Realtor's Apocalyptic Evening at Belmont Hills Pool

Described here:  July 26 Philly Storm invades NYC,  photo by Orangeadan@ Flickr

 Was swimming in the Belmont Hills Pool at 7:25pm last night (Thu July 26), when lifeguards abruptly told everyone to get out due to thunder... I wasn't alone in my dismay. Didn't hear any thunder and though the sky was overcast, it didn't have any of the usual threatening tones indicating a storm closer than an hour or so away.

I Assumed the Guards had a party or something and wanted to shut down early, but what are you gonna do but get out and take a shower? I will never doubt the LM Swim Authorities again and ashamed to say I did. Because when I emerged from the changing room ten minutes later, the sky was a roiling, boiling, growl of black bulbous Mushroom clouds like I have never around here - CGI-style, cinematic jumbled with apocalyptic are the best terms I can find to describe.



Above BH Roller-Rink 7/27/12 730pm

In the minute it took to reach the safety of my car and retrieved my cell phone for photographs, the most terrifying, plague-like buboe clouds had unfortunately been blown Eastward with alarming velocity. The pictures I snapped don't capture bowel-loosening drama of the storm's leading edge but it was every bit as irritated and ominous as the image above. While the wind and rain that followed moments later was intense, the storm itself was pedestrian and common compared to the unprecedented rapidity and sudden-drama with which it emerged. Driving around the next half-hour, steering around the usual fallen limbs that accompany our summer storms, the talk-show hosts and weather folks on 1210 and KYW echoed and confirmed my impression that this storm packed a dark speed seldom seen in our area.

Fortunately, the radio-talkers also confirmed that unlike Elmira, NY earlier in the day, tornadoes and their extreme destruction were not part of the package -- this time. Sudden, heat-included, violent storms of this nature are known as "Derechoes". Scientist indicate one derecho every 2-4 years is a historical average for the Delaware Valley. We've now had 2 in two weeks. Kind of scary, but when it comes to likely climate-change-induced extreme weather, all-in-all I'd rather be in Philadelphia where our extremes are milder than much the rest of the nation.

New Ardmore Brew Pub Pours Progressive Refreshments

R5Realty Says: Thumbs Up forTired Hands

Don't be fooled by its relatively non-descript facade and unassuming location at Lancaster and Ardmore Avenues. The Tired Hands Brewing Company (16 Ardmore Ave., Ardmore, Pa.), is the most exciting drinking/dining development Ardmore  has seen in years. The brainchild of youthful brew-master Jean Broillet IV, Tired Hands presents a delightful brew pub experience that is bound to become a cherished cove for refreshment and tasting exploration.

While this space is primarily reserved for topics related to R5-area Real Estate and not Mystery Muncher reviews, R5Realty News&Notes observes that Quality of Life is key to residential real estate values and desirability. We assert that Tired Hands Brewing Company boosts quality of life on the lower Mainline.


With its Portlandian ethos, vibe and decor, THBC is the essence of Relaxed Craftsmanship and dedication to a high standards. Its specialty is the French/Belgian Farmhouse Ales brewed onsite and available on tap in serving sizes (4oz. only $2), which encourage experimentation and adventure. Whether its Broillet or one of the knowledgeable staff behind the bar, the alchemy of what's flowing is made accessible and interesting for the both the lay-quaffer and the afficianado alike.

Owner Broillet at airy Upstairs Bar

THBC's culinary model is inspired by the fare of the traditional Belgian/French cafes . The menu is inexpensive, simple and satisfying, consisting primarily  of cheese and charcuterie plates and sandwiches. Ingredients are sourced locally, within 100 miles whenever possible and include cheeses and meats from locales such as Chester Springs and Warminster. I sampled the Lancaster Bologna and Cheese pannini with a side of tangy gazpacho, which went great with

Come to the Tired Hands Brewing Company with friends, something engaging to read, or a willingness to engage your fellow patrons. The first-floor pub space is handsome but kind of a tight squeeze when crowded; however, the wide-open upstairs room offers ample and airy space to unwind. By design there is no Television in the brew pub. Like I said, its a throw-back place but in a progressive kind of way. 


Broillet sums up THBC's ethos on the establishment's website:
"We value local over imported, small batches over mass production, and striking a successful balance between giving back to our community and personal profit.  Localization guides everything we do, from sourcing raw ingredients and materials, to employing area talent."

http://www.tiredhands.com/

June Sales for Delco Darlings: South Ardmore and Havertown

This 1800 sf single in the Brookline section of Havertown recently sold for $325,000, plus a $10,000 sellers assist for closing costs. Very handsome home with large remodeled kitchen, sweet backyard and in walking distance to Brookline shops. The net buy price of 315k represents an approx 10% discount from previous sale price in 2007, not uncommon for area homes' descent from peak value.

