My Pittsburgh Pirate(s)- Pburg Part 2

I thought I'd do a post introducing you to the people I hang out with in Pittsburgh. This haggard guy drags me across PA every major holiday and I comply, because I love him and his people.

My Pittsburgh Pirate, originally uploaded by plumandlion.

Here's a good bit of the looney lot hanging out in downtown Pitt.


Left to right: Margot, James, Lorna, Alan, Anna and Ben on the bottom. (R's uncle & aunt and cousins)

The Gavins, originally uploaded by plumandlion.

Ross' aunt Lorna with his mom, Barbara, smiling away.

Lorna and Barb, originally uploaded by plumandlion.

Baby Ben, a new addition in the family, that I doted on over the ENTIRE Thanksgiving weekend. We had a blast with him- so much so that I want to steal him, for real.

Ben Gavin, originally uploaded by plumandlion.

Chrissy (R's niece) drawing with James. The boys adore her, it's so cute.

Chrissy and James, originally uploaded by plumandlion.

And once again, my sweetheart looking only halfway goofy this time.

R @ McConnells Mills, originally uploaded by plumandlion.

Pburg Part 1

Most of my friends (you out there!) have never been to Pittsburgh. I've now been a countless number of times and can now show you a tad of what I've seen. So here's part 1 of a 2 part series on the city and people that have become a second home & family.

Here's the view of the city from Mount Washington.

View from Mt. Washington, originally uploaded by plumandlion.

Ross' uncle, Alan, loves taking us to McConnells Mills, where there are several nice hiking trails.

McConnells Mills, originally uploaded by plumandlion.

Wholey's a downtown fish market is an institution like the Fulton Fish Market was. Don't try the sushi stand in there, it's not very good.

Wholey's, originally uploaded by plumandlion.

And really who needs 10 lbs of chittlins?

10 lbs. of Chittlins, originally uploaded by plumandlion.

There's a new doughnut shop down in the Strip that we followed the scent trail to.

bubbling, originally uploaded by plumandlion.

They did not disappoint. I like the ones without the sugar coating.

fresh mini doughnuts, originally uploaded by plumandlion.

Ok, so it's not a very diverse assortment of what Pittsburgh really looks like. I'll try and take more photos next week, when we're there for Christmas.

Happy Thanksgiving

first meal in new apt., originally uploaded by plumandlion.

We had our first meal in the apartment two weeks ago. It was a "picnic" of sorts with pizza and empanadas from the Farmer's Market across the street. We arrived at the tail end of the market season and can't wait for it to start up again in the Spring. I will spend the next month or so with renovation anxiety but I am content and realize how fortunate I am to be able to purchase a share of this building.

As I gather with Ross' family for Thanksgiving, I am happy to be with them and look forward to many more holiday gatherings with the Minzenbergs. We hope to host a holiday at the new digs one day. Right now we are joined by family from across the country and across the pond, with cute little English accents! I hope you are enjoying the warmth of family this holiday whether it's small or large. Happy Thanksgiving.

Dozen Cupcakes

Dozen Cupcakes is in Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh. We were in the area for some "chair" business and looked up places to check out in the area. It's very cute.



The chocolate chocolate.


The Red Velvet.


I was a bit disappointed by the quality of the cupcakes. I don't know, maybe not moist enough and too sugary, not creamy? Presentation and service was great though.

Year end warmth

Here are some end of the year snapshots I wanted to share with you. I hope you had a wonderful time with your family and friends and all the best in the new year.

Some handmade ornaments.



The tree and the ice skaters at Rock Center.


The window displays on Fifth Ave.



Clyde was really excited about his gifts.



Ringing in the New Year with a blast at the Pratt Steam Engine Whistle Fest.

Know what this is?

Not sure what this is but I got up close and personal with it in Pittsburgh (July). Leave a comment if you can identify it!

Rib Fest

I spent Labor Day weekend in Pittsburgh and on Sunday went down to Heinz Stadium to hang with the crowds for the Rib Fest. To be honest, I've never really had American ribs before. I barely eat pork, don't like to gnaw on bones, hate Chinese ribs, and don't like my meat sweet. The first stand I tried was a testament to why I don''t like ribs and never had the hankering to eat ribs. After strolling around and eating some other non-healthy festival food, I tried Smokin' Joe's. Much better, meat was actually hot, tasty, juicy, flavored... pretty good. Well, I've filled my rib quota for the year.

Pittsburgh for the Fourth

Over the holiday weekend I went out to Pittsburgh. I saw a great fireworks display downtown and also had a famous Primanti Bros. sandwich. The NYTimes just published 36 hours in Pittsburgh, I will have to keep it in mind for my next trip.


How did you celebrate the Fourth of July?