Little Library in the Snow

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.

Throwback Thursday – January 29,2010

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.

I didn’t even know who Mercy Watson was Until Last Week

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

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.

Guest Blog – Phoenix Bus Ride to the Hotel

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 

 

Stacking Wood the Ohio Way

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.

Fifty Years Ago Today

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.


Cake baked by EB Cakes