Take those records off the shelf...

My son, Zachary wants to go to college for music / audio recording.  I didn't realize how much is actually involved in this field. He will be studying how to record audio in a studio and add it to a product - such as a commercial, video game, movies, etc.  Zachary spends most of his waking hours on his computer, digitally recording all types of music and sounds.  He has microphones, drums, keyboards and other pieces of equipment I have no idea what they are or what they do.

Today Zachary asked me if I had 'old' music he could listen to.  I disregarded the 'old' part and dug out my 45's from my teenage years.  Every weekend my sisters and I would walk to a local store called 'Downtown Records and Tapes'.  I looked forward to buying a new 45 each weekend.  I kept my 45's in this metal box.

Before you snicker… the Trojans were the mascot at my high school.

~

After dusting off the covers, Zach and I tried playing a few records.  I had to show Zachary the settings of the record player.  He laughed when I sped up the 45's on the higher speed.  Most of them skipped and scratched.  Zach's face was priceless when he heard the hideous sound music coming from the record player.  It was cute watching him try to lift the needle up and put it back on the arm rest.  My gosh, the record player must look like an antique to him!

Check out the 80's hair-do.  

Egads, I wanted to dress like her too!

The Boss!  Who didn't love Bruce Springsteen.

I liked MJ before all his crazy life-style nonsense occured.

I bought this one because I loved the Top Gun movie.

Tom Cruise was delicious!

This song by Survivor was a popular in Philly because the Rocky movies were made right here, in the city of brotherly love.

Anyone know this guy?

Jack Wagner

He played Frisco on General Hospital.

He was a heart throb to my teenage heart!

Horrible singer, though.

What was I thinking when I bought this?

Music sure has evolved since I was a teenager.  Some of it good, some of it not so good. But I'm sure my parent said that about my music too!

   

Silver Thread Falls

One of the waterfalls Todd and I went to see looked more like a long white thread dangling over the grey rocks.  Hence the properly named Silver Thread Falls.

One can't help but notice the cool breeze and mist coming from this beautiful sight.  There is a bench that we sat on to enjoy the view.

Thanks for taking a peak into my city.  

Check out the neighbors at Unknown Mami.

Oh YES I did!

Todd and I took a day trip to the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania.  We went to find a few different waterfalls. It's not the typical vacation, and I decided to make the most of the trip!!

I went skinny dipping in one of the waterfall pools!!!

OH YES I DID! 

I was hot and the water looked so inviting.  Being as adventurous and impulsive and I am, I said to my husband "I should go skinny dipping."

He dared me to get in.

He knows me well and knows I can't resist a dare!

I dared him to get in with me.  However, he isn't as adventurous and *ahem* settled for taking my picture.  Sorry folks, I cannot show you all the pictures.  Hubby said he copyrighted those photos.

At first the water took my breath away and I thought I was having heart failure.  

After I got used to the cold, it felt wonderfully refreshing!  

I was giddy with delight that I was doing something this fun.

Here's me in the background with my clothes on.  ;-)

Summer Break

I have been enjoying the summer with my family. I am loving summer with the family.  I am cherishing my moments with my boys.  They have grown up so quickly. There are days I mourn when they were small toddlers holding my hand and I was the center of their world.

• Ahren just turned 23, no longer living at home.  I treasure every moment I can spend with him.
• Zachary is going to be a senior this fall and we have been checking out colleges with him.  He wants to get into audio production. We recently went to an open house at The Art Institute of Philadelphia.  He also has his learners permit.  Surprisingly I am still alive! LOL
• Brandon is a typical 15 year old who wants his own social life. Which would be fine, except we have to drive him to and from.

We have already taken a few day trips around the Philadelphia area.  This weekend we are headed to West Virginia.  In August we are taking a weeks vacation in Ocean City, NJ.

I will post my adventures when I can!

xoxo

Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, PA was an American Prison from 1829 until 1971. When it was created the focus was on reforming prisoners instead of punishing them.  The structure is in the shape of a wagon wheel and became a model for over 300 prisons.

Notorious criminals such as Willie Sutton and Al Capone were held here.

Today the historic site is a museum.

During the october season "Terror Behind The Walls" is a halloween attraction.

It began in 1991 in order to raise funds to refurbish the prison.

Toilets were flushed twice a week by the guards.

Hospital Wing.

The green symbol is a "keystone". Pennsylvania is called the "keystone" state.

A keystone is the main stone above an arched doorway.

Prison Yard. The poles were from a basketball net.

The tower was added during more modern times. If you notice, the higher portion of the wall is different than the bottom. The high wall was added after prisoners tried escaping.

Women stayed in the prison too. Eventually they built a separate prison for women.

Each cell was labeled. Cell block 7, cell 29.

Look closely. The stained glass is made of tortured souls.

A greenhouse was on the premise.

The prisoners never left for anything. The prison even had it's own barber.

Below is the cell Al Capone stayed in for one year.

It was called "the penthouse".

Thanks for taking a view of my city.  Check out other views at Unknown Mami.

Frog Talk

There is finally a break of the ungodly heat. I am enjoying the outdoors today. As I sit on my patio near our pond I listen to the frogs croaking at each other.

** I can't help but wonder what the frogs are saying to each other? **

The show-off, egotistical male frog who blows up his belly before sending a loud croak says "Hey baby, How u doin'?"

As if the female frogs are in awe of his bright yellow gut???
Seriously??

There are the female frogs who croak non-stop. Just like chatty, gossiping old biddies.
"Can you believe the belly on that guy?!"

Don't forget the tadpoles, who are like teenagers swimming in a pool all day, not having a care in the world.  As they jump into the pond I can almost hear them shouting

"CANNONBALL"!