a vibrant life

French Bread

2012-02-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

I'm obsessed.

With bread making.

I use a recipe from this book.

I have not BOUGHT bread in the year 2012.

It's totally true.

Bread making is THAT easy.

Crispy on the outside,

warm and chewy on the inside.

Lately I prefer mine with fig jam.

Fig jam is the best thing on earth.

I mean it.

It's great if you spread it over goat cheese,

or cream cheese,

or just on a spoon.

Also,

I just learned of this blog,

which I will now read until my bread is cool.

Be BRAVE!

2012-02-15T14:17:00.000-08:00

I love presents.

Really.

And there is one waiting for me.

At Erin's house.

Won't you BE BRAVE?

And PAY IT FORWARD?

Do you like to receive cool handmade gifts? Do you like to give handmade gifts and bring joy through those gifts? Do you want to join a project and BRING JOY EXPONENTIALLY through handmade gifts?

PAY IT FORWARD 2012

This project stems from a Facebook challenge that I participated in last year, in which I received one handmade gift from one person and in turn "paid it forward" by giving five handmade gifts to five people (and those five people were to each give to five people, growing the project exponentially and indefinitely).

Here's my adaptation of the project, to be carried through, by threes, via the blog world.

the fun begins

If you would like to participate, please leave a comment below.

The first three people to respond and show commitment

to the project will receive a handmade gift from me!!!

Post this project on your own blog--feel free to cut n' paste.

Gather three new participants and be willing / prepared

to follow through with the "Pay It Forward" part!!!

Please link back to this original post:

("JOIN THE FUN! Pay It Foward 2012")

and I, in turn, will include a link to your post

so that we can follow the project from its origin.

I will give you a (small, simple, heartfelt) handmade gift.

Make sure to email me your full name and address.

In turn, give (small, simple, heartfelt) handmade gifts

to your participants, and let the joy grow exponentially!!!

(please only enter under one blog... give more than you receive!)

******

Just two of the MANY participants already:

1. April at April Cole's Studio
2. Eric at http://journalfodderjunkies.blogspot.com/

I only need ONE more...

and I have a super-swell gift for you.

I know you want it.

Be brave!

Pay It Forward.

It feels good!

Be mine?

2012-02-14T04:47:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

We started our day with

delicious *heart* shaped pancakes.

Free hand so a little wonky.

It's okay; it adds to the charm.

Using this recipe,

I measured out all ingredients last night.

Left out the eggs and milk too.

Mixed it all together this morning.

(that tip is for the folks who wonder

"how do I do it?"...

now you know)

Poor Sister Too lost her birthstone earring

over Christmas while sledding.

No hope of finding it.

She got a replacement today.

Notice, there is only ONE earring on that card.

Sister needed a back scrubber

which will double as a microphone in the shower.

I know it seems lame,

but she was totally psyched!

And finally,

Mr. got this lovely PINK ice cream scoop

because we didn't have one at the cottage.

Sister is noticing that lots of holidays

are turned into opportunities to

get something for the cottage.

Hmmm...Mrs. is sneaky.

When I am an old woman...I shall wear purple

2012-02-10T04:59:00.000-08:00

I'm not known for my fashion,

but I admire these ladies.

These ladies have STYLE!

Horse racing at it's best

2012-02-08T03:56:00.001-08:00

This is wonderful!

I loved it.

You will too.

Thinking of Mary Poppins?

I am.

I can't wait for better weather so I can

stalk the carousel in Pittsburgh.

Sights around town

2012-02-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

How would you like to live here?

Bacchus?

Hanging on the side

of an apartment.

How about this building?

I LOVE the roof!

Painted like a flag

And, if you are in town,

you should try

the Square Cafe.

Sort of like a gourmet diner.

But cooler.

Instead of a gum ball machine...

Seed bombs!

Awesome!

Only 50 cents!

Pay It Forward 2012

2012-02-05T10:47:00.000-08:00

I know that most (uh...all)

of my readers are friends and family.

Even so, I thought I'd invite you to do a cool thing.

I'm doing it over at Erin's blog.

JOIN THE FUN! Pay It Forward 2012

PAY IT FORWARD 2012

Here's my adaptation of the project, to be carried through, by threes, via the blog world.

the fun begins

If you would like to participate, please leave a comment below.

The first three people to respond and show commitment

to the project will receive a handmade gift from me!!!

Post this project on your own blog--feel free to cut n' paste.

Gather three new participants and be willing / prepared

to follow through with the "Pay It Forward" part!!!

Please link back to this original post:

("JOIN THE FUN! Pay It Foward 2012")

and I, in turn, will include a link to your post

so that we can follow the project from its origin.

I will give you a (small, simple, heartfelt) handmade gift.

Make sure to email me your full name and address.

In turn, give (small, simple, heartfelt) handmade gifts

to your participants, and let the joy grow exponentially!!!

In the spirit of Pay It Forward 2012
please enter under only one blog.
The point is to give more than receive.

Happy crafting!

******

By the way,

Erin makes the totally RAD books

out of packaging.

Here are a few she's done for me.

Don't feel left out,

you can buy some too!

I have my first participant:
1. April Cole at April Cole's Studio
2. Eric at http://journalfodderjunkies.blogspot.com/

Sweetie Pie

2012-01-30T00:00:00.000-08:00

Mr. is a dear.

Really.

Just yesterday he was urging me to get out the door,

so I would make it to the post office

before it closed.

I was dressed,

wearing slippers...

sans socks.

And...

my freshly painted nails were still wet.

So, Mr. kindly offered to put my feet into socks

and save the day

by preserving my manicure.

Yay!

This is what it sounds like:

Mrs: Here are my socks.

Mr: Give me your hoof.

Mrs: I love you too, Sweetie Pie.

And that, my friends,

is everyday romance

in the vibrant household.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

2012-01-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

Mr.'s family is full of stories.

Here's one:

One day Grandma made a pineapple upside down cake.

It was greatly anticipated*

as she had several children

and all were raised with a proper sweet tooth.

*This was in the olden days

when children

did not eat

sugar

all day.

A lady friend stopped to visit

and admired the cake,

mentioning that it is

her favorite

in all the world.

Having the grace of a lady,

"Take this one," says Grandma.

"Oh no, I couldn't!" exclaimed the lady friend.

"No, really, you must," insists Grandma.

"My children don't LIKE

pineapple upside down cake."

And so, lady friend skips home,

cake in hand.

Grandma waves goodbye from the porch,

with several sets of teary eyed children,

clinging to her skirt,

and no pineapple upside down cake.

I saw this video,

and thought I might make one.

pineapple upside-down cake from rachelchew on Vimeo.

Now you want to make one too,

don't you.

Other people's medicine

2012-01-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

I have a few candy jars

around the house.

Mr. was enticed by some

prettily wrapped chocolates.

He popped one in his mouth

and then made an ugly face.

"Gross!"

"What's wrong with these chocolates?"

Short answer:

those are MOMMY's MEDICINE.

Not for the faint of heart.

Grand Mariner

enrobed in dark chocolate.

Don't take other people's medicine.

FIRE!

2012-01-27T04:49:00.000-08:00

I picked Mr. up from the train.

He kissed me,

and then began to tell me all about his day.

