Facie’s Ramblings

Almost two weeks ago J and I spent a few days at my mom's while my older brother and his family (as well as my little brother's oldest) were there. My older brother is all about doing something fun and/or different when we are together, whereas I am just happy to hang out, since I tend to see him about three times a year. His suggestion this time was a trip to the Punxsutawney Weather Discover Center, which was about 45 minutes from Mom's. It was a small, but neat, place, and I learned a few things (nothing that I can remember, unfortunately). The kids, who ranged in age from almost 7 to 11, were mostly enthralled with a slide that ended in a bunch of foam blocks; the idea is to feel as if you are in a tornado. I thought doing a mock weather forecast was kind of cool, but the kids were less impressed. Representing my two favorite Pittsburgh sports teams while on air When were finished, a woman working there gave us a directions to see Punxy Phil. Even though I ...

I am going to try to keep myself from posting/uploading 50 pictures from a recent trip to Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh (Oakland). If you live near Pittsburgh, you really should get yourself to Phipps before the winter light show ends on January 12. A friend, our kids, and I went yesterday, spending the late afternoon hours walking through the various exhibits before taking a good (and gingerbread martini!) break. Then, when it was dark, we went through most of the areas again, to experience the flowers draped in lights. Here is a little tour for you. First, here are a bunch of pictures from the daylight portion, mostly of flowers. My favorite is tree near the bottom of the photos below, reflecting into the water below, as well as the one room, which also reflects in the water below it. But the real sight to behold are in the photos below, which I took once the sun went down. The first set is...