Snippets of the weekend 1.2.2023

Friday I was up, showered, and out early to return shit to Kohl's, pick up a few groceries and some fresh flowers to end the year on a pretty note, and back home. I painted my nails quick & sloppy (OPI Verde Nice to Meet You and Zoya Charli). We picked up lunch and visited MFD's Gram who turned 94 Christmas week. Home to have a lie down before heading to Stephen & Aubrey's. 

We met up with Chris & Diana, Stephen's work friends, and Mike at Tired Hands then proceeded across the street to Ardmore Music Hall for the Stop Making Sense show, a Talking Heads cover band. The production was really good and they played long so I was super happy to have done the afternoon lie down LOL. MFD popped in at Uptown and we got home after 1.

Saturday NYE I did some purging and organizing, changed sheets, did a face mask, ran to Marshalls, finished a book and started another, and at night we did appetizers - roasted asparagus wrapped in prosciutto, pigs in a blanket, mac & cheese balls. Dessert was angel food cake with lemon curd and mixed berries. We burned a bayberry candle and others down to the nubs and called it a year. I trusted the year would flip at midnight without me watching and I definitely did not make it until 10 pm

Sunday NYD MFD was gone to mummery early. I did laundry, made pork, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes and ate none of it. 

My brother picked me up and took me to my other brother's house where we did eat that meal. The pork was outstanding. We walked over to see MFD and Uptown come back from the parade and hung out until about 10:30. Follow Evan Leslie Images on FB for more photos of Uptown in costume and of course if you are looking for a photographer for life's big and small moments or for any corporate/product needs.

Monday was a lazy day in observation of the new year and devoted entirely to eating leftovers and watching season two of Succession.

weekending reels on Instagram 

Back to work after 10 days off is what we're doing today aside from wishing my BFF Laura a fantastic birthday.

Mummers Day 2023

Happy New Year! Or Mummer's Day in Philadelphia. 

What's a Mummer?
http://www.pennlive.com/life/2016/12/mummers_philadelphia_what_is.html

https://www.pennlive.com/life/2019/12/what-is-a-mummer-history-meaning-and-more-behind-the-new-years-day-philadelphia-parade.html

What type of Mummer is MFD? 
For those who missed it last year, MFD is back with his first/family band, Uptown String Band (formerly Harrowgate) that he joined in 1989, which is now conveniently located directly across the street from my brother & Aubrey's house so I'll be heading over for the after party from there. Uptown is fifth out of 14 string bands. Their theme is Safari So Good and MFD will be looking like a zebra. This pic is from Evan - who needs a photographer? Evan Leslie Images is it

Stringband themes and order of march: Stringbands usually start around 12:30 or 1 on TV.

Uptown is supposed to be on TV around 2:10  so start checking in around 2 to see where they are schedule-wise if you specifically want to see them or a little earlier if you want to catch all the string bands - it's quite a production with the music and the costumes and props; and a time honored tradition to put a good show out on the street on New Year's Day. REMEMBER TIMES ARE APPROXIMATE, PARADE SOMETIMES RUNS BEHIND. 

This parade is MFD's 33nd parade (no parade in 2021). I hope everyone has fun, stays healthy, and no one is an asshole. Cheers to our friends in other bands!

For a guide of the 2023 parade, visit  
MrMummer guide

https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/events/the-mummers-parade/

The parade is NOT on Channel 17 this year like it's been for the past 30 years. Here's how to watch:

TV: MeTV - Philadelphia Area

Comcast/Xfinity: 2 | 802

Verizon FiOS: 2 | 502

I have a Roku smart TV so I added the MeTV channel (69) and am watching it live

WFMZ live stream

Uptown Captain Stephen Caldwell explaining how to watch in video

Coverage begins at 9 am. String Bands are on a lot later. Uptown should be on just after 2. 

Cheers! Happy New Year!

TWTW - the one with the New Year

Friday I was wreath hunting and exchanging slippers early after painting my nails. At night I lit the bayberry candles for luck and made tater tot cups. Carol made mini crab cakes and we had delicious desserts. I finished a book literally at midnight and was asleep by 1. 

