The Best Damn Band in the Land Tryouts

After Erika and Laura ran the Spirit of Columbus Half Marathon, we drove home via Ohio State University Campus.  There in a hot parking lot were the Marching Band Tryouts.  Known as  The Best Damn Band in the Land, all brass and percussion. The kids loved marching around to the rapid drum beats.  We saw a young man running to his music audition portion, carrying his cymbals in a padded case.  Four hundred+ trying for 225 slots.  You have to try out every year. With two buckeyes in the family now and OSU being Steve’s and Dorothy’s alma mater one thinks about how team allegiances are born, how rivalries are formed. A lot depends on where yo live. Or move.  People have strong feelings about teams. And Marching Band music heightens pride and emotion.

Steelers’ fans not limited to just Pittsburgh but are around the world. For more info on the OSU Marching Band click here We had a nice but really hot day! Check out the buckeyes on the ceiling of stadium entrance.

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What I Saw Because a Road Was Closed

Surely apartments now but I loved the sign with the morning light on the way to school.  Centre Ave at Chauncey.

Near Weil school on Centre Ave
The advantages of driving across the city to school? Seeing things I wouldn't have seen otherwise.

Carnegie Library- East Liberty- Grand Opening

Saturday August 28th at 10:00 AM.  Grand Opening of the East Liberty Branch of the Carnegie Library Pittsburgh.   Drove by on the way home from Meet & Greet at school tonight and the movie trucks were all parked in front so couldn’t get the view they show on their website – click for more info on their hours. The setting sun made the stone glow on East Liberty Presbyterian (Architect Ralph Adams Cram designed Calvary Episcopal Church in Shadyside as well)     I love libraries. Years ago when I used to bowl with the Greenfield Lunch Ladies I met  a nice woman Doris who worked in the branch before it was closed, gutted, and rebuilt.

East Liberty Presbyterian Church's Architecture
The church towers over East Liberty and the perspective is off but the stone is alive in the setting sun.

What’s in a Garage? (2 views)

New homes in the burbs might have a 3-car. Many city houses don’t have one! Saw this 1-car garage while stopped at a red light on Steuben Street.  No automatic garage door opener on this one.  My garage doors fold, glass panes at the top of each panel from the late 1920’s when it was built, and a tin ceiling! Garages-  attached, detached,  living quarters above.  The bus garages taken from the parking lot at the gym by Bakery Square.  “Things you find in a garage”, a good category for a game show. Mine is full of sleds, garbage cans, pruning shears, a stack of shingles, window washer fluid and old golf clubs. Time for a garage sale!

The Breasts are Birdhouses

Garden Goddess Sculpture by Charlie Holden, Master Puppeteer (contact info here) installed in Joan’s garden.  Scroll down for entire body view.

Charlie makes birdhouses out of tree parts and I gave one to the grandchildren for Christmas last year. A bird family moved in this Spring.

Emmett Kelly/ “Weary Willie” Clown

My sister thinks we got this hand puppet at the circus. It was before I was 5. Some people have a fear of clowns(coulrophobia)

There is an Emmett Kelly Museum in Sedan, Kansas -born there in 1898.  You don’t hear the word “hobo” anymore.

Another find while cleaning out.
How do you feel about clowns?

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Exuberant Joy

Yoni and Aviva’s wedding was a happy celebration They graciously allowed me to post a photo for today.  Steve and I had a wonderful time sharing their special day.  It was a quick trip to Philadelphia and back late tonight but we are so glad we went.  Wishing them every happiness always.  Mazeltov! Now to get to sleep for the first day of school with the students.

Drexelbrook Drexel Hill PA
Catching one another's eye! It was a joyful day.