A Friend (182/366)

Today is the last day for the June Photo Challenge and the challenge was Friend.  Now, I am sure that does not seem like much of a challenge to most of you, but for me, this time of year brings way to much running around and grabbing a friend for a photo, not an easy task.

This is my friend Maureen and we even sorta planned this photo back on Thursday when we ran into each other at the pool.  Well we both got to running around today with errands and such and when we finally made it to the pool, I was so fried, I forgot to take the picture.  I had to text her so that I could meet her later and finally catch the shot!

I chose Maureen because she was one of the first friends I made when I moved here.  She "gets" me and we share  the same sense of humor and some of the same hobbies, like scrapbooking, shopping and a quiet night at our local Starbucks to just catch up!

Thank you for being a good friend Maureen!

Soft (181/366)

I really had not thought about what to shoot today for the challenge, soft.  It was a crazy day at work and then I needed to go indulge in some retail therapy and dinner with a friend.  By the time I got home, I was and still am very sleepy and what I thought would be a great shot is my pillows.  The problem is, if I went upstairs to shoot them, I never would have made them it back down to post the shot here.

Instead I asked my kids and they introduced me to Mopig.  Don't ask.  I know I didn't but he was soft and fit the bill so I will introduce him to the world!

Now I am going to go and become ONE with my bed.

Good night friends!  Sleep well and see you on the flip side!

On The Shelf (180/366)

While Grandma was here this past weekend for Shannon's birthday, on one of our happy travels shopping she picked out bookshelves for both kids.  A gift that was very much needed in both bedrooms, especially Shannon's.  She had the "Leaning Tower 'o Books" on top of her tallest dresser.  Not only did Grandma help with the purchasing of said bookcases, but she even "assisted" Shannon with her "sorting" of the books.

Now, if I could just get her to read more.  She has no idea what she is missing in the world of a good book!

The more you read, the more things you will know.  The more that you learn, the more places you will go.
~Dr. Suess

Bathroom (179/366)


Not my favorite room of the house but certainly the most used.  Mine needs a major overhaul but it will do for now.  It's clean (for all of 10 mins) and it's functional so I guess you cannot ask for much more.  At least not for the moment.

She came in through the bathroom window
Protected by a silver spoon
But now she sucks her thumb and wanders
By the banks of her own lagoon
~The Beatles

Where I Shop (178/366)

I shop lots of places.  Lately I feel as if Walmart, K-Mart and Giant Eagle should just start a tab for me.  Today I snuck out of the office for about 20 mins and walked down to our local hardware store, Rolliers.  Now this is not your typical Mom and Pop store.  It's local and family owned but more like the Nordstrom's of hardware stores.  Here is a little history about Rollier's ( http://www.rolliers.com/history.htm ).

I went to Rollier's looking for a small bird bath for my garden as I want to give the birds and the butterflies a place to drink and "puddle".  Almost everything they have is too big for what I want so I am still on a mission.  I also wanted to catch a good shot of the full store front, which is a whole block in the town I work in but a hotel is being built across the street and everything is blocked off.  There is a better shot on the link above that was apparently "pre-construction".

Buy Local!

Something Cute (177/366)

I had the day off which meant I got to spend time with the kids.  Shannon spent most of her day with Grandma and sorting through the 10,000 books in her room and Dan conducted a full 9 inning Pirates game in the back yard while I worked the weeds in my garden.

So when he was done, he was lounging in the grass and the Grandma's both said "There's your cute picture!"

And yes, yes he is, cute that is and I am sure I will catch "shit" again from my daughter, who wonders why she doesn't make the blog often.  And who could resist that smile?

A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.
~Phyllis Diller

What's On My Mind (176/366)


Today my thoughts were on getting to see Justin Verlander pitch.  We have seen the Tigers 3 previous times and missed him in the rotation and when I was calculating ahead, we were going to miss him again.  That was until a blister caused a rotation change and we got lucky!

Now as much as I wanted to see Verlander pitch, I didn't want the Tigers to win, but not every series can be a sweep.  So our Pirates took at 3-2 loss but so did the Reds so all is still well in the baseball world.

Hitting is timing.  Pitching is upsetting timing.
~Warren Spahn

Movement (175/366)


It was a pool day today.  We were having Shannon's birthday party and her cousins were in for the party.
So we took the herd to the pool (the attendant needed fingers and toes in order to figure out how many I needed to pay for and we were off.

Now Daniel loves when his cousins come to visit, especially Justin, who is married to my niece Angelina.  Justin is the big brother Dan will never have and he just loves having someone to play football and baseball with.  Not sure who wore who out.

