East Liberty Winter Sunset

Had just left the bookstore and was walking to my car. I could see the Cathedral of Learning in Oakland from the parking lot on the roof.  Smoke rising, silhouettes, a stunning sky. This is my 444th post today.

Another artist's palette, this time in the sky.

Snowstorm Softens Skyline Edges

Coming back from training in the West End I pulled into the Cigna lot and took a couple of chilly shots.  Although a color photo it appears to be black and white.  Looked for lights  in the city but the snow blocked the view.  You can see the snowflakes against the river background.  The railroad tracks, partially covered, made for nice lines. The best thing about being asked to drive across the city in the snow (when it feels like you shouldn’t get on any road!)  is that you get to see a view you wouldn’t have seen if you hadn’t made the trip. You might remember the blogpost – same vantage point- without the snow.

Pittsburgh
Where the rivers meet

Santa Claus Collection on the Mantel by Candlelight

Steve hauled the boxes down from the third floor.  I got to unearth the Santas, most of them gifts to me from friends.  The Nutcracker one from Germany.  And the Deborah McLaren (click to see last year’s display by Steve) painting behind. The house started to feel festive! The candles bright. We even put up the tree.

The stockings are hung. At least all the little sock and shoe-like ornaments.

Christmas Camels in the City

He looked straight at me.  I don’t think he wanted me to take his picture. I heard a deep camel growl.   The streetlight behind outlined his head shape just so.  There was an ox and a donkey, I’d say they were “lowing”. An angel passed out candy canes.  I went inside and the sanctuary was filled with the sound of Go Tell it on the Mountain. Christmas has come to the city, right on Penn Circle North, across from Home Depot! There was a second camel who seemed less agitated by the whole scene.  People were crossing the street and taking pictures with their cell phones.

Joy in Winter

Spread the Christmas tablecloth and place the matching plate next to the mug of steaming hot tea.  Take two Split-Second cookies out of a tin.  The ones I baked for knitting. A bite of shortbread cookie with raspberry jam. Try the fig one. Nibble slowly, make them last.  Sip the almost scalding tea.  Savor the combination.  Open the book you’re reading for book club. (Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner-1972 Pulitzer Prize- I’d never heard of it until Tess picked it).  Listen to the furnace kick on. Wrap a shawl around you. Sip more tea.  Read until you doze.  Think of the cookies still in the tin. Repeat tomorrow.

I love the Naif Christmas pattern.
It wouldn't feel the same if you did this in July.

Making Spirits Bright

Christmas Lights on a house in Highland Park
Almost a gingerbread house, sparkling in the snow. Good thing there is a fence to keep in the reindeer!

Snow Enhances Lights

Left school so late that it was dark. Drove a circuitous route home to check out the lights in Morningside. The house I have photographed the past two years didn’t have a single light. Thinking about the possible reasons for no lights this year but maybe they just moved. This house up the street looked lovely in the snow with the greens and ribbons on the white fence.

Looks like a Christmas card.
Looks more like New England than Pittsburgh to me.

Keeping the Darkness at Bay

No one seems worried about the electric bills!  The days are growing shorter and the light displays increasing.

What an effort! Wonder where they store them all year long.
East Liberty off Negley Avenue.

Between the Neon Beer Signs on Carson Street

South Side.  There is a house sandwiched between storefronts and bars on Carson. Here is how it looked Friday night.   In this view you can’t see the Jockey lawn ornament by the life-size Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Between the Neon Beer Signs on Carson Street
Making the season bright!

“You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out”

We watched A Christmas Story (1983) over Thanksgiving.

Friday night I walked by this window on Carson St after listening to Don Hollowood and the King Cobras at Excuses. Saw the display and thought anyone who has seen this holiday movie would enjoy the picture.  Found out it was shot in Cleveland.  When I was in high school I used to listen to Jean Shepherd on the radio.  I never knew anyone whose tongue stuck on a frozen flagpole.

Red Ryder Box on the Right
Ralphie in the pink bunny suit sits under the fishnet leg lamp, Red Ryder on the right.