My SIL James took this photo from the driver’s side, using my phone, on January 20 as we returned to Columbus. I’d seen the little library on our way into the street and I knew when we turned around, it wouldn’t be on my side. It’s the biggest Little Library I’ve seen.
This Pink Toilet Waiting in the Snow was my post on January 29, 2010.
There wasn’t a single like clicked on it all those years ago. Was the “like” button feature not in place then? It’s there now with a big zero.
I used to see a lot of toilets in odd places when I’d drive to school. I guess in retirement I’m not driving around much in the early morning before garbage pick up. If you’ve followed me since the beginning you will remember this one, I know.
Wordless Wednesday
Mercy Watson books have been checked out of the Columbus Public Library and are now at home with my grandson Charlie, 3 1/2.
I’d never heard of the existence of Mercy Watson prior to last week’s Ohio visit. Charlie has always liked his soft pig toy and has a small pig on the kitchen counter where he eats lunch.
Mercy Watson is a pig. No, edit that statement
“Mercy Watson is a porcine wonder.” says Mr and Mrs. Watson
The author is Kate Di Camillo and illustrated by artist Chris Van Dusen
Seems that ‘buttered toast’ is a favorite of Mercy Watson.
Laura created a Mercy Watson breakfast for Charlie.
He was adjusting the mouth/cashew.
That is hand squeezed oj accompanying the toast. Mmmmm. 
I should have taken one more shot of the empty breakfast tray. 
a screenshot for the Mercy Watson site
Cafe 412 in the West End 400 S. Main Street Pittsburgh
I was on my way back from Ohio last Tuesday and stopped in the West End. I was picking up a print to donate to the National Kidney Association Gala printed by Tom Underiner at Pixel River Images
Grilled Cheddar and Swiss on Sourdough / English Breakfast Tea and a splash of milk So good! Winter comfort food.
Famous Pittsburghers on the wall Sipping Coffee or Tea 
Gain fifty pounds catching a selfie in the Espresso Machine
Looking out onto Main Street from our window table. Looking forward to returning soon. It was very good.
Silent Sunday
Phoenix Bus Ride to the Hotel.
Could be a six word Saturday too.
Guest blogger is portrait artist Sharon Weaver You’ve seen an example of Sharon’s portrait painting of my daughter Laura on a Dec 2010 blogpost Unexpected Gift Late Christmas Eve link
Laura’s brother Mark titled it Mona Laura
This is the way Chuck and Sharon keep their home toasty warm in the winter. There were at least three huge stacks of firewood. I have a little plastic thermostat on the wall that I adjust, no real work involved.
I asked what kind of wood it is and Chuck says “Ash”.
When I got home I ordered this book for Chuck. not that he needs any tips on how to chop, stack or dry wood but just to read about the Scandinavian way. ( It’s a bestseller- click title for article on how it became a “global hit”) – Norwegian Wood by Lars Mytting
I heard about this book when I visited Norway last fall. I sent it to my brother in Okanogan. He heats with a woodstove, too.
Sharon and Chuck celebrate their fiftieth anniversary today, January 24th, but the surprise party was last Saturday. Right in the middle of a winter storm.
Only a few people couldn’t make it due to the weather.
Kim and James planned the event and their mom and dad were definitely surprised.
When the caterers Tessa and Maria arrived with all the delicious food, despite the treacherous roads, we knew the party was a GO! Everyone had a wonderful time at Chuck and Sharon’s fiftieth anniversary celebration.
Once a schoolhouse, there was a slate blackboard where party guests wrote greeting with chalk.
Grandson Simon tied balloons onto the mailbox
Karon and Sharon
Charlie showing 5 and zero.
Tessa and Maria braved the elements to deliver the dinner.
Wordless Wednesday
