What a weekend in Catasauqua

My weekend started last night as usual - food shopping.  But, when we came home my mom had said "there was a man here to see me."  What man, what was his name; my mother, of course, did not ask.  The gentleman did, however, show up after 8 o'clock and what a fantastic story.  He tracked me down, by this blog!  It was kind of exciting hearing the man say to Parke, "I am a looking for Beverly Werner, she writes a blog called "Another Day in Catasauqua"  ooooooo!  That's me!!! "I am a private detective."  ooooo! That's not me! "Don't worry you are not in trouble" Okay - it's me then.

It was very interesting -we talked about a 2014 story that I wrote - I just happened to take a picture that helped him in a case he was working on, unfortunately I could not be of more help to him, but  it was still the most exciting thing that has happened to me lately.

The Sweets

Then this morning it was to church for a fundraiser called Soup, Salad and Sweets.  My laughs started with my BFF, Tammy, who had Hallmark hair.  If you watch as many Hallmark movies as Tammy, Cathy or I do, you know what I mean.  It is that kind of hair you have when you meet Mr. Right, but of course, you dislike each other at first, perhaps you met in a fender bender in the parking lot or you spilled soup all over him, but by the end of the movie or this blog whichever happens first, you kiss and inevitably live happily ever after.

But, maybe the best laughs came later with the arrival of BFF's Jaime and Rami. You see, they have been remodeling their bathroom and Rami's new pride and perhaps joy is the bidet.  Yes, a bidet, which has a heated seat and lights up in the dark; which I may try in the future.  If I do, watch for my blog, "Another bidet in Catasauqua"  it is sure to be one that captivates your imagination.

Of course, Rami, who is eating for two can't understand the complaints of pregnant women, since he is not experiencing any morning sickness and I heard laughter coming from the table, since he was surrounded by women.

You know what--
isn't that a great thing.  To sit with friends, to make new friends and to eat great desserts (okay threw that one in because I ate some of the best desserts today) and to laugh.  I feel so happy today I just had to share it with you, my readers.

Yup this is my weekend so far, who knows it isn't over yet, maybe some more craziness will happen.  BUT that's the great thing, you never know what is going to happen next, Hallmark hair, baby daddy's (Dale and Rami) and bidets, you know what I call that ........Another day in Catasauqua.

A Walk in the Park - Coca-Cola Park

 Yesterday was a special day, it was our Annual Iron Pigs Suite night at Coca-Cola Park.  Once a year a group of us from Salem UCC rent the Iron Pigs Suite, we each chip in to cover the costs and we have a night of FOOD, friendship, fun and baseball. 

I decided to take some pictures to share here in case you haven't had a chance to be in one of the suites yet. 

First we headed to the park with cloudy skies overhead, we knew that there was a chance that the game might be rained out.  But, whether the weather co-operates or not, you have to go for the food part of the night. 

We hopped into the elevator to the 2nd floor even though the suites are numbered in the 300's - tricky.  Off the elevator and pass the bar and food to the hallway leading to the suites. 

My plate

Besides being with friends the food is my  next favorite part.  This year it didn't let me down there was fried chicken, pulled pork, hamburgers, hot dogs, baked pasta dish, potato salad, a salad with dressings, condiments and fixings.  On another table was potato chips and the best cookies, the sugar cookies being my favorite!

The Buffet

I have it down to a science, I usually eat a hamburger, sometimes I just eat hot dogs, this is only because I love hot dogs, but Parke does not and the ball games are my time to get hot dogs.  We are 18 game plan holders so I usually get my share during the season, especially on Dollar Dog nights.  Last night, I ate to much, but it was so good.  I am of the mentality that I have to get my monies worth.  Thus why I am sipping peppermint tea as I write this!

A note to self - do not drink a beer after consuming a large quantity of food - I felt like I just poured vinegar in a stomach full of baking soda, can you say BLOAT.  My muffin top turned into a sheet cake over my jeans.  

John and Tammy

BFF Tammy was to throw out the first pitch for our group, and she was so excited to do so, but after she left to line up the rain started, the tarp came out and Tammy came back up, they were told to wait in the tunnel, but it was a good thing she didn't, the game eventually was rained out.

Super Ferrous

As usual Ferrous made a quick visit to our suite - it was Super Hero Night and he was dressed for the occasion.

Me with my cookie

I don't mind a rain out when we are in the suites, because you get tickets for another game and they will give them for the 2nd level which is called club level!  I like the club level because if it happens to be a bad weather night or if it is too hot out you can take shelter inside.  And to top it off this time they are giving us an additional $15.00 credit on each ticket to use for food - GO PIGS - hot dogs, here I come.

