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.

Wordless Wednesday - Love You Sunshine

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.

Spring has come and Life is breaking out all over the place.

We got these two burr oaks last year for free. They were sickly, dry and were going to be thrown out. So, I planted them and did everything I could for 'em. When Winter came and they lost the few leaves they did have, I thought that we wouldn't see leaves on them ever again, but I was wrong. They are thriving!

The best flowers so far are these by the front door.

Most importantly, I am so thankful to see Sunshine smile again. It was just for a minute, but it was definitely there. I love that girl and her heart shaped face.

The Bad.

I guess I hadn't thought of it before today. Sunshine's Mom's personality completely filled her house. No matter which room you went into, she seemed to be there somehow - if that makes any sense. Today when we were at the house, it hit me just how empty the house felt. The funeral is on Thursday. This is going to be a tough week.

Sunshine's Mom

Sunshine's mom passed away yesterday after a long illness. Sunshine thanks all those who have prayed for her mother and sent along their best wishes. I know that all those positive thoughts and hopes really did help. Sunshine's mother did not suffer any pain and was always vibrant in thought and spirit.

Sunshine once described her mom, Miss B., as being a mother, a friend, a sister and a confidante. For as long as I have known her, Miss B. was strong in spirit. The light of her personality touched everyone who met her.

She had a hard life with many challenges. She worked hard, raised a family, and loved them dearly. Her voice was strong, her mind was certain and her kindness was real. Whenever darkness would come to smother out her light, she would always shine through.

She loved to read and learn. And she could cook! The best food in town came from her kitchen. She was a remarkable woman who was always active, serving the community and church she loved. It was there that her light touched so many. That's why I will remember her as having lived the words of the old Inspirational:

This little light o' mine,
I'm gonna let it shine,
Let it shine,
let it shine,
let it shine.

And shine she did, and always will on God's golden shore.

How Bad Is The Economy?

Cats are so dramatic!

Chicken & Dumplings

Some days are just this good! As a *completely* unbiased and objective judge of such things, I can honestly say that my beloved Sunshine makes the greatest chicken and dumplings of all time. She's pretty tasty too :-)

Thank You Cinnamon!

Thank you very much for this award Cinnamon. It's great!!!

Blood Donation Time

Time to answer the call again and donate some O negative to the cause. One of the good things about the Evil Corporation is that they will give four hours of free leave to go and make a blood donation. Need to drink some juice and get a little rest now!

Under the Watchful Eyes of Birds

Wow, what a Lent season this year! Today is the first day AFTER Easter, and I was thinking this morning about trying to sum up what I've learned from the experience of the last few weeks. One of the lessons is that we are not alone. We function as members of society and the things we do and say have effects for ourselves and those around us - even when we think that we're alone. This isn't about an "all seeing Eye" or anything like that. Part of the society that we belong to are the animals that share the environment with us. The things we do effect them too. We really need to take care and be good in all our relationships.

Happy Monday! Enjoy your week :-)

A Few of My Favorite Things

After a couple of really tough weeks at work and a BIG FIRE SCARE yesterday, I thought it would be best to think about some of the positives in life. Here are a few of my favorite things.

Togetherness.
I love my Sunshine. Yes, I completely agree. Today is a good day to quit smoking.

Sake & Crab Balls
Crab balls are normally served ONLY at weddings receptions, so I scarfed down this treat thinking about marriage and my Sunshine.

Stuffed Jalapenos
Seriously, does it get any better than this?

Stuffed & Steamed Shitakes

Family
Father and daughter time. She is one of the 8 chicks to fledge this last week.

Having someone ELSE to deal with the crap for a change

Need I say more?

Taking A Smoke Break

This is the Evil Corporation's "designated" smoking area. It is pretty Spartan, but for what the smokers need, it has everything: ventilation, a place to sit and smoke, a butt can, and full sun for half the day (and full shade and polar coldness the other half of the day).


Please note the startling absence of porcelain in this photograph. This happens for a reason; that is, you smokers need to go to the "designated smoking" area AND NOT THE RESTROOMS! The same thing applies to smokless tobacco users. Please dip, snuff, chew or whatever the Hell it is that turns you on ... without spitting that mess out on the urinals. Were you really born in a barn or what?

How rude is it when someone sparks up a cigarette in the restroom? Or spits out a big load of tobacco juice and misses the intended target? Has this ever happened to you?

Big Trash Day

Big Trash Day is the one day of the month when trash collectors will pick up the stuff that's too big and awkward to fit in your curbside dumpster. It can be almost anything, including furniture and old appliances. I had completely forgotten; that is, until I was on the way over to visit Justin and Katie. That's when I saw this:


Do you have a Big Trash Day story?