Inquirer.com – Zurich DR

Category: Life

  • Dear Abby | Wife suspects man is still up to his usual tricks

    DEAR ABBY: How can I tell if my husband loves me? We have been married 41 years, and during our entire marriage he’s been cheating on me with other women. He takes good care of me and is always there for me and our family. We hardly have sex. I try to give him a romantic kiss, but he only gives me a peck. I have suggested that we go on date nights and go out to breakfast or dinner once or twice a month. I also told him that we should be jumping all over each other because our kids are grown and on their own with their own families. My gut instinct tells me he is still cheating. What should I do?

    — DISILLUSIONED IN ARIZONA

    DEAR DISILLUSIONED: Your husband may love you, but not in the way you would like him to. Or he could be following his usual pattern but staying married to you because he doesn’t want the expense of a divorce. If your gut instinct tells you he is still cheating, he probably is, and you should be tested for STDs. (Sorry.) If you want proof that he has been straying, hire a private detective. If you are right, you will then have to decide whether you want to stay married under these circumstances.

    ** ** **

    DEAR ABBY: I recently turned 80, and my health is excellent. I have worked hard to become financially independent, I have long-term care insurance and an elevator in my home so I can stay, and I exercise regularly.

    My friends have collectively and individually started a not-so-subtle campaign to move in with me or for all of us to buy a house together. I call this the “Golden Girls Campaign Movement.” I love my friends, but I also love my independence. I have repeated this tactfully numerous times, and on one occasion replied bluntly, “Never happening.” But it’s falling on deaf ears. I want friends, not roommates. Help!

    — ANNOYED IN CALIFORNIA

    DEAR ANNOYED: From now on, when your friends raise the subject, smile and say, “I want friends, not roommates. I prefer to live independently.” Repeat it as often as necessary. It’s the truth.

    ** ** **

    DEAR ABBY: My brother-in-law was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. He’s a retired doctor and knows what to expect in the coming years. We’re a close family and are always honest with each other. My wife and I do not know the best ways to support my sister. She is also a health professional who knows what is in store. Any help you may suggest will be shared among our family members, as we want to present a united approach.

    — FAMILY IN OREGON

    DEAR FAMILY: I’m sorry for your brother-in-law’s diagnosis. Because he and his wife are well-equipped to tell you what they will need from you, ask them. Refrain from “going the extra mile” with assistance they have not requested. (You do not want to smother them.)

    Closeness and honesty will be your greatest assets as you navigate this chapter of your BIL’s life. For additional support, the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) has resources, both for the affected person and for caregivers.

  • Whiny babies are crying about Philly booing everyone at the Home Run Derby

    Whiny babies are crying about Philly booing everyone at the Home Run Derby

    I understand some folks on social media are very upset with Phillies fans for booing every baseball player but their own during the Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park on Monday night.

    To those whom we’ve offended, may I humbly say: BOOOOO!!! There’s no crying in baseball, you whiny babies.

    I wasn’t there in person so sadly I can’t claim to have been a part of the cacophonous crowd that joyfully jeered player after player as they walked onto the field (except, of course, for Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper, who received thunderous applause), but I did laugh like hell while watching the incessant booing on TV.

    Philly literally booed these guys just for daring to show up and be introduced at our ballpark. We are so unserious.

    Our humor is just as brutal as our honesty and while it may not seem like it on the surface, both come from a place of respect. Sure, we could be fake and feign applause for players from other teams, or we could be “polite” and not say anything at all, but we’d rather be engaged and enjoy a good time and a good ribbing.

    Some people on social media, however, are obviously not familiar with Philly’s game, and took great offense to our boos. On Bluesky, people wrote: “Not surprised, they booed Santa but this just sucks” (that’s weak and lazy writing; do better when insulting us) and “Philly fans would boo puppies and sunshine” (OK, that’s pretty funny because it’s true).

    Heck, Monday night Phillies fans booed one of the kids picking up baseballs in the outfield because he didn’t catch a fly ball, so yeah, puppies and sunshine should be on high alert.

    Over on Threads, users posted: “How totally classless!” and “The Philly crowd booing every single player is really gross” and those people were rightfully and immediately ratioed. Philadelphians responded with brilliant retorts like: “If you don’t get booed in Philly, you’re not an All-Star” and “If those players didn’t want to be booed, they should play for the Phillies.”

