DELAWARE EVENTS Let Freedom Ring Ceremony-This annual July 4 event will take place this year at the New Castle Presbyterian Church, 25 E. 2nd St., New Castle.  Each year over 100,000 Americans participate all over the country. The guest speaker will be Syl Woodford, who will speak on Black Loyalists and Patriots of the American Revolution. . Everyone is requested to be in the church by 1:25 p.m.  18th C. garb is encouraged, and patriotic music will reign. Church bells will ring at 2 p.m. and then 13 children, (last year's photo) representing the 13 colonies will ring a smaller bell donated by the Courthouse Museum. For more information email Kim Burdick. Thursday, July 4, 2019 from 2-7 p.m. come to the  Tubman Garret Riverfront Park for the City of Wilmington’s 4th of July Celebration. ... 06/30/2019

 Looking out of my kitchen window this morning, I was pleased to see my new Vivienne Clematis has bloomed. I love the large purple flowers, especially since my other Clematis turned out to have tiny purple blooms.   My hot red/orange poppies needed some brassy neighbors, and I think Vivienne is going to give them a run for their money.  Not that the bluestars don't think they are the most glorious flowers in the garden! They keep spreading their wings  and crowding out other plants every year, probably looking for global domination. 05/21/2019

DELAWARE EVENTS  The Antiques Market at Silver Hill in historic Milford on Saturday, May 4 from 9 am to 3 pm on the lawn of the Parson Thorne Mansion 501 NW Front St.  Dealers from Delaware and Maryland are selling antiques, vintage and collectibles!  The Milford Garden Club will hold their annual plant sale at the May market. For more information: email parsonthorne@gmail.com.  Admission is $1 for adults and includes a guided tour of the Parson Thorne Mansion. The 86th Annual Dover Days Festival, one of Delaware’s largest and longest-running free events, is Saturday, May 4 from 9:30-3 p.m.  This is easily the biggest parade in Kent County, with Delaware’s Governor serving as Grand Marshal. Included are traditional maypole dancing, games, a moon bounce village, craft and food vendors, m... 04/29/2019

Today was the 15th annual sheep shearing day and herb sale at historic Greenbank Mills and Phillips Farm in Wilmington, Delaware.  I had not been to the Mill in many years, and was anxious to meet the sheep and the people who volunteer to staff the complex.  The first mill at Greenbank was reportedly called the Swede’s Mill dating from 1677. Not much is known of this mill except a vague description and undeciphered archaeological remains. In the 1760’s, the present gristmill was built as a merchant mill to export flour. According to local legend, George Washington posted a guard at the mill when American troops took up positions along the Red Clay Creek after the Battle of Cooches Bridge.. Surviving the centuries, the mill suffered a devastating fire in 1969, then Hurricane Floyd wreake... 04/27/2019

  It's been about 4 years since I planted my Flowering Quince ("Double Take Orange Storm") and a Spirea bush in the back of my yard. Every year I inspect it after the Spirea (photo) next to it blooms. I had loved the combination of 2 plants in Winterthur's Sundial Garden, and hoped to get a similar effect.   The Spirea was quick to bloom after the first year, but the Quince only had tiny blooms before. But, voila! This year the Quince has flowers large enough to see from the top of the hill. This variety does not have any noticeable fruits or thorns, it just wants to be admired for its colorful blossoms. They grow in zones 5 to 9, and Delaware is in zone 7. The blooms are supposed to appear before the leaves, but this does not seem to apply to my variety.So I am very happy to see this t... 04/18/2019

DELAWARE EVENTS At 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 4,   “The Constitutional Convention and Ratification” will be the subject of New Castle Court House Museum historical interpreter Nicole Worthley. She will explore the debates, compromises and writing of the U.S. Constitution during the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787. Complimentary coffee and cookies provided. Part one of a series of lectures on the U. S. Constitution at the State House,  25 The Green, Dover.  302-744-5054. Thursday–Sunday, April 5–14, 2019 you can join the Lewes Tulip Celebration. Series of activities at downtown Lewes locations including the Zwaanendael Museum, located at 102 Kings Highway, where tulip arrangements by the Sussex Gardeners and tours will be offered. Sponsored by the Lewes Chamber of Com... 03/31/2019

 Thank goodness for the Balkans and China for propagating my favorite late winter-early spring flowering plants, the Hellebores.   Some people call them winter roses, Christmas Roses, or Lenten Roses, but they are not members of the rose family. I can't remember exactly when I first saw them, but I'm sure it was after I moved to the Mid-Atlantic area from Chicago many years ago.  You can usually tell how mild winter has been by how soon they bloom. Since the Hellebores in my garden are just putting on their show in March and not in January, that may explain why I am especially glad to see them finally strut their stuff.  The particular grouping pictured must really like their location, since they have been self-seeding for many years now in their shady location under a large yew bush.  ... 03/27/2019

