Sleeping With Bread

The examen, based on the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius, helps a person hold onto what spiritually nourishes them by looking at what is giving them consolation in their life or causing him desolation. It allows someone to express his gratitude to God for the good stuff and turn to him for solace for the bad stuff. It is quite simple. You simply ask yourself, in the last day/week/month what gave me consolation and what caused me desolation.

So, without further ado ...

The Good.

A Momma Robin dropped these three bundles of joy into a unused nest over the crook of a gutter's downspout.

They're a little messy and a little noisy, but I'm glad they're here munching on the creepy crawlies from the lawn.

The Bad.

The economy really needs a turn around. Was talking with one of my brothers who lives in Kansas. He just survived another round of layoffs. Really need this economy to turn around and show some signs of life.

The Church Brew Works, Pittsburgh, PA

If you are ever in Pittsburgh, PA, you really need to count The Church Brew Works as one of the Steel City's "Must See" places.

The building that gives this place its name really is, or was once anyway, a functioning Catholic Church. The church building is a historical site and is as beautiful as it is rock solid.

It's hard to describe how impressive this place really is. It starts with the walk up to the building.

That continues all the way up to the front door.

The first thing I noticed when I pulled the door open was the malty smell of a beer being brewed. The light was perfect and streamed through the big purple, blue and red stained glass windows.

The Church Brew Works
3525 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15201
412-688-8200 fax 412-688-8201 cbw1996@comcast.net

Hours of Operation
Monday thru Thursday 11:30 AM to 11:45 PM
Friday & Saturday 11:30 AM to 1:00 AM
Sunday 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM

OK, the beers are really, really good. With the word brew in the name, would you expect less?

Dinner and the Museum

Well, I've been here in Pittsburgh for a week now. Went to restaurants in the evening an have explored the town. Finally went to the Carnegie Museum, and really enjoyed it, but somewhere along the way ... something started me thinking about my social life ...

I really miss my Sunshine. Yes, we talk. We text. We see her in everything ...

But, it's just not the same. How? Well, for starters, she defies gravity ...

But, not THAT much ... Except during THAT "special" time ...

So, I kept looking around the place and found HER ...

Perfect. She's beautiful. Who's that little guy hanging upside down from her hands? Well, that would be ME, dear ones, after she finds out that I had perogies ...

And cheese fries ...

For dinner!

The Noblesse Oblige Award

Many, many thanks to Pamela for presenting me with the Noblesse Oblige Award.



Details of Noblesse Award:

The recipient of this award is recognized for the following:

- The Blogger manifests exemplary attitude, respecting the nuances that pervade amongst different cultures and beliefs.

- Their Blog contents inspire; strives to encourage, and offers solutions

- There is a clear purpose at the Blog; one that fosters a better understanding on Social, Political, Economic, the Arts, Cultures, Sciences and Beliefs

- The Blog is refreshing and creative

- The Blogger promotes friendship and positive thinking.

The Blogger who receives this award will need to perform the following:

- Create a post with a mention and link to the person who presented the Noblesse Oblige Award

- The Award Conditions must be displayed at the Post

- Write a short article about what the Blog has thus far achieved – preferably citing one or more older posts as support

- The Blogger must present the Noblesse Oblige Award in concurrence with the Award conditions

- Blogger must display the Award at any location at their Blog.

OK, what has this blog achieved so far? This blog began as an exercise in a writing class. I've changed as time's gone by and so has this blog. I'm only passionate about a few things and that's what I write about. My favorite topic is the love of my life, Miss Sunshine. Food thrills me and a pint of suds makes me happy. I take work very seriously, and have no sympathy for the knuckle-draggers who manage our beloved Evil Corporation. Cite specific examples ... well, of the last five postings, one is about a trip I'm taking to Pittsburgh for the Evil Corporation, and four are about my Sunshine.

I'd like to pass this award along to some people who have made me smile. I hope that they will enjoy receiving this award as much as I have.

Leni Qinan - an interesting writer living in an interesting place at an interesting time.
Technonana - I really appreciate all your kindness Sharon. Thanks.
Amber Star - my neighbor south of the Red River.
Sharilyn - for miracles big and small.
and Grass and her Gugu - for exactly the same reason.

Pittsburgh, PA!

Got called away on business to Pittsburgh, PA, for a while. Will try to post again real soon.

Thanks & best wishes,

Skeeter

Birthday Presents

My birthday was a whole lot of fun. Miss Sunshine made it really, really great.

We went to the world famous Cattleman's Restaurant ... had Long Island Iced Tea in hurricane glasses ...


And some yummy lunch ...

And then my very first pedicure ...


And a pair of new tires ...


Thank you Baby. Your love and companionship are the greatest gifts I've ever been given. I love you more every single day.

PS. How old am I? Here's a hint ...

A Birthday Wish

What am I wishing for on my birthday? Sunshine and a smile!

Suits and Pants

This is my favorite suit jacket. It fits me perfectly and it's so comfortable. When I bought it all those years ago, it came with a pair of pants that matched perfectly and fit like they were tailor-made for me.


The problem is that when I needed to wear my suit, I discovered (to my horror) that a seam in the trousers had worn out and split. It wasn't repairable!

So I went to the store where I bought the suit and hoped to find a matching pair of pants for the suit. Several hours later and many visits to other stores, no such luck. Time for a new suit. This time I bought a suit and two pairs of pants. You know, just in case five or ten years later ... Evil Fate strikes again.

So my question is this: What do I with a suit jacket that has no matching trousers?

Thanks,

Skeeter

PS. You may have guessed this already, but I don't wear suits very often.

A Beautiful Service

Yesterday we held the service honoring Sunshine's Mom. She had a large circle of people who loved her very much. So many friends, coworkers and acquaintances came to pay their respects. People filled the church all the way up to the balcony, and there were so many flowers.

Thank you all for your kindness and support.


You should have let me carry you across that red Oklahoma mud. The most beautiful woman in the world deserves some extra attention every once in awile, especially when her eyes are misty. I love you Miss Sunshine.