    You know who didn’t seem to have a problem with the boos? The players who actually got booed! They appeared to get it and have fun with it. Every story that’s really a home run needs a good antagonist and a dramatic arc. For that night, they were our Moriartys and we were theirs.

    Phillies Bryce Harper climbs the ropes of the boxing ring during his introduction at the MLB Home Run Derby in Philadelphia on Monday.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    If you can’t stomach some theatrics when the Home Run Derby is broadcast on Netflix — there was a boxing ring on the field and Will Ferrell was providing unhinged commentary — then you probably should’ve watched the Little House on the Prairie remake instead, Laura Ingalls Wilder.

    Listen, I understand being surprised by the boos if you’re not familiar with Philadelphia’s dark and dystopian joie de vivre. Before I moved here, I don’t think I’d ever booed anything in my life or had ever been booed, and I couldn’t imagine a scenario in which either would happen (outside of my nightmares and Renaissance fairs, that is).

    But after 19 years in Philly, I can now proudly say I’ve been booed in person, over the phone, via email, and on social media by Philadelphians, and I have participated in many communal and individual booing sessions. I didn’t realize how cathartic it could be or how much I’d been suppressing my medieval side, but I know now and have vowed to boo better.

    Philadelphia Phillies fans boo the Houston Astros after batting practice ahead of baseball’s World Series Game 5 in 2022. We boo people at batting practice and you’re surprised we booed players at the Home Run Derby? Charles Fox / Staff Photographer

    Most recently, I booed a tourist I was interviewing on July 2 when she told me she was visiting Philly through the 3rd and then heading to Boston to celebrate Independence Day on July 4. I did give her a pass when she later said her son and grandson lived in Boston, but I did not apologize. We can’t be getting soft around here.

    I mean this is a city where our mascots throw popcorn at babies, harass opposing coaches, and eat people while at work — and they’re the ultimate Philly fans, so expecting us to treat baseball like the ballet is totally bananas (and I’m not talking about the Savannahs).

    For those who remain offended, I suggest looking in a mirror and asking: When is the last time I booed something? If the answer is “never” or “not in a while,” give it a go — you may not realize how much you’ve been holding back.

    And if you don’t want to boo yourself, turn on a Phillies game and boo us. We’ll take the compliment, because we can take a joke.

  • Dear Abby | In-law’s sunny comments get on woman’s nerves

    DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have four children, two of whom have congenital health issues we’ve been managing. One child is leading a “normal” life and is a spunky little kid. Our other child may be more impacted down the road, and we continue to seek answers. If people ask how either one of them is doing, we are open to sharing. Depending on how close we are to family or friends, we may share a bit more or a bit fewer of the details. It’s an approach that has been working, and in return, we mostly receive supportive feedback.

    The issue is that my father-in-law always has a comment to make. I am sure he means well, but he tends to give responses like, “Oh, that’s probably nothing,” “Well, she looks fine to me,” or “One day, this will all be behind you.” It gets under my skin. His responses are either dismissive of our concerns or they downplay the extent of the illness, especially when it’s related to the underlying health concerns.

    I always bite my tongue. With our more impacted child, I have been hesitant to share anything because I don’t want to hear his comments. The matter is serious from what we know right now, and my husband did share some of it with his parents because he felt they needed to know. With things now in the open, I expect follow-up questions from them.

    To prepare for more comments, how can I respectfully let my FIL know they are unnecessary and, at times, hurtful to us because we are doing so much to care for our children? I’m afraid one of his next comments will be the last straw for me, and I don’t want to react disrespectfully.

    — ANXIOUS DAUGHTER-IN-LAW

    DEAR DIL: Your father-in-law may be attempting to put a positive spin on a difficult subject when he downplays the problems your child is facing. The way to deal with this would be to gather your thoughts and have an honest conversation with him about how it makes you feel. If you do, there is less likelihood of your exploding upon hearing what may be his attempt to be supportive.

    ** ** **

    DEAR ABBY: I am writing for your help in bringing attention to a disability issue I find unacceptable. I am partially deaf. I use closed captions on televisions and online. However, I am increasingly frustrated that televisions in public places like hospitals, doctors’ waiting rooms, restaurants, etc., never have closed captions activated. Public places are required to have disability parking, so why can’t my disability be accommodated? I’m hoping you can make these public places aware of this simple accommodation for the hearing-impaired public.