Suddenly,

in the middle of his story,

he began to say,

"My lips are on FIRE!"

"No, really! My lips are burning up!"

Now, again, slightly louder,

more panic in his voice,

"My lips are on FIRE!"

"What do you have on your lips?"

I was laughing hysterically by this time.

Pee your pants kind of laughing.

As calmly as I can,

I say,

"Burt's Beeswax."

"What's in it?" he yells.

Ironically

I say,

"Cool and refreshing mint."

Honestly, it was so funny!

You'd think I was trying to poison him,

by using lip balm

ON MY LIPS!

As the sisters say

"Overreact much?"

Pittsburgh...where you feel old

2012-01-26T04:42:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I learned there is a

BIG difference

between 28 and 38.

While getting my hair cut,

I overheard a conversation

between two women,

both age 28.

"I mean, I'm not, like, trying to find someone.

I'm happy, like, being single and everything.

I mean, I have fun and everything"

Between the two of them,

three words couldn't be

strung together

without "like" or "everything".

Oh, they were delightful.

I didn't envy the single girl,

having so much fun.

I'd rather be home with Mr.

drinking tea

and knitting.

But I did suddenly feel my age.

Poor Mr.

He is the oldest person in his office.

The people he works with are young.

I didn't understand until I drove

him and some other guys around one afternoon.

Bet you didn't know I sometimes drive a taxi.

Okay, you probably knew.

I do have two kids.

Anyway, the guys wanted to be let out

to pick up some lunch.

After spending about an hour with them,

I also thought they were young.

I had to bite my tongue

and not offer them lunch money.

So, as Mr. says,

"Welcome to Pittsburgh,

where you FEEL old."

Kinfolk

2012-01-24T03:29:00.000-08:00

Kinfolk Volume Two from Kinfolk on Vimeo.

This video is lovely.

It makes me glad for winter.

And...

it makes me want

a subscription to Kinfolk.

Who's Carmen?

2012-01-23T17:05:00.000-08:00

Sister was talking at dinner tonight

about her bad day.

"Karma is out to get me," she declared.

"Who's Carmen?" Mr. asked.

Peels of laughter.

Sister Too says

"I think someone is getting old."

And reminds us a little of grandpa.

Happy Chinese New Year!

We served broccoli and beef, firecracker shrimp, rice,

and chocolate dessert bites.

Ambitiously, I planned to make paper lanterns for decorations.

*chirp...chirp*

Um, yeah.

On the bright side, there is nothing to take down.

Dinner

2012-01-19T05:21:00.000-08:00

Tonight school is hosting

International Night.

Sister is playing her trombone.

(The Can-can...once it gets in your head it stays...)

Sister Too is one of the MC's.

Sister Too really wants us to go.

"Mom, you don't have to make dinner,"

she persuades.

"Hmmm, sounds good," I think.

Sister Too says,

"And, I told my teacher

how great you are

at making

homemade French bread.

So I volunteered you

to make

a dozen loaves."

I'm not sure

but I think making dinner

*might*

have been easier.

Once again, the easy way

is not the right way.

Even my hair smells like bread.

Update, and advice

2012-01-15T12:30:00.000-08:00

When I dropped my broken camera off

(on Saturday last),

the camera guy said,

"We'll look at it and give you a call this week."

I called Friday.

Just to check.

Because they hadn't called me.

Hmm...

The guy said,

"Our technician has been out all week,

we'll give you a call next week."

Do you think he's stalling?

Should I pick up my camera?

Should I take a chance

and call the credit card company

to get a refund on the charges?

Help!

This is making me really crazy!

Surprise...and not the happy kind

2012-01-11T05:31:00.000-08:00

A few nights ago I decided to bake Mr.'s favorite cookies

with a twist.

Oatmeal chocolate chip coconut and walnut cookies.

Yum.

One must have fallen on the floor,

for the next morning Mr. picked it up.

But it looked suspiciously...

nibbled.

Cue the panic attack.

Mrs. does NOT like rodents

of ANY kind.

Not even hamsters.

Just to be on the safe side,

I put out some traps.

And I mean business.

Did you know Ortho has some new rodent control?

Me neither.

But I bought the Home Defense MAX

because that was how I feel.

I want to defend my home to the MAX.

I baited it with peanut butter

(original, I know).

And to my absolute horror...

I caught a mouse!

The design of the new trap is to give you a handle

so you don't have to get too close

to dispose of the enemy.

I designed my life to have Mr.

and he thoughtfully did it for me.

The mystery is

I have cleaned this house like crazy

because I am having 12 ladies over tonight.

I have not found ANY evidence at all of a mouse.

I even mopped under and behind the fridge.

Let's hope he's a loner.

But he's probably not.

I told the sisters this morning at breakfast.

Sister Too said "I feel like I am living at Farmer Sue's."

Exactly what I was thinking.

HA!

Camera Repair SVC. Inc. in Market Square

2012-01-09T09:22:00.000-08:00

Remember that my camera was broken?

Here's the story:

Needing cleaning, Mr. took my camera to

Camera Repair Svc. in Market Square

downtown Pittsburgh.

He was charged $40 for "diagnostics".

They called and said the lens needed "recalibrating".

After two weeks, it was picked up.

The bill was $200.

They lost the lens cap,

but replaced it.

I took 6 photos.

It locked up, and didn't work

AT ALL.

I called.

They said it was a battery issue.

When I changed the battery out,

I noticed they replaced the

PERFECTLY FUNCTIONING

Canon Battery

with a generic one.

Hmm.

No lens cap.

Generic battery.

Doesn't sound like a reputable place.

Neither battery made the camera work.

We left for our Christmas holiday.

I was NOT happy to have no camera.

You know I like my pictures.

I called and left messages.

I e-mailed.

NO RESPONSE.

I went back to the camera shop.

I shared my problem.

I told them I wanted a repair

AND A REFUND.

The man behind the counter told me he doesn't do that.

Because they do good work.

I pointed out that when my camera was dropped off,

it WORKED.

And, after they "fixed" it, it doesn't.

Too bad for me, he said.

He took it back for repair.

He will call me later in the week.

I am NOT a HAPPY CAMPER.

I DO NOT want you to take your camera there.

They are known for bad reviews.

Of course,

I chose them on convenience.

And friends,

I have been inconveniently paying for that convenience

for a month.

And, I have no Christmas photos to boot.

The easy way is NEVER the right way.

Young Adult the movie

2012-01-04T04:44:00.000-08:00

Mr. and I like to see movies at Christmastime.

He selected Sherlock Holmes.

Good for our family.

3 out of 4 really liked it.

For me, lots of ACTION

not too much story.

It made me wish we could pay the amount the movie was worth to us.

I paid $7 to get in.

I wished I could have paid about $4.

Then I picked Young Adult.

I liked it.

Reminds me that we are all at least

a little "crazy".

I know I've had my moments.

And watching Charlize Theron

reminded me of too many women I already know.

Mr. hated it.

Some comments he made:

The best thing about this movie was the popcorn.

The only men in the audience are here because their wives made them come.

This is like watching how a woman's mind works on a BIG SCREEN!

This movie is terrible!

My favorite was this one:

What's the rating on this movie? It should be rated P-U!

I was really laughing at him.

