Tag Archives: philadelphia

Pumpkin spice season

Posted on October 8, 2018 by abroadintheusa

It’s been a rough few days on the American political scene so, naturally, I feel like writing about something orange and kind-of-disgusting that deeply divides the country. No, not that one: I’m talking Pumpkin Spice. The calendar says it’s fall, … Continue reading →

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Philadelphia Bleeds Green!

Posted on January 17, 2018 by abroadintheusa

Americans are huge sports fans, not just the big four sports — baseball, basketball, (ice) hockey, and (American) football — but pretty much anything that involves competition. They also love underdogs and stories of teams/players beating-the-odds. Which explains why the … Continue reading →

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Deep Freeze Update

Posted on January 5, 2018 by abroadintheusa

The word ‘cold’ doesn’t begin to describe it. We got about three inches of snow yesterday morning then the temperature plummeted. As I write this post at midday on Friday it’s warmed up to all of 15 degrees here in … Continue reading →

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The Sound of Summer

Posted on August 10, 2017 by abroadintheusa

The heat of summer brings a distinctive sound to the eastern USA — not children playing or lawnmowers thrumming but the incessant shrill buzz of the cicada. As humans we’re often not aware of the soundscapes that form the background … Continue reading →

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4th of July: Flags, Hotdogs, and Fireworks!

Posted on July 3, 2017 by abroadintheusa

Tomorrow is America’s birthday, which means three things will be ubiquitous across the country — flags, hotdogs, and fireworks. But first up, let’s get one quibble out of the way: no, the Declaration of Independence wasn’t really signed on July … Continue reading →

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The Mosquitoes Are Back: Summer in Philadelphia

Posted on June 13, 2017 by abroadintheusa

Summer has arrived on the eastern seaboard. I know this not because of the date or the temperature (although they are both relevant), but because I’ve just been inflicted with the first mosquito bite of the season. The calendar says … Continue reading →

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Spring is sprung!

Posted on April 24, 2017 by abroadintheusa

Spring has definitely sprung here in the eastern USA, bringing lovely colors, cascades of pollen, and a resurgence in wildlife. The trees around the neighborhood are sporting their spring finery, with pink and white blossoms everywhere. Even the non-blossom trees … Continue reading →

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Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Posted on March 17, 2017 by abroadintheusa

Americans love any excuse to play dress-up-and-party, and today’s the day everyone wears green. Yes, it’s St. Patrick’s Day in America, which means everyone claims Irish ancestry, wears silly shamrock hats and ties, and goes around butchering the pronunciation of … Continue reading →

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Spring Already?!

Posted on February 22, 2017 by abroadintheusa

The past few days have been unusually warm here in suburban Philadelphia, and on today’s walk with the dog I saw evidence everywhere of an early spring.  Snowdrops aren’t a surprise in late February, but lots of other things are … Continue reading →

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When the Weather Goes Bonkers

Posted on February 9, 2017 by abroadintheusa

We’re suffering from weather whiplash here on the east coast. Yesterday was a beautiful, mild day, full of sunshine and soft breezes. Downright balmy. It was so lovely that in mid-afternoon I actually went and sat outside for a while … Continue reading →

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