Saturday Happy New Year! The Mummers parade was postponed which doesn't happen often and feels really weird. I returned something to Marshalls and we picked up something from Sam Ash for MFD, then it was old school punch and pork and sauerkraut time. My pork was dry and I was not pleased. I always fuck up when I don't follow my nose. It smelled done 15 minutes earlier than I took it out of the oven. At night I made ziti for Sunday with help from MFD and Carol, and we nearly got divorced over couches that did not fit down the basement stairs. El Fin.

Sunday I was woken up at 7 am by someone telling me my new couches would be there within 15 minutes. Over two months earlier than they were supposed to arrive period. Okay then, screw that 8-12 window. So yes, there are four couches in the living room, a Mummers parade, and snow coming so there will be four couches in the living room for a few days. I picked up rock salt and filled my car with gas, changed sheets, and did four loads of laundry while MFD was off mumming. 

I watched the parade - loved less props this year - then I ran over to see MFD with my brother & nephew, and MFD's sister and nephew stopped in too. I said hello to a few people then took off for the shore to secure everything since snow was expected overnight, and it is delivering.  

Happy happy birthday to my BFF Laura today!

If this is the first time we're catching up this year, Happy New Year! 

Mummers Day 2022

Happy New Year! Or Mummer's Day in Philadelphia. I did not expect to be sharing this post this year for multiple reasons but here we are so happy happy everything! 

In Philadelphia, the Mummers are back this year despite coronavirus kicking it overtime BUT since the weather did not hold, the parade is rescheduled from Saturday, 1/1 to Sunday, 1/2. I'm hoping everyone stays healthy. I'll be watching on TV this year. If you are sick, please stay home. 

What's a Mummer?
http://www.pennlive.com/life/2016/12/mummers_philadelphia_what_is.html

https://www.pennlive.com/life/2019/12/what-is-a-mummer-history-meaning-and-more-behind-the-new-years-day-philadelphia-parade.html

What type of Mummer is MFD? 
Changing it up this year (after I thought we were finally done) - MFD is back with his first/family band, Uptown String Band (formerly Harrowgate) that he joined in 1989, which is now conveniently located directly across the street from my brother & Aubrey's house. The former clubhouse is directly across the street from MFD’s brother & Sarah’s house. Funny, right? The String Bands are the last division to perform and Uptown goes up third out of 14 string bands. Their theme is Better Maize Ahead.

They are supposed to be on TV around 1:20 but the parade is typically running behind (live stream link below), so start checking in around 1:15 to see where they are schedule-wise if you specifically want to see them or a little earlier if you want to catch all the string bands - it's quite a production with the music and the costumes and props; and a time honored tradition to put a good show out on the street on New Year's Day. REMEMBER TIMES ARE APPROXIMATE, PARADE SOMETIMES RUNS BEHIND. 

This parade is MFD's 32nd parade (no parade in 2021). I hope everyone has fun, stays healthy, and no one is an asshole. This is what he’s in today:

For a guide of the 2022 parade, visit  
PHL 17 parade brochure

https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/events/the-mummers-parade/

To stream live - you cannot use Internet Explorer as your browser:

https://phl17.com/on-air/live-streaming/
https://phl17.com/mummers/live-2022-mummers-parade-stream-on-phl17/

Coverage begins at 9 am. String Bands are on a lot later.

The parade will also be live on PHL17's facebook page.

To catch some shots on Instagram:
Philly Mummers String Band Association (@phillymummerssba)

As always, I will post a pic of MFD so you know what type of costume to look for if you watch the live stream and he might be posting too (@lifeaccordingtosteph & @mikedoylesellshouses on Instagram).

Cheers! Happy New Year!

Thursday Thoughts - deep way down in your heart you're burning, yearning for some-somebody to tell you that life ain't passing you by

Closing the door on 2019 with a new front door color - Modern Masters Tranquil. I loved the yellow but it was time for a change. I painted it on NYE and I'm pleased with it. I'll be more pleased after we put the new entry floor down this weekend.