The suites are sweet, sofa and chair - high tables and stools - sorry Shayna for accidentally grabbing your boob to hike myself up on the stool.  But the night is about laughs, talking with friends and usually rooting on the Iron Pigs, well it was still good friends, laughter and food....maybe next year we can "root, root, root for the Iron Pigs, if they don't win it's a shame, cause it 1, 2, 3 strikes your out at the old ball game......and that another day in Catasauqua.

Church in the Park

I am tired. But blissfully tired from a morning of Worship in the Park with Salem UCC, Catasauqua.  God blessed us with great weather two years in a row.  Today was again warm and breezy. Attendance was good the children sang like angels!  All year long we would try to get them to sing and on the Sundays that we were schedule to sing no one showed up or perhaps 2 did.  So today we had a great group and they sang a medley of their greatest hits.  You know, like Jesus Loves Me, This Little Light of Mine and The B I B L E.  Yes it was great to see and hear the children.

The nest with the birdie

I love Pastor Mike's Sermon in the Park. At church I usually just look at him during the sermon but today, I watched birds, and a few squirrels and marveled at the evergreen trees that were to my left.  I still listened to the sermon but there is something about the wind blowing, the sun shining and just seeing the nature around me that makes me feel so close to God.   There was a bird in a nest just to the left of where Pastor Mike was standing and when it popped up it made me smile.  One of God's creatures also taking in the sermon.

I think the birds sang twice as loud when everyone sang, I think they wanted to sing along.

A shout out to everyone who made it possible - bff, Tammy organizes the event but so many hands helped in the setting up and taking down that it went so smoothly.

It's hours later and I am beat - my legs just about want to give up.  But I am still smiling about singing Blessed Assurance, praying and listening to Worship in the Park today.  I hope more people will join us next year.

Oh - and let's not forget the FOOD - omg - really - hot dogs, barbeque, tons of salads, snack and DESSERTS.  Yes Megan I had your delicious peanut butter dessert and it was a little slice of peanut butter heaven.  As we said there is no such thing as too much peanut butter.

And then there was BINGO.  I called Bingo and bff, Cathy played a card for me.  I won a crossword puzzle book.  But you know what, I never got to call the number B4 - I know this because I wanted to say, if God B4 me - who could be against.

and that's .....another day in Catasauqua

Lots to do in Catasauqua this weekend!

I just got back from the Iron Works Summer Blast.  It was hot but there was a really good crowd there; which I love seeing at an event it Catasauqua.

 There is a little of everything.  Food, music, beverages, and all kinds of entertainment.  My bff, Cathy and I didn't stay real long, but we saw lots friends and enjoyed a frozen lemonade.  It is exciting to see what Catasauqua might become.  It great to see that they are taking a site and using it the best way possible.  



There was Bike Demos from the Catty Woods bmx bike riders, games for the children, and even a Beer Garden - along with a real garden with a really cool water feature. 




Also, if you think you have what it takes to be a fire fighter, they had Junior Fireman obstacle course you could try out.  (Just a side note - Cathy and I did  not try this course)

There was also an interactived art mural that you can paint your thoughts on.

Besides musical entertainment you could catch the Burning Hearts Fire and Light Theater.

It if gets to hot down at the blast furnace you can head up to the North Catasauqua Park for their last night.  I was up there Thursday night enjoying the music of  the Large Flowerheads.  The North Catty Carnival is always a fun time.

Now - if you wake tomorrow and feel like going to church and perhaps a picnic - Salem UCC is having Church in the Park at 10 AM tomorrow followed by a picnic and games.  Please feel free to join us.

Well, I gotta go take a shower, my new fitness tracker tells me I just  walked 3526 steps and I am a little sweaty.

Don't forget - there is a lot of stuff to do in Catty - check it out - and that's ...another day in Catasauqua

The Parade passed me by - Literally - the J4 Parade-Old Home Week

Let the Festivities begin!!!!  The J4 parade just went by.  Bff's John and Judy stopped by and we all watched the parade.  It was a short parade - but it is always a great way to start J4.

I made a joke about the first year - I said it was Betty and Ed Miller along with Howard Hahn dressed as Uncle Sam and that was it for a parade.  After I said that the parade began and guess who was in the front - yup Betty and Ed along with Howard dressed as Uncle Sam!

We also had Miss Pennsylvania and General Grant in the parade, along with George Taylor Building and lots of children.  We should have such energy so early in the day.

Anyway - there are a lot of partying ahead.  Next is the MOTHER OF ALL REUNIONS up at the North Catasauqua Playground.

Check in for the reunion, is from 10 to noon. Meet with classmates at your decade tent; feel free to bring your own canopy and chairs also. Shop community group food stands for lunch. 'Gym class' is at 1. Door prize drawings at 2:30. Final exam is at 3pm (Catty Trivia). Schools out at 4pm with happy hours at various venues. Fireworks pre-show starts at 7pm at Alumni Field (now the Middle School). Don't forget to kick in toward the J4 fireworks.