So here they were, tossing the ball to Dan as he jumped into the pool.  I honestly feel like I have done nothing but move for the last week.  Monday, I am sleeping in!

My favorite pool sign of all time. 
"Welcome to our OOL, notice there is no P in it, let's keep it that way!

From A High Angle (174/366)

The view from just up the street from our home.  Nothing in this town is flat and our street is almost .90 miles long and it looks like one of those yellow slides when you were a kid, sliding down in a potato sack....LOL

So say hello to Sheldon Ave in lovely Green Tree, PA!

Where I Slept (173/366)

If I could take my bed with me on vacation, I would never come home.  I love my king size bed and would never sleep in any other size if it were my decision.

People who say they sleep like a baby usually do not have one.
~Leo J. Burke

My Favorite Photo Ever Taken (Today) (172/366)


My favorite photo ever taken was today's challenge and it was a real challenge because I am traveling and have no access to all my photos.  So instead, you get my favorite photo taken today.  Today my co-worker Tracy and I made our way down to our office in Poca, WV. A lovely little town that if you blink, you passed through it.

We both got to meet one of the nicest people to work with Janie Kuhn and for lunch she took us to Diehl's Family Restaurant.  Yummy was the fish and chips and all the great memorabilia around the place, I could have photographed for hours.  This wall was as soon as you walked in and I just thought it was so cool that I had to catch a photo on the way out.

Welcome to wild, wonderful West Virginia!  We're Open for Business.
~Joe Manchin III

Imperfect (171/366)

Work went along pretty well today.  The Pirates beat the Twins.  The Phillies beat the Rockies (finally a win!) and Blinky's Noble Grill and Bar beat The Fighting Fish of Castle Shannon and are moving on to the final round of the playoffs!  In my book, the hat trick makes it a perfect day.

That was until one hits traffic trying to leave a baseball game.  Most definitely IMPERFECT! Luckily once we got past this log jam it was smooth sailing.  I will take 20 minutes of imperfection for all the great stuff that happened today!

Patience is something you admire in the driver behind you and scorn in the on ahead.
~Mac McCleary

Something You Don't Know About Me (170/366)

I grew up with this little pink packet in my house.  My Mom used it in her tea all the time and  I just grew very accustomed to it.  So here I am, 45 years later and I still buy it and it's the only thing I like in my coffee.

Wherever you go....Sweet-n-Low....
~Jingle from 1972

In My Bag (169/366)


It's Father's Day and I don't often "force" the family outing but a vendor offered me tickets, free parking and club seats and that even sounded good to their father and it meant a nice day with the kids.  It's a free Carlos Santana Jersey day for the first 15,000 fans as well.  Daniel is worried we won't be one of the 1st to get one...I assured him that we will be fine...LOL  So these tickets have been in my bag since the middle of May and it's time to use them!

So in about 90 mins we will be headed to Cleveland to watch our Pirates take on the Indians at 1:05pm today.  We went to Progressive Field  back in 2010 and I remember Daniel saying he wanted to move to Cleveland.  When I asked him why, he told me it was because it was flat and he could ride his bike more....LOL

Let's Go Bucs!


Harry Doyle: Just remember fans, comin' up is our "Die Hard Night" here at the stadium.  Free admission to anyone who was actually alive the last time the Indians won the pennant.
~Major League

Out and About in my own back yard (168/366)

Now today's challenge really was because with the exception of dropping Dan off at his baseball practice and picking him up, we were home all day doing Spring Cleaning.  OK, yes I realize it's mid June but Summer technically does not start till later this week.

When we finally got out and about today, it was after dinner and we were out in the yard doing a little weeding and watering of the flower garden.

This is our hummingbird plant, called a Delphinium, after being freshly watered.  I love the droplets on the potential buds and I can't wait to see this lovely plant in full bloom.

The Earth laughs in flowers.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Yellow & Black (167/366)


It's a "twofer" today.  The Photo Challenge today  is Yellow, but we live in Pittsburgh and there is no yellow without black in this town.  One of the few cities in the US where all the major sports teams are all the same colors.  Our little town of Green Tree is no exception.

Both our 9/10 year old teams donned the cities colors and battled in the last game of the season.  In honor of the final game between our two teams, we did it up right.  Just like a major league game, we provided those in attendance with the National Anthem, walk up songs for both teams, Take Me Out To The Ball Game during the 4th inning stretch and pizza, cookies, brownies and cupcakes when we were all done.

Our boys played such a great game that  we were done in an hour and 20 mins, which in kid pitch, is almost unheard of.  Lots of strike outs, very few walks, great defense and a just all around great game!