Progressing in the basement as well before we closed the year out - a pipe was rerouted and new floor put down in the back room on 12/31. I need to finalize the paint color and MFD needs to prime and paint and then we'll be done for now down there. The entire rest of the basement needs attention on floors, ceilings, and walls, but it's fine for now.

Starting the new year with much less STUFF in the house since we did so much down in the basement to purge and donate and organize what remains. It feels so much lighter and so much better in my head. Still more to do and I need to get rid of some photo albums and box those photos but it's still a great start.

Mummering yesterday. Well, walking in basically a 10 block area up and down visiting while other people mummered but you know. Congrats to our friends in South Philly on first prize! I haven't seen it, but there were apparently two wench brigade members in blackface. The Mummers need to have a zero tolerance policy on blackface, period. Excuses or "two out of how many" are just defending racism. Stop doing it.

Eating leftovers. Our traditional New Year's Day meal is roasted pork on a bed of sauerkraut, mashed potatoes chock full of butter and heavy cream, and corn.

Buying nothing aside from necessities in January and February. I will reevaluate in March. No spend is on. Anyone else doing this? One, I don't need a damn thing and two, I don't need a damn thing. The only non-necessities on the list are a physical book a friend from school published.

Revisiting the 80s classics. Vincent has not seen many of them and he's been over so so far we've watched Dirty Dancing and Footloose, so of course the lyrics after Thursday Thoughts are Footloose by Kenny Loggins.

Loving the Wednesday new year. It's like a series of mini weekends. Two days of this week left counting today and that is totally doable.

Reading my first book of 2020, Forgotten Secrets by Robin Perini. I finished my last book of 2019 like 10 minutes before midnight. It was an Avery Black Mystery. I'm waiting for a shitload of books to come in from the library which means they'll all come at once.

Setting my Goodreads challenge where I've been setting it - 100. I like knowing how many books I've read in a year, but if I don't hit that arbitrary # that's okay and if I exceed it that's okay too. Reading is what I like to do in my spare time, not something to push myself on or be down on myself about because of some arbitrary number. I wish it was called like Goodreads Book Tracker or something because something about challenge makes people weird about it. They're books, everyone. Enjoy them. Also, it doesn't matter how many books anyone else has read. The amount you read and the speed at which you read is fine.

Painting my nails any way I please. This is OPI Made it to the Seventh Hill, OPI Red, and Essie No Place Like Chrome.

Digging the Women's March 2020 top three goals

Reminding all

Laughing at this because I don't pretend to like people. Civility and liking is different. I don't like everyone and everyone doesn't like me and we're all going to be fine.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Linking up with Kristen

Mummers Day 2020

Happy New Year! In Philadelphia, well at least in this house and many houses we know, January 1 is more Mummers Day than New Year's Day.

What's a Mummer?
http://www.pennlive.com/life/2016/12/mummers_philadelphia_what_is.html

https://www.pennlive.com/life/2019/12/what-is-a-mummer-history-meaning-and-more-behind-the-new-years-day-philadelphia-parade.html

What type of Mummer is MFD? 
He's in The Joseph A. Ferko String Band. The String Bands are the last division to perform and Ferko goes up 7th out of 16 string bands. Their theme is Mums of Liberty.

They are supposed to be on TV around 2 but the parade is typically running behind (live stream link below), so start checking in a little before 2 to see where they are schedule-wise if you specifically want to see them or a little earlier if you want to catch all the string bands - it's quite a production with the music and the costumes and props; and a time honored tradition to put a good show out on the street on New Year's Day. REMEMBER TIMES ARE APPROXIMATE, PARADE RUNS BEHIND.

Today is MFD's 31st parade. Best of luck to him & Ferko and all of our framily in other bands.

For a guide of the 2019 parade, visit  
PHL 17 parade brochure

https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/events/the-mummers-parade/

https://www.pennlive.com/life/2019/12/philadelphia-mummers-parade-2020-schedule-route-and-more.html

https://www.inquirer.com/things-to-do/where-to-watch-mummers-parade-philadelphia-guide-new-years-day-2020-20191226.html

To stream live - you cannot use Internet Explorer as your browser:
http://phl17.com/live/

Coverage begins at 9 am. Stringbands are on a lot later.

