying it out tomorrow.  If anyone knows where to purchase K-cups inexpensively, locally or via the internet, please post a comment here.

My sister was on vacation this week and no get-together with the "family girls" is ever complete without having lunch or dinner out.   Bertucci's (or Bartucci's as Molly would say when she was a wee lass) was our place of choice today. Lunch was yummy.

On a sad note, many Catholic school closings were announced today by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.  We realize that this is what needs to be done to keep the Philadelphia Catholic school system viable and healthy but it is a very sad day in Philadelphia.  I feel fortunate that my grade school, St. Francis Xavier and my high school, John W. Hallahan HS for Girls were not targeted but my heart goes out to all of those, past and present, who are affected.  

Note:  Going forward, any text in italics has a link connected to it via the tab "As You LINK It" on the home page.  That way, you can check out people, places and things that I reference in the posts.

That's my log entry for today.  More adventures to follow...stay tuned.

The "Right" People

Kate's Log ~ StarDate - January 4, 2012 (I am not a huge Star Trek fan but thought that this would be a fun way to track my updates).

Yesterday I went to Right Management...it's a company that helps folks ready themselves to go back into the job market.  It was an odd experience but in a good way... if that makes sense.   Thinking about needing to do this after all of these years made me feel a little unsettled but Dyan, my career consultant at Right, made it a little less scary.  She was extremely professional and offered a lot of insight.  It helps to get someone else's perspective on a situation especially someone who can be totally objective.  I also met Nicole, who is in the same boat as me.. gee I'm not the only one?!!!  I look forward to working with Dyan but, hopefully not for too long, and staying in touch with Nicole to see where her journey takes her. 

I also had lunch with some of my previous work buddies.  It was fun to see them again and spend some time chatting and laughing. It was bittersweet but I am thankful that I crossed paths with each and every one of them and look forward to continuing our friendships for many years.

I had dinner with old friend, Allison (she's actually not old but we have known each other for a a long time). About a year and a half ago, she moved into a new place in Fishtown called Memphis Flats.  I did some research and the condos were actually a baseball factory and then a tire facility before being renovated. Allison has a design background and all that I can say about her space is... absolutely beautiful.  I also got to see her two children, Smoky and Big Red...very sweet kitties.  In case you were wondering how Fishtown got it's name, it is most likely due to the fact that for generations it was the center of the great shad fisheries of the Delaware River estuary.  Let them eat fish.

Allison and I had dinner at the Silk City Diner which is located between 4th and 5th on Spring Garden Street in Philadelphia.  It's an old style diner car and was built in 1952 by the Paterson Dining Card Company of Paterson, NJ.  At the time, Paterson had a thriving silk manufacturing industry as well and was nicknamed "Silk City" and since the diner car was also built in Paterson it was dubbed "Silk City Diner" (www.silkcityphilly.com).  The food was yummy and the company was the best.


That's my log entry for today.  More adventures to follow...stay tuned.