Grounds for Sculpture

I've lived in this area my whole life, and I've taken NJ Transit to NYC from the Hamilton Station many times, seeing the giant sculptures on the way in and vowing to visit their home, Grounds for Sculpture. And I never did in all of these years, until Debbie and I went this past Saturday.

It was awesome. I am not one to wander museums and mull over paintings and I truly loved our time here. Given that I loved The Clay Studio in Philly too, I think I'm a little more for the 3D.

On Saturday we got there around 10:15 in the morning, lingered over lunch on the grounds, and were still on our way home by 2:15. We both said we'd go back and just hang out on the grounds on a nicer day. There are two cafes and a restaurant for sustenance.

We started inside in the gallery attached to the Welcome Center. There were three buildings open, but most of our time was spent outside.

Inside was nice and all, but my favorite was outside. The grounds themselves are like something out of a storybook.

My favorite were the huge sculptures.

But I liked the smaller ones too.

I think what I liked best was tromping around outside just happening upon things. It felt a lot like being in a Choose Your Own Adventure book.

Lunch at Rat's Restaurant on the grounds was very good and relaxing, as was the walk up to it. It's accessible whether you're visiting the Grounds or not. If you go, make a reservation.

Admission was $10 per adult - I bought tickets online before. They're timed entry. They're open Tuesday through Sunday (special opening this Monday for President's Day) from 10-6.

If you're close, go! It was great to be outside walking around, we got our workout in for the day. Debbie even more so as she had to run back to retrieve her purse from the cafe, which we laughed about for an eternity. Perfect place to visit with a friend, a spouse, hell, the whole family.

Have a great weekend! Hey, it's going to be 60 in the Philly area...perfect weather to visit Grounds for Sculpture.

TWTW-Last one of the birthday month

Last week was a busy one and I slacked off on my hausfrauing. I typically do a few tasks each weeknight so I don't have to clean on weekends, but this was a special case. Friday night I set the house to rights - two loads of laundry put away, two more done, fridge emptied and cleaned, dishwasher run and put away, kitchen cleaned and mopped, two bathrooms cleaned, house picked up, scarves/winter gear/pajamas purged, and car loaded up with crap to be donated. I didn't sit down all night and I was okay with that. I hate going into a weekend with the house in disarray.

Gus says, "We'll keep these scarves, mother. The rest of the shit can go."

Saturday morning I was out like a shout - filled the car up with gas, dropped books at the library, hit the gym for my 40, back home to shower and then back out to drop stuff off at Goodwill and get a treat yo'self pedicure (OPI Cha-Ching Cherry). I picked up veggies while my toes were drying. I know there are others of you out there who parade around with your feet like that after a pedicure. Raise your hands and show yourselves.

The afternoon found me at All Fired Up in Collingswood, NJ, to meet up with my friends Marla of Luck Fupus and Brie of A Breezy Life for some ceramics painting and dinner. I painted a coffee mug (are you surprised?) and required assistance from Brie after I fucked it up. Marla also needed her artsy influence so out of the three of us Brie is the painting queen. They treated me to Tortilla Press and got me a cute bag of gifts to boot. I'm lucky to call The Sisters Wexler friends. See you next month ladies!

Comcast got Das Boot Saturday night. More on that tomorrow.

Sunday morning I figured out how to stream YouTube and did my weights workout through the TV...behind the times, I know. After that french press coffee was on the agenda, as was lounging with the dogs.

Weekly food prep: scrambled eggs with sautéed mushrooms and spinach, green onions, and Havarti dill cheese for breakfasts; baby carrots and Granny Smith apples for snacks; and salads for lunch - I make them the night before so only one made Sunday. Dinners: baked burgers with spinach and goat cheese over a bed of lettuce, mashed sweet potatoes, mashed cauliflower, steamed veggies, and oven baked ribs (this pic is pre-baking, click here to see them out of the oven). 

Other weekend things:

-I finished the second season of The Fall. Jamie Dornan and Gillian Flynn are excellent. If you haven't watched this show, check it out!
-MFD is super busy work-wise, which is awesome for many reasons. I don't see him much, and when I do he's on the phone. LOL. No complaints though because I love my alone time. If you're looking to buy or sell in PA or NJ, get in touch with him!

Today is going to be a good day - when I left work on Friday everything got filed and I dealt with everything in my email inbox so I'm starting fresh this morning, Comcast cable boxes are being returned (more on that tomorrow), and tonight I have a 50 minute massage and a peppermint scalp massage. Monday, you'll do. You'll do.

Linking up with Biana at B Loved Boston for Weekending