tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16757726220537220502024-03-15T21:12:08.214-04:00The Steel TrapThoughts and ideas from the mind (and the mouth) of a Pittsburgh woman...The Steel Traphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07491069408426240446noreply@blogger.comBlogger870125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1675772622053722050.post-90240164016138527452024-03-13T00:00:00.001-04:002024-03-13T00:00:00.127-04:00My Year in Books and Podcasts (Year 43)Today I turn 44, which I just learned is my dad's favorite number. Who knew? Not me. What books did I read and what podcasts did I listen to this past year? <div><br /><b>books</b> (don't judge... I read a ton of textbooks for work and I did not list on here for obvious reasons) <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i>Dinosaurs</i> by Lydia Millet [I loved <i>A Children's Bible</i>, and I loved <i>Dinosaurs</i>. Millet creates interesting characters and I always find myself completely engaged in whatever they may be doing or experiencing. This time we end up on the Sonoran and it's just lovely.<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/09/books/review/lydia-millet-dinosaurs.html" target="_blank">]</a> </li><li><i>The Talented Mr. Ripley</i> by Patricia Highsmith [I was listening to <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/003RpmySEAcaUtPzV7rddM?si=3069884493e64290" target="_blank">this episode from <i>The Rewatchables</i> podcast</a> and wondered why I hadn't ever read this book. So I read it. And goodness gracious is it an anxiety-inducing ride that doesn't stop from the first paragraph to the last. Recommended of course. And <i>then</i> watch the movie. And <i>THEN </i>watch the new series.] </li><li><i>Clark & Lex</i> by Brendan Reichs and illustrated by Jerry Gaylord [Really fun YA graphic novel with an engaging story, relevant themes, and brilliant graphics. Perfect for any tween. Also, I got to meet Reichs at a wedding recently-- he's cool.] </li><li><i>Upstream</i> by Dan Heath [I had to read this one for work. It was okay. The anecdotes were annoying, but the point of the book isn't terrible.] </li><li><i>Action Hero Scouting Report</i> by Shea Serrano [Hell yes. If you love action movies, READ THIS.]</li><li><i>The Christie Affair</i> by Nina de Gramont [Absolute page turner that had me googling all things Agatha Christie between chapters. If you love mysteries and historical fiction, this should please you! It was given to me in a work book exchange and I finished it in two days.] </li><li><i>Lessons in Chemistry</i> by Bonnie Garmus [Another one given to me in a work book exchange and I couldn't put it down. Read first, <i>then</i> watch the show!] </li><li><i>Welcome to The O.C.: The Oral History</i> [I mean... how could I not read this? <i>The O.C</i>. remains a top ten show for me, is connected to my favorite memories from the early aughts, and continues to make me smile every time I hear a song from its iconic soundtracks. Recommended for fans, no question. <a href="https://www.thesteeltrap.net/2024/03/afternoon-commute.html" target="_blank">I made an accompanying playlist if you are in the mood.</a>]</li></ul><b>podcasts</b> (all of which can be found on Spotify, Apple, Stitcher, etc.)</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i>The Big Picture </i>[I listen to the episodes about award shows and movies I've seen or am interested in. Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins are great.]</li><li><i>Stick the Landing</i> [This one examines if a show's finale stuck its landing. Good stuff. If you are into prestige TV, of course this is for you.]</li><li><i>The Wedding Scammer</i> [Seven episodes of a wild, yet sad story. And for my Fayette County friends, buckle up. That's all I will say.] </li><li><i>Smartless</i> [Bateman. Hayes. Arnett. Good guests. Good questions. Good times.]</li><li><i>The Rewatchables</i> [When I say that I have been following Bill Simmons for over twenty years, that is the truth. So it's no surprise that I started at the beginning of this podcast dating back to the first episodes from 2017 and got myself up to date. I only skipped a few, which means that I have listened to close to 300 episodes. If you love movies and Simmons' approach, this is recommended.]. </li><li><i>Scamfluencers </i>[This one is ongoing. Some scam stories I've heard before, some are fresh to me. Episodes move quickly and are pretty engaging. I don't hate it.]</li><li><i>Welcome to the OC, Bitches</i> [If you are a fan of The OC, you already know why this is a must-listen. Sadly, it wrapped up, but my goodness-- there were tears.]</li><li><i>Southern Fried True Crime</i> [Just when I think there cannot possible any more crimes to be covered in the South, this podcast finds more stories. Never uplifting, typically unsettling. I recommend it only if this is your thing.]</li><li><i>You're Wrong About</i> [I love a good debunking, and I will listen to most of these episodes as long as Sarah Marshall wants to publish them. I learn something new with every episode, and that is just fantastic. Recommended!]</li><li><i>Maintenance Phase</i> [Like <i>You're Wrong About</i>, I typically don't miss an episode of this show. While I don't always agree with Michael Hobbes and Aubrey Gordon, I do value their takes and appreciate the time and research they put into breaking down the worst of the worst when it comes to health and diet culture. Recommended. I really liked the Ozempic episode FYI.]</li><li><i>Decoder Ring</i> [Every single episode is a learning experience about niche topics and cultural moments. Great narration, nicely researched, and totally engaging. Recommended!]</li><li><i>Rabia and Ellyn Solve the Case</i> [These two stars + a guest take major crimes and really dig into them with special guests and bold takes. I enjoy them both (especially Rabia), and these episodes are a fun ride despite the harrowing content.]</li><li><i>If Books Could Kill</i> [This is a newer podcast that takes REALLY popular bestselling nonfiction titles and cuts them to the core. Good stuff. Well-researched. Recommended!]</li><li><i>Murder in Apartment 12</i> [This is a <i>Dateline</i> NBC podcast and featured an unsolved murder in six well done episodes that reminded me what actual journalism was like.]</li><li><i>Mortal Sin</i> [Another Dateline NBC podcast featuring heinous crimes by evangelicals. Shocker.]</li><li><i>The Blog Flop</i> [Fun, pop culture podcast about major flops. You learn a thing or two while getting a funny dose of nostalgia. Recommended!]. </li><li><i>Gone South</i> [I listened to seasons 2 & 3, both different stories and both interesting. You could call it true crime, but it's more about specific moments in time and the people who end up entangled in those moments.] </li><li><i>Dr. Death</i> (Season 4 doesn't disappoint, that's for sure. It even hits close to home with some victims in Beaver County, PA]. </li><li><i>The Retrievals </i>[From Serial Productions, this could be triggering for some and is truly a sad story, but one that needed to be told.]</li><li><i>The Kids of Rutherford County</i> [Also from Serial Productions, this could be triggering and is another sad story, but one that needed to be told.]</li></ul><br /><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fhgb-steeltrap.blogspot.com%2F" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">Pin It</a>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></div>The Steel Traphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07491069408426240446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1675772622053722050.post-38133429220617588702024-03-05T09:05:00.005-05:002024-03-05T09:05:43.252-05:00Afternoon Commute<p>Today's playlist comes straight to you from Orange County. That's right. I recently finished reading <i><a href="https://www.harpercollins.com/products/welcome-to-the-oc-josh-schwartzstephanie-savagealan-sepinwall?variant=41038093385762" target="_blank">Welcome to The O.C.: An Oral History</a></i> and cannot get the songs out of my head. They were just baked into the entire experience and never left my soul. Has it really been over twenty years? </p><p>My roommate and I watched the premiere on Fox in August 2023 and never stopped. At this time, we lived across the street from a Best Buy; when the soundtracks were released, I was quick to grab them on CD so I could indie rock my way to and from wherever I was headed. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iVe7ZcEyYNs" width="320" youtube-src-id="iVe7ZcEyYNs"></iframe></div><p>Today feels like a summer day, doesn't it? So put your windows dahn and enjoy twenty of my favorite songs (in no real particular order) from <i>The O.C.</i> xo</p>
