My son is a junior in high school, and we are beginning to explore his options for after graduation. He is planning to go to college, and so we have a number of college tours lined up. We recently visited Pennsylvania State University (Penn State for short), home of the Nittany Lions in State College, PA.
The weather was bitterly cold and windy, but at least the sun was shining on the morning of our tour. Winter isn’t the best time to visit a campus, but we have to squeeze these trips in when we can! Despite the snow on the ground and the lack of greenery, we could see that Penn State is a beautiful campus with buildings both old and new.
Old Main was the first building of major significance constructed at Penn State. It was built of limestone quarried from the land directly in front of it, and the building completed in 1863 contained classrooms, labs, offices, a chapel, and rooms for students.
The building you see today is a replacement that opened in 1930. Renovations of the original Old Main were deemed impractical, and a “new and improved” building was constructed using the same footprint and some of the limestone from the original edifice. The University Park campus has grown significantly, and Old Main is used as administrative offices today. It is the second most photographed spot on campus, after the Nittany Lion Shrine.
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Hope you enjoyed that tidbit of history! Here are a few things that have been on my radar:
- So how about that Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga? If you were one of the few people who did not see their performance at the Academy Awards, check it out here. And be prepared to blush! I will admit to being one of those people who would like to see them run away together, but Lady Gaga squashed those dreams yesterday here.
- Are you looking to improve the appearance of your home’s exterior this year? Looking for holiday decor ideas and inspiration? Then come join us at my new Facebook group, Create Great Curb Appeal. The more the merrier!
- Do you enjoy keeping up with the royals? I particularly love to see what Kate and Meghan are wearing (Kate is more my style, but they are both beautiful women). Elizabeth Holmes, a freelance writer, keeps me up to date on royal fashion on her Instagram Stories. There is quite a bit of thought that goes into each of their looks and Elizabeth dissects their style in a
good humored way. Apparently, clothes aren’t just clothes! - Check out this book by Alicia Healey, “Wardrobe Wisdom from a Royal Lady’s Maid”. She actually worked in Buckingham Palace for four years as a lady’s maid – can you imagine? Great tips and advice for your own wardrobe if you are intrigued by how the royals dress.
- If you live in the Northeast, then you know that forsythia is a harbinger of spring. Sometime in April, their neon yellow blooms come out, and no one will be happier than me to see them this year. A forsythia wreath is a great way to dress up your door for the season. Here are a few to choose from. Which is your favorite?
- My husband and I are binging “You” on Netflix. Have you watched? Nothing like a good thriller! We are always looking for new shows, so please leave your recommendations in the comments.
- We also watched Spike Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman” recently. I definitely recommend it. It’s based on the true story of a black police officer and his Jewish partner infiltrating the KKK in Colorado Springs, CO. Truth IS stranger than fiction sometimes!
- I started a new series on the blog called “Steal This Curb Appeal”. If you missed it, you can see my first post here. The home featured in the post utilizes beautiful brass accents like a doorbell, mail slot, and house numbers. Take a peek at some of my favorite brass accents for the exterior of your home.
In other news, my daughter is coming home from college for spring break this weekend. I can’t wait to see her! I’m hoping we can squeeze in a day trip or two while she is here. Meanwhile, my son is having his second shoulder surgery, this time on his left shoulder. He had the right shoulder done a couple of years ago. Poor guy – it’s a long recovery. I see lots of movies on the couch in our new future.
That wraps things up for now. What’s on your radar these days? Please comment below with anything you think I should check out!
[x_author title=”About the Author”]
My name is Deb Cohen, and I am a lifelong resident of Connecticut, a lover of all things historic and New England, and a realtor who helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals and dreams. When I’m not working, I enjoy life with my husband, our two adult children, and our two rescue pups. Renovating and decorating our historic home, dating to 1800, is another favorite pastime.
