A Bit of Ireland in the Burgh

The Irish Design Center on Craig Street in Oakland neighborhood is a bit of Ireland in Pittsburgh.

Supporting small business by showcasing the highlights of the store!

I bought some Gooseberry Preserves and a sheep key ring, some Irish afternoon tea. A great place to shop for gifts.

Thanks for accompanying me as I browse through the store.

Saturday I had a selfie fest as I toured my own city
Sweaters
Belleek China
Waterford Crystal
Lace
Beans and Mushy Peas
Pottery
Woven Scarves and Leather Belts
Baaaaaa
Jewelry

Along Penn Avenue, Saturday

You just know there’s a story there.

The Iris are in Bloom

Just the yellow so far, not the purple

The White Lilacs are in Bloom

Photographed from an upstairs window

A friend who gardens told me our season now is ahead of other years

Chimney Repair

You can see in the first photo the missing bricks. It’s not a chimney used for venting.

Photos by Nick Karam
Taken by Nick Karam
Looks great no more falling bricks
Karam Restoration pointed my house six years ago
Nick left me a souvenir brick to commemorate Chimney Gate 2026

Repurposed Church in Pittsburgh

Now Union Project an Arts Organization

At the corner of Negley and Stanton Avenues


“In 1903, the Union Project building was constructed in the Gothic Revival style by the Second United Presbyterian Church. The building was purchased by the East End Baptist Church in 1933. The last congregation to own the building was the Union Baptist Church. By the late 1990s, that congregation had shrunk and was no longer able to maintain the building. They decided to sell it and most of the fixtures, including pews, pulpit, and pipe organ.”

Wordless Wednesday

Countdown to NFL Draft

Pittsburgh’s hosting the NFL Draft and here’s the Countdown Clock on North Shore Drive

“The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23–25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, marking the 91st edition of the annual player selection meeting”

Pittsburgh Public Schools will close for three days

My friend Ginny sent me an article saying 500,000-700,000 people are expected to come to the city

Fort Pitt Bridge View from North Shore Drive

Bloomfield Groceria 7th Anniversary

It all started when I went to photograph a little glass jar of anchovies at Bloomfield Groceria. It happened to be Wednesday. The special is Famous Meat Ball on Italian Roll.

After the tinned fish tasting post I was seeking jarred fish examples
Meet Rick. He’s been the owner of the business for 7 years and is celebrating.
His wife baked all of these delicious cookies.
I bought the Famous Meat Ball Hoagies today
My friend Tookie set her luncheon table beautifully, highlighting Rick’s Famous Meat Ball Hoagie. The cookies were from Groceria.
There’s a wide array of frozen ravioli and other Italian specialities, too
I chose a Lemon Ginger cookie! so good ❤️

Teatime Tuesday Afternoon

It was a late afternoon tea but we started with a toast!

One member of our group was out of town today