    — CINCINNATI CC ADVOCATE

    DEAR CC ADVOCATE: In many regions and many businesses, it is the norm to mute the volume and turn on the captions for the comfort of everyone. Often, the television chatter is an unwelcome distraction, or, in a more social space, it would be impossible to hear the audio even if you wanted to. For those who haven’t caught on that this is the practical way to go, I’m happy to spread the word. In public areas, television programs are better seen than heard!

  • Dear Abby | Pet adoption puts strain on couple’s time and finances

    DEAR ABBY: My fiancé and I often talked about maybe getting a dog. He really wanted one, but I never fully committed because I knew it would be additional work and responsibility I don’t have time for. I work full time, do part-time work as well and manage the household tasks, shopping, cleaning, etc. When I ask him to pitch in, he always does, but I’m at max capacity with work.

    Not long ago, he asked me to go look at dogs. I agreed but only to look. When we arrived, I told him and the dog owner that the puppies looked very sweet but added that we were just not ready. I reiterated this several times, but my fiancé placed the money on the counter despite my objections and now we have a dog, “Butch.”

    Fast-forward: Butch is a sweet, loving pup. I adore him, but he’s a ton of work. My fiancé is back in school and working so he’s not happy stopping multiple times a day to take Butch out for air and exercise as the dog is an active breed. He does it, but some days are stressful for us both.

    Abby, I resent him for this. We’re both overloaded and now have another full-time responsibility plus extra bills. We love Butch but are overwhelmed. I would be miserable giving him away, which is what my fiancé now suggests.

    We treat Butch well. We love him and give him the best of everything, and he is sensitive and sweet. I don’t think another person or family would treat him as well, and I would be sick with worry if he weren’t here. We paid for daycare and walks; that helped immensely, but we can’t afford it anymore. What do I do?

    — PET PROBLEM IN MARYLAND

    DEAR PET PROBLEM: Why do you think another family would not appreciate Butch and treat him as well as you have? If he is sensitive and sweet, is housebroken and has been taught basic manners during the time he has been with you, he might find a very loving home — hopefully one with children he can play with.

    Contact pet rescue groups in your area and explain the situation, and you may be pleasantly surprised. And the next time your fiancé pulls his money out and puts it on the counter when you have told him you don’t want something, tell him to put it back.

    ** ** **

    DEAR ABBY: Our new neighbors have been out of town for several weeks, and their newspapers keep piling up outside their home. We don’t know them well enough to have their contact information to ask if they need help with the newspapers. At what point can we pick them up and place them in our recycling bin?

    — MINDFUL NEIGHBOR

    DEAR NEIGHBOR: Newspapers piled in front of a house are like an invitation to an open house. Your neighbors should have called the newspaper before they left and told them they wanted their newspapers held until they returned. It would be kind of you to pick the papers up and save them for your neighbors rather than dispose of them.

  • Dear Abby | Struggling daughter seems uninterested in helping herself

    DEAR ABBY: I am the single mom of a 19-year-old daughter who copes with bipolar 2, ADHD, anxiety and depression. She has a mental age that’s younger than her adult self. Over the years, she has gone through therapy and changes in medication.

    It has been recommended that my daughter attend a residential therapy program, but she refuses. Since finishing high school, she has refused everything: college classes, job applications, exploring other therapies or taking any small steps toward independence in the future.

    Her goals now center around socializing and smoking marijuana with a few friends. She rarely leaves her room except when they call. There are days I doubt she’s med compliant or wants the help others try to give.

    It’s heartbreaking watching her being “stuck,” but I am also tired of being held hostage to her behavior and actions. Many days I want to pack up her stuff and tell myself she’ll figure things out. (I would continue to be here when she needs me.) Is this fair given her mental health challenges? Because she is at risk, I feel like anything I do is wrong.

    — BURNED-OUT MOM IN COLORADO

    DEAR MOM: I know of few people who, if given the choice, wouldn’t like life to be a constant party. You may need the services of a licensed psychotherapist to decide what to do to help your daughter. It’s apparent to me that unless there are consequences for her unwillingness to help herself, nothing will change and she will continue floating on a cloud of cannabis in perpetuity.

    I suggest you make her continuing to live with you contingent upon her participation in the program that will help her gain some independence. If you need more guidance about this, contact NAMI — the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It’s the nation’s largest mental health organization, dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. You will find more information about it at nami.org.

    ** ** **

    DEAR ABBY: My mother died five years ago, and my stepfather passed away a month ago. Both were cremated with no service, no obituary and no celebration of life. My parents’ wish was to be placed together at their home.