PENNSYLVANIA EVENTS The Federal Presence in Philadelphia. The Athenaeum will host an exhibition of sketches, watercolors, prints, architectural drawings and photographs that document two hundred years of Philadelphia buildings that were commissioned by the Federal Government as well as those that housed federal offices. From Independence Square to custom houses, post offices and military installations, this show will reveal the surprising and lasting architectural imprint the Federal Government has made on the City of Brotherly Love.  Exhibition Dates: January 28-April 26, 2019. Free Admission. 216 S. 6th St., Philadelphia. The Paoli Battlefield Preservation Fund will present "George Washington: First Entrepreneur: How George Washington Built His – and the Nation’s – Prosperity" with Ed... 01/31/2019

The great snowstorm is supposed to be heading our way, so I headed to that place with all the needed supplies. If you are thinking grocery store, you are wrong. I usually have a plentiful supply of food in the house, with all the leftovers I freeze, and my extra stash of canned goods.  THE LIBRARY is where I head to stock up on BOOKS!Our county government decided back when the real estate market was high and they were making lots of money on transfer taxes that they would build us a big new library on a plot of land near my house. There already was an historic house on the land (the house still sits there neglected), so they built a dog park, basketball court, and soccer fields, plus a library whose web site tells us (and the old, tiny library was our go-to place when my kids were growi... 01/12/2019

Yuletide at Winterthur Museum north of Wilmington, Delaware, opened last week. It is a guided tour and you are grouped with about 10 people (the max for the tiny old elevator). Before entering the exhibit, there is a dollhouse and Christmas tree with needlepoint ornaments, all designed by Nancy McDaniel. I especially liked the grouping of Santas she had made.   There is a little more emphasis on table settings, in keeping with the theme of the Dining by Design exhibit in the galleries. The tables were grand, starting with the duPont dining room table. It was centered with topiaries and each place setting had a group of presents wrapped in colored tissue paper (the printed paper later introduced by Mr. Hallmark came later). As always, the Conservatory centerpiece was a tree decorated by ... 12/03/2018

DELAWARE EVENTSBe up bright and early on Saturday, December 1 and see if you can visit any or all of the events listed, starting at 9 a.m. in Dover for:1. The Biggs Kids:Happy Holidays at the Biggs Museum, 406 Federal St. There will be a holiday shop, crafts, performances from a children's choirs, food, plus Museum collections for fine and decorative arts open to 4:30 p.m.2. Holidays in the New World, 9 a.m. Many different cultures left the Old World for the New, and made their home in early Dover. Learn about the holiday traditions, songs, and pastimes of the different cultures who helped found Dover. Programs begin on the half hour at the John Bell House, 43 The Green. 3. Friends of Old Dover One Day Museum from 10 a.m. Located in the Dover City Hall Lobby. City of Dover City Hall, 15... 11/29/2018

Delaware EventsDemystifying Historic Preservation in Delaware: The facts, myths, and economic benefits of historic preservation will be presented Thursday, October 4, 2018, 9 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Barrett Room on B-Floor of the Duncan Center, 500 Loockerman St Dover, DE 19904.  This  IPA training course focuses on both the economic and cultural benefits of historic resources in cities and will provide tools and insights into how to maximize those resources. This session qualifies for certificate credit in the Academy for Excellence in Local Government Leadership. Instructors: Catherine Morrissey, assistant director, and Michael Emmons, architectural historian, Center for Historic Architecture and Design, University of Delaware. Register now | download workshop flyer | Registration d... 09/30/2018

 National News: More than 1,300 museums will say thanks by opening up their doors for free as a part of Museum Day Live on September 23. It's an annual event to celebrate museums and museum-goers across the country, organized by Smithsonian Magazine. There are museums across the country taking part, from Washington DC and Los Angeles to Hawaii and Alaska. Click for details.  DELAWARE NEWSDelaware’s Chautauqua tent shows, traditionally held in June, have been moved to September during 2018. Entitled “All Aboard: Delaware and the Railroad,” the three-day series of programs will explore the importance of railroads to America’s economy and way of life, and their impact in Delaware. Now in its 20th year, Delaware’s Chautauqua will take place from Sept. 13 to 15, 2018 and will be split betwee... 09/01/2018

