Despite the Septa strike, I’m loving Philly these days. Last night I hit First Friday with some friends. The sidewalks were thick with people wandering, moving in and out of the galleries and shops. Rows of artists laid their work out on blankets and tables set up on the sidewalk, and an acapella singing group drew crowds on 2nd street.

Today I had the opportunity to drive out to Mount Airy. Fall is in full bloom just outside Center City and it it really stunning. As I took the curves of Lincoln Drive, I took a moment to feel grateful for living so close to so much beauty.

Tonight I walked out of my building and headed for Bistro La Baia (17th and Lombard) to meet my cousins for dinner. The evening air was so mild that I didn’t take a coat, just a long blue scarf tucking into my bag. Passing through Rittenhouse Square, I paused to watch the toddlers running around the pool of the fountain, drained of water for the winter.

I stopped into Barnes and Noble after I parted ways with my cousins (they were off to the opera) and bought “The Giant Book of Sudoku” (to feed my latest fixation).

It’s a good city that offers so much delightful stuff.

Related posts:

1. One, Two, Three, Four, Five…
2. Leaping Lizards
3. White nectarines and farmers market love
4. Fitler Square Fair
5. Lights out in Rittenhouse Square