    I asked my brother, stepsister and stepbrother if I could have a small amount of their ashes to place in a small urn or a piece of memorial jewelry. My stepbrother is fine with my request; the other two are appalled.

    I am the oldest, but my stepfather gave my brother power of attorney. I think this authority has gone to his head, as he tells us he is the boss. Was it wrong to request some of my parents’ ashes?

    — GRIEVING DAUGHTER

    DEAR GRIEVING DAUGHTER: Please accept my condolences for the loss of your parents. Of course your request was not wrong or even unusual. Families often divide a loved one’s ashes just as you described. If your brother continues to ignore your appeals as a grieving sibling, you must decide whether this is important enough to bring a lawyer into the discussion.

  • A beloved Eagles player moved to our neighborhood. Should we pretend he’s not a Super Bowl champion?!

    A beloved Eagles player moved to our neighborhood. Should we pretend he’s not a Super Bowl champion?!

    This week’s question (Have your own? Submit it here.):

    A beloved Eagles player moved to our neighborhood. I have to pass by his house every time I drop off or pick up my son from daycare. And every time I inevitably stare at his house, and then tell myself “be cool, be cool.” I did one time throw a “Go Birds!” at him when he stopped his car to let me cross the sidewalk. How many more “Go Birds” do I get? Should we, as his new neighbors, pretend he’s not a Super Bowl champion?!

    Earl Hopkins, Arts & Entertainment reporter

    First off, living in the same neighborhood as an Eagles player is THE ultimate flex.

    Second, as journalists we’ve mastered the ability to hide our fandom behind a resting reporter face, so my views may be a little skewed. But it still stands: One “Go Birds” is enough. (All right, maybe two.)

    Let the man settle in the neighborhood first, then introduce yourself as if he’s another resident. I’m sure he doesn’t mind being recognized for his athletic achievements, but I recommend getting to know the person beyond the uniform first.

    Stephanie, what do you think?

    Stephanie Farr, features columnist

    You definitely have a much cooler resting reporter face than I do. I agree that one or two “Go Birds” is enough.

    It matters how close this person lives to the Eagles player. If they’re next door or two houses over from him, introducing yourself to your new neighbor — maybe with a box of cookies or soft pretzels — to welcome them to the neighborhood is a good avenue. If you live farther away than that though it will look fangirl-ish.

    Earl, what do you think if the neighbors all conspired together to throw a neighborhood party and invited this Bird over? Would that be too obvious?

    Earl Hopkins

    I don’t think it would be too obvious, as long as people avoid swarming him with Eagles jerseys to sign. It’s summertime, and plenty of neighborhood parties are popping up across the city. It would be a good opportunity to enjoy the weather, commune with folks who have been bound to their couches all year, and it would be a chance to properly welcome the beloved Eagle into the area’s inner-circle.

    Now, what if the welcome attempts and party invites are rejected? What should be the next move lol?

    Stephanie Farr

    Leave him alone and treat him like any other neighbor who wants to keep to themselves, or you risk ticking off someone you obviously admire. I think about what I would want if I were in the player’s shoes. I can’t imagine not having anonymity or a little peace and quiet — especially at your own house. I feel like if he wants to be neighborly, he will make it known.

    Do you think approaching the Eagles player about something other than the Eagles could be a good avenue? Like, “Hey, dude. I love your topiary. Who’s your landscaper?”

    (I’m assuming if this person lives in the same neighborhood as an Eagles player they have topiaries and landscapers, but it could be about anything they see they may have in common.)

    Earl Hopkins

    If he doesn’t want to be bothered, leave him be. He’s probably, y’know, focusing on winning a Super Bowl. Give him grace so we can feel the thrill of another championship run.

    Stephanie Farr

    Go Birds, but don’t randomly go up and hound Birds on the street. Sprinkle breadcrumbs and if they want to be your neighbor friend they’ll let you know. And if they don’t, take a cue from a former Eagle and don’t care if they don’t like you.

  • Buying Haddonfield home was ‘one of the greatest accomplishments of my life’ | How I Bought This House

    Buying Haddonfield home was ‘one of the greatest accomplishments of my life’ | How I Bought This House

    The buyer: Amanda Caroccio, 41, child and adolescent psychiatric nurse-practitioner

    The house: A 966-square-foot home in Haddonfield with two bedrooms and two bathrooms built in 1924.