The parade will also be live on PHL17's facebook page.

To catch some shots on Instagram:
Philly Mummers String Band Association (@phillymummerssba)

As always, I will post a pic of MFD so you know what type of costume to look for if you watch the live stream and he might be posting too (@lifeaccordingtosteph & @themikedoylegroup on Instagram).

Cheers! Happy New Year!

Thursday Thoughts - kiki, do you love me?

Sharing New Year's Day pics. Debbie and I had fun as always.

Wishing peace for the families and friends of the South Philly String Band members and their partners who died or were injured in a tragic New Year's Day accident. I can't imagine how they feel, as a person removed from it I was ill all day yesterday just thinking about it. I’m sad that our mutual friends are hurting, young lives were cut short, and families are left missing them forever. Your whole life can change in an instant. 

Speaking of your whole life can change in an instant...I'm hoping the murderer of seven year old Jazmine Barnes is caught, soon. If you are in Houston and surrounding areas, please share info and be on the lookout. Senseless acts of racist hatred must not go unmentioned. It's 2019. This has to stop. White people need to make it stop. Follow Shaun King for updates and action items. 

Sending Laura all the happy birthday wishes today. Love you forever!

Booking shore weeks for the summer. I have five weeks booked, six weeks + Memorial Day weekend available.

Buying nothing. Consume less, be more, and all that. I am in the market for one side table for the living room - I have attempted to put every other table in my house there and none are working - and a bathroom vanity for the shore and will be trolling thrift stores for those. A coat rack and ottoman for the living room arrive this weekend. Otherwise things will be considered as other things run out (I'll be evaluating what I use instead of just blindly repurchasing what might not be a necessity) or as needed and let me say aloud in public right now I don't need anything.

Spending nothing. Consume less, be more, and all that.

Focusing on getting my house in order over the next few months: purging to trash/sell/donate, organizing, lightening the physical load around the place, getting hygge with it. This was my plan last year too then a campaign came into the picture and all plans disappeared.

Hibernating...that's basically what the three points above add up to, right?

Thinking, when I do buy something, where I’m buying it from and who profits.

Fucking pumped for this House swearing in today. The most diverse House ever, and more to come in the future. Nancy, you need to deliver.

Enjoying my rearranged and brighter living room. The dogs are too.

Going to the Women's March in DC again this year. Last year I stuck to Philly. I'll be seeing Mimi who I haven't seen since the DC March in 2017 and Gena for the first time since my freaking wedding in 2010 and Gwen it's been like five years I think? Debbie and Melissa are coming too and it should be a productive Girls' Weekend with some of the people I love most on earth. Everything was planned and paid for and plane tickets booked early so our displeasure with anti-semitism from leaders will be on our signs and I've written to the March leaders. If you don't want to show up there, please continue showing up somewhere. Recognize that no movement or organization or candidate is going to be perfect. Don't let that stop you from showing up. Work to change things from the inside if you can. Do. Participate. Women need to step up, speak out, give each other space and grace but do what we can to work together because absolutely nothing is changing without us. We are the reasons the patriarchy still stands, we are the reason white supremacy still exists - we protect both systems, sometimes without even knowing it.

Listening to In My Feelings by Drake , well not actually listening as I’ve never heard the song all the way through. But I’m listening to it in my head and singing that one line out loud because I can’t get it out of my ear. My three year old niece sings it and it's a riot. I thought Debbie was going to tackle me to the ground numerous times over the weekend because I said kiki, do you love me out loud 76578866 times.

Reading:  Golden Child by Claire Adam courtesy of Netgalley. I'm hoping to walk over to the library today to pick up some books on hold. Show Us Your Books is Tuesday.

Reminding the world that what it feels like is more important than what it looks like.  

E-carding: I kid. I'm actually looking forward to being quiet this month, doing less, and recharging.

What's new with you?

Linking up with Kristen