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></div>The Steel Traphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07491069408426240446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1675772622053722050.post-46241989310114170592024-03-02T21:46:00.002-05:002024-03-02T21:46:17.269-05:00Housekeeping29 days...<div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.thesteeltrap.net/2024/02/happy-blogiversary-year-13.html" target="_blank"><b>The Steel Trap</b> became a teenager. </a> </li><li>We celebrated JDB's 70th birthday! 3000 rolls at Texas Roadhouse later... we kickstarted the next decade of his life. </li><li>Madonna brought the heat with her. Literally. It was 800 degrees in the PPG Paints Arena. But for a concert that started on a Monday and ended on a Tuesday, there wasn't a moment when I wasn't entertained and engaged. She played the hits and integrated her story into the entire production. The ultimate GNO, we made new memories while celebrating the old ones (like the "Like a Prayer" remix from the Sanctuary days, am I right?). </li><li>The <i>My Fair Lady</i> Broadway tour was as "loverly" as I had hoped. But, my goodness. Henry Higgins is a terrible person and I will not argue about this. </li><li>The Valentine's Sunday Fun Day event for kids at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art was a blast. LWM made cards, listened to live music and stories, and enjoyed sweet treats. I loved being his sidekick. We followed it with a late brunch at <a href="https://ironrocktaphouse.com/" target="_blank">IronRock Tap House</a> (including a cocktail and a mocktail). Quality time well spent. </li><li>I have been rewatching <i>Friday Night Lights</i> on flights, so if you've seen someone silently, yet shamelessly weeping into her iPad going to and from Chicago and Boston, that was me. Clear eyes and full hearts, people. They can't lose. </li><li>Is Pitt basketball happening? </li><li>Is everyone in <i>Oppenheimer</i>? Speaking of <i>Oppenheimer,</i> I fell asleep twice watching that movie. </li><li>If you like Clark Bars or Mallow Cups, the <a href="https://www.boyercandies.com/" target="_blank">Boyer Candy Company Factory Outlet</a> is worth the trip to Altoona. $15.99 for 5 lbs. of "seconds?" SOLD. </li></ul>...and the promise of Spring. </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The annual Pittsburgh CLO Ambassadors' Wine Tasting & Silent Auction kicked off the month and it was a fun night of supporting local musical theater arts education. I tried to count and I think this was my fourteenth one. Regardless, one thing has stayed the same over time: <a href="https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/food-entertaining/2008/04/26/Signature-cookies-of-Pittsburgh/stories/200804260193" target="_blank">The Duquesne Club macaroons</a> are my favorite cookie in the entire world. </li><li>We attended a local kids' production of <i>The Wizard of Oz</i> and will be attending one of <i>Shrek: The Musical</i> later this month. While my legs go numb because Lincoln still needs a little boost to see, I know I will miss the days soon enough when he won't need to crawl onto my lap in order to marvel at musical theater magic. </li><li>Birthdays for DMS, AMS, the other AMS, TAG, and yours truly! </li><li>I will note that turning forty-four is the most anti-climatic thing ever. But, I want to make clear that forty-four is <i>good</i>. I am not trying to hide my middle-age. I have earned these laugh lines and they should be celebrated. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtndK7W0MdilkW3u-8XZ3H_VUwtDo6fNglulnO_xobxVyBEto8XwD4EEzLasa-JjI2dKRc1vc6eLRazZtf1Ij2KHkHGmXWmlm6WzzAkkHsvq2TnvStXd-iQdexQfvunX-zYknEBs7jDovub0vEY7PUOlmI_HV1TMh92Lc-QJDs8r1WgzF9h6lPg3JMA43i/s1705/D2CF26CC-6594-4155-9EE6-3CA144B889BA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1705" data-original-width="1620" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtndK7W0MdilkW3u-8XZ3H_VUwtDo6fNglulnO_xobxVyBEto8XwD4EEzLasa-JjI2dKRc1vc6eLRazZtf1Ij2KHkHGmXWmlm6WzzAkkHsvq2TnvStXd-iQdexQfvunX-zYknEBs7jDovub0vEY7PUOlmI_HV1TMh92Lc-QJDs8r1WgzF9h6lPg3JMA43i/s320/D2CF26CC-6594-4155-9EE6-3CA144B889BA.jpg" width="304" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">dressing alike since 1998</span></td></tr></tbody></table></li><li>I am going to try to make it to the <a href="https://carnegiesciencecenter.org/exhibits/the-titanic/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAuYuvBhApEiwAzq_YiVWThy5n3UH31Ku7Z9U9sKMzTPMkpmJWU4C2ymupegPabOn3OqXEPxoC2D4QAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Titanic exhibit</a> at the Carnegie (soon to be Kacin) Science Center before the ship sinks! </li><li>We have a Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium play date planned that includes lunch with the Easter Bunny. </li><li>ABC dramas are back! </li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82bST-tsEdY" target="_blank"><i>The Regime</i> (<strike>HBO</strike> Max)</a> looks like it will be amazing as Max just keeps finding ways to take my money. </li><li>Ryan Gosling will be performing at the Academy Awards and if you have adored him since the <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fa0sR-I3e8" target="_blank">Mickey Mouse Club</a></i> days like I have, this is our Super Bowl. Can you feel the Kenergy? </li><li>If you haven't seen the <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7Di42uUaF0" target="_blank">Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire</a></i> trailers, you won't understand what I am saying here. But, we (LWM and I) are counting down the days until we can recline in the theater with popcorn, pop, and all the gummies we can handle to see something strange in the neighborhood. You might recall that we had a <a href="https://www.thesteeltrap.net/2021/08/we-came-we-saw-we-kicked-its.html" target="_blank"><i>Ghostbusters</i> birthday when LWM turned 4</a>; I cannot take credit for initiating his fandom... no, that was all his father. But as his mother, I am invested and along for the ride, especially if it's in Ecto-1. </li><li>My list of what I have read and listened to this year is almost ready and I will post it on my birthday. </li></ul>Sincere and heartfelt thanks to those of you who continue to support this blog with your genuine interest and readership. Have a <b>tremendous</b> month.<div class="article-footer" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><br /></div><div><i>Helloooo March!</i><br />-HGB</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fhgb-steeltrap.blogspot.com%2F" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">Pin It</a>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></div>The Steel Traphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07491069408426240446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1675772622053722050.post-38296792981621132852024-02-22T21:31:00.002-05:002024-02-22T21:31:29.931-05:00Happy Blogiversary (Year 13) <p>2/22/24 = 13 years of <b>The Steel Trap</b></p><div>The stats and the data still don't lie. People continue to visit regularly and read my monthly "Housekeeping" posts... and whatever I manage to find time to write. So, thank you.<br /><br />For this blogiversary, here are twenty-two thoughts and ideas on the twenty-second of February, twenty twenty-four!</div><div><ol><li><b>The Steel Trap</b> is a teenager. Goodness gracious. </li><li>Ironically or not (considering how this blog got started), I decided to eradicate my personal facebook page of 95% of its remaining content, which was a complicated, redundant, and time-consuming process. If you don't know, you can delete anything you've posted (like status updates, links, and photos) but you can't do it en masse. You cannot delete something that someone has written on your page, but you can "hide" it. You cannot delete pics that you are tagged in, but you can remove the tag and then "hide" the pic from your page. And, if you do too much of this at once, you get errors upon errors. To say I muttered "What the <strike>fuck</strike> Zuck?" only a few times would be the understatement of the year. I said it at least 800 million times. </li><li>I should probably add that this recent eradication of content was for no reason other than my impulsive desire to clean it up even more than I have already done (it's no secret that my facebook presence has been minimal for quite a while now). You know that feeling when you want to offload? When something doesn't spark joy? That's how I felt. You should try it. It felt satisfying and constructive to minimize my content on facebook. There should be a rule that every time we want to add something to facebook, we must