    The price: Listed for $385,000, sold for $407,500.

    The agent: Christy Oberg, Weichert Realtors

    The ask: Amanda Caroccio, originally from Ocean City, N.J., was living in an apartment in Haddon Township when she reevaluated her long-term goals and decided she wanted to buy a home for her and her daughter, Giuliana, 8.

    Amanda Caroccio (right) thought owning a home was out of reach for her as a single mom to 8-year-old Guiliana. She’s proud of her home in Haddonfield.Allie Ippolito / For The Inquirer

    “Owning a house had always been in the back of my mind, but as a single mom, for a long time I didn’t think it was going to happen,” said Caroccio. She had money put away, but in September 2024, she began working overtime to build savings.

    “There were months where I worked every single day,” she said. She cut out spending, including shopping and dinners out, except for special occasions.

    The search: Education was Caroccio’s top priority for home location, and she was impressed with the Haddonfield School District. “My main goal was Haddonfield,” she said, “but I was open to Haddon Township.” Caroccio started searching in February 2025, hoping to beat the spring competition. Her budget was up to $600,000, but she was looking for something small to keep expenses down. “I wanted something that didn’t need a significant amount of upgrades,” she said.

    Caroccio installed new carpet in the two bedrooms. Allie Ippolito / For The Inquirer

    They looked at several twins which Amanda liked, but her agent pointed out that each one had some potential structural problems, and Caroccio worried about issues with the neighboring homes.

    The appeal: In mid-March, the house that she ended up buying went on the market. She saw it on Zillow, and texted her agent. It was exactly what she had been looking for. The house she’d found was in the center of downtown Haddonfield and walkable. Plus, it looked updated and like it would not need major renovations — a big priority in Caroccio’s search.

    “It was my version of hitting the lottery,” said Caroccio, “because it had every single thing on my checklist: updated, small, close to downtown, within walking distance of schools.” They toured it that night.

    The deal: Other people were interested, and the sellers asked for each bidder’s best offer. Caroccio offered $405,000. The sellers came back with a counteroffer of $410,000, and Caroccio negotiated to $407,500. The home inspector said that for a house built in 1924, it was in good condition. The builder-grade windows would need updating, and there were some issues with the back deck. She got a seller credit for some repairs needed, but, “nothing major.” They went under contract six days after it went on the market, and closed on April 11, 2025, only two months after Caroccio had started her search.

    The money: She purchased the home for $407,500 after negotiation. It was originally listed for $385,000. She received a $6,000 seller credit. She put $41,000 down (10%), and her mortgage interest rate is 6.625%. Her closing costs were $19,000. She received a $3,000 grant credit through the Freddie Mac ⁠Homeownership Preservation Foundation (HPF) BorrowSmart Access Program which she put toward closing costs. Her monthly payment is $3,021 with escrow, interest, and principal.

    The kitchen features stainless steel appliances. Allie Ippolito / For The Inquirer

    The move: To save money, Caroccio moved herself with the help of family, rather than using a moving company. “Because of the timeline with my apartment lease, I had about 10 weeks until I had to be out,” she said. She had to break her lease, paying a 1½-month rent fee, because the home-buying process had gone much faster than she’d imagined.

    She moved gradually, getting rid of old things, and making aesthetic upgrades to the new house. She hired people to install carpets in the bedroom, painted throughout, and hung Morris & Co. wallpaper in the laundry room. She also had the outdated builder-grade upstairs windows replaced after breaking one while painting. She and Giuliana moved in on June 30, 2025.

    Caroccio added floral wall paper to the laundry room.Allie Ippolito / For The Inquirer

    Life after close: After a year in their new home, Caroccio and Giuliana are settled in. Giuliana completed this past school year in Haddonfield. They adopted a dog, Simba, a Havanese. Caroccio has been pleased with the ease of upkeep, and with a manageable gas and electric bill over the winter, which allowed her to keep saving. Because it’s a smaller house, she said, “our cost of living is lower, so I’ve been able to meet all of our financial goals.” Her total mortgage payment is also less than what she was previously paying in rent.

    “Purchasing this home has been one of the greatest accomplishments of my life,” said Caroccio. “We could not be happier with this house.”

    Did you recently buy a home in the Philadelphia area or South Jersey? Share the story of how you did it. Email Inquirer real estate reporters at properties@inquirer.com.