June's Home Sales Transactions in Havertown & South Ardmore Portions of Delco

Street Address	Town	Beds	Baths	sqft	Ask For	Sold For
617 Loraine St	Ardmore	3	1	1,632	$149,000	$131,000
2203 Bryn Mawr Ave	Ardmore	3	1	1,260	$210,000	$205,000
2622 Chestnut Ave	Ardmore	5	2	1,406	$230,000	$205,000
11 Patton Dr	Ardmore	3	1.1	1,616	$229,900	$220,000
2812 Haverford Rd	Ardmore	3	2	1,444	$235,000	$230,000
2229 Avon Rd	Ardmore	3	1.1	1,218	$249,900	$230,000
2516 Belmont Ave	Ardmore	3	1	1,508	$224,900	$232,000
2316 Belmont Ave	Ardmore	3	1	1,356	$249,000	$245,000
826 Aubrey Ave	Ardmore	4	1.1	1,487	$269,000	$252,000
2929 Morris Rd	Ardmore	3	1.1	1,556	$275,000	$264,300
743 Humphreys Rd	Ardmore	3	1	1,182	$268,000	$265,000
2926 Berkley Rd	Ardmore	3	1.1	1,556	$275,000	$268,000
635 Loraine St	Ardmore	3	2	1,968	$275,000	$268,000
2412 Olcott Ave	Ardmore	3	2	1,446	$325,000	$297,000
2936 Normandy Rd	Ardmore	3	2	1,645	$315,000	$302,000
645 Woodcrest Ave	Ardmore	4	2.1	2,365	$320,000	$320,000
2933 Normandy Rd	Ardmore	4	2	1,779	$365,000	$360,000
120 Shawnee Rd	Ardmore	3	2.1	1,804	$414,900	$390,000
626 Ardmore Ave	Ardmore	5	2.1	2,917	$499,000	$493,775
318 Walnut Hill Ln	Haverford	3	1	1,380	$159,900	$160,100
27 W Manoa Rd	Havertown	3	2	1,719	$125,000	$130,000
1409 Fairview Ave	Havertown	4	1	1,709	$175,000	$170,000
312 Lincoln Ave	Havertown	4	2	2,134	$189,000	$174,199
461 Olympic Ave	Havertown	3	1.1	1,392	$174,900	$175,000
412 Mill Rd	Havertown	3	2.2	1,788	$219,000	$195,000
103 E Turnbull Ave	Havertown	4	1	1,629	$209,900	$195,000
616 Country Club Ln	Havertown	4	1	1,507	$209,000	$206,000
1313 Robinson Ave	Havertown	3	1.1	1,536	$219,500	$206,000
38 Rodman Ave	Havertown	3	1	1,264	$209,900	$207,000
1330 Delmont Ave	Havertown	3	2.1	1,189	$215,000	$208,000
300 Canterbury Rd	Havertown	3	2.1	1,325	$234,900	$225,000
1740 Hawthorne Ave	Havertown	4	1.1	1,532	$229,000	$229,000
117 Sycamore Rd	Havertown	3	1	1,400	$234,900	$230,000
122 Foster Ave	Havertown	4	2.1	1,872	$250,000	$235,000
429 Hastings Ave	Havertown	4	1	1,477	$249,900	$240,000
1454 Maryland Ave	Havertown	3	1.2	1,625	$240,000	$240,000
1425 Maryland Ave	Havertown	3	2	1,925	$275,000	$250,000
209 E Turnbull Ave	Havertown	3	2	1,259	$259,900	$250,000
136 Walnut Hill Ln	Havertown	3	2	1,438	$257,900	$257,900
220 Heatherwood Rd	Havertown	3	2	1,292	$279,000	$264,600
18 Hastings Ave	Havertown	3	1.1	1,560	$269,900	$266,000
437 Colfax Rd	Havertown	3	1.1	1,259	$279,900	$270,000
600 S Eagle Rd	Havertown	5	3	3,291	$285,000	$279,000
1724 Mount Pleasant	Havertown	3	2.1	1,978	$279,900	$282,000
1603 Melrose Ave	Havertown	3	1	1,350	$290,000	$288,000
20 Nancy Dr	Havertown	3	2.1	1,998	$290,000	$289,000
1401 Kingsley Rd	Havertown	3	2	1,481	$295,000	$305,000
210 Sagamore Rd	Havertown	3	2	1805	$325,000	$325,000
306 Francis Dr	Havertown	3	2.1	2,240	$339,900	$325,000
114 Myrtle Ave	Havertown	3	2.1	2,120	$335,000	$326,000
1425 Kingsley Rd	Havertown	4	3.1	2,528	$359,900	$345,000
215 Sagamore Rd	Havertown	3	2.2	1,950	$350,000	$355,000
609 Beechwood Dr	Havertown	3	2	1,996	$375,000	$375,000
34 Llandillo Rd	Havertown	4	2	2,158	$375,000	$375,000
2601 W Darby Rd	Havertown	5	2.1	2,319	$395,000	$395,000
312 Mill Rd	Havertown	4	3.1	2,164	$450,000	$400,000
18 N Morgan Ave	Havertown	4	3.1	2,179	$439,000	$440,000
114 E Park Rd	Havertown	6	2.2	2,733	$499,900	$457,500