I wish I could had recorded them for you.

Honestly, we have talked about it since,

and he agrees that it isn't really a BAD movie,

but it didn't make him FEEL GOOD at the end.

It was smart,

well-written,

realistic,

and not afraid to tie everything up neatly at the end.

Just like real life.

On the camera:

The repair shop refuses to respond to my e-mails

or phone messages.

Or Mr.'s for that matter.

We are calm and civil.

This might get ugly.

Dark, dark days

2011-12-22T15:42:00.000-08:00

I was having a little trouble with my camera.

It was being cranky about focusing.

I took it to a camera shop

to have it cleaned.

I was told it needed a part,

and I was charged $200.

Mr. picked it up,

and I gleefully snapped photos.

I took about 4.

Then the camera stopped working.

I tried charging the battery.

I tried changing the battery.

The camera shop says it is a battery issue.

I think not.

I have sent a strongly worded e-mail

demanding a full refund

AND

a repair.

Even so,

it won't happen in time for Christmas.

So, guess what?

No more pictures for me.

Not even on Christmas.

Friends,

it is hard for me to imagine a

Merry Christmas

without

photographic proof.

It's a dark, dark day here.

Crepes in Pittsburgh

2011-12-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

We walk around sometimes,

and then we find treasure.

Like this.

We love to get drinks

at cool places.

The savory crepes are divine.

Next time we will try the sweet ones.

And, they had AUTHENTIC chocolat chaud.

Like in France.

Not too sweet,

but so chocolatey.

Recommended by Mr.

I had a cafe au latte.

Also delicious.

And the mug was To Die For!

AND...

they have pastries!

A outing like this sometimes

wears the sisters out.

Please note the earbuds.

We might have to have the surgically removed.

And the handsome MR. who makes it all happen.

Dozen Cupcakes in Pittsburgh

2011-12-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

Guess what we found?

ANOTHER bakery!

The menu:

Which, honestly, I would buy

and hang in my kitchen

if I had ANY wall space in there.

Mr. features the Maple Chocolate Bacon cupcake.

Pretty.

Yummy!

On the far right is the Mostess kind.

It's like a Hostess.

But VEGAN.

I didn't care about that part,

but I did eat one.

Only one.

Next time I will get a DOZEN!

Mr. got the Maple Chocolate Bacon.

He says it is the perfect mix of salty and sweet.

NO bacon in MY baked goods.

Still, DOZEN gets our thumbs up!

Random fun in the Carnegie Museum

2011-12-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

Philadelphia is the city of brotherly love.

Pittsburgh is the city of sisterly love.

See this love?

Can you feel it?

They are literally pushing each other apart!

Mr. thinks he looks like Zeus.

Not so much.

Sister Too in the Hall of Statues.

See that tall building?

It's the Cathedral of Learning.

I want to go there some day.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

I'll tell you what:

I love this city!

Christmas Trees at the Carnegie

2011-12-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

Pittsburghers celebrate Christmas trees

at the Carnegie Museum.

We went.

This tree celebrates Teeny Harris,

famous Pittsburgh photographer.

Celebrating superheros and comics:

Cloe-up of the topper:

Stationed in the Hall of Statues,

full of replicas of famous architecture,

including the Porch Maidens of the Acropolis.

A little weird to see such great treasures

crowded.

It was hard to appreciate them fully.

Guess I'll just have to go to Greece and see the originals.

Chihuly at the Phipps Conservatory

2011-12-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

Do you know of my obsession with colored glass?

I am always drawn to it.

A.L.W.A.Y.S.

So, I am a big fan of Chihuly.

The Phipps Conservatory has lots of it.

This greets you in the foyer.

And, you can see it beautifully in the reflection in the windows.

I love that you can see the actual architecture of the conservatory too.

I'd love to have a conservatory

with heated floors.

I'd have breakfast there every day.

I love how Chihuly's glass sculptures

are just tucked in around the tropical plants.

In the desert,

this GLOWS somehow from the inside.

Guess what it made me think of.

Chihuly is so brilliant,

and so is this glass sun.

Seriously.

My dining room would really shine

if this Chihuly hung over the table.

Phipps Conservatory of Pittsburgh

2011-12-17T13:25:00.000-08:00

The gem in Pittsburgh's crown is the Phipps.

When you come upon it,

it glows a lovely yellow-white.

The door is cheerfully flanked by towering firs

covered in multi-colored lights,

which I usually regard as tacky,

but not here.

We toured at night,

and it was illuminated primarily with candles.

How romantic!

3,000 poinsettias were featured.

I didn't count them; I just took their word for it.

My camera is in the shop,

getting gussied up for Christmas,

so I used Sister Too's point and shoot.

Sorry they are a bit blurry.

Sister took this shot of an orchid.

Nutcracker is the theme for this year.

Sister posed in front of the Chinese tree.

Chopsticks and paper dragons adorned the limbs.

OMG! I totally love this euphorbia wreath.

Santa, are you listening?

We loved the charming little village

featuring model E trains rushing along.

Live Christmas music!

I loved the bassoon.

My favorite:

This tree is suspended in a pond!

The reflection was so sharp, we wondered if it was a mirror.

Can you see where the tree ends and the reflection begins?

Go to the Phipps Conservatory.

We did.

It was so impressive,

we left as members.

I hope to return this week.

With my repaired camera.

Monday, Monday

2011-12-12T10:56:00.000-08:00

I got up early

and started the car,

so it would be warm

when I took Mr. to the train.

When I went back outside to leave...

The door was locked

and the car was running

in the driveway.

Do you know where the *spare* keys are?

I don't.

Lost in the move.

One locksmith braved the cold

and early hour (6AM)

to rescue us.

Don't feel sorry for him.

He got $100 for his troubles.

And the top of my to-do list today:

get a new spare key made.

Cost of that $70.

Still cheaper than the locksmith.

Merry Christmas and learn from my mistake!

Got milk?

2011-12-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

Have you ever seen one of these?

I wasn't sure what it was.

I went closer.

I still didn't know what it was.

I thought the top was "interesting"...

Then I went a little closer still.

Breast feeding just got so much cooler.

Weekend fun

2011-12-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

We went to a craft show.

And saw some fun things.

Like this:

We weren't sure who this was.

Sister Too was nervous.

I LOVE seeing Mr. with his daughters.

He is their first love, and they adore him.

So do I.

I really hope they marry

someone JUST like him.

Do you know he makes the bed EVERY day

because it is important to me?

I love that Sister reads the comics

and has her first vanilla latte.

Mr. is fancy

with his pinky.

Funny.

So far, this coffee shop in Bakery Square is my favorite

in all of Pittsburgh.

Mochas that are not too sweet.

They use real cocoa,

not syrup.

Window shopping

For inspiration:

Spray painted plastic spoons

inserted into styrofoam balls.

PARTY!

Anthropologie,

of course.

Kentuck Knob

2011-12-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

If you go to Fallingwater,

you are only 7 miles from Kentuck Knob.

So, you should go.

In between, we had lunch at the Nemacolin.

Fancy.

Kentuck Knob was also designed

by Frank Lloyd Wright.

It is owned by Lord Palumbo

from England.

Look at his cutie post box.

He has lots of English art peppered

around the property.