  • Sea Isle and Strathmere make the perfect Jersey Shore weekend | Field Trip

    Sea Isle and Strathmere make the perfect Jersey Shore weekend | Field Trip

    Painted on the tank of a powder-blue water tower, an anthropomorphic sun (wearing sunglasses, no less) greets drivers as they cross the bay onto the island. Next to the sun, the confident sans serif capitals of the town motto come into focus the closer you get to the beach: SMILE YOU’RE IN SEA ISLE.

    Sure, it could use a comma, but at least they got the right “you’re.” No one’s debating grammar when six miles of beautiful beaches unspool from Townsend’s Inlet to Corson’s Inlet.

    Technically, this is Ludlam Island, but nobody calls it that. People say they’re headed to Sea Isle, and fewer still say they’re going to Strathmere, the quiet enclave at the island’s northern tip. Together, they offer a pleasing one-two punch of barefoot luxury and blue-collar Shore shenanigans, perhaps best embodied by Shoobie emeritus Jason Kelce.

    Time the traffic right and you can get there from Philly in about an hour and a half. Start the car.

    Fuel: Sidney’s Coffee and Eats

    After landing in Sea Isle, hang a left and point the car north toward Strathmere for breakfast. This quick drive really gives you a sense of how wispy the northern end of this island is, revealing just how narrow the island becomes, at points barely wide enough for Commonwealth Avenue. Here you’ll find Sidney’s Coffee and Eats, a beach-block bungalow slinging Liege-style waffles, protein smoothies, and egg-and-cheese croissants. After breakfast, take your cappuccino down to the beach and get those toes in the sand.

    📍 705 Commonwealth Ave., Strathmere, N.J. 08248

    Stay: Colonnade Inn

    Unlike many Shore towns, Sea Isle has only a handful of hotels, while Strathmere has none. Most visitors rent houses or stay in nearby campgrounds before commuting onto the island. Fortunately, the Colonnade Inn, a circa-1883 Victorian that sits in the center of town, just a block and half from the beach, still has availability in July and August for its cute cream-and-turquoise rooms — some for less than $300 a night.

    📍 4600 Landis Ave., Sea Isle City, N.J. 08243

    Jason Kelce with the cofounders of Hank Sauce: Matt Pittaluga (from left), Brian “Hank” Ruxton, and Josh Jaspan. Hank Sauce was founded in 2011 and is based in Sea Isle City. Kelce announced a partnership with the local brand and his family’s Winnie Capital.Courtesy of Hank Sauce

    Sweat: Hank Sauce

    You might recognize the square-edged bottles of Hank Sauce from the shelves of your local Acme or ShopRite, but the brand was created by a trio of friends right here in Sea Isle. Jason Kelce joined as an investor last year. Their casual restaurant serves Buffalo chicken cheesesteaks topped with blue cheese crumbles and baked wings glazed in your favorite Hank’s sauce. The tangy, herb-packed Cilanktro remains a standout. Order lunch to-go and head straight for the beach.

    📍 8605 Landis Ave., Sea Isle City, N.J. 08243

    Relax: Townsend’s Inlet Waterfront Park

    A few blocks from Hank’s, Sea Isle comes to a rounded point where the ocean meets the bay at Townsend’s Inlet Waterfront Park. At low tide, the ocean beach fans outward into a broad stretch of sand that feels surprisingly secluded. If you can’t find a spot on the street, there’s a lot at 94th Street and Roberts Avenue. And remember: Sea Isle requires beach tags, so have $10 on hand.

    📍 Beach access at 93rd Street and Pleasure Avenue, Sea Isle City, N.J. 08243

    The scallop entree is shown at the Deauville Inn, in Strathmere, N.J. Friday, July 3, 2020JOSE F. MORENO / Staff Photographer

    Dine: Deauville Inn

    Near Strathmere’s northern tip, where the bridge crosses into Ocean City, the Deauville Inn has been welcoming travelers since 1881, when it was known as the Whelen Hotel. The establishment has been through a lot — nor’easters, ownership changes, neighborhood disputes — but remains a historic fixture of the island. (Just count the people wearing Deauville Inn hoodies on a chilly night.) Bought and renovated by Tim Fox in 2019, the waterfront restaurant, under chef T.J. Ricciardi, serves lobster rolls, broiled Cape May scallops, and Friday- and Saturday-night prime rib in “lady of the inn” and “innkeeper” cuts. Don’t forget to grab one of those hoodies on the way out.