delete ten things. </li><li>On my journey back in time via facebook, I did have some genuinely good laughs and I even left a few of those posts up. Some things I had forgotten but remembered as soon as I read them. And that was fun. But interestingly, those moments were juxtaposed with the harsh reality of not being able to recall many of the inside jokes and references. Wild, right? And to think I call myself <b>The Steel Trap</b>. Anyway, my inability to recall so much indicates to me that the content likely shouldn't have been added in the first place. </li><li>Also, remember when people used to just write on someone's wall instead of a DM or text? Yikes. Oh, and the "checking in." Double yikes. The photo dumping, the poking, the tagging. Triple yikes. </li><li>What did I learn from this experience? Nothing new. I was reminded of how fun and harmless facebook seemed in the early mainstream years (like 2008-2014), but I've known for a while that it has become a wasteland <i>and</i> this just reiterated that our digital footprints are too wide and too deep for us to even manage effectively at this point. </li><li>Additionally, I finally took the time to archive/delete the majority of my instagram content. Again, no reason other than cleaning things up and minimizing what's out there was long overdue. </li><li>Twitter/X is a whole other issue. It won't let you delete anything en masse, nor could I get past January 2023 to delete tweets. I am not sure what that's about and I am not sure I want to know. </li><li>Big footprints make me think of dinosaurs and if you haven't watched <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rc_i5TKdmhs" target="_blank">this scene</a></b> recently, you should. No explanation is needed. </li><li>Travel etiquette has taken a nosedive. Genuine airline-related frustration issues excluded (like canceled flights), I regularly witness displays of entitlement, impatience, and general disregard for the simple fact that everyone around you is also trying to accomplish a similar goal of getting from one place to another. For me, it is now worth <strike>$30</strike> $35 to check a bag so that I am carrying the least and have a better chance of finding a pathway of least resistance. Also, stop talking on your phone loudly throughout the boarding process, on the jetbridge, and in your darn seat. Ew. </li><li>This whole Stanley-shaming discourse doesn't feel right. I believe that folks can use whatever hydration vessel they choose at whatever price point they choose. Stanley? Perfect <i>and</i> it doubles as a self-defense tool. Yeti? Great. Hydroflask? Sure. Mason jars? Cool. Leave the negative energy behind. Hydration is good. </li><li>I stopped by the <a href="https://www.boyercandies.com/" target="_blank">Boyer Candy Company Outlet Store</a> yesterday (Altoona, PA). It's everything you would imagine it to be. And... Clark Cups are FANTASTIC. </li><li>If you have <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/raynauds-phenomenon" target="_blank">Raynaud's</a> like me, a complication called "chilblains" is a real thing and it is painful. Let me tell ya... winter is SO fun. </li><li>I tried to watch <i>Oppenheimer</i>, but I fell asleep. However, I do think I saw enough of it to get the point and appreciate what Christopher Nolan accomplished. Also, a BINGO game with the actors' names would be fun to play while watching because there are a ton and it's easy to miss them if you blink or are busy on your phone googling historical names and events like I was. </li><li>"I can't tell you. Because you're a Communist," is a loaded expression if I ever heard one. Also, this is an example of why I didn't stop googling historical names and events throughout the movie (before I fell asleep). </li><li><a href="https://screenrant.com/josh-hartnett-actor-disappearance-return-what-happened/" target="_blank">Josh Hartnett.</a> </li><li>If you are looking for a great running shoe/running around town shoe, I want to recommend the <a href="https://www.newbalance.com/fresh-foam/?ecid=ps_Google_new%20balance%20foam_e_16796980050_8216&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA_tuuBhAUEiwAvxkgTnfDpsWjTYuEPMc6q7y587CSPqMhqCQr24W6I0KPnODR3xvkJQ7yhhoC7NwQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">New Balance Fresh Foam Collection</a>. I am on my third pair over the last four years and they never let me down. </li><li>No one asked me to buy Girl Scout cookies this year. That's fine. But I would have purchased some had I been asked. </li><li>I was giving a presentation in Chicago recently and used the word "hoagie." Someone called me out immediately and asked if I was from Pittsburgh. Similarly, another audience member said she noticed my colloquialisms and pronunciations and knew from the outset that I was from Pittsburgh. What's wild to me is that I don't hear it in myself, and it's not like I am ahhhht there speaking full Pittsburghese. Yet evidently I give myself away! </li><li><a href="https://www.target.com/b/favorite-day/-/N-q643lewlzpu?lnk=snav_rd_favorite_day&redirect=true" target="_blank">Favorite Day</a> cookies and sweet treats are delicious and affordable for a store brand. </li><li>The last time we had a leap year, we also had a global pandemic. </li><li>Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose. </li></ol></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAp1Jv9RqXOGpjt83U2_XrCWlV-5P6Z_COawLZgtCfRo3CSxIYpJfn-Os6KPwzTlzjNg2s9U-HW7fpnEkuocpaBAUHTJgMsw_aJZbouWMDebmT6KPisva-m_flj75SFf0YgNCLZuqElrhBB3Og6cpTOtXw7WeeH2IH3epbY_ninEgwTI40GfwSMMaAR8Ek/s2208/IMG_6597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2208" data-original-width="1242" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAp1Jv9RqXOGpjt83U2_XrCWlV-5P6Z_COawLZgtCfRo3CSxIYpJfn-Os6KPwzTlzjNg2s9U-HW7fpnEkuocpaBAUHTJgMsw_aJZbouWMDebmT6KPisva-m_flj75SFf0YgNCLZuqElrhBB3Og6cpTOtXw7WeeH2IH3epbY_ninEgwTI40GfwSMMaAR8Ek/s320/IMG_6597.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">snapchat filters on dogs is just wonderful</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>See you in a week as I kick off my birthday month... and hopefully a warm spring season too! -HGB</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fhgb-steeltrap.blogspot.com%2F" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">Pin It</a>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></div>The Steel Traphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07491069408426240446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1675772622053722050.post-66620692593450758442024-02-01T22:16:00.002-05:002024-02-01T22:16:28.579-05:00HousekeepingJANUARY WAS 75 DAYS LONG. <div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Because January was so long, we fit in two trips to the National Aviary. The "Habitat Heroes" show is 10/10. And bring cash because you can feed it to a bird with a passion for philanthropy. It's for the birds, people. </li><li>I spent a few days in Chicago, dined at <a href="https://sundanewasian.com/chicago/" target="_blank">Sunda</a> and <a href="https://www.acantochicago.com/" target="_blank">Acanto</a>, and I finally toured the <a href="https://flwright.org/tour/robie-house">Robie House</a>! Both restaurants were impeccable all the way around. As for the Robie House, once again an architectural masterpiece rendered me speechless and deep in thoughts. </li><li>I made it to Detroit for a quick trip and made sure to get some Buddy's Pizza.</li><li>All of the <i>Law & Order </i>iterations returned. THANK GOODNESS. Dun dun.</li><li>The<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkL7cpG2UhE"> new <i>True Detective </i>(HBO) season</a> started and it is wonderfully terrifying.</li><li><a href="https://trustarts.org/production/86816/girl-from-the-north-country?gclid=Cj0KCQiAhc-sBhCEARIsAOVwHuSMs6FwC9ZYjsqagA23LYEO1olIN_-IG4MNQV4hYRdVsLfkMMIOn7YaAnBaEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds"><i>The Girl from North Country</i></a> was okay... I had a fun evening mostly because of my date and the music and the pregame at <a href="https://trustarts.org/pct_home/visit/facilities/cabaret/dining-at-the-greer-cabaret-theater-lounge" target="_blank">Greer Cabaret Lounge</a>. The plot of the musical left a little to be desired... </li><li>Lincoln participated in his first swim meet, which was a cool experience through which the kids were taught how to stretch, how to warm-up, and how to compete in a swim meet. It was totally fun and when it was over, he asked when the next one will be. Did he do really well too? Absolutely. Did I save his times so we could improve? You know it. Did I cry a little when I saw him in his cap and jammers? Obviously. </li><li>We took a quick trip to Atlantic City for an event at the Golden Nugget. We came out $10.32 on top and experienced the wild site of snow on the beach as far as our eyes could see. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQNJfMMnCi8i3DfmhoUz39pmoZUxPUldQ4ZWL8hYvAKvDI3s-PcxedqUWdMTuH1uZT2efZmpf1XuCcthNNEBUbLpQwjMozesTEaVN0AuvlhrGf18phQGu-c5RyouqZDT41d16fGE4ocpnyZXA4h982rvSUOCdZfbb-ejXKa5Ml8uHPOT-_04Gvk12hvx2/s4032/IMG_6502.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQNJfMMnCi8i3DfmhoUz39pmoZUxPUldQ4ZWL8hYvAKvDI3s-PcxedqUWdMTuH1uZT2efZmpf1XuCcthNNEBUbLpQwjMozesTEaVN0AuvlhrGf18phQGu-c5RyouqZDT41d16fGE4ocpnyZXA4h982rvSUOCdZfbb-ejXKa5Ml8uHPOT-_04Gvk12hvx2/s320/IMG_6502.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div>The trip wouldn't have been complete if we didn't swing through Center City for some goods at <a href="https://readingterminalmarket.org/" target="_blank">Reading Terminal Market</a>. What is it about that place that makes me want to eat everything in sight? </li><li><i>American Nightmare</i> (Netflix) was something else. As if we needed more excuses to lose our faith in humanity? </li><li>I went and got my driver's license renewed. And as I was walking out, I realized that the next time I will have go back to the DMV, I will be FORTY-EIGHT years old. I have no words. </li><li><i>Wonka</i> is available for streaming and we have already watched it 800 times. </li><li>People have decided that Stanley cups should be the latest target of hatred. A cup. A cup. A cup. To which I say... WTH, people? It is an American company. We should support each other! Let people drink from whatever vessel they so choose. I've got a Stanley, a Corkcicle, a Yeti, Mason jars, etc. and everything is going to be just fine. Also, the "news" articles about lead in Stanley cups are click bait. Don't click on them. </li></ul>FEB-YOU-AIRY</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We kicked it off by seeing the Pittsburgh CLO Gallery of Heroes show perform at Lincoln's school: <i>The Incredibly Innovative Innovators of Pittsburgh</i>. There is nothing quite like seeing a gym full of kids totally engaged with a live musical theater performance. Fills my cup. </li><li>Birthdays for TGF, MBB, JDB, AJB, and ELB. </li><li>We also have a half birthday for Lincoln! He wants half of a cake for breakfast! You are only six and a half once! </li><li>Madonna is coming to town finally. I look forward to seeing her perform with my material girls. </li><li><i>My Fair Lady</i> is also in town! I hope it's loverly. </li><li>We are going to a Valentine's event for kids at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art. </li><li>We are working on Lincoln's box for his Valentine's Day party. Plug in the hot glue gun! Get out the googly eyes. Let's go! </li><li><i>Will Trent</i> (ABC) is back on February 20! </li><li>Final preparations are in the works for the annual Pittsburgh CLO Ambassadors' Wine Tasting & Silent Auction (March 1). <a href="https://www.pittsburghclo.org/support/special-events/wine-tasting" target="_blank">You can get your tickets here.</a> If you are a long time reader of <b>The Steel Trap</b>, you know that arts education is important to me. Come have a glass (or three) with us for a great cause! </li></ul>Sincere and heartfelt thanks to those of you who continue to support this blog with your genuine interest and readership. Have a<b> tremendous</b> month. <br /><br /><i>Helloooo February +1!</i><br />-HGB</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fhgb-steeltrap.blogspot.com%2F" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">Pin It</a>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></div>The Steel Traphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07491069408426240446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1675772622053722050.post-81051555393648761972024-01-10T11:00:00.000-05:002024-01-10T11:00:17.393-05:00The First World Problems of Us All! <p>Readership spiked on the day I brought this gimmick series back. So let's keep it going. Remember: even though these are written in first person POV, they aren't necessarily mine. Also, if you missed the last seventy-six or so posts featuring #firstworldproblems, please know that these are meant to make us chuckle, nothing more. </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I got a Cuisinart Food Processor for Christmas. This not only renders my KitchenAid shredder and slicer attachments obsolete, but I have absolutely nowhere to store the food processor and all of its attachments in my 1940s kitchen. None of it fits in any cabinet. And my contractor doesn’t measure for my new kitchen for two more weeks!</li><li>The fact that there isn't <a href="https://rolandopujol.substack.com/p/the-retrologists-guide-to-pizza-hut" target="_blank">a Pizza Hut Classic near me</a> is an actual abomination. </li><li>At least half of Target Circle sale items are not carried in my local Target.</li><li>The day I went back to work after a long holiday break, every single Microsoft app (along with Zoom, Chrome, and others) decided to update, rendering my efforts to be productive useless. After one call with IT, it was determined that Outlook hated the updates and needed to be deleted and downloaded again. What a time to be alive. </li><li>People are getting too weird about Stanley products. Like, I love my Stanley. It fits in my cup holder and it keeps my Sonic diet limeade with special Sonic ice cold for hours. But I do not wait-in-line-overnight-like-it's-a-Cabbage-Patch-Doll love my Stanley. </li><li>The grocery store was so packed the day before NYE that I blacked out and forgot half of the things I needed due to my body's instinct to flee the scene. </li><li>My spam folder used to be filled with wild messages promising money from foreign countries, but now it's just filled with the 800 daily emails I get from retailers where I signed up to get 15% off my first purchase. </li><li>I was jogging to the mailbox and fell. On my face. In front of a neighbor walking her dog. No amount of Neosporin can fix my internal pain. Also, is Life Alert still a thing? How young is too young to get it? Because the next time I fall, I will not be getting up. I will just lay there and wallow in my defeat.</li><li>I ordered some Pyrex baking dishes and they arrived broken. Who wants some glass shards in their lasagna? </li><li>I ordered ice cube trays with silicone bottoms. They arrived with holes in the silicone. I need ice cube trays to do one thing and that is to hold water until it freezes. Is this my villain origin story? </li></ul><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fhgb-steeltrap.blogspot.com%2F" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">Pin It</a>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></div>The Steel Traphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07491069408426240446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1675772622053722050.post-47782060219847428612024-01-02T16:18:00.003-05:002024-01-02T16:18:51.674-05:00Housekeeping<p>It is the start of another calendar yet, and if memory serves me correctly, writing the January "Housekeeping" posts always feels heavy. This one is no exception. There was a harsh side to this holiday season. My heart goes out to people who lost loved ones this month, dealt (and continue to deal) with challenging circumstances in their personal lives, and were/are in pain. I wish them respite whenever and wherever they can receive it. </p><p>In particular, I want to pay my respects to a childhood friend who passed away recently. I last saw her in October from afar... her in the passenger side of a convertible and me in the back of a pickup truck waving and calling out to one another in a Halloween parade. Rest easy, Patrina-bina. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSUz256dndR_XZCN8nnhPQbVjhYImeufdUlrJAUZPWOkFSeu6GTeyaR-a0xBCrTowoEOh7I6lSnQ5NN-dVJ9uMAESItClEeVRZdUpkyvsem8ex1ETUQtar_nWebDnIn21gezJAzJkkdjr-i3Z0ZlUTRuO90hElEMrAaJLa5-lKh_kW6SQxo1l563eu7XD/s1276/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-31%20at%207.16.26%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="1276" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSUz256dndR_XZCN8nnhPQbVjhYImeufdUlrJAUZPWOkFSeu6GTeyaR-a0xBCrTowoEOh7I6lSnQ5NN-dVJ9uMAESItClEeVRZdUpkyvsem8ex1ETUQtar_nWebDnIn21gezJAzJkkdjr-i3Z0ZlUTRuO90hElEMrAaJLa5-lKh_kW6SQxo1l563eu7XD/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-31%20at%207.16.26%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneFhjNkXzdNgmaKvtAqSqSuQvTLA2njOz7sROuxrAvHB_99-mr7B2bygbVuSghsSDV06tyIz5MEFB4_PoqPVrInvUjkoxBnrkKsJP0yBTTgnEHupUpuN2ZLwyr6f1BihdSGR_VnWl7UOtTBb3asDRJWgCR1M-jy6PPd3SLCFx-_hUMkITdVM3s-rhHZ4R/s1764/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-31%20at%207.16.51%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="1764" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneFhjNkXzdNgmaKvtAqSqSuQvTLA2njOz7sROuxrAvHB_99-mr7B2bygbVuSghsSDV06tyIz5MEFB4_PoqPVrInvUjkoxBnrkKsJP0yBTTgnEHupUpuN2ZLwyr6f1BihdSGR_VnWl7UOtTBb3asDRJWgCR1M-jy6PPd3SLCFx-_hUMkITdVM3s-rhHZ4R/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-31%20at%207.16.51%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><p>On a different note...