And Now for the Real Reason

We Traveled to Philadelphia

My dear husband had been nominated for

a 33rd degree in Free Masonry.

Now, for you in the know, this is a very big thing.

This an honor among honors.

The members of the class of 2010 meet for lunch at

Supreme Council.

A serviceable Caesar salad starts out our meal.

My husband received his entree of roasted chicken breast

with green beans (the ubiquitous Masonic vegetable)

and red bell pepper.





I had to opt for the vegetarian dish.



Thus, I had ravioli with tomato sauce.



Do you like how they still managed to work

in the green beans?



That, my friends, is dedication to the craft.






The dessert dish was straight from Sam's Club.



Chudleigh’s™ Apple Blossoms to be exact.



They might have even been better if they were warm.



Hey, I call 'em like I see them.







Later that evening,

after rushing back from our Philadelphia tour but before seeing the Liberty Bell,

we arrived in time at the Academy of Music for Vespers.








This is a lovely place.

This is old time elegance.

This man has a wonderful voice.

I'm sorry you can't hear it.

Even the lobby is elegant.

Another night, and more pictures.

I also had help from a special friend.

Thanks, JK.

A special shadow.

This night we were treated to the sounds of the

famed Philadelphia Boys Choir.

Check off yet another Bucket List item.

Midway through the performance

the ladies of the 33rd degree candidates received

a red rose.

Lovely,

but now I have to figure out how to get this back to Indiana

on a bus.

Later another lady mentioned leaving the rose for

the cleaning lady.

*Smacks head.*

Now, why didn't I think of that?

Finally the big night arrived and the ladies are

anxiously waiting for their men to arrive.

The Indiana banquet was held at the

Pennsylvania Grand Lodge Masonic Temple.

The salad was Mixed greens with tomatoes and cucumbers.

The entree was an herb crusted flat iron steak

served with Rosemary mushroom jus and Madeira sauce

with basil pesto Israeli couscous,

sauteed broccoli, mushrooms and red peppers.

Oh, yeah, for those who aren't allergic to chicken

- lucky you - this dish also includes this luscious fowl.

I cry foul.

Dessert was a triple chocolate layered cake

with whole strawberries.