    📍 201 W. Willard Rd., Strathmere, N.J. 08248

    Sunset: Strathmere Point

    So far this summer, the sunsets have been particularly showy, with epic displays of hot-pink, tangerine, and lavender. Certainly, you can catch sundown from Deauville Inn, but if you wrap up dinner before dark, it’s worth walking a few blocks to the beach at the island’s north point — a huge expanse of sand shaped like a dolphin’s dorsal fin pushing into the water. Walking out there feels somewhat otherworldly, as the surf of the inlet reshapes the sands. Take a seat and enjoy the show.

    📍 Beach access at Commonwealth and Seaview Avenues, Strathmere, N.J. 08248

    Jason Kelce takes a selfie with fans at his sixth annual Ocean Drive fundraiser for the Eagles Autism Foundation.Courtesy of the Philadelphia Eagles

    Drink: Ocean Drive

    Just weeks ago, Kylie and Jason Kelce’s annual celebrity-bartending benefit at Ocean Drive raised $1.26 million for the Eagles Autism Foundation. While this juggernaut event brings peak crowds to the O.D., the bar and restaurant is no stranger to packing people in from day-load to no-shower happy hour to late-night dancing. Catch a local act like Secret Service or Fat Mezz, order a Sea Isle Iced Tea, and watch the hours melt away like a rocket pop on the beach.

    📍 3915 Landis Ave., Sea Isle City, N.J. 08243

  • The Schmitter comes home, and Wheeler gets robbed | Weekly Report Card

    The Schmitter comes home, and Wheeler gets robbed | Weekly Report Card

    The Schmitter returns: A+++

    The MLB All-Star Game can bring celebrities, national attention, and a weeklong celebration of baseball.

    None of that matters. The Schmitter is back.

    After a decade in exile, McNally’s legendary creation — chopped steak, grilled salami, melted cheese, tomatoes, fried onions, and Schmitter sauce on a Kaiser roll — is returning to Citizens Bank Park. For years, fans have mourned its disappearance, wondering why one of Philadelphia’s greatest culinary achievements had vanished from the home of the Phillies.

    Now, balance has been restored.

    There are sandwiches that define a city. The cheesesteak, the roast pork, the hoagie.

    Then there’s the Schmitter, which looked at all three and decided they weren’t doing enough. It’s gloriously excessive, unapologetically Philadelphia, and tastes even better with nine innings of baseball.

    The All-Star Game is supposed to showcase the best of Philadelphia. Now we can say: Mission accomplished.

    Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler throws the baseball against the New York Mets on Sunday, June 21, 2026 in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Zack Wheeler’s All-Star snub: F

    Let’s get this straight.

    One of the best pitchers in baseball won’t be recognized as an All-Star because … he’s scheduled to pitch too close to the All-Star Game.

    That’s the rule.

    Wheeler has a 2.28 ERA, struck out a career-high 14 Reds after learning he didn’t make the team, and has finished second in Cy Young voting twice. The Phillies have six All-Stars headed to Citizens Bank Park next week, yet somehow their ace isn’t one of them.

    Wheeler called it “B.S.” And he’s right.

    If a player is good enough to make the All-Star team but can’t pitch because of his regular-season schedule, name him anyway. Give him the honor, then replace him with someone who can actually throw an inning.

    Instead, MLB managed to turn an exhibition game into a technicality, and the guy getting punished is one of the best pitchers in the sport.

    Fireworks fill the sky at the One Philly: Unity Concert for America on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Sunday, July 5, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    2:30 a.m. fireworks: B

    Only Philadelphia could celebrate America’s birthday by setting off fireworks after last call.

    Yes, thousands of people were woken up. Yes, parents everywhere suddenly had children who insisted they were “still not tired.” And yes, Reddit had plenty to say.

    But given the choice between canceling the city’s biggest fireworks show in 250 years or waiting out a thunderstorm, officials made what they thought was the right call.

    The weather wasn’t cooperating. The fireworks were already loaded. Thousands of people came back after midnight. So Philadelphia leaned into the chaos and celebrated anyway.

    Was it inconvenient? Absolutely.

    Decades from now, will people still be talking about the year Philadelphia launched fireworks at 2:30 a.m.? Absolutely.

    Sometimes the best Philly stories start with, “You’re never going to believe what time this happened.”

