We the People

The Declaration of Independence, and now my report, two great documents penned at Philadelphia….

Visual observations and permeability testing indicated that a peat and clay layer may significantly impede vertical migration of contaminants. An average flow gradient of 0.01 ft./ft. and approximate velocity of 40 ft./year in the water table aquifer were estimated. No significant tidal influence on groundwater at the site was observed.

- me, earlier today.

After the progress meeting, and before writing more brilliant prose, Chris was kind enough to take me into the city for its fine offerings. 15 or 20 minutes down the Old Marl and back over the Ben Frankin Bridge gets you into the historic district! But not before the best lunch ever!





Cheesesteak district (South Philadelphia near Passyunk & Washington)




Three kinds of peppers & and a jar of pepper-sauce are condiment options at Pat’s King of Steak.

I went for all three. The pepper-sauce was reddish brown and gritty with ground-up powder like paprika. Magic.

Pat’s or Gino’s are where they say you should go for cheesesteak, according to Chris.



Pat’s would be better, I said, because the signage at Gino’s is way too flashy. And flashier signage means worser food...in my experience. My contribution in deciding at which cheesesteak emporium we shall eat.
























Pat’s sells mainly cheesesteaks, 8 options: plain, American, Provolone, or cheese-whiz; with or without onions. Order by saying “American Wit” (with onion), “Provolone Wit-Out” etc., or get back in line till you say it right!





Philly cheesesteak is best eaten outside so we ate outside at the tables with our Pepsi's. The steak in my American Wit was thick n meaty, very good compared to the thin shredded variety served in New England in my experience!!!



Celeb pics absove the ordering window!






















Through the plexiglass these gents tend the grill.

Lunch, Part 2

…these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do.

- Declaration of Independence



In the spirit of brotherly love, Chris showed me round the Independence Hall area. We parked on the second level underground. Up the staircase to a large open grass area surrounded by two visitors centers & independence hall! The weather was high 40s.





Hear Ye, Hear Ye!



The Bell is roped off, in one of the modern visitors centers, but no longer in a glass case.

Independence Hall plaza was entirely rebuilt in the last couple years. Foundations for slave quarters were discovered during construction. The Liberty Bell is inside a new building, and the Indepencence visitors center is huge and modern (but we didn’t have all day to check out ). The Philadelphia Mint is around the corner.





Free admission to the Liberty Bell. It’s a National Park.





















Visitor Center Gift Shop

What is not brilliant about this tee shirt as a gift for Samantha’s 5th (March 31) along with fake Ben Franklin glasses?!

































…except the shirt didn’t come large enough for a 5-er. I ended up with the glasses for $3.99 & will have to find a larger-sisze kite shirt online!