Here's to our Boys of Summer!  You did a great job and we are all proud of you!!!

For the parents of a Little Leaguer, baseball is nothing more than a nervous breakdown into innings!
~Earl Wilson

Quitting "Time" (166/366)


It's 5 o'clock somewhere, all the time and today was no exception.  Today's challenge word was TIME and the first thing that came to mind was this great clock on Washington Rd. right by the T-Station.  This lovely gem is right across the street from my office.

The funny thing is, this clock is never right, but today is was close enough!

Pour me something tall and strong
Make it a hurricane
before I go insane
It's only half past 12
But, I don't care
It's 5 o'clock somewhere!
~Jimmy Buffett

Art (165/366)

The challenge word of the day today was Art.  I had another hellacious day at the office and I just never got around to looking at the art in our building or in our town of Mt.Lebanon.  Then it was off to baseball where Blinky's Nobel Grill and Bar lost a heart breaker in the bottom of the 6th.

On our way home I could not help but notice the lovely sunset and sky and I was hoping I would get to photograph it.  Well there was dinner to be done, flowers to be watered and before I knew it, it was after 9pm.  Luckily though, Mother Nature left this beautiful water color sunset for me to share with you.  This is practically straight out of the camera, folks.  No need to mess with Mother Nature tonight!

There is a sunrise and sunset every single day, and they're absolutely free.  Don't miss too many of them!
~Jo Walton

From A Low Angel (164/366)

Of course it had to rain this afternoon.  I had planned to take a shot in my new garden and thanks to Mother Nature, that meant dirty knees and hands.  I just can't squat down anymore, the knees just will not allow it...LOL  It sucks getting old sometimes.

This is a bloom on my Blanket Flower in its final stages and like a Cone Flower, I like the detail in the center of the flower.

Now that I am Excel blind....it's time to call it a night.  I hope I have exceeded 10,000...LOL

They say your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.
~Henri-Cartier Bresson

Door (163/366)

Today's challenge was Door.  Since my front door of my house is older than me and less than desirable, I chose my door at the office.  Some time ago a co-worker decided that I needed a warning label and here it is.
I often chuckle as people come for meetings and never say a word and then just when you least expect it, someone says "Warning Label huh?".  I just smile.  I figured if the President can bring in the President of our new owners and not worry about it, why should I..LOL

I have added a few things over the last few years and I am glad this was a challenge topic because I think when we move to the new offices, I probably won't be able to decorate my door like this but I think the Hello Kitty Skull and Crossbones will have to stay in some capacity.

Look at every exit as being an entrance to somewhere else.
~Tom Stoppard

Best Part of My Weekend (162/366)

Any weekend with baseball is a great weekend.  This weekend we got to see the Pirates sweep the KC Royals and I could not think of anywhere else I would want to be.

What a great weekend with the kids!

Families are like fudge.  Mostly sweet but with a few nuts!

My View Today (161/366)


There were more than a few views today that I took a picture of, but this was my by far my favorite.
I started off the day "assisting" my daughter in the cleaning of her bedroom.  I hope at some point in her life that she realizes it's much easier to just tidy it up daily then deal with the mess she had in there.

Then I spent most of my afternoon in the concession stand at the ball field while Daniel had his game.  Not much exciting going on there except too many kids buying to much crap to keep them entertained while an older sibling was playing a game at one of the many fields at the park.

The best view though was after dinner.  Daniel and I were outside watering the flowers in our garden and I let him do most of the work while I supervised.  The flowers looked so beautiful in the evening sun, glistening from the watering that I had to take a few shots.

This is a Blanket Flower and it part of our Butterfly Garden.  It's going to be lovely as it starts to bloom and spread through the garden.

6 O'Clock (160/366)

They say it's always 6 o'clock somewhere and tonight, we we are on our way to see our Bucco's play the Kansas City Royals.  It was Friday, it was the first full day of summer break for almost all the schools in the area and St. Margaret's was having their annual Festival.  This meant a mountain of traffic in a very small space.

The good news is, once we did a quick detour and got on the highway, it was game on.  In our center field seats with our Free Shirt Friday t-shirts just before game time and it could not have been more perfect.  The Pirates played great baseball and we walked away raising the Jolly Roger with a 4-2 win!

And since the picture was sorta bleh, I did a a little "Fresco" filter to liven it up a bit.

Let's Go Bucs!!!

Drink (159/366)


Two of my favorite things.  Naked Tea in my Dixon Tervis Tumbler.  First, Naked Tea, or what we affectionately refer to as "The Brown Water" in my house is decaf iced tea with nothing in it.  It's the way I find Iced Tea to be the most thirst quenching and refreshing and how my children also prefer to drink it.  Now I have to import my tea bags from North Carolina as I can't buy Luzianne Decaf Iced Tea bags in Pittsburgh.