    A view of the Ben Franklin Bridge from the Camden waterfront.Taylor Allen

    Closing the Ben Franklin Bridge: A

    Most bridges celebrate birthdays by … continuing to be bridges.

    The Ben Franklin Bridge got a block party, on Saturday.

    For one day, cars were banned, pedestrians took over the roadway, and people could stroll across one of Philadelphia’s most iconic landmarks in a way that’s only happened a handful of times in the bridge’s 100-year history.

    It’s the kind of event that reminds you infrastructure can actually be fun.

    Sure, traffic was a nightmare for a few hours.

    But getting to wander down the middle of a century-old bridge with the Philadelphia skyline on one side and Camden on the other?

    That’s worth a detour.

    Devan Kaney, the former Eagles sideline reporter for 94.1, is seen as the Eagles play the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on Dec. 29, 2024.David Maialetti / Staff Photographer

    Letting Devan Kaney walk: D

    Chicago’s gain is Philadelphia’s loss.

    Just weeks after WIP laid off Devan Kaney, she landed a job covering the Bears for Fox 32 Chicago. That’s usually a pretty good sign you had someone worth keeping.

    Kaney stepped into one of the most visible sports media roles in the city during the Eagles’ Super Bowl run, handled it seamlessly, and became a familiar part of the broadcast.

    Now WIP still needs someone to replace her.

    Sometimes layoffs are unavoidable, but it’s never a great look when talented people leave because they have to, only to be snapped up by another major market before you’ve even filled the vacancy they left behind.

    “We the Youth,” seen here in 2013, sits at 22nd and Ellsworth Streets, with a small park next to it.Steve Weinik / Mural Arts Philadelphia

    Protecting a mural: A

    Not every landmark has four walls.

    Keith Haring’s We the Youth mural could soon become one of the few murals protected on Philadelphia’s Register of Historic Places.

    It’s been part of the neighborhood for nearly 40 years, it’s the only collaborative Haring mural still in its original location, and generations of Philadelphians have grown up with it.

    The preservation concerns are fair. Once you start protecting one mural, where does the list end? That’s a problem for another day. Philadelphia has spent decades proving that murals aren’t decoration. They’re part of the city’s identity.

    It makes sense that eventually we’d decide one was historical, too.

  • Dear Abby | Wife who married young has often heard she missed out

    DEAR ABBY: I married when I was 20 and my husband was 32. I grew up with a conservative view of marriage, so in a sense, I believed marrying early would grant me the most freedom as a woman. We have been married for five years and have a child. Over the years, many people have offered unsolicited advice about how I “missed out on my 20s,” or how our age gap is “disturbing.” I have done my best to brush off these comments, but as I’ve grown and my views about life have evolved, these negative sentiments are becoming constant background voices in my head. Our marriage has been generally good except for the expected stressors that come with being parents and other unforeseen struggles.

    There is also a big disconnect in our intimate life, and I wonder if it is due to our age gap. I don’t know if we are in love or if my view on feeling in love has been romanticized by TV show depictions. My husband is kind, and he has given me the space to become the person I am today.

    My question is: How do I deal with these nagging thoughts that I have missed out on life as a single woman? Am I being ungrateful for the kind and loyal husband I have, or is it OK to explore the possibility of returning to a single life and eventually, maybe, finding love again?

    — DREAMING OF POSSIBILITIES

    DEAR DREAMING: Have you expressed these thoughts to your husband? If he’s as kind as you say, he should be willing to show you the romance you feel you’ve missed out on. I don’t recommend looking for adventure outside the marriage until the two of you have made a sincere effort to satisfy these urges together. If you’re not sure where to start, a licensed couples counselor may be of help.

    ** ** **

    DEAR ABBY: I work as a sports reporter, and I have been in an on-and-off relationship with my co-worker. We are both out gay men, but I am struggling to figure out how to take our relationship to the next level. We both enjoy going on cute dates at local sporting events and always get excited when the team puts us on the KissCam. What can I do to convince him that I am boyfriend material and even future husband material?

    — LOOKING AHEAD IN INDIANA

    DEAR LOOKING: Because you and your co-worker have been dating consistently and kissing on camera, many people in your community may already assume you are a couple. It seems the time has come for a conversation with him about your relationship and whether he thinks there might be a future for the two of you. Even if his answer is no, it is important for you to know if the feelings are mutual.

    Tell him teams do better than individual players, and you hope that by speaking up you won’t strike out.