Unfortunately, due to Halloween, changes in personal plans, sicknesses, etc, we had to edit our plans down to just one day. That day turned out to be a rainy and cold mess, but it didn't stop a few of us from having a good old CRAIC!
I showed up at the Philadelphia Art Museum (the one with the famous Rocky steps), with the MacHalo almost concealed, camera charged, umbrella ready and stiletto boots sinking deep into the wet grass! Did I mention I was greeted by about 5,000 people raising funds through a 10K run and festival for brain cancer? I was so thankful for the convenience of cell phones! I quickly found Marianna (lacunagirl812) and we chased down Ben Franklin at the Fairmount Park for a picture.
Kat called next, for some help with directions. Now as a South Jersey girl, it is my duty to mention, that Kat comes from the faraway and strange land called North Jersey and driving in the big City is rather unpleasant for her! (Seriously, if you thought Texas was a "whole 'nother country," you should drive through North Jersey!) Kat was a trooper and funny as can be throughout the 45 minutes it took for her to circle round and round, until we got her parked. Not only did she never lose her patience, I think she might have even flirted with the parking attendant. I know this, because I was still on the phone and she hadn't hung up yet...
You may not know this, but unlike in the movie, the Rocky statue is not actually at the top of the steps. A few years ago, the Art Museum decided pop culture art clashed with the classic treasures housed in the museum, and the statue was placed at the bottom of the steps, off to the side. We made our way both up the steps and to the statue and snapped a few pictures. After that we decided no one else was showing up and it was time for us to get on the double-decker bus for the tour. Well, it was shortly after we got on the bus that the calls and texts from the Maniacs started coming in... I'm sorry if we missed any of you, but we hang around the Museum for over an hour. I think we need a gathering at another time! Happy hour anyone?
Once on the tour bus, we got busy taking pictures, laughing and just being silly. The tour guide was glaring at us, which was later resolved by Kat and, of course, her flirty ways! By the time we got to the Penns landing/NJ-PA border, we were so cold from the wind coming from the Delaware River, we actually sat quietly enough for a moment to hear something about Kevin Bacon's Dad?! At this point I looked over to Kat and Marianna and said "Is anyone else reminded of Stiffler's Mom?" That got us started again, especially because I kept trying to get a picture of Kat, as opposed to her thumb! For some odd reason, this girl does not like pictures of herself - it must be a North Jersey thing! LOL
After a while we decided to pay attention to the tour, so we could remember to get off at the right stop. Guess what? The tour guide was talking about Kevin Bacon's Dad again! I think we need a picture of Kevin Bacon wearing the MacHalo! Start figuring out your 6 degrees of separation people - one of you has to be connected to him, right?!!
Our next stop for pictures were Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Marianna and Kat took turns wearing the MacHalo, while the many tourists gave us a wide berth. I wonder why? Onto the bus for our next stop...
After Laurie (Sassenach888) texted me, we decided to meet her at the famous Love Park. As fresh meat, she and her boyfriend (who is a doll) had the honors of taking turns to model the MacHalo for pictures. I was mostly excited that the fountain behind the sculpture was green (as it is any Sunday our Eagles have a game).
At that point it had gotten so cold, we ditched the last leg of the tour and took a cab back to my car. Since we were all starving, we headed to the famous Tir Na Nog Irish Pub. After a few drinks and some Irish food, we chatted about the usual... men, sex, romance novels, KMM, Drustan and Dageus, abs, Gerry Butler, tattoos, piercings... you get the picture. Laurie's boyfriend was a great sport hanging with four crazy Maniacs.
That day, November 1st, was KMM's birthday and we were not about to forget it! When it came time for dessert, we ordered a sampling of several. We didn't have a candle, so we hid a lighter among the slices and took a picture. I called KMM on my cell and we all sang "Happy Birthday" to her! She did text me the next morning to say she really enjoyed the voicemail!
Well, there you have it folks! It might not have been the biggest stop on the tour, and was probably the coldest, but for the few of us who were there, it was very special and memorable!
May the lights be with you,
Lina
a.k.a. KMM Fan#1
2 comments:
LMAO, that Philly day was the most fun! Lina, I can't believe you remembered so much! And what a great photographer -- my thumb never looked better! Marianna is sweet and cute as a button, and Laurie and her boyfriend were adorable together. I'm ready for Round Two whenever y'all are! :c)
Kat, I'm going to have to meet you in person one day since you are so good at avoiding the camera LOL.
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