Canvassing Cherry Blossom Row ...

“Filling a space in a beautiful way – that is what art means to me.”

                             ~ Georgia O’Keeffe

                                       ~ 1887-1996

Kwanzan Cherry Trees line the city with beauty in April on North Ott Street near Cedar Creek Parkway, Allentown, Pennsylvania as afternoon traffic flows by their beautiful but fleeting pink canvas.

There are 46 Japanese Flowering Cherry Trees in the vicinity. The original trees date to the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Shimmer Of Blue ...

“Some birds are not meant to be caged, that’s all. Their feathers are too bright, their songs too sweet and wild …”

           ~ Stephen King

                         ~ born 1947

A beautiful tree swallow – known for its iridescent blue-green color upper parts – comes out of of its nesting box in early June at Lehigh Parkway, Allentown, Pennsylvania.

While there are young or eggs in the nest, adult tree swallows frequently dive bomb intruders, including curious humans, and attempt to drive them from the area – I personally know this to be true, and so does my camera!

Elvis & Johnny ...

“Well, it’s one for the money

Two for the show

Three to get ready

Now go, cat go

But don’t you

Step on my blue suede shoes

You can do anything

But stay off of my blue suede shoes …”

           ~  “Blue Suede Shoes”

           ~ Written & recorded by Carl Perkins

                           ~ 1955

            ~ Recorded by the great Elvis Presley

                             ~ 1956

The King of Rock ’n’ Roll and The King of Country meet as a young Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash pose for a 1950s snapshot showcased on the wall of Charlotte Fay’s Main Street Diner, Slatington, Pennsylvania.

Elvis Presley’s “Blue Suede Shoes” may well be one of the hits you hear playing at Charlotte Fay’s, where retro is king at this cool and cozy eatery.

The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll is well represented at Charlotte Fay’s, joined by photos spotlighting retro icons such as Elizabeth Taylor and James Dean in the 1956 film “Giant,” Marilyn Monroe and Route 66. There’s also a nod to the New Jersey Seashore and Steel Pier. The large map depicts President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, championed by the then-president when it was formed June 29, 1956.

And of course there’s the tasty food, wonderful to nosh on as you drink in the nostalgic atmosphere. Owner Jason Ruff named the diner after both his great-grandmothers, and uses their recipes.

The menu and atmosphere are the perfect mix to stir up a recipe for success fit for a king.