Now, if you have never owned a Tervis Tumbler, you are so missing out!  No matter what you put in these things, hot or cold, that's the way it stays......for a very long time.  And NO sweating!  Nothing worse than a glass that leaves a ring.

This glass accompanies me to every little league game, yard work and many other places.  It's the perfect companion to my favorite drink.

Tonight's quote is for my dear friend Jodie who arrived in Merry Old England today to spend some time with the love of her life....

American-style iced tea is the perfect drink for a hot, sunny day.  It never really caught on in the UK, probably because the last time we had a hot, sunny day was back in 1957.
~Tom Holt

Hat (158/366)

As a mother of a young boy, baseball hats are a very normal thing.  In fact, there are so many baseball hats in our house, I think Daniel could wear a different every day for a month.  With that many hats, they are generally never where they are supposed to be either.

We were outside tonight raking up after I did the lawn and as I went to water the garden, there was another one of Dan's hats laying in the yard.  Just the other night, I found a batting helmet and 3 Pirate baseball hats lying on the floor in our living room.  I asked Dan to take care of them.  He picked them up and I thought he took them upstairs to his room.  Yeah, wishful thinking on my part.  They all ended up on a dining room chair.  I pointed out his error and somehow, only 3 of the 4 ended up moving.   Boys!!

So many hats, only one head!

Sign (157/366)


It was a challenge to get out of the office today.  First it was just plain crazy busy and the weather was less than desirable.  For early June, my CA is off and the comforter is still on the bed.  So I braved the June chill in search of some lunch and caught this shot.
 
Mt. Lebanon is the town I work in, just about 6 miles from home.  One of the things I love most about my office, beyond the fact that something industrial is no longer happening 10 feet from my desk, is the fun shops and restaurants on Washington Rd.

Shopping local and supporting local businesses is something I strive to do as often as possible.  I have talked and photographed some of my favorite spots near the office like Aladdin's, Little Tokyo and the newest, Walnut Grill.  Tomorrow I have to hit Rollier's which is like the Taj Mahal of hardware stores to see if I can find a shallow bird bath for our butterfly garden.

So, here's your sign!  Shop Local!

Up Close (156/366)

Today's photo challenge is Up Close.  I have all those lovely new flowers in my garden that it was an easy choice.  I probably should have taken this in the AM but I was barely moving at that point.  I am pretty sure I have not had my hamstrings ever be this tender.

This is a yellow biden ( Bidens ferrulifolia ).  It's the only annual in  my garden so I want to see how it does.  I bought two of them and put the other one in one of the planters I bought to go on my patio/front yard.  I love the color and it's also a butterfly attraction so I hope it was a good choice!

Colors are the smiles of Nature
~Leigh Hunt

My Plate (155/366)

My son and I have spent the last two days doing an insane amount of yard work.  Weeding, digging, planting, mulching.. even my fingertips hurt (we won't go into my thighs).  Hard work does not go unrewarded in this house and we now have a beautiful butterfly garden and these yummy oranges were our snack today.

Succulent and oh so sweet, these navels were to die for.  I think we need to make sure they are on the shopping list again!

California is a fine place to live-if you happen to be a orange.
~Fred Allen

Empty (154/366)

Yes, I know, it's not totally EMPTY but what it is empty of, is weeds.  Five, 13 gal garbage bags, 1 garbage can, 2 sets of hands, a lot of muscle and Daniel and I got through the wall of weeds I want to be my butterfly garden.

All that remain are my Iris's, cut back Daffodils and a bush in the corner that I think is a keeper but I don't know what it is...LOL  Tomorrow we mulch, plant and relocate some of the Iris's so they are not so clumped together.  I am sure I will be aching tomorrow but seeing the progress makes it all worth while!

Once that is complete I can then start the repair on that dirt patch where my shed used to be.

What a (wo)man needs in gardening is a cast-iron back, with a hinge in it.
~Charles Dudley Warner

Morning (153/366)

I love a challenge and this 365 Project has definitely been a challenge.  Well, I decided to take June to another level.  A few of my friends over on Facebook are doing a monthly photo challenge where each day had a predetermined topic.  Today's was "Morning".

Now, had I gotten my act together this morning, I would have taken my shot in the Morning, but I wasn't that good.  So I opted for a conglomerate of the most important things in my morning.  My two favorite coffee mugs and my Keurig Machine.  Life is good!

Sleep is a symptom of caffeine deprivation.
~Unknown