'Fiddlesticks' symphony

Inside Heinz Hall, very ornate interior

 So, my Johnny, planned a fun-filled day in Pittsburgh for us on Saturday.  It began with a mid-morning symphony.  I thought this a little strange to have a symphonic concert at 11am, but didn't think much of it.  I was just excited to go to the 'big city' and listen to classical music.  We left at 9:30 and made it just in time.  As we were walking to Heinz Hall, I kept seeing so a lot of children.  I thought "Isn't that nice all these families are out today on this beautiful summer day."  However, they were all heading to Heinz Hall.  As we entered, there were children everywhere to see the symphony---John had purchased tickets to the 'Fiddlesticks' Family Symphony. 

I proceeded to laugh and laugh and laugh, for almost 5 minutes regarding our hilarious situation.  We received several odd looks from people, probably wondering where our children were- at that moment I wanted to adopt one of the children walking around just to make the situation less awkward.  However, we found our seats and proceeded to 'sing-along' with Fiddlesticks the Feline, create a thunderstorm with our hands, and sing 'Take me out to the Ball Game,' with the Pittsburgh Pirates mascot.  Several classical pieces were performed as well initiating the summer season.  All-in-all John and I had a wonderful time and neither of us were bored in the slightest.

After the symphony, we grabbed our pre-packed picnic and headed to a park in the heart of Pittsburgh.  There had been a race that morning, so it was a perfect people-watching attraction.  We sat on a hillside and watched the variety of people pass by while eating our chicken salad and bagels.  I must say picnics create a sense of calm and we really were enjoying ourselves.  We just laid in the grass and talked.  I love summer because everyone seems more happy.

Last, BUT certainly not least we had to go to Rita's.  Rita's is certain happiness.  We were just going to put the address into the Garmin when I looked up and Rita's was before me-it was fate.  We both enjoyed a mouth-watering gelati.  A gelati entails a layered dessert consisting of custard-icy-custard.  I appeased my taste buds with a juicy-pear flavored gelati, a LARGE of course.  John was content with his mango-flavored small gelati.  A perfect ending to a very perfect day with my Johnny in Pittsburgh.

Morgantown 2nd Ward Half Marathon

Well, why my sister was doing a full 'IronMan' in St. George, I was running a delightful 13.2 miles on the rails-trails.  Johnny decided to run it too!  We are arrived at the race and John happened to be the only male running.  But, that didn't stop him.  He paced me the first 6 miles and then took off about half way.

 Kari made medals for everyone who completed the race.

The day was overcast and tye-dye t-shirts was the running apparel of choice.  I am not a big fan of running in cotton and now I understand why.  By about mile 8, I was soaked through, but at least I looked good.  Our good friend, Kari, had set up the race 6.5 miles down and a little over 6.5 miles back, there were even water stations along the way.  I am so grateful for my Johnny who kept me going.  For the second half, I tried not to let him out of my sight.  He was running about a 7 minute-mile though and it was a little difficult.  I finished the half in about 1:50, not too shabby.

'Time-out' for women

I got to travel to Harrisburg, PA with four other delightful ladies.  We arrived, went shopping, ate Jimmy Johns, and enjoyed an uplifting evening of talks and violin music.  Jenny Oaks Long played an array of music from Disney classics.  She played other music as well including one of my favorites, 'Amazing Grace.'
You all know my love for ice cream and there is no better ice cream, or should I say water-ice, than RITAS!  If you have yet to sample it, is it worth the drive/flight/swim to the east coast to devour it.  I can not put into words the love I have of this custard-smoothie goodness.  Besides the custard, Monte Carlo pizza looked a little on the dirty side, but the veggie pizza was a gift to my taste buds.  Kristen Meeker and I could only discuss the deliciousness of the pizza for the next hour- a definite bonus to the trip.  And of course there was the yummy treats along the way.

RITA-A PARTY IN YOUR MOUTH! Kristen and I displaying our happy faces at getting our favorite dessert.

Monte Carlo pizzaria, so so so good!

 Saturday was filled with inspiration.  The Spirit is a powerful tool and in a room full of crying woman, it can not help but be felt.  There was one talk in particular regarding charity which I loved.  Charity is an action, but she also be an inherent part of who we are.  It should be a solution to our problems.  All in all, 'time out for woman' was a smashing hit and I got to know the four lovely 'sisters' much better!

!

The lovely ladies I had the chance to spend the weekend with, but most of all I missed my Johnny!  It was our first night apart.

Biking with my Baby

A few weeks ago Johnny and I went on a wonderful Saturday adventure.   We journeyed up to Ohiopyle, a beautiful national forest about an hour north of Morgantown, WV.  We had a delightful time first hiking about and looking at all the natural waterfalls.  We then went on a 25 mile bike ride across the countryside, it was lush and green.

I really am enjoying the east coast Spring, but even more than that is spending time with my Johnny.