</p><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We celebrated the holidays with family and friends, catching up and enjoying company. The weather was mild so bebopping around was relatively pleasant-- any time I don't have to wear a coat in December is a good enough time for me. </li><li>We had lunch with Santa at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium and Lincoln attended day camp there too. He loved it all and hopes to attend more Zoo day camps in the future. I am sending extra love and gratitude to the Zoo's "Santa and Mrs. Claus" because they were the closest I've ever seen to a believable Claus couple. Lincoln left there believing he met the real deal and filled with holiday spirit. </li><li>Holiday cards went out and I hope everyone enjoyed them this year. I did get some fun messages about the photos, especially Mojito's. Positive feedback is always welcomed. </li><li>The Broadway tour of <i>Mrs. Doubtfire</i> came-- I have some thoughts about how it was modernized and some questions about a few of the jokes, but overall it was entertaining. </li><li><a href="https://www.thefabfour.com/" target="_blank">The Fab Four</a> blew me away. It was an emotional experience for me for a variety of reasons that I'm not ready to articulate (especially here), but also it was an experience that filled my cup. I will 100% return to see them perform again and again. </li><li>Lincoln did a wonderful job playing one of the Wise Men/Kings in "The ABCs of Advent." He hit his marks on cue and looked adorable in the process. He also sang 'The Friendly Beasts" in another Christmas performance, which was entertaining in its own right. </li><li><i>Wonka</i> was a delightful movie that pulled on so many of my heartstrings. We have listened to the soundtrack about 800 times since seeing it, and "Pure Imagination" gets me every single time. </li><li>Lincoln is crushing it in swimming lessons. He learned how to do flip turns this month and BE STILL MY HEART everyone... but it was a little dusty in Goldfish School. </li><li>I passed the 5-year milestone at my current company, which is exciting. <a href="https://nortonlearningblog.com/archives/3492" target="_blank">Here is a piece about what I do in real life.</a> </li><li>I watched a ton of movies and shows this month. But as I write this, I am blanking on most of them. Here's what I can remember: </li><ul><li><i>The Gilded Age </i>(HBO) concluded its second season, not without screams from me. Thank goodness there will be another season. </li><li><i>School Spirits</i> (Netflix) also had me screaming and I need a second season ASAP. </li><li><a href="https://www.hbo.com/love-has-won-the-cult-of-mother-god" target="_blank"><i>Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God</i> (HBO)</a> was sad and tragic and just the opposite of a casual watch. </li><li><i>Fargo</i> (season 5, Hulu) has been wildly entertaining. Expertly cast and executed. </li><li><i>The Night They Saved Christmas</i> is a made-for-TV starring Jaclyn Smith. It was a family fave of ours from the 80s, so I bought it on Prime and watched it for the first time in decades. I think it still holds up. </li></ul><li>Santa and our family gave a lot of LEGO sets this Christmas and we even went to the LEGO store to get the one set for which Lincoln had been saving "all his dollars." Building LEGO sets with him is an activity that we do together really well. We have a groove, a process, and a mutual love of making it all come together in a certain way. I hope it is something he remembers about his childhood long after I'm gone... that his Mommy was his LEGO COO (and his LEGO CFO if we are being honest here). </li></ul><div>What's up for January? </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Birthdays for PSB, JSD, and EAM! </li><li>I am headed to Chicago for a bit and finally will be touring the <a href="https://flwright.org/tour/robie-house" target="_blank">Robie House</a>! </li><li>I am also headed to Detroit for a quick trip. </li><li><i>Law & Order: SVU</i> returns to NBC 1/18 thank goodness! Dun dun. </li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkL7cpG2UhE" target="_blank">A new <i>True Detective</i> (HBO) season</a> launches on 1/14 with Jodie Foster. </li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlGjW9WzmQY" target="_blank"><i>General Hospital</i> turns 60!</a> </li><li><i><a href="https://trustarts.org/production/86816/girl-from-the-north-country?gclid=Cj0KCQiAhc-sBhCEARIsAOVwHuSMs6FwC9ZYjsqagA23LYEO1olIN_-IG4MNQV4hYRdVsLfkMMIOn7YaAnBaEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">The Girl from North Country</a></i> comes to Pittsburgh next week and features music by Bob Dylan. I am looking forward to seeing how this jukebox musical weaves a story through his music. </li><li>Since Peach Fuzz is the <a href="https://www.pantone.com/color-of-the-year/2024" target="_blank">Pantone Color of the Year,</a> I whipped up a cocktail (below) for you to enjoy this month whether it is a "Dry January" or a wet one. I hope you like it! </li></ul></div><div>Sincere and heartfelt thanks to those of you who continue to support this blog with your genuine interest and readership. Have a tremendous month and year ahead. Take care! <br /><br /><i>Helloooo 2024!</i><br />-HGB</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>A <a href="https://www.diffordsguide.com/cocktails/recipe/822/fuzzy-navel#ingredients" target="_blank">Fuzzy Navel</a> is basically orange juice and peach schnapps. Here is my updated take on this iconic 1980s cocktail: </div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Last Night Is Peach Fuzzy</h3><div>Ingredients: </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>2 parts <a href="https://www.ketelone.com/vodkas/ketel-one-botanical-peach-orange-blossom" target="_blank">Ketel One Botanical Peach & Orange Blossom</a> vodka</li><ul><li>omit this ingredient and sub in peach sparkling water for a mocktail </li></ul><li>1 part <a href="http://jumex.com/international/category/jumex/" target="_blank">Jumex Peach Nectar</a> </li><li>1 part freshly squeezed navel orange juice </li><li>2 parts <a href="https://drinkwildbills.com/collections/olde-fashioned-soda-pop/products/vintage-vanilla-cream-12-cans" target="_blank">Wild Bill's Vanilla Cream</a> <i>or </i><a href="https://www.natronabottling.com/almond-cream-soda" target="_blank">Red Ribbon Vanilla Cream Soda</a> </li><li>brûléed peach slices to garnish </li></ul><div>Directions: </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>prep a highball or Collins glass with plenty of ice</li><li>mix all ingredients and pour over ice</li><li>sprinkle peaches with sugar and use a brûlée gun (or your broiler) to create a slightly hardened sugary shell; use to garnish </li><li>enjoy! </li></ul></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NcOCiOG0ync6h2eVKLjITZeejBNqhzycYaNZo3h7NQH1-Pg_WrCM5EoJhsA_-_FQHYvgHX0XBH20qSOfqGf6HusKAmphvLqUFRrQqfTAshJFiyZXX1FH3EAOsbbzSs4hfdNXJm8D78429tuCRj77KEeC9xRfoPJeIefXdFRsy_kdat44Z2c6VNlg4GHi/s4032/IMG_6381.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NcOCiOG0ync6h2eVKLjITZeejBNqhzycYaNZo3h7NQH1-Pg_WrCM5EoJhsA_-_FQHYvgHX0XBH20qSOfqGf6HusKAmphvLqUFRrQqfTAshJFiyZXX1FH3EAOsbbzSs4hfdNXJm8D78429tuCRj77KEeC9xRfoPJeIefXdFRsy_kdat44Z2c6VNlg4GHi/w150-h200/IMG_6381.HEIC" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Wq6b_K7vdScyoPH3Z63X1KGnqyBkzWcUalElF0O6s6l16SpyMnXW-NxkLPdKCWy1VtPGLFflVk8iTxMrS7gfVCQmXJ7J08Wo40uN1MXHnUI7cgptNF2ZWF69XofKbupeZKlLZV0uFnMUX_VM7rf9oHP15rLoKtx3H1_3LUjO26vga24NnTTcBT_P8kJi/s2575/IMG_6382.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2575" data-original-width="2575" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Wq6b_K7vdScyoPH3Z63X1KGnqyBkzWcUalElF0O6s6l16SpyMnXW-NxkLPdKCWy1VtPGLFflVk8iTxMrS7gfVCQmXJ7J08Wo40uN1MXHnUI7cgptNF2ZWF69XofKbupeZKlLZV0uFnMUX_VM7rf9oHP15rLoKtx3H1_3LUjO26vga24NnTTcBT_P8kJi/w200-h200/IMG_6382.HEIC" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fhgb-steeltrap.blogspot.com%2F" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">Pin It</a>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></div>The Steel Traphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07491069408426240446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1675772622053722050.post-62766059003959946672023-12-31T21:24:00.000-05:002023-12-31T21:24:13.471-05:00The Steel Trap's Oh Twenty-Four Ahhht | In List! Oh, twenty-four! Ohhhhhhhhh... twenty-four? Oh, <i>twenty-four the love of... </i><br /><br /><div>What's ahhht and what's in? As always I inquire on these annual posts, how the hell should I know? I'm just an Xennial in Pittsburgh who has her thoughts and ideas, some of which are accurate.