Author Archives: forstegrupp

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About forstegrupp

Currently I am an English teacher at an independent school outside of Philadelphia. To arrive at this way point, I spent many years in graduate school researching, reading, learning, and studying and finally earned a doctorate in comparative literature from Harvard University. I specialized in medieval orality and literacy. My private interests include baking, knitting, spinning, and gardening.

Hydrangeas

Posted on June 14, 2019 by forstegrupp

We now have many different varieties of hydrangea growing in our yard which is quite shaded by oak, beech, elm, and maple trees. The range of flower form and color delights the eye!

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What is blooming now?

Posted on May 15, 2019 by forstegrupp

This spring in Philadelphia has been cool and wet which has been wonderful for prolonging the bloom time of azaleas and rhododendrons and other plants. Here are a couple of pictures of what is blooming in the garden right now: … Continue reading →

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World War 2 Musical Propaganda

Posted on May 1, 2019 by forstegrupp

Today driving into work, the magic witchbox (iPhone SE) continued playing all my music in alphabetical order. I am not sure how the music got on that setting, but it led to a very interesting contrast this morning. The first … Continue reading →

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How do you spoil high school seniors on your last day of class with them?

Posted on April 30, 2019 by forstegrupp

Today the senior advanced topic English elective meets for the last time. They requested a “fun” day while they work on their final papers about one of several books which they read in independent books groups. I remembered my promise … Continue reading →

Posted in Baking, School | Leave a comment

Tulips and Spring

Posted on April 29, 2019 by forstegrupp

Yesterday SH and I took a drive into Delaware hoping to go to Mt. Cuba Center’s spring festival but it was not to be. They wanted us to park about 2 miles from the gardens and take a shuttle bus … Continue reading →

Posted in chance encounters, garden, life in general | Leave a comment

Australia — hello and goodbye

Posted on April 2, 2019 by forstegrupp

Our time together in Australia passed so very quickly, but we created many wonderful memories: hiking through tropical forests, listening to the rushing water of several waterfalls, riding a ferry to Manly, gazing rapturously at the Sidney Opera House, actually … Continue reading →

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Morris & Sons in Melbourne

Posted on March 23, 2019 by forstegrupp

This morning I walked a few minutes from our hotel to this Australian institution to browse for yarn and ideas. The shop was located inside a gallery. The lower level was a huge bookstore already populated and on the third … Continue reading →

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Barter Economy

Posted on March 17, 2019 by forstegrupp

This loaf of bread will be given to the jewelry teacher at my school tomorrow. She fixed an antique bracelet of mine. I did not ask her to fix it. I just asked her if it could be fixed. Then … Continue reading →

Posted in Baking, friends, life in general | 1 Comment

Sunset in stitches

Posted on March 17, 2019 by forstegrupp

I just finished a piece of knitting which will be going with me to Australia as a gift for a dear friend whom I have not seen in more than ten years. I started with a pattern which is a … Continue reading →

Posted in knitting | 3 Comments

Am I a political coward?

Posted on March 16, 2019 by forstegrupp

I am sorting through stacks of stuff on my desk and came across these New Yorkers from 2016 and 2018. The one of the man reading the paper on the subway perfectly captures my utter disbelief at the travesty of … Continue reading →

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