Just Saw Google Maps Street View Car in Old City, Philadelphia

Yes, indeed I did!   The realtor was giving me a ride home from the home inspection (see previous post) around noon today.  We were traveling south on 5th Street, when I saw this odd looking vehicle with a red soccer ball-type thing suspended high above the roof.  Captivated and curious, I looked at the car and saw that it was the Google Maps Street View car taking photos in Old City, Philadelphia.  I was able to quickly get my camera out of my purse and snap three (3) photos.  We lost track of them as the car headed west on Locust Street, and we didn't make the light. 

It was truly a blast seeing this take place as I'm a big fan of using this the street view functionality of Google Maps.

Corner of 5th and Locust Streets ↓ 

Check out the California license plate ↓

Oh no, the car is getting away ↓

UPDATE: Closing Date Set 4 New Condo in Old City—Philadelphia

GREAT news!  Everything is on track for the walk through and closing on August 2, 2011.  It will be a lot of hard work to move and get our stuff out of storage, but we are so thrilled to actually be moving into our new home after renting a small space for two years.  

Here are a few photos of our new place.  We invite you to click on each photo to get a better look.  Come see us soon!

Google Maps ↓

✓  Our home is at the end of Independence National Historic Park which is shaped like an "L" - get it as in Laura or Lane!

2,214 sq. ft. Condo ↓

on 3rd Floor of Historical Building (circa 1900)

Located in Philadelphia's downtown neighborhood known as Old City

The Foyer ↓

The Elevator Door is our Front Door as it opens directly into our foyer.

    

Living Room ↓

Living Room View ↓

Living room ↓

Dining Room ↓

Hallway door to the left leads to foyer shown in pictures above.

Kitchen ↓

Master Bedroom ↓

Master Bedroom Gas Fireplace & TV ↓

Master Bath ↓

Guest Suite ↓

Guest Suite Bathroom ↓

SOLD! The House in Sedona AZ

We closed just before Christmas, and how sweet it is!  In remembrance and with celebration, I put this short slide show together.  Take a peek at what the new owners are getting.  It is truly a magical place!

Christmas Caroling at Longwood Gardens & Beyond

One of the things we were looking forward to this holiday season was visiting Longwood Gardens.  Darrin remembers their Christmas exhibits fondly, but since I have never seen them I was equally as excited to go this year.  We invited three of our dearest friends to join us:  Priscilla, Peggy and Jerry.  So off we went on Sunday, December 19 to venture in the gardens and sing Christmas carols along with other visitors, the organist and the Longwood Gardens 10,010 pipe organ.

Below is a slide show set to music of some of the photos we took that magical day.  Blessings to you and yours in the New Year! 

GoD and DoG Video + Photo of Darrin & The Girls

This YouTube video was passed along to me by my dear friend, Priscilla.  For all of us who are blessed to have dog(s) in our family, this video will touch your heart.  


Plus here is a photo of Darrin and "The Girls."  Snuggles is near is face, and Kisses is in his lap.

Happy Holidays!

Free calling in Gmail extended through 2011

In August, Google launched free calling in Gmail to U.S. and Canada through 2010.  In the spirit of holiday giving and to help people keep in touch in the new year, Google has extended free calling for all of 2011.

What you need to have to take advantage of this FREE calling is Gmail email address (account) and computer access.  That's it.  In case you haven’t tried it yet, dialing a phone number works just like a regular phone. Look for “Call phone” at the top of your Gmail chat list and dial a number or enter a contact’s name.




To learn more, visit gmail.com/call. Calling in Gmail is currently only available to U.S. based Gmail users.

Happy New Year and happy calling!

Free Metered Parking In Philly on Saturdays Thru 1/1/11

At coffee with my gal pals this morning there was some discussion about something someone had heard about free parking over the holidays.  I promised to get to the bottom of it and blog about it.  So as promised here goes girls!

Mayor Nutter announced that metered on-street parking will be

  free every Saturday after 11:00 a.m.

  

This is effective from November 29 to January 1, 2011.  The Philadelphia Parking Authority has the current total meter count in the city at more than 14,500. So enjoy.  Click here to read all about it www.uwishunu.com.

If you are not sure if your neighborhood meters are covered in the free Saturday program, visit the PPA website listed above.  It's better to feed the meter than to pay the piper.  Have a great holiday season!