<br /><br />Cheers to you, y'all, yinz, and yes... even youse!<br /><h4 style="text-align: center;">Ahhht | In</h4><div style="text-align: center;">2023 | 2024</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pantone.com/articles/color-of-the-year/what-is-viva-magenta">Pantone Viva Magenta</a> | <a href="https://www.pantone.com/color-of-the-year/2024" target="_blank">Pantone Peach Fuzz</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">1990s crop tops | 1990s oversized shirts (think classic J. Crew, GAP, <i>and </i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9H3Smmja0Q" target="_blank">Old Navy</a>)</div><div style="text-align: center;">influencing as a career | influencing as a hobby</div><div style="text-align: center;">MCU | <a href="https://youtu.be/wFNK_KEmcWs?feature=shared" target="_blank"><i>Ghostbusters</i> CU</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">HOA newsletters | #DefundtheHOA </div><div style="text-align: center;">fast fashion | quality, ethical, sustainable fashion</div><div style="text-align: center;">student loan debt | student loan relief (I will not give up hope)</div><div style="text-align: center;">shopping online | going to the mall</div><div style="text-align: center;">X | Threads</div><div style="text-align: center;">"look at me" social media posts | "laugh with me" social media posts<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">lead with judgement | lead with respect</div><div style="text-align: center;">Summer Olympics training | Summer Olympics watching</div><div style="text-align: center;">using trendy products | using tried and true products</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Pittsburgh Post-Gazette</i> | <i><a href="https://www.pghcitypaper.com/" target="_blank">Pittsburgh City Paper</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">suburbs are not Pittsburgh discourse | [politics aside] SWPA is Pittsburgh discourse</div><div style="text-align: center;">looking young | looking cool</div><div style="text-align: center;">Millennials indulging Gen Z | Millennials indulging themselves </div><div style="text-align: center;">fast decor (think: Hobby Lobby) | curated decor (think: thrifts, auctions, small businesses)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Succession</i> | <i>The Gilded Age</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">girl boss | the boss</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fuel and Fuddle and the original Mad Mex | missing Fuel and Fuddle and the original Mad Mex</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pitt Football | Pitt Women's Volleyball</div><div style="text-align: center;">plaid | toile </div><div style="text-align: center;">weekends centered on youth sports | weekends centered on family adventures <i>and</i> the mundane</div><div style="text-align: center;">rubber bands | cover bands</div><div style="text-align: center;">putting off REAL ID | getting your REAL ID</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fhgb-steeltrap.blogspot.com%2F" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">Pin It</a>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></div>The Steel Traphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07491069408426240446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1675772622053722050.post-44456866235018359922023-12-08T22:14:00.000-05:002023-12-08T22:14:27.965-05:00The First World Problems of Us All We're baaaaack, baby! Even though these are written in first person POV, they aren't necessarily mine. Also, if you missed the last seventy-five or so posts featuring #firstworldproblems, please know that these are meant to make us chuckle, nothing more. <div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Hulu and Disney+ are merging. If you have had existing accounts that are not bundled because you had them before a bundle was even an option, then you know that this is a colossal issue. </li><li>I picked up an order at Target only to realize once I got home that one third of my order wasn't given to me.</li><li>I didn't realize that my photo Christmas cards had a generic message template on the back, which means that I didn't personalize that side. So here I am, whiting out "Dear," and "With Love," on the back of every single card before sending them. </li><li>Quest Diagnostics lost my blood. So I had to go back and get it redrawn. <i>Bloody hell. </i></li><li>It has become nearly impossible to find Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes in stores. </li><li>The card readers at Fine Wine & Good Spirits have an extra step where you have to hit the "Enter" button, and no other machine has this feature. It's disorienting, much like the organization of the wine aisles. </li><li>The HOA put this janky wooden Santa at our neighborhood entrance. It looks like it's about to fall over any minute and/or blow away and land somewhere unfortunate (like on my car).</li><li>The Starbucks that has the best natural light and seating options also has the worst entrance wherein every time someone enters/exits, a wind tunnel is created, blasting you and anything on your table into the land of Oz. </li><li>All of the targeted ads I receive are either for items I love but cannot afford or items so offensively heinous that my heart rate goes up just seeing them. </li><li>I need new throw pillows. </li><li>The elevator in a building I must visit once a week has been broken for months. </li><li>None of my friends told me about <i>The Gilded Age</i> and I had to binge it to get caught up for the new season. </li><li>Not only is Chick-fil-A closed on Sundays, but also they don't start serving fries until 10:30 a.m. This is ridiculous considering they are <i>waffle fries</i>. Everyone knows that waffles are a breakfast food, so that makes waffle fries a breakfast food as well. Simple math. </li><li>I have too many ornaments and not enough tree. </li><li>My favorite bourbon is out of my budget. </li><li>I will never have as many peacoats as female protagonists in Christmas movies, and for that I feel grossly inadequate. </li><li>Target only providing 1% cash back on Rakuten and only on certain items really is a load of malarkey. </li><li>I am not sure I have enough grievances to air on Festivus. </li></ul></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fhgb-steeltrap.blogspot.com%2F" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">Pin It</a>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></div>The Steel Traphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07491069408426240446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1675772622053722050.post-13665068925687660062023-12-05T09:26:00.002-05:002023-12-05T09:26:44.498-05:00Makin' It Great <p>The warm and inviting picnic-adjacent decor nestled within an architecturally unique red-roofed "hut." The jukebox playing songs of its time and some "classics." The salad bar with copious amounts of aesthetic greens (that we now know were kale) and the best french dressing we've ever had. The red plastic cups with pellet ice and clear pitchers of fresh pop. The thrill (and power!) of being able to select our own toppings on a Personal Pan Pizza. </p><p>Yes, what I've just described belongs in the American history books... none other than <a href="https://blog.pizzahut.com/our-story/" target="_blank">Wichita's own Pizza Hut.</a> </p><p>For Xennials like me, 1980s and 90s were a magical time for us at Pizza Hut. I especially have fond memories of days when my mother would pick me up from school to take me to our local Pizza Hut for lunch.* </p><p>Who could forget the excitement of collecting the plastic dinosaur puppets from <i>The Land Before Time?</i> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mlSimzDnegA" width="320" youtube-src-id="mlSimzDnegA"></iframe></div><p></p><p>If only we could have frozen the fleeting moments at pre-teen birthday parties when silly, vibrant girls danced around the jukebox to "Pour Some Sugar on Me?" </p><p>Or those quintessential teenage nights with friends (and dates!) after high school football games, swim meets, and award ceremonies?