Wednesday, February 27, 2008

February 27, 2008

I don't want this to turn into a restuarant review, but there are a couple of outstanding dining establishments that are definately worth mentioning. I save the one for another date and share where we went tonight: The Alpenhof-a Bavarian restaurant located on the Morgantown Road. The building dates from 1898, originally built as a hotel in what was then the country side of the Reading suburbs. It was erected in an area known at that time as Old Maid's Woods which had a picnic grove and could be reached by a trip down the Schuylkill River via steamboats or nearby railroads. What history ensued from that time until 1969 I couldn't say, but in 1969 a German by the name of Munford bought it and ran it as a German restaurant. When Herr Munford sold the business he wanted it to continue with the same ethnic ambience and food. And so it has.


The decorations and furnishings are reminiscent of the Alpine area-complete with antlers and a large mural on the wall. There was German music playing-the kind that made you want to get up and polka around the room. And this was before we had anything to drink. For liquid refreshment David ordered German beer-Wernheiser, I chose wine. Now one of my favorite wines is Gewurtztraminer, but they were out of that brand. Our waiter Rolf, who was also a German native, suggested an alternative, Pies Porter Michelsberg (a spatlese grape) 2005 vintage. To confirm his recommendation was what I wanted, Rolf brought me a sample of the house Riesling, which would have been my second choice. There was no question he had suggested the best-it was excellent! (take note of this Donna!) Rather than dessert, I opted for a second glass. For entrees, I chose a traditional jaeger schnitzel, David had sauerbraten-delicious.


We chatted with Rolf a bit and I asked him when Edelweiss was in blossom. To see and smell Edelweiss, when we finally get to Italy and the Alps, is on my "to do list." I was delighted and relieved when Rolf answered that it blooms in August and September! Wonderful, because if it was an early spring flower, I might not make it! He further educated us by informing us that Edelweiss was protected. He added that the reason was because in the 1920's-1930's the plant had gotten a disease that killed many of the plants, greatly limiting it's propagation. He said that even though you are prohibited from picking it, there are carpets of it on the mountain slopes. Does that not sound heavenly?! So while we are not in Europe at the moment, we are living there vicariouly.


On that same note, I have a habit of losing my gloves and last week they found and returned to me by a gentleman with a British accent. Tonight I left my gloves at our table and Rolf comes aafter me saying with his German accent "my lady, your gloves." Ahhh, you would never hear an American man say that!








Wednesday, February 20, 2008

February 19, 2008

Wednesday's Lunar Eclipse

Here are some pictures of the lunar eclipse that began about 8:43 PM. If you missed it you will not be able to view another one til 2010.





























Tuesday, February 19, 2008

February 15,2008

Muffin and I did a bit of exploring today while we waited for David to finish his work day. I had seen the historical marker along route 422 pointing the way to Daniel Boone Homestead, so headed out that road. I discovered not only a historical site, but also an oasis of calm and serenity hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the highway. The Boone Homestead is located on 579 acres that have been obtained by the PA Historical and Museum Commission. I love seeing my taxes going for something like this! But before I get into a physical description, here's a little history lesson/review of Daniel Boone's life.

Daniel was born on this site on November 2, 1734, the sixth of eleven children. Little is known of Daniel's PA years, but he undoubtedly helped his former father on the homestead and had the usual experience of a boy growing up in the back country. [His father was an English Quaker who married the daughter of Welsh Quakers.]




In 1750 the Boone family treked south to the Yadkin Valley in NC, principally for economical reasons but more likely because they had been "read out of meeeting" by the Exeter Friends for allowing another sone to marry a non-Quaker. Daniel was fifteen and one half years old at this time. In 1756 Daniel married Rebecca Bryan and they raised ten children. Most people know Daniel was an explorer, Indian fighter, and a leader among settlers in opening new parts of Kentucky. Although he lost two sons and a brother in Indian fighting, he was merciful and compassionate towards his native adversaries.

Twice Daniel returned to visit his boyhood home in - 1781 and in 1788 - a hero and legend in his day. Dispite his reputation, his finances languished and beset by creditors and personal disillusion, he finally left Kentucky in 1799 for Missouri. He died near St. Louis on September 26, 1820, nearly 86 years old.



After the Boones emigrated to North Carolina, the PA property was purchased and continued to prosper under its subsequent owners. Since 1938 the Daniel Boone Homestead has been a state owned historic site. It includes seven 18th century structures, a like and picnic areas. There are also trails to meander allowing you to observe the flora and fauna of this wildlife refuge.

The day Muffin and I were there it was like a early spring day - sunny, warm. None of the buildings were open, but I could walk around enjoying the peace and serenity of this oasis away from the noise and bustle of the highway. I took a trail by the lake which still had a skim of ice on it, disturbing a rabbit that was enjoying this beautiful day. I looked at a reconstructed log cabin on the property, reminding me of our family camp in Tioga County. The original homestead has now been replaced and expanded to a beautiful stone farmhouse. There were animals near the barn: two horses, sheep, geese. Crows were calling to each other and I stopped to listen to a sparrow joyfully singing from a wild rose bush. His aria rivaled any by Pavarotti! There are benches placed along the trails and I just sat for awhile soaking in the warmth of the sun and listening to the quieet. I could hear the soft gurgle of the water from the melting snow and frosted ground as it seeped into the ground. As I looked out over the fields and woods I couldn't help but think this is perhaps what Daniel heard and saw over 250 years ago.

I am anxious to return when the building are open - there's something about old buildings which I love. Until then, I have discovered a place of peace and sensual delight her in Berks County.


































Monday, February 18, 2008

February 14,2008

We celebrated valentines day with a romantic dinner at the historic Yellow House Hotel. Ironically it's located in the village of Yellow House, Berks County. It has the ambience befitting an inn established in 1801. The food was excellent beginning with the seafood bisque through my favorite dessert, creme brulee.


Wednesday, February 13, 2008

A Day For Beagles

We were all thrilled when Uno the beagle was chosen best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club Show. A history making event as no beagle had ever earned that distinction. And to make the victory even sweeter this lowly hound beat out two prissy poodles. Hurray for Uno.

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Februrary 7, 2008


While awaiting the word to leave for Italy, David has been assigned to a job near Reading, PA. Muffin and I are accompaning him, enjoying new sites and smells. (The latter is Muffin's input!) Some of the houses and buildings around here are so wonderfully old, many of them constructed of native stone. Just beautiful! One of the "perks" of traveling is trying out different restuarants. Tonight we ate at The Speckled Hen, which is an authentically restored log house built between 1755 and 1760, located on a corner in downtown Reading. It is modeled after the country cottage pubs of the British Isles, complete with food and libations of that area of the world. Indeed, tonight we had Shepherd's pie washed down with smooth ale that sets the British beers apart from the American counterparts. There was a fire burning in the fireplace creating a warm and cozy ambience. If you can't be in England ... this makes a good substitute!