      We Had Dinner At Harry's Savoy Grill last weekend and it was a great find ! The staff,atmosphere and delicious food makes this unique place a keeper ! Their steaks are amazing and Prime Rib is one of their specialties ! Add to that Seafood and a well stocked Raw Bar ! Their "sides" are must adds (ie. Kennett Square Mushrooms ) and can serve more than one.They also had a very nice Wine list and Martini specials . Their desert menu made it nearlyimpossible to choose just one ! You don't eat at Harry's Savoy Grill, You Dine ! We are going back real soon ! Follow them on FB.   08/17/2018

Just as the squirrels are starting to hide acorns and dig holes all over my garden, I can feel it in the air--Fall is coming!People are returning home from vacations at the shore and near and far, and they all seem to be thinking, "Hmm, I wonder what I could get for my house?" So like the scurrying squirrel, I am busy with market analyses and home visits to discuss just what it is they need to do to get their home on the market.Meanwhile, it has been raining hard and frequently in my area, and I have not been spending enough time checking on my garden. It seems that the hydrangeas are pumping out enormous flower heads and the sedum are coming into flower. The lambs' ears are forming large colonies.  Excuse enough to gather a seasonal bouquet, wouldn't you say? Reporting from Delaware an... 08/16/2018

I just had to share this newsletter article from The Comprehensive Wealth Management Group in West Chester, Pennsylvania. IT’S CAMPING SEASON! In 1869, the first recreational camping guide, Adventures in Wilderness, was authored by minister William H.H. Murray and became a bestseller. The book’s success may have owed something to a new train route that made the Adirondacks more accessible. Time.com reported his practical guide offered advice on important topics:“For sleeping, he describes how to make ‘a bed of balsam-boughs.’ On what to wear, he suggests bringing a ‘felt hat,’ ‘stout pantaloons,’ and a ‘rubber blanket or coat.’ For warding off woodchucks, ‘a stick, a piece of bark, or tin plate shied in the direction of the noise will scatter them like cats.’ As for wolves, his techniqu... 07/30/2018

Delaware Home Buyer Class June 18 2018Delaware Home Buyer Class Wednesday July 18, 2018 at 6:00 PM in Wilmington, Delaware at Independence Mall at eXp Realty office. The seminar will last about 2 hours and each participate will be able to recieve a free copy of their credit report. The seminar will cover all of the basics of buying a new home in Delaware. The seminar will cover Delaware FHA loans, Delaware VA loans, Delaware USDA Rural Housing Loans, First Time Home Buyer Loan Programs and the Delaware FHA 203k Rehab loans. Each participate will recieve a Credit Scoring Handbook, Homebuying Handbook, and an opputunity to meet with a mortgage planner to be pre-approved to buy a home at the seminar.You will also learn importance of credit in buying a home and learn valueable tips on how t... 07/02/2018

Delaware Home Buyer Class June 27 2018Delaware Home Buyer Class Wednesday June 27, 2018 at 6:00 PM in Wilmington, Delaware at Independence Mall at eXp Realty office. The seminar will last about 2 hours and each participate will be able to recieve a free copy of their credit report. The seminar will cover all of the basics of buying a new home in Delaware. The seminar will cover Delaware FHA loans, Delaware VA loans, Delaware USDA Rural Housing Loans, First Time Home Buyer Loan Programs and the Delaware FHA 203k Rehab loans. Each participate will recieve a Credit Scoring Handbook, Homebuying Handbook, and an opputunity to meet with a mortgage planner to be pre-approved to buy a home at the seminar.You will also learn importance of credit in buying a home and learn valueable tips on how t... 06/19/2018

Nothing like an afternoon walking through the gardens at Winterthur Museum and finding out how little you know about plants.For example--who knew an Osage Orange tree actually had orange looking bark?And take ferns--what is the weird growth at the end of this fern? I have similar ferns in my yard, but none have these nut-like growths. Another thing, I noticed these striking yellow-orange flowers popping up all over the forest floor. Are they Turk's Cap lilies? Sort of look like pictures online. And most importantly, why were all the chipmunks out today? They rarely venture into sight, but they were pretty bold today. Was it a chipmunk holiday? Please don't tell me they were Alvin's family!!! That would really be annoying. At least they didn't sing.   Reporting all the important news fro... 06/13/2018

Wander out of downtown Wilmington, Delaware on Maryland Avenue and you soon find yourself on East Newport Pike heading toward Christiana. Among the interesting shops  is Willow Tree Antiques, tucked into a cozy cottage on the right side of the road.For 21 years, Sandra Messick has been gathering and selling antiques and collectibles at this popular shop. Asked what she considers her specialty, Sandra says, "Furniture."As they say, "A picture is worth a thousand words," so here is a collage of items I recently found at Willow Tree. And Sandra does have a website and Facebook page which she updates with her latest finds, so you can check out what is available. But best of all, stop by this interesting shop and see for yourself! You can also visit The Willow Tree website for more details.T... 06/09/2018