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Ballet at the Benedum

My experience with ballet began when my daughter was a fourth grade ballerina at the Sue Richard Dance Studio. For the past three years, we have shared our love for dance by attending an annual ballet at The Benedum Theater in Pittsburgh. My first professional ballet was La Bayadere, The Temple Dancer. Next came Le Corsaire, The Pirate. This year on February 11th, we saw Alice In Wonderland, the White Rabbit following girl, who enters a world of magic and mayhem. While attending La Bayadere, I would not have been able to define " arabesque " or " port de bras ", but my heart knew something special was happening when I witnessed the visually stunning and rhythmic tapping of the toe shoes in the scene called " The Kingdom of the Shades ." I was mesmerized by the stability and precision of the dancers. It was only recently that I learned that Mikhail Baryshnikov considered this ballet to be one of the greatest, if not the greatest classical w
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Kris Kristofferson Revisited

Aged To Perfection Kris Kristofferson has performed for me via 8 track tape, cassette tape, CD and live at The Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA. I’ve listened to his music from the 1970’s to January 27, 2017 and beyond, where a full house joined me in a music appreciation evening of raw Kris. The intimate feel of this Palace jewel suggested a gathering of friends in my living room, singing along with our talented, guitar playing friend. The lights dimmed, Kris, sans introduction, walked to center stage alone, plugged in his guitar, adjusted his neck harmonica and began the first of many fan favorites. For the next two hours, to paraphrase the lyrics in a Billy Joel song," Kris sang and played me a memory." I was transported back to a time of polyester leisure suits and bell bottom pants, platform shoes and lava lamps, youth and marriage, Jaws and a Bahama honeymoon, more future ahead of me than behind. Kris wore his jeans and age with equal comfort. The Si

Eulogy For Wolfgang

Wolfgang, we didn't have enough time with you. January 19, 2017 was the worst day of our lives. Late morning we called the vet, who would make a house call at 7:00 PM. We sat on death row with you all day counting down the hours. You made many trips outside just to feel the grass, see the sky and smell your favorite scents. You said your good-byes to Debbie, your favorite mail carrier, who always left treats in the mailbox for you. We pulled out all your toys one by one, and tried to engage you in play. We know eating was difficult for you, but you still managed to eat some of your favorite Frosty Paws ice cream and apple slices. If I have a choice, my last meal will be ice cream also. We hugged and kissed you as many times as you and time would allow. How can this be the last time we will feel your heart beating in rhythm with ours? How can we do what needs to be done? How can we not? Wolfgang, we tried to be as courageous as you. For seven months you battled the

Circle of Life

The sun rolling high Through the sapphire sky Keeps great and small on the endless round "From the day we arrived on this planet, The Circle of Life is moving us all." And yesterday our family circle widened, with many of us witnessing the surprise proposal as Brandon, on bended knee, asked for Jessica's hand in marriage with a sapphire and diamond ring. It was an emotional day filled with love, tears of joy and laughter. Two families are now in the early stages of blending. We get to share treasured stories with fresh ears to hear. Our family gains a new son, grandson, brother, cousin, etc. Our daughter, Jessica, gains a second family of loving relatives. Exciting plans will soon begin while "visions of sugarplums dance in our heads." Wedding date, church, hall, gown, music, flowers, parties, colors, food, guest lists, invitations, oh my! I've already started a mental list: lose more weight, learn to dance, earn more money and shop for my d

Pittsburgh By Duck

Ducky Birthday To You! Today is Mom's 98th birthday which we celebrated on Saturday by taking her on the Just Ducky tour of Pittsburgh. When asked if this was something she wanted to do, she replied, "I'm game!" So here she is wearing her Cocoon sunglasses, ready to roll (literally) at Station Square. Our Amphibious Vehicle Rose is a former Monessen Greyhound who fell in love with a Donora Dragon. She met her Andy when she and a girlfriend stole several pieces of chocolate covered cherries from an unopened box in his unlocked car that just happened to be parked near her house. The girls were sitting outside on her porch when the cherries called to them. Andy returned to his car, and asked them if they saw the thieves. They denied any knowledge of this heinous crime, but struck up a conversation that lasted for more than 57 years. It was only after several years of marriage that Rose admitted to being the Cherry Thief. Every Valentine

Friendly Skies

From coast to coast in 51 minutes I would like to share a memory as vivid as the day it happened over 45 years ago. This particular recollection took place in the early 1970's. I was flying solo from Pittsburgh to Tampa, Florida as a young, single female. Some people may have considered me fairly attractive. Also, since this is my story, I can remember (invent) my physical description! But, I believe the attractiveness factor played a role in this story. And this description is stored in my ROM, so it's not easily altered! But, I digress. As often happens in air travel, my expected landing in Tampa did not occur on the expected date. Due to heavy fog, the plane was diverted to Jacksonville for the night. The hotel accommodations were luxurious and complimentary. Breakfast the next morning was problematic. I stood in the entrance to the hotel restaurant, and realized, with all the passengers trying to eat at the same time, there were no empty tables. And no time t

Dear Dad

I'm a steelworker's daughter, the first of the baby-boomer generation, raised on my Dad's WWII Navy stories, who misses him more every year. He sailed on his final voyage twenty years ago, today. There are countless things I would like him to know, so Dad, this one's for you: Dear Dad, You joined the Navy because of the attack on Pearl Harbor. You would be devastated to know about the attack on 9/11/2001, in the heart of New York City and all the senseless attacks in our schools, churches, movie theaters, marathons, transportation systems, police forces and on random individuals. How fervently you would have prayed your daily Rosary for peace. Do you know that every man, woman and child now carries a cell phone, including me? They are no longer the size and weight of gold bars (roughly 27 pounds), but fit easily in pockets and purses. I can just see you shaking your head at technology. I remember how I used to love watching you develop pictures in your dark