I love it.

The red is so cheerful!

And the sisters had never seen a phone booth.

I loved this apple.

Reminded me of Spoonbridge and Cherry.

We had some fun with it.

Uh, yeah.

The photographer forgot to line up my hand

with the BOTTOM of the apple.

Despite the coaching.

I guess you get what you pay for.

Grandma got a hand-knit cowl

from me

to keep her warm.

It's my first mobius.

Frank Lloyd Wright's signature

Our whole gang with the tour guide

(me, behind the camera)

Open skylights...

for wind!

Back porch

Nice view of the property

Those hills are gorgeous.

Mr. looked so handsome too.

Back of the house

Front, where the driveway is.

I preferred this house.

It was livable.

I wish we could photograph the inside.

I especially loved the curated desk

full of Lord Palumbo's sharpened pencils

engraved with

"House of Lords" on them.

I could write some lovely letters from that desk,

with those pencils,

and that view.

Fallingwater II

2011-12-08T03:00:00.000-08:00

The house is really amazing.

Dang it!

I can't stop thinking about those blooming rhododendrons!

The windows are louvered

and when they open,

there is NO support in them.

Cool.

Oh, my!

Look at that handsome family

on the porch!

View of the river from the little foot bridge

tourists cross to access the house.

See who the river is right under the house!

It's amazing!

People say it's Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece.

View from above,

note the footbridge,

again...

the rhodos.

July.

Seriously.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater

2011-12-07T17:55:00.001-08:00

We took Grandma and Grandpa to Fallingwater.

First there is a delightful walk through the woods.

It was a lovely fall day.

I especially loved the moss,

which seemed SO green.

Rhododendrons were everywhere.

I got really excited.

Recalling our house in Massachusetts,

I decided we should return in May.

The blooms would be outstanding.

I asked a guide to confirm the bloom time.

JULY!

These are NATIVE,

so they bloom later.

Rats!

I'll be at the cottage

and will miss it.

I noticed the heart-shaped moss on the tree.

The walk is intended to introduce you to the sound of water.

You can hear it before you see it.

This river was small,

but POWERFUL!

We imagined it would be super dangerous

during the spring rains.

I got really close and made MR. nervous.

I just want to point out, so far in EVERY picture

rhododendrons,

not in bloom.

Plan your trip in July,

it will be TOTALLY worth it.

I didn't bring my tripod.

The water eroded little holes in the rock.

We watched them for a while.

The play of the water over the rocks

was better than cable.

Visitors

2011-12-06T03:00:00.000-08:00

Grandma and Grandpa came to visit.

We played SMEAR.

And saw the view from Mount Washington,

from there you can see where the

Monhongahela River

and the Allegheny River

meet to form the mighty Ohio River.

(See the castle in the background? It's the PPG Building.)

Then we went to the Frick,

which is hosting a Faberge exhibit.

Go if you can (no photos allowed).

It's full of lovely everyday items,

like a match striker.

I didn't even know they existed!

Helen Clay Frick decided to build an art museum in her back garden.

Behind the playhouse, conservatory, and garage.

Then she gave it to the city.

I love her for it.

The conservatory has this beautiful stag horn fern.

I would covet it,

but I know they are a labor of love,

and I don't love them enough.

But it looks super cool, right?!

Veggies are grown inside for the on-site restaurant to serve.

But they grow lovely things as well.

I loved the line of bare trees,

and wispy clouds,

and that beautiful green house.

Be still, my beating heart!

For fun, we lunched at Primanti Brothers.

Dang it! I do love that PPG Building!

Then we went into the miniature but

SUPER CUTIE import store,

where Grandma wanted to buy me something and offered many times,

but forgot that she had't brought her wallet.

HA! Would have been funny if I had taken her up on it!

I bought a cappuccino, and I bought her a chai.

The line was LOOONG,

but it was so fun to look around.

Grandma was amused that this tree

was hanging on the side of a building

so we took her photo.

Grandpa thought it was silly,

and refused to pose with her.

Boo on Grandpa.

It could have been her Christmas card photo!

Pittsburgh Light Up Night

2011-12-05T19:03:00.001-08:00

Pittsburgh is one of my favorite cities...

so far.

They do a great holiday celebration.

We rode the train downtown to enjoy it.

This is a lovely church,

I love the blurry bus traveling past.

Big old churches are so lovely.

Another church all decked out.

Market Square was packed with people.

Mr. sprung for hot chocolate.

I didn't like it.

Too much sugar,

not enough CHOCOLATE!

Sister took this photo of Mr. and me.

I love that holiday tree.

The Pittsburgh Plate and Glass Building

(PPG to the locals)

is so reflective, like a mirror.

Beautiful, and it looks like a castle!

We tried to eat inside this charming restaurant.

Our first time...

we had no idea we should have made reservations.

Maybe Mr. will take me there for Valentine's Day?

I loved the luminaries!

And the stained glass!

And when we rode the train home,

guess who rides the RED LINE?

That's right!

I do love PIttsburgh!

Random stuff

2011-11-19T05:36:00.001-08:00

I woke up today

to Sister Too, trapped in her bedroom.

She wiggled the doorknob from the inside.

I wiggled it from the outside.

It wasn't budging.

In this old house (1941),

I was afraid we would need the screwdriver

to take off the doorknob

and release Sister Too.

Mr. stayed in bed,

listening,

and thinking it was funny.

Finally I chastised him for his lack of help

and he went to work.

He deduced that the door was locked.

And when he coached her,

she was able to unlock the door

and spring herself free.

She didn't know the door was locked.

HA!

Meanwhile the Mac Doctor was here again.

He left me with a corrupted photo library.

And instructions to keep deleting libraries

and going further and further back

until I find the library BEFORE the corruption.

You know that means I am losing pictures.

And I have a back up.

And it frustrates me that my camera has 400 photos on it

that I don't dare load onto the computer

or post here.

It frustrates me that the back up drive

has saved corrupted photos

and is no good to me.

It frustrates me that I paid someone lots of money

to NOT FIX my problem.

And I am really sad that I may be losing some of my pictures

for they are really the only thing I collect.

Boo hoo for me!

Growing up

2011-11-11T03:57:00.001-08:00

I need to hang the pictures in this house.

First, I need to find out what is in the attic.

Then I need to organize the basement,

finally, the things in the garage that go in the basement

or in the attic need to return to their respective places.

Only then will I be able to access the pictures to hang.

I started that process yesterday.

This move was perfectly timed.

The moving company packed everything up, and loaded it into the truck,

and dropped it off here while

the sisters and I went to the cottage for the summer.

We had a fabulous summer.

Now that we're here, and the house is smaller,

we no longer have a toy room.

Actually, we no longer need a toy room.

The sisters have outgrown their toys,

and are satisfied to store them in the attic,

and generously donated a few as well.

Yesterday, while in the attic,

sorting through the boxes,

organizing the holiday decor which we will need in a few weeks,

I opened the box of dress-up clothes,

which was full of lots of things that didn't belong in there,

because kids rarely put things back where they belong.

I found two napkins from a tea party,

and a wipe-erase board listing 18 different kinds of tea served.

The long lengths of fabric used for so many things:

rivers, beds, forts, and costumes,

were hopelessly knotted and tangled with safety pins,

couture designed by the sisters,

worn by themselves and their friends.

