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It has been just over two months since I returned stateside. Being home for the holidays was wonderful and I have been keeping myself busied with projects, trips, and a few visitors.
Soon after I arrived back in Pittsburgh, I helped to add a few decorations to the house. The Christmas Town beneath the tree was filled with deviants and I had a Lochness Monster to contribute. Luckily there was a good amount of time before the 25th of December and I was able to schedule Caroling with Carolyn. The weather mid-December was unusually warm and consequently, our caroling cohort experienced the warmest temperatures it has ever encoutered. While we were too warm to drink hot chocolate afterwards, we did exchange gifts. Due to Austin's plethora of arts gifts, we crafted with clay and plastics!
As anticipated, the annual drive-by Santa Claus came through with the local firet brigade, alerting us that Christmas was nearly upon us. It wasn't long before family arrived in town. After celebrating Christmas and exchanging gifts, We ate and enjoyed some cutthroat card games while we rang in the New Year.
The new year brought lots of terrific events. First, was a quintet concert at the Strand theater in Zelienople. Another musical event was the Butler Ice Jam, an annual meeting of bluegrass enthusiasts with flannel and unkept facial hair. It was good to support my brother and his fellow musicians and not a bad show! Next was a visit from Brittany and Sarah. While weather conditions posed a some minor setbacks, Brittany had made it in while Sarah was not far behind. While anxiously awaiting Sarah's arrival, Brittany and I went to the National Aviary to visit colorful ornithological creatures of all shapes and sizes. That evening Sarah arrvied and we met up with a few friends at Eat N' Park. The group consisted mostly of members from the former Mercyhurst Orchestra, as we were joined by Rachel and Caryn. The next day Brittany, Sarah and I explored Pittsburgh by treking to the Natural History Museum and the Cathedral of Learning. The final stop on our tour of Pittsburgh was, of course, a trip up to Mt. Washington to see the city from above.
Following Brittany and Sarah's visit, I took my own trip up to Erie, PA. My excuse for visiting my alma mater was to deliver a lecture on Natural History Museums for a course entitled, "Science and Museums." The lecture went well and the remainder of my time in Erie was spent relaxing with good friends, jamming with a few Irish tunes in the chapel, and enjoying a drink at Erie's best kept secret Sneaky Pete's.
The trip was fantastic, but it was time to get back to Pittsburgh and get down to work. Following this second return home, I have been keeping busy with projects and the job search. While my search continues, I have enjoyed venturing into unexplored territory and taking advantage of the goings on around town. These things, all accompanied by only the best company, have included a late night gallery crawl, lunch in Sewickly, a hike in Fall Run Park, catching up over dinner, and a night at the theater seeing Company. Additionally, I have been able to go skiing at both Hidden Valley and Peek N' Peak courtesy of two amazing families! One of the projects which has kept me busy is creating a Star Trek themed mobile for an expecting neighbor. Her reaction upon recieving it was priceless.
This weekend I leave for a trip to NYC! I'm sure there will be more adventures to post soon.
- comments
Steve B. Welcome back home to the US, Carolyn! Glad to hear that life in Pittsburgh is treating you well. Wishing you all the luck in finding an amazing job!