</p><p>And then there was <a href="https://www.bookitprogram.com/" target="_blank">the BOOK IT! program</a> (turning 40 in 2024!). It was simple. We read books. We earned free Personal Pan Pizzas. For a kid like me, that was a win-win. I reading and I loved Pizza Hut. </p><p>It felt like you really couldn't out-pizza the Hut. </p><p>And then things changed. They diversified the menu and opened take-out only storefronts. They changed their logo, redecorated, and even started closing some of their dine-in restaurants. Other businesses bought the buildings and painted them new colors, only to inspire people like me to track them down and share photos online.** </p><p>When I was planning my 43rd birthday party earlier this year, I was trying to think of a location that would be the trifecta of family-friendly, fun, <i>and</i> funny. Believe it or not, finding a place that meets those three criteria isn't easy. And if I'm being honest, it's also difficult to find a place open on a Monday, but that is when my birthday fell and that day of the week had the highest likelihood of strong attendance. If you are middle-aged and have friends with busy kids, you will understand this. We are tired and busy. </p><p>But then it struck me. I should have my party at Pizza Hut. <i>Of course! </i>But could I? I knew that the challenge would be finding one in the greater Pittsburgh region where we could eat inside that hadn't been turned into a copy center, a pawn shop, or an entirely different restaurant altogether. </p><p>As it turned out there are a handful, although they are few and very far between. My quest led me to the location on Route 8 in Allison Park. So I called them. On the phone. Like it was 1989. While they no longer had a waitstaff, they told me that I could reserve the dining room and host a party. They were amused at my enthuasim (believe it or not) and said they be happy to would provide THE red cups. </p><p>So I booked it (pun intended) and got to work on details! </p><p><b>Invitations</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1273760859/pizza-party-birthday-invitation-editable?ref=yr_purchases" target="_blank">personalized digital download</a> to share via text</li></ul><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDm7STQe94jUH8QCDfoVjwo7yIsYrsncyig5MU4c7tqrlzSZEh9KarUJsiJLxG2XjbVs5o4kh8TFx7aWNFQny4EKVXXzVpZGC-y7bPSRW_c3lkrWjhAHV_EK7FHHw7Hw6TrbMNEGU2p6NIKA1yLyJyhKTG_6KtgBX57VLifbv3GnK5pWOo2gpsW4u1gn_/s1026/Screen%20Shot%202023-02-28%20at%201.20.04%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1026" data-original-width="718" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDm7STQe94jUH8QCDfoVjwo7yIsYrsncyig5MU4c7tqrlzSZEh9KarUJsiJLxG2XjbVs5o4kh8TFx7aWNFQny4EKVXXzVpZGC-y7bPSRW_c3lkrWjhAHV_EK7FHHw7Hw6TrbMNEGU2p6NIKA1yLyJyhKTG_6KtgBX57VLifbv3GnK5pWOo2gpsW4u1gn_/w280-h400/Screen%20Shot%202023-02-28%20at%201.20.04%20PM.png" width="280" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Decorations</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>red cups supplied by Pizza Hut (but you can find them <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Restaurant-Resistant-Stackable-Shatterproof-Tumblers/dp/B082J28KBP/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?crid=6H19V9S8LECU&keywords=pizza%2Bhut%2Bred%2Bcups&qid=1701542860&sprefix=pizza%2Bhut%2B%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-3-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1" target="_blank">here</a></b> if you need them)</li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Checkered-Rectangle-Tablecloth-Resistant-Washable/dp/B0BCK3M1JY/ref=sr_1_5?crid=N1T5U7M5HZ53&keywords=vinyl%2Btablecloths%2Bred%2Band%2Bwhite&qid=1701542901&sprefix=vinyl%2Btablecloths%2Bred%2Band%2Bw%2Caps%2C314&sr=8-5&th=1" target="_blank">checkered vinyl tablecloths</a></li><li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/730402948/pizza-happy-birthday-printable-placemat?ref=yr_purchases" target="_blank">personalized placemats</a> (don't forget to bring crayons!)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Favors</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/792585591/pizza-hut-set-1-15-or-225-buttonsbottle?ref=yr_purchases" target="_blank">buttons</a> (<i>of course</i>)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AB3DLViTs9-0QaatWJMIUIPfJ_9K0T78WQvIokT5lpUdTGgD4OtA-VpSIlo2mtrqszyPl4Eenm1JDOO_FYA2SvFp9NLDeE7fNeyGsgVY7Ir2q2TgNMRnOv9hbYmbHkplX0bIEVP1Y_ooBp_yGSePkifHEiz3wWMzdvSkHnqoSuCVP53ua8NAE5nB7UaY/s1200/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-02%20at%201.27.54%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1180" data-original-width="1200" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AB3DLViTs9-0QaatWJMIUIPfJ_9K0T78WQvIokT5lpUdTGgD4OtA-VpSIlo2mtrqszyPl4Eenm1JDOO_FYA2SvFp9NLDeE7fNeyGsgVY7Ir2q2TgNMRnOv9hbYmbHkplX0bIEVP1Y_ooBp_yGSePkifHEiz3wWMzdvSkHnqoSuCVP53ua8NAE5nB7UaY/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-02%20at%201.27.54%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><b>Dessert</b><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>wrapped peppermints (<i>of course</i>)</li><li>ice cream cake <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/979629138/pizza-party-sprinkle-mix-edible-pizza?ref=yr_purchases" target="_blank">with these sprinkles</a></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdO0LPQBk4aeZnoOCK2Lz8ACwDDVGrGr89hrWa9Ahp37I_2OxzKwNa4Ae5XOvfJRkMs8NeTeX63MxZ4_EaHU9lQhKP4Ci4CrsoUmdCwpgq6R7bjmfz6XJgl7nrA3w7DG4AkY5OTvf9PAR90QAuInWQ_VLCG3xoNIw-hXohYOCIExTlJoVnE3wDw0SN1D_g/s1106/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-02%20at%201.29.41%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1106" data-original-width="912" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdO0LPQBk4aeZnoOCK2Lz8ACwDDVGrGr89hrWa9Ahp37I_2OxzKwNa4Ae5XOvfJRkMs8NeTeX63MxZ4_EaHU9lQhKP4Ci4CrsoUmdCwpgq6R7bjmfz6XJgl7nrA3w7DG4AkY5OTvf9PAR90QAuInWQ_VLCG3xoNIw-hXohYOCIExTlJoVnE3wDw0SN1D_g/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-02%20at%201.29.41%20PM.png" width="264" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Thank You Notes</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>monogrammed folded cards from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/EnvelopePlease?ref=shop-header-name&listing_id=221907913&from_page=listing" target="_blank">Envelope Please</a></li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-P-czQRRi5TeYcy6PmdvwJooph7-mgMRnnkCfXZzz8uzppZNjjryqW6dAV2rfc9qdo260HvFIec0duqApSTvTfUJ1Zo4MZbuDubBKTMZ9yAONA5idoA7dVEMYyXahUfiC-PQ2qyNdJuNlo7gl0eH1Nh3zDEG9gBenpphAM7O_NCQ9dIUZLFW1mcznviNQ/s2653/icm_fullxfull.524919330_83m9gi0x914wgsks8w4g.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2080" data-original-width="2653" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-P-czQRRi5TeYcy6PmdvwJooph7-mgMRnnkCfXZzz8uzppZNjjryqW6dAV2rfc9qdo260HvFIec0duqApSTvTfUJ1Zo4MZbuDubBKTMZ9yAONA5idoA7dVEMYyXahUfiC-PQ2qyNdJuNlo7gl0eH1Nh3zDEG9gBenpphAM7O_NCQ9dIUZLFW1mcznviNQ/s320/icm_fullxfull.524919330_83m9gi0x914wgsks8w4g.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Needless to day, we had a great time nourishing ourselves with pop, pan pizzas, time together, laughter, and nostalgia, which is exactly how I wanted to celebrate... <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3kApU0SVjE" target="_blank">by "makin' it great!"</a> Sorry. I just had to say that. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh319ghIPm2vx33hquYRCH5_JbfRxFC82hyzw-4qN5ZXJAtxqbrYECHujaS_HS3RoekZhKf8evzmjVgHB9hDVVLuJNEEYNOWB3fJg9NZoaPW_pHmSQIDvRi7Wh8NCDBxbJPRu786YkF5SU5tehpLizl_xK-3WpwgbXZQJ3gcl01ccYKG_ypDwJw3S6eDrSn/s3780/BF9E41C0-1190-4D43-B1E2-5AD46B806FD7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3780" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh319ghIPm2vx33hquYRCH5_JbfRxFC82hyzw-4qN5ZXJAtxqbrYECHujaS_HS3RoekZhKf8evzmjVgHB9hDVVLuJNEEYNOWB3fJg9NZoaPW_pHmSQIDvRi7Wh8NCDBxbJPRu786YkF5SU5tehpLizl_xK-3WpwgbXZQJ3gcl01ccYKG_ypDwJw3S6eDrSn/s320/BF9E41C0-1190-4D43-B1E2-5AD46B806FD7.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div><p>Looking back on the experience of hosting a Pizza Hut party in adulthood, I implore and encourage you to create more experiences for yourselves like this. It's true that we can never fully recreate the best parts of our formative years. Yet, we can do our best to replicate that vibe when and where we can. I love that my son attended a party at Pizza Hut <i>with me</i>. I love that my friends were pumped when they got the invites. I loved seeing the kids piled in a booth being silly and slamming pizza and pop. I loved handing out BOOK-It! pins as party favors. And I <u>love </u>drinking from the red plastic cups that JAG brought me as my birthday gift every day. </p><p><b>Make it great. </b></p><p><b>XO</b></p><p>*Yes. In the 80s and early 90s, my elementary school would let parents pick up their kids and take them to lunch for an hour (recess + lunch periods) <i>and</i> it was awesome. Can you even imagine that now? </p><p>**<a href="https://usedtobeapizzahut.