It was weird, to see these items frozen in time,

and suddenly I wished

for a moment

that the pretending days in our house were not over.

I wanted to post a picture here,

taken 4 years ago,

of all the neighborhood kids,

but iPhoto is still mad at me,

and told me so by giving me a big, red exclamation point.

I gotta call that computer guy back.

Cincinnati Football

2011-11-07T04:48:00.000-08:00

Our friends came to Cincinnati

to see a University of Cincinnati football game.

Folks here called it the University of Pittsburgh game.

Pitt for short.

First, we tailgated.

We suck at tailgating.

These people put on a spread.

With linens.

And flowers.

I liked their style.

Some Pitt Alumni were playing the fight song

with their fancy Pitt band horns and flags.

They played for beers1

There were about a million high school bands there too.

They got to play at half-time.

They were so proud.

Our new city is awesome!

I love the giant ketchups on the Heinz scoreboard.

Here's our crew...

The band lines up:

And they can spell.

As the evening got colder, we layered up.

Here's Mr. wearing his handsome hat.

Knitted by ME!

It's the Irish Hiking Hat.

Not usually my thing,

but it was TONS of fun!

You want cream with that?

2011-10-31T18:51:00.000-07:00

I found a cool store in Pittsburgh.

It has this:

A GIANT creamer...

It's pretty cool.

Reminds me of a Greek diner.

This I Believe

2011-10-28T07:45:00.000-07:00

I am an NPR nerd.

Personally, I loved it in Cincinnati.

they do all my favorite shows.

Pittsburgh is called Essential Public Radio.

They do not carry all my favorite shows.

I subscribe to the podcasts.

Each week I love to listen to the series

"This I Believe".

It is inspiring, and touching.

Last year, I was so inspired,
I wrote one too.

It was the holiday season,

and I tend to get a little sentimental around that time.

Here is my essay:

I believe in friendship forged over food. We have relocated many times to many states, and sharing meals has been the way we forge new and lasting friendships wherever we live. Even busy people find time to linger over a meal with friends. Meals encourage entertaining conversation, and can soothe tempers after heated and polarizing discussions. Food links us together in a chain that spans time and tradition.

I read somewhere that Jewish people are commanded to share their meals with others. While I am not Jewish, I think this is a very noble calling. I entertain though my house is not in order, without any planning or menu consideration, without advance notice, and I am known to serve an impromptu dinner party while in my pajamas. I have learned that no one comes to see the house, or to see me in my Sunday best. And while I believe that I can show my love for people by cooking from scratch, I also have learned that sharing a meal of take-out Chinese is just as wonderful as sharing a mock-Thanksgiving dinner that took all day to prepare. The sharing is the most important.

I cook for a family of four, and I have learned it is just as easy to cook for 6, or 8, and so many nights, I do. While often our friends and neighbors are delighted and grateful for the invitation, even sometimes feeling guilty because they do not reciprocate, I am honored and humbled to share my meal with those who share my life, my successes and defeats, and while my words fail to convey my deep thanks for their friendship, I believe a bowl of hot, saucy pasta consumed while sitting around my imperfect kitchen table shows them how much I care for them.

I am proud that my daughters never hesitate to invite someone to dinner, and though they are but 11 and 13 years old, they will make French chocolate mousse to encourage friends to linger for dessert. It’s just what we do.

And if you want to see it on the official site,

Click here.

Now that we are here in Pittsburgh,

we have only hosted one meal

with Cousin Mark.

I am so happy in Pittsburgh,

it is a wonderful city.

Reading my essay reminds me of the fond times

around my oak kitchen table,

or my walnut dining room table,

and I miss my dear friends in Cincinnati.

Lucky for me, some arrive next week,

for football and fellowship.

It will feel like old times.

Almost.

Grinch

2011-10-27T03:00:00.000-07:00

You may remember that yesterday

I lost my purse.

I had a busy day.

Our church hosts homeless families

for one week each month.

It takes an army of volunteers.

We decided to be an army of 4 and help out.

We signed up to make dinner.

Salad, chicken, green beans, apple sauce, and pumpkin bars.

Yum.

Except I decided to cut the sugar in the pumpkin bars.

To NONE.

I forgot to add sugar.

So yeah,

we make dinner for two homeless families,

people who have so little,

and I deprive them of SUGAR?!?!

Who do I think I am?

The Grinch?

Luckily, the recipe calls for a caramel layer.

So it is a little sweet.

Healthy?

That's how I'm presenting it.

Guess what I've done so far today...

2011-10-26T07:01:00.000-07:00

I woke EARLY.

And instead of taking Mr. to the train,

I RODE the train with Mr.

downtown.

I knitted on the train.

Making a warm and toasty hat for Mr.

We went to the health expo.

To get our blood pressure, and blood drawn,

and tested.

I worried about my results:

I didn't study.

Mr. gave me a tour of his office.

He was so proud.

I went to the bathroom.

I sat and knitted.

When I said goodbye to Mr.

and looked for my purse,

to be sure I could buy a train pass home,

NO PURSE!

Mr. came down from the 11th floor

to give me train $.

I searched my bag again.

I had my knitting.

NO PURSE.

I rode the train back.

I searched the car,

NO PURSE.

I returned home and looked in EVERY room in the house.

NO PURSE.

At work, Mr. checked the health expo.

He checked the ladies' room.

He checked the lost and found.

NO PURSE.

I am on hold with Port Authority RIGHT now...

I sure hope they find it.

I think it had the winning lottery ticket inside.

Oh yeah, my life is so exotic.

P.S. My purse was found.

Train Toll Booth Operators might look like regular people

but they are ANGELS in disguise.

Take it from your friend Mrs.

Computer Problems

2011-10-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

I have a problem.

My iPhoto has replaced some photos.

So, when I view a thumbnail, and I click on it,

when it is enlarged, it is not the same photo.

Not even from the same day.

Or month.

It is super frustrating.

I have done everything I know how to do.

I even tried to use my time machine setting.

It didn't work.

Next I am making an appointment to have it fixed.

Thus, I am not loading any new photos

because the dumb computer tells me it can't find the file.

And then it shows up.

I am pretty frustrated.

And too busy to deal with it until the end of the week.

In the meantime, I am working frantically on my knitting.

One row at a time,

while I wait in the dentist office,

while I wait at the Dr. office,

while I discuss books at my book club,

and one row a day while I wait to get Mr. at the train.

I want to show you pictures,

but I don't want to ruin the surprise,

for anyone who *might* be receiving

something handmade and lovely

for Christmas.

Rainbow bookshelves

2011-10-22T03:00:00.000-07:00

We love books.

And I have struggled to arrange them beautifully.

Like all the decorators do.

I am not a decorator.

What? Mrs. but your house is so lovely (HA!)

I had no idea you didn't have a decorating cell in your body.

I went through the phase of covering all the books in brown paper.

It was so soothing.

And ridiculous.

Because we actually READ our books.

And sometimes, we even RE-READ them.

In this house, I decided to try the rainbow style of books.

It is pretty.

See:

And, just so you know I am still not the decorator,

here are the rest of the books,

totally un-catagorized by color.