Wow - what a day - see you out there.

And that's Another day in Catasauqua

Sunday in the Park - OLD HOME WEEK - Catasauqua

What a beautiful day and what better place to spend it than at the Catasauqua Park!  Swimming is free for Catasauqua and North Catasauqua residents and darn I am tempted to go, but my schedule is packed for today.

After a morning at church, where I preached, well more like I did a Sunday School Lesson (now don't be impressed - I am
the last person on the list to fill in on Sundays); Parke and I had breakfast and then we decided to check out the Sunday in Park.  This is the continuing celebration of Old Home Week. 

Oh it was great - I love that the vendors are set up under the trees, much cooler to walk through than on the street.  I saw some of my favorite ladies - Eugenia Emert and Carol York Roach, plus many other crafters that I only get to see at the Muhlenberg Medical Festival or Musikfest. 

Oh speaking of music - there will be music in the park or shows all day.  I just happened to catch "The Gas House Dance House" Girls dancing.  Oh now I might have to just go check them out - I wonder if I a chubby girl with bad knees can dance like that.  Anyway - there is more entertainment coming, the Tavern Band and Common Bond are to perform.

There is a petting zoo, games for kids and so much more. 

I am making this short - but I might blog part 2 later. I have to run again. 

Now get out and PARTEE down at the Catasauqua Playground.....and that's another day in Catasauqua.

The Block Party - Old Home Week in Catasauqua

Just got back from the The Downtown Block Party and it was nice.  I wish I would of seen more people out there to support those vendors that are participating.  I also which more churches, including mine would of participated.  I know everyone is busy at this time and volunteers are hard to find - so kudos to those who can and are out there today.

The Block Party followed the 5K Race held this morning - Parke said he was going to run it but I forgot to wake him but Congrats to those who did.  Runners that I know - Jaime "the Birthday Girl" Khouri (by the way Jaime you looked good running past my house especially after coming up the Walnut Street Hill), Bradshaw Henning - I didn't see you but I heard you did - also Montana and her Mom, all members of Salem UCC - WOO HOO!

I must say the music was great - just got there in time to hear the Phat Boys.  Besides being a little chubby they are and excellent band.  Then we hit the Library to check out the history exhibit.  It was very informative!  I loved looking at everything.  So much history for this small little town of ours.  We should be proud!  What a great reason to celebrate.

We meandered down the street to check out the food - pulled pork was certainly on a lot of menus (Did FeFe and Ferrous wander into town...hmmmm I wonder?)  Any way there was also halupkies, haluski, and I saw pizza, some desserts.  A little of everything.    I decided on the pulled pork from Evonne's Sandwich Shop and what a good decision it was.  Served in a hoagie roll it was very filling and really yummy.  

I really wanted to stay longer and listen to the Blackbird Society Orchestra - OMG it was like stepping back in time.  The singer sang into a megaphone - shades of Rudy Vallee.  They are really great.

It was a nice time with bf, Parke.  We sat under a tree and ate - listening to the music and sounds of Catty.  I can't help but love this town and the people in it. 

Some more events coming up this weekend -

Later Today

Saturday June 28, 6pm @ Willow Brook Farms

The 28th is capped off with a Square Dance and barbeque at the old stone barn at Willow Brook Farms. There will be wagon tours of the farm beginning at 5:30. Music will be provided by Diane Hartzell (caller) and the Contra Deceptives with Mr. Peifley as a featured guest caller!
Note:Due to Fire Code Regulations, the dance & BBQ will not be in the old stone barn, but will be outside at the lake by the kilns.
Directions: Enter off of Howertown Road at Fuller Drive, just south of the Willow Brook Golf Club. At the end of the tree-lined drive, turn right onto the narrow paved road (there will be a barrier for thru traffic). Parking will be at the end of the road.

I ask myself  - What lake - what kilns?  Can I just come out a watch?
and tomorrow - 

June 29, Sunday In The Park

A whole day of family activities and entertainment in the Catty Park will begin at 10am with a community worship service, featuring local church choir music. The Suburban North Family YMCA will be having all types of athletic competitions and events throughout the day and throughout the park for participants and fans; plus there will be games inside the pool area, so bring your swim suits. Community organizations are invited to sell food. Artist and Crafters are invited to set up tables and/or booths. Demonstrations will go on throughout the day, including dance, martial arts, quilting, blacksmithing and other historic crafts. Music will be provided by Tavern Tan & Common Bond. There will be picture and memorabilia displays of Catasauqua’s history. More events just for the kids include the Catty police bike rodeo, crafts and an “Animal Kingdom”.