When you come to visit, avert your eyes to these bookshelves.

And focus on the rainbow.

If you find that too hard,

I will just ply you with some really good hot chocolate

and some gossip.

Then you'll forget my bookshelves.

And that I am decorating-challenged.

I have to clean up after EVERYBODY

2011-10-21T03:00:00.000-07:00

This is the view from my dining room window.

It looks out on the neighborhood.

Big picture window.

Gus loves it there.

He can spy on the neighborhood.

And bark.

He loves to bark.

Even with his mouth full.

So, here's the dog food he keeps dropping

when he barks,

with his mouth full.

Does he ever go back and eat it later?

No.

Of course not.

Favorite cleaning products

2011-10-20T03:30:00.000-07:00

New house has almost all hardwood floors.

This means some serious mopping.

Mr. recognized the problem and bought me this:

It's a Shark.

The deluxe one.

Complete with 3 settings.

*swoon*

I love it.

My floors are clean,

shiny,

and my favorite: germ free.

Oh, you think that doesn't matter.

Have you ever had your toilet overflow...

I have.

Trust me,

it gives great comfort to have a sanitized floor.

I sleep better at night.

I am also in love with this:

It is not the Swiffer kind.

I love the Swiffer for floors.

But not for dust.

These are much better.

But harder to come by.

I found some at Lowe's in Cincinnati.

I cleaned them out!

SO, if you live in Cincinnati,

and you want some too,

you'll have to wait until they re-stock.

I even bought one for a friend.

Then I dusted her house with it too.

Run.

Go get these things.

They will change your life.

Letterboxing

2011-10-19T03:30:00.000-07:00

I declare:

There is too much electronic activity in our house.

We need a nature break.

Of course, the sisters disagreed.

BUT, Mr. voted with me.

We took a nature walk.

Not just ANY nature walk.

We went letter boxing!

Step 1: Google letter boxing and find a letterbox near where you will be.

Step 2: Print the directions to FIND the letterbox.

Step 3: Pack your pen, a stamp that represents you, an ink pad, and a small notebook.

Water is a great idea as Sister Too predicted she would die of thirst.

Our hike was longer than we anticipated, and it was hotter than we thought.

You may even want to pack a snack.

Food tastes better when you are outdoors.

Step 4: Hike, following the directions carefully.

Step 5: Look, look, look, re-read the directions and find:

A letterbox!

This is our first.

It's special.

Appears to be an Altoids tin wrapped in camouflage duct tape.

Inside is a tiny notebook wrapped in plastic.

And a hand-carved stamp.

Stamp your stamp into the notebook leaving the date and where you are from.

Take the stamp inside and stamp your small notebook.

It's like a trade.

Then put EVERYTHING BACK THE WAY YOU FOUND IT,

so someone else can letterbox too.

Here's our second box:

and our third:

This is a SUPER FUN way to get out and enjoy nature!

Plus, you get a souvenir when you are done

(a collection of stamps in your notebook).

It's a great way to have something affordable (free!) to do on vacation,

as letterboxes are all over the US.

And, you can even make a letterbox of your own to hide.

One of THOSE days...

2011-10-18T06:01:00.000-07:00

See this:

70% chocolate.

For SERIOUS needs.

Like today.

1. I was up too late watching the Jets game.

(I just lied there, Mr. was watching the game, I was knitting).

2. The train picks MR. up at 6:04AM. SHARP!

5:30 came early today.

So I stayed in bed until 5:40.

Now I am running 10 minutes late all day.

3. I was so relieved to get the sisters off to school that I made the mistake of sitting down,

to pen a Halloween greeting to a friend.

Phone rings: Sister Too forgot her glasses.

Can I bring them to school?

Of course! I haven't brushed my hair or teeth,

and am wearing a ratty sweatshirt

with egg on it,

from making hot breakfast this morning.

4. I ask her to wait outside school so I can just toss the glasses out the window,

thereby not showing my fashion choices for the day.

Impossible!

I must take them inside.

5. While in the office dropping off the glasses,

Sister is desperate to call me.

Turns out, she has forgotten her swim bag.

Away meet today.

Early release to bus to the event.

Swim bag must be delivered to school by 2PM.

6. My library books are due.

7. Still tired.

8. Haven't had time for my date with George (the coffee maker).

9. Did I tell you I am tired?

10. I need some chocolate.

For medicinal purposes.

You understand.

Sunset

2011-10-13T04:00:00.000-07:00

Walking the farm.

Peaceful.

There is a pond beyond the field,

and down a path.

The water is cool,

and the air around it is naturally air-conditioned.

The evening winds down with a fire.

And stories.

And jokes.

For the record,

my corny CLEAN 2nd grade jokes

were welcome int he Amish crowd.

So there!

Beautiful.

Fall Scenes

2011-10-12T04:55:00.000-07:00

This kid could work as a Gap model.

These yellow jacket wasps give

bees a bad name!

They are so aggressive and everyone always says they were stung by a bee.

They love donuts!

Sister's shoes,

decorated by herself,

and her favorite "pair" of socks.

The old lunch box I had BIG plans for...

sewing kit,

travel crafts,

beading...

I lost it in the auction.

*sob*

We were treated to a blacksmith demo.

Cowboy Doug is a farrier.

I thought he drove a boat.

Umm, no.

He makes horseshoes,

and installs them on the horse too!

He can do lots of things.

This is a coat hanger.

The top is fancy and looks like a longhorn steer.

The very same one who would have gored my little dog.

Sister Too played a private concert

for two patient Amish ladies,

who forgave her for her squeaks,

and cheered her efforts.

The bunny in the cage was also in the auction.

Sister Too begged.

And begged.

Alas, Bunny went to another loving home.

We didn't have room for it in the car.

And Mr. was firm.

Yay Mr.!

Don't worry,

they're still friends.

More Apple Butter

2011-10-11T04:55:00.000-07:00

Farms are beautiful.

And romantic.

Looking at this view I always think:

I'd like a farm like this.

But then I think:

who would mow it?

And I know I am no farmer.

I was loving these cows.

They are eating the apple peels.

They sure are pretty...

Don't forget about that apple butter.

I said it needs CONSTANT stirring.

These cattle are Longhorns.

Because of their long horns.

We could usually scare them away with our cameras.

They are shy.

We walked right in,

And they began to trot close, and I thought we had made friends.

Turns out, they didn't like the dog.

If our little Gus had taken one step the wrong way,

he's have been wearing one of those horns.

And not in a nice way.

Luckily we (and the dog) were all fine,

and I got some close-up photos of the cows.

They're pretty, but mean.

Sort of like cheerleaders in high school movies.

Eventually the apple butter is done.

Mmm, smells so good.

I thought it best to let Farmer Sue jar our apple butter.

No sense in TWO of us getting sticky and burned fingers.

I think it's pretty cool to visit Farmer Sue.

She gives the best party favors!

Apple Butter

2011-10-10T06:43:00.000-07:00

This is Doug.

He's a real farmer.

And a cowboy.

Notice that he carries a fork

where Mr. would carry a pen.

He's married to Farmer Sue.

They have a handsome family.

Farmer Sue is really silly sometimes.

She likes to have family reunions

disguised as parties.

This one is called the Apple Butter.

Guess what they do...

make apple butter

over a HUGE cast iron pot.

All day.

It has to be stirred.

All day.

Some people play.

(See this Amish kids in the background?

I *heart* Amish.

Someday Maybe I'll grow up to be Amish.

Probably not.

No wifi on the Amish farm.

Some people read in the comfort of the lovely shade.

Some people stir apple butter.

Some people watch the stirring.

Some people stir.

Don't worry,

I've got plenty more where that came from.

Brave

2011-10-07T16:25:00.000-07:00

Sister Too is not the most adventurous of our family.

She tends to be cautious

and plans ahead.

Recently she challenged herself.

She begged to go on.

Mr. indulged her.

I encouraged her.

Sister heckled her (boo for Sister).

She gave it a try.

But then got a bit nervous.

Can you FEEL her apprehension?

She gave it a try.

She didn't work up the courage

to try a flip.

And she cut her turn short.

I was so proud of her for TRYING something new.

We can't see it,

but she just did lots of growing there.

I'm stumped for a title.

2011-10-05T02:48:00.000-07:00

12 and 14 can be tough.

On the mother.

Recently I tried to take photos of my children on a family outing.

This is what I got:

Pretty.

This one we'll frame for Grandma.

Sometimes Halloween decorations

seem appropriate

for EVERY day.

Like this one warning of a foul mood:

Or this one,

for the bedroom door of a teenager.

Calgon, take me away!

Wake up!

2011-10-04T02:53:00.000-07:00

I'll bet you woke today with an alarm.

I woke with Mr.

yelling Sister's name

at 5AM.

Apparently, Sister used the bathroom as Mr.

was brushing his teeth

and getting ready to start the day.

Then, somehow,

the toilet overflowed.

And in her teenager way,

she shrugged and went back to bed

while Mr. stood in inches of water in the bathroom.

Naturally I lept from my comfy bed,

eye still glued shut in sleep

and piled on the old towels.

I am the only one who knows their *secret* hiding place

on the floor of the linen closet

right outside the bathroom door.

In my house,

NO FOOL,

I could give those directions

to a person standing in front of the linen closet

and then, they would say,

"Where?"

No joke.

People in my house have terrible vision problems

that even an eye doctor can't correct.

Anyway,

guess who's doing laundry today.

Yup.

Nice when the day sets its own agenda.

Someone turns 12!

2011-10-03T10:36:00.000-07:00

We had a BIG birthday here.

Sister Too wanted a vanilla cake.

BORING!

I decided she should have a vanilla rainbow cake.

With lemon cream cheese icing.

Not too sweet.

Oh, my heavens!

Beautiful!

She was so happy.

So were the neighbors,

who got a healthy chunk.

Let's face it,

we don't need a whole 6 layer cake to ourselves!

*Notice the watch Sister gave. No, she's not technically blind,

giant watches are ALL THE RAGE,

don't you know.

12 means you can get your ears pierced.

That might not have been okay if we had any brothers living here.

But we don't.

Mr. is really fond of the X chromosome.

Before:

And.....

After!

Purple.

My birthstone.

Selected NOT to honor me,

but to match her Converse sneakers.

NOT for Justin Bieber (who's favorite color is purple).

There she is,

12,

with a bag full of ear cleaner,

and birthday swag she scored.

GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS

2011-09-28T11:34:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been absent.

My lip hurts.

Here's the good news:

It is just a cold sore,

and it's finally healing.

Here's the bad news:

There is a NEW one growing just beside the old one.

And it hurts like H-E-Double Hockey Sticks.

Must be the stress of relocating.

Or not winning the lottery.

Or sympathy stress for my friend who has had triplets.

Or sympathy stress for my friend who is going back to work full-time.

Or a terrible curse.

Even so, I ventured out last night

to my first drawing class.

(for grown-ups).

Here's my first drawing:

It's a little crock.

And it's my first one.

Here's my second one:

Already an improvement.

Starbucks cup

listing to the right.

And my third of the evening:

I think it's a BIG improvement,

It's a jar of paint.

So, now I'm off, to put my best lip forward.

It's really not my best lip, but it's huge and can't help but go first.

I need to clean up this house

and make a rocking' dinner.

Mr.s cousin is coming to dinner

and I want to impress him with my mad wifely skills.

'Cuz I'm shallow like that.

Sunday Best

2011-09-25T04:22:00.000-07:00

Prepare yourself.

This is me.

First thing in the morning.

In fact,

I'm still wearing my retainers,

though you can't see them in the pictures.

This is what I look like this morning.

Giant swollen lips don't always look

like Angelina Jolie.

I FEEL like Binky.

My bottom lip sticks out

so far.

I'm going to get some ice now.

Things I learned...

2011-09-23T05:25:00.000-07:00

I may have ~~mentioned~~ complained

that this house is DARK.

Like a cave.

So, we don't need a man-cave,

the house is like that.

A photo of the house as a refresher for y'all:

1. I wish I was clever and knew how to add text to my photos

so I could point out which windows go where.

But I'm not.

So, the lovely large window in the front is to the dining room

where I also have my desk

(I am sitting there now).

It gets some nice light.

The room above is the nicest bedroom in the house.

It belongs to Sister Too.

Not sure how she got the room with the most light

and TWO closets,

but I guess that is what I get

when I leave Mr. in charge and galavant to Bay View for the move.

The microscopic dormer window,

that's my bedroom.

There is a matching on the side of the house out of view.

It is DARK in that room.

Even if the windows are open.

Even if the lights are on.

It is the drawback of this house.

So, while at my new nook club,

filled with the smartest ladies in all of Pittsbrugh,

I inquired about Pittsburgh's fear of windows.

The bright ladies asked when my house was built (1941),

and began to give me a history of a steel town

in the 1940's

with not so clean air,

thus, windows were not so desirable then.

Actually, it isn't super great now.

But I desire me some windows.

Chandelier

2011-09-21T17:00:00.000-07:00

The dining room of the new house

has NO light fixture.

The previous owners were in love with their fixtures.

That's fine.

I didn't care much for them.

I was out the other day and I spied

this beauty:

I brought it home,

and the whole family protested.

Bitterly.

They thought it looked like a bird cage.

They wanted something heavy and crystal.

But, we don't live that kind of stuffy life.

And, our furniture is rather traditional,

so, to mix it up,

like they do in France by showing

Jeff Koons in Versailles,

I suggested something less formal.

Two more trips to the lighting store,

and one Chick-fil-A peach shake bribe,

and THIS beauty came home.

You can see we like her better,

because she was actually installed.

And the good Lord said

"Let there be light".

A Knitter's Home Companion

2011-09-18T04:11:00.000-07:00

I have been learning life lessons.

Through knitting.

I have learned that the time invested to knit something lovely

should not be wasted with poor quality yarn.

No one wants to wear it.

I have also learned to

knit in a new way.

I knit

'prayerfully'.

As I stitch, I say a prayer for the receiver of the knitting.

My hope is that my knitted gifts will feel like a hug,

a reminder of my love for that person,

a tangible blessing.

Knitting connects us to others

and to ourselves.

This book enhances those lessons.

I got it from my library,

the only building in Pittsburgh not afraid of windows

and light.

The New York Times is delivered there.

Every. Single. Day.