So there are many opportunities this weekend and next to enjoy our town - not stop reading and get out there.

and that's Another Day in Catasauqua

PJ PARTY in CATASAUQUA - Part 2

Well, it's the day after the annual sleepover and I am tired.  For the first time in the history of the sleepovers everyone showed up.  Twenty were invited and during the course of the evening 20 attended.  Over the years we have taken the group shot on the stairs, on the sofa, and even in bed.  This years picture was on the sofa again, because it was the only place we could all fit. 

It was a night of laughs, food and fun.  First we ate, omg what great food,  4 crockpots, one with chicken chili, the next one, chicken barbeque, then sausage soup and last but not least, homemade perogies.  There was fruit, potato salad, chips, dip, shrimp,  taquitos (which were wonderful, thanks Roseanne) Lan's wonton thingys, and that's only a portion of what was there.  

We later went through books that were part of the collection from our friend Miriam, who recently departed this life.  Tons of books and we went through them and shared them with each other.  The real laughs began when we went through Miriam's scarf collection.  There were scarves for everyone and it got crazy, we made headbands, Tammy went pirate on us, and we even decided to make some of them into bandeaus, some of us needed more fabric than others.

We, of course, had to break out the fortune telling cards and I had to read everyone future, which turned out to be very bright this year for everyone.  Everyone it seems was meeting a new love, and since the only place we ever really go to meet people is church -- all I can say is WATCH OUT CHRIS KOLLAR. 

A majority left by midnight and we popped in a movie, Bridesmaids.  There were 8 of us left and we settled in around 2:15 AM.  I felt that I didn't fall asleep till around 4am, but Tammy assures me that I was snoring before that. 

Nancy #1, got up at the ungodly time of 6am and I rolled off the inflatable bed at 7:00 am.  Miraculously,  I have not napped, but instead took down my valentine stuff and got out my St. Patty's Day stuff.  Cathy and book club 2 will be proud of how I draped around the green scarves from last night.  Seriously though, the scarf that I had in my hair last night, one of Miriams', is now on my piano with a matching green candle holder on it.  The funny thing - they are the exact same color, and the candle was a gift from Miriam for my 50th birthday. 

I  prepared my lesson for Sunday School early today and I have already showered and am now enjoying the leftover chocolate wine from last night.  I don't think I will last much longer I felt like dozing off about an hour ago, so I will leave you with this.  Enjoy life, party when you can, act like a fool occasionally, and cherish your friends.  Finally, sometimes stay up late with your friends, because the next day will be another day in Catasauqua.

A day at Musikfest

Well, it is that time of year again....Musikfest in Bethlehem.  Parke and I haven't gone for the last few years, but since I have all this "vacation" time on my hands we figured today would be a nice day to go.  The weather could not have been better.  We parked on Broad Street, by my Bethlehem office and walked downtown.  Since Main Street is not closed off during the day it was a little strange since if you wanted to eat at one of the stands you had to kinda stand in the street to order.  

We Volksplatz, Lyrikplatz, visited Handwerkplatz, went through Festplatz and ended up in Plaza Tropical.  I thought I was hearing some really good Bob Marley so we headed over to the tent and saw George Wesley (and his dreadlocks which almost hit the ground)  and his band playing a mix of raggae and rock and roll.  His Caribbean sound had me feeling like I was really on vacation.  We sat for about an hour and really enjoyed the show, man can he play the guitar.   I was contemplating how much white hair I was seeing, but some of those ladies & gentlemen were really enjoying the show, but I have come to the conclusion that once you have age spots you really shouldn't be raising your hands and doing any rock and roll hands.   Of course you had your usual drunks that danced through the whole thing.   But hey, it wouldn't be Musikfest with out them. (I personally was eyeing the frozen Margaritas and since there was a rock wall to my left and reggae music in the front I could of pretend I was on a cruise)

As for some other attractions, I am now the proud owner of 6 tubes of Sensodyne toothpaste, after going through the Sensodyne trailer.  They have dental hygienists inside who sit and give you good tooth advice and a back pack with more toothpaste.   I also won a Geico can koozie, which makes up for all those Iron Pig koozies that are never tossed to me at the Iron Pigs games.  Plus I had my picture take with the the Geico gecko, which I was hoping to post on this blog, but it says that it takes 24 to 72 hours until it's online. 

We did not eat anything, my stomach was having volcanic eruptions yesterday and this morning so I didn't want to try any fried pickles or fried koolaid.  Actually I feel that it is quite expensive to eat, but had I been feeling better I might have had something.  There were many appetizing stands. 

We did not go over to Steel Stacks, perhaps another time.   But it was a great day at Musikfest.  We there a little over 2 hours, got lots of exercise and had a lot of fun. 

Now I am back home, my feet hurt a little but that's.....another day in Catasauqua