I should buy this book.

You should buy this book.

It is full of recipes, sketches, patterns, book recommendations, and essays.

It is easy to pick this book up

and hard to put down.

You'll want to go back to it again and again.

I love this quote:

"I have knit in the company of those whose names I'll never forget,

those who are knit and purled forever into my heart."

and this one from Elizabeth Zimmerman:

"Knitting is formed by a series of loops pulled through loops

to the end of time

or to 'desired length'."

The author Michelle Edwards discusses how knitting

connects her to her family,

especially to those generations who have gone before her.

My grandmother died when I was 10,

with no lessons,

and no desire to knit,

her needles were given to me.

It took 15 years for me to find the grace

to accept the gift

and the challenge to carry on the tradition.

I love knitting with her needles today.

My hands rest and work

where hers once did.

I think of her as I knit.

It is the best way to celebrate her life.

Pittsburgh charm

2011-09-17T04:04:00.000-07:00

These houses crack me up.

The only way you know where one starts and the other stops

is the abrupt paint job.

It's like Victor/Victoria.

I love this graphic sign

advertising homemade pie.

Sisters tired of sight seeing

even though they had just had lunch and video games

at a cool place where the walls open to the sidewalk.

Fountain in the walled garde

at Mellon Park.

We're definitely going back there!

A sign from Cincinnati

A pile of rubble,

and a beautiful mural.

I love the hope around every corner.

Randyland

2011-09-16T03:50:00.000-07:00

Tramping around the brick townhouses,

suddenly we saw a colorful...

something,

which drew us nearer.

Randyland is comprised of three buildings.

There is no absence of color.

Plenty of whimsy.

Plenty.

Creativity flows generously here.

We met Randy, of Randyland.

He has a vision that someday this will be a sandwich shop.

It's something to see,

totally unique,

totally Pittsburgh.

Mexican War Streets House Tour, part 2

2011-09-15T04:29:00.000-07:00

Wanna see some lovely window boxes?

I am amazed at how determined these urban gardeners are.

They even grew basil in thin ribbons of soil.

Some houses have alleys behind them.

Some are set deeper into the lot,

leaving some garden space in front.

A charming street to ambulate.

Mexican War Streets House Tour

2011-09-14T06:29:00.000-07:00

So, when I heard about this area,

I was very curious.

However, the name is a bit of-putting.

I thought it was a crime-ridden drug bonanza.

History lesson:

In 1848 the neighborhood was laid out by William Robinson following the Mexican-American War.

Robinson named the streets after Mexican-American War battles and generals.

I was WRONG (thankfully).

Brick townhouses and beautiful architecture abound,

and I wanted to see it.

The doors:

REAL gas lanterns.

I watched them flicker and wondered

about the cost of burning them.

The facades were full of charm.

I LOVED the mansard roofs here.

Mansard roofs were invented in France.

In 1783 there was a law forbidding buildings to be taller than 20 meters.

Te measurement went only to the cornice board,

making all floors contained in a mansard roof exempt.

Those clever French!

Tomorrow I'll show the lovely window boxes.

Pittsburgh

2011-09-11T04:06:00.000-07:00

Mr. needed a chauffeur in the middle of the day.

So, I get a quick trip to downtown Pittsburgh.

It was a little gloomy.

A flat iron building in Pittsburgh!

Colorful murals, just like Cincinnati.

Of course, I got lost.

I circled downtown in larger and larger circles for 20 minutes.

Ironically, Mr. called to see if I made it home okay.

And I was still lost.

I finally found the highway that would take me home.

I think a GPS is in my future...

Funny story, at my expense

2011-09-10T04:51:00.000-07:00

I saw this today and laughed:

"Never be nude in front of your husband. Otherwise, he won't buy you lunch."

-Arielle Dombasle, French singer & actress

Probably true at my house.

Mr. hasn't taken me to lunch in AGES.

and now that we are down to only one full bath,

chances of seeing me nude have dramatically increased.

Here's another funny at my expense:

Playing the dutiful house frau,

I was doing laundry int he basement laundry room.

When I returned to the main floor,

my heart began to beat VERY FAST

because I heard someone walking in my house.

I walked cautiously upstairs,

hollering out as I went,

but no one responded.

And yet, I could HEAR walking!

Of course,

I did wonder why my dog

wasn't barking incessantly

like he does when I come in the door.

Imagine my relief when I noticed

roofers dragging ladders around.

I smiled and waved (as though I expected them)

and consoled myself knowing that scheduling gutter cleaning

is just the thing MR. would efficiently do

and forget to tell me.

Presenting me with the bill,

Mr. Roofer informed me that we need a few gutter covers

and that should I purchase them,

he would be glad to return and install them.

I happily paid his bill and off he went.

Then Mr. told me that he never scheduled the gutter cleaners.

I assumed the previous owners had a standing order they forgot to cancel.

Mr. and I directly commuted to Home Depot to purchase the gutter covers.

Today I decided I should call and make the appointment.

I found the bill I had paid sitting on Mr.'s desk.

It did not say our name on the bill.

Nor was it our address.

And, there is no contact information on the bill.

So, if you are the mystery hotter clueing company:

Please return and install the new gutter covers.

Bad day.

2011-09-09T04:22:00.000-07:00

I decided to get my PA license.

Driving legally is a priority.

So, I gathered all the documents.

Because states trust each other's process so much,

each state requires that you prove you are a proper citizen.

All over.

From scratch.

EVERY TIME.

I played a great game of scavenger hunt,

got dressed,

combed my hair!

and even put on some lip gloss

(so I could look less like a criminal

in the photo),

and I drove to another town to get my license.

I noticed the sings all over that said they don't take cash.

Hmmm.

After waiting for some time,

I asked if they took credit cards.

I mean, it's 2011, and who doesn't take a credit card?

PA DMV, that's who.

And, it turns out I forgot one important document:

either my passport,

or, my birth certificate and marriage license.

So back homeI went.

And back to the DMV, where, after a 1 hour wait,

I was issued a TEMPORARY license.

They are running my photo through a facial recognition program.

To be sure that I am not a criminal.

I guess we don't allow criminal elements in PA.

Of course,that wasn't enough to give me a bad day.

I'm tougher than that.

First, the car I planned to drive wouldn't start,

so I had to coast it downhill,

backwards,

and park it two doors down

because that's how long the coasting took

to get it in parking position.

All by myself.

I'm tougher than I look.

So, by 12:15PM,

the only things I had managed to do were get dressed

and get a TEMPORARY PA license.

Peanut Butter and Banana Pancakes

2011-09-08T04:13:00.000-07:00

Okay,

so you guys know this isn't a cooking blog like this or this.

So, there won't be detailed photos of how to do this.

But do it anyway,

because it was delicious!

First,

I added about 4T to my pancake batter.

Just mix it right in with the whisk.

It is a bit lumpy at first but stirs right in.

Once you griddle them

(is that a word?)

add sliced bananas.

Cook them the same way you usually do,

serve them on a plate

with a few slices of bananas on top.

They were delicious,

and super filling!

No one finished hers.

Neither sister prefers maple syrup

but I had some.

Mmmm.

Next time I think I'll invite Elvis.

I'll bet he would have LOVED this breakfast!