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">There was even a blog dedicated to this activity complete with a map</a> and <a href="https://vimeo.com/250214370" target="_blank">someone wrote an amazing song about these too</a>! </p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fhgb-steeltrap.blogspot.com%2F" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">Pin It</a>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></div>The Steel Traphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07491069408426240446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1675772622053722050.post-16350984726148261182023-12-01T13:25:00.004-05:002023-12-31T21:38:16.244-05:00Housekeeping<div><div>Recently I've done some reflecting on these "Housekeeping" posts and how they've evolved over the years. What I realized is that each month I present content mostly devoid of negativity. Some thoughts and ideas about why this is: </div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>I never intend to paint a one-dimensional rosy picture à la fakestagram that my life is nothing but sunshine and unicorns, so I hope that is not the perception. To me, the style and tone of <b>The Steel Trap</b> is rather authentic. So many people have told me they can hear me "saying" these words when they read them, which I think is still the case. </li><li>My glass is usually half full. People who have spent prolonged time with me in close capacity know this to be true. Whether your classroom was next to mine (or we even shared a classroom God forbid), whether we lived together, or whether we were working on the same project, you know that it takes A LOT for me to get to the point where I'm yelling about our pets' heads falling off. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9ViG0lQoW5w" width="320" youtube-src-id="9ViG0lQoW5w"></iframe></div><br /></li><li>Now all of that optimism is not to say that I am running around ahhhht here with no internal conflict. Your body may be 70% water, but mine is definitely 70% internal conflict. I just keep it to myself because it doesn't seem appropriate to divulge and digress in <i>this</i> space until I've workshopped it on my own and determined solutions and a path through the various quagmires of life. By that point, I'm usually over it and don't need to share. </li><li>Lastly, one of my biggest peeves is having to be around people who have made it their entire personalities to complain incessantly. Why would I put you through that? I used to work with this guy who would sigh so hard it cut through the air around you. Bad vibes and negative energy. Ew. Caveat: If your complaints are funny, like #firstworldproblems for instance, you don't annoy me (see clip above). </li></ol><div>So with all of that to consider, I just want to remind everyone that <i>sure</i>... life is life. Mine has an unpredictable ebb and a flow just like yours. Pets' heads do fall off. I cry at least once a day in grief and/or frustration. But no matter what... I want this to be a place where you can always come to read about Little Debbie, Lincoln, Mojito, and things that keep my glass half full in case your glass needs a refill. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Onward! But first, backward. November was good... </div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>My holiday cactus started blooming around 11/9 and has been going strong since; those pink blooms make me smile every time I see them. </li><li>I spent some time in NYC, for work and play. I saw <i><a href="https://merrilyonbroadway.com/" target="_blank">Merrily We Roll Along</a> </i>(it may sound cliché, but every single element of that show blew me away and of course I cried). I popped into the <a href="https://www.themuseumofbroadway.com/" target="_blank">The Museum of Broadway</a>, where I also may have cried. I had dinner with a dear friend at <a href="https://www.lapecorabianca.com/location/bryant-park/" target="_blank">La Pecora Bianca</a>. I bought some treats for my little Draco at the Harry Potter store. And I enjoyed one of my favorite NYC holiday traditions: roaming the Bryant Park Winter Village and finding treats for myself. </li><li><i>Trolls Band Together</i> was as quirky as expected, entertaining, and oddly wholesome. Lincoln and I both enjoyed it... I will add that if you love boy bands, this is the <i>Troll</i>s movie for you. The soundtrack is also great for singing along in the car (as are all of the <i>Trolls</i> soundtracks honestly). </li><li>Thanksgiving was simple. I ate a can of cranberry sauce. Gratitude was expressed. </li><li>I saw the Broadway tour of <i>The Wiz </i>and enjoyed a light dinner with drinks in the Lounge at Greer Cabaret, which was a fun night. </li><li>The real tree is up and decorated, some sentimental decorations are on display, and the stockings are hung with care. Boxes are shipped to loved ones, presents are wrapped, and now we just have to wait and see if Santa visits! </li><li>I realized that I am terrible at taking time off of work. So I had to take a bunch of days this month or else they would disappear into the depths of human resources. What will I do on those days? Who's to say... but I bet it will involve self-care and treating myself. </li><li>The new season of <i>Fargo</i> (FX and Hulu) is WILD. </li><li>My Spotify Unwrapped was once again dominated by Lincoln's musical preferences. The only relevant takeaway from the data was that I listen to A LOT of Vitamin String Quartet while working and I also listen to a ton of podcasts. </li><li>The "Frank Lloyd Wright's Southwestern Pennsylvania" exhibit at <a href="https://thewestmoreland.org/" target="_blank">The Westmoreland Museum of American Art</a> is not to be missed. While I don't want to spoil any of its wonder for you, I will just mention that if you are a fan and a dreamer, you won't want to miss this one because not only will you see what exists in a new light but you will also be able to imagine fully what could have been. I suggest going to <a href="https://vallozzis.com/greensburg/reservations" target="_blank">Valozzi's</a> for lunch afterward for a well-rounded day in Greensburg! </li><li>Lincoln can read. And my heart grows three sizes every time we do it together. </li><li>We enjoyed a morning at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and lunch at <a href="https://thecafecarnegie.com/" target="_blank">The Café Carnegie</a>. 10/10 </li><li><b><a href="https://www.thesteeltrap.net/2023/11/the-steel-traps-holiday-gift-guide-oh.html" target="_blank">Here is the link to my holiday gift guide</a></b> if you missed it. </li></ul></div>I anticipate that December may be a nice balance of busy and cozy... <div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We plan to celebrate the holidays with family and friends. </li><li>We are having lunch with Santa at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium and later in the month, Lincoln is attending day camp there. Is he pumped? What do you think? </li><li>Holiday cards are signed, sealed, and soon to be delivered! I just have to put them in the mail...</li><li>The Broadway tour of <i>Mrs. Doubtfire</i> is here and I am going tonight!</li><li>We are also going to see <a href="https://www.thefabfour.com/" target="_blank">The Fab Four</a>! </li><li>We started the LEGO Advent calendar today, and door #1 yielded a snowman on skis! That's a solid beginning. </li><li>If you can, I hope you donate to Toys for Tots or <a href="https://www.batchfoundation.org/batch-a-toys/" target="_blank">Batch A Toys</a>. It breaks my heart when I think about children who may not have a "magical" holiday experience. I know that toys aren't the "reason for the season," but underserved children do deserve the excitement of unwrapping something new and fun, don't they? </li><li>Lincoln will be portraying a wiseman at his Christmas mass, which is on brand. His costume is purple and gold and when he tried it on, he declared that he looked like a pharaoh, so I think we are on the right track. </li><li>I am participating in a few festive book exchanges with folks at work. I only mention this in case you wondered what people who work in publishing do for fun. We read books. That's it. Carpe librum.</li></ul><div><div>Sincere and heartfelt thanks to those of you who continue to support this blog with your genuine interest and readership. Have a tremendous month and I wish you moments of peace and joy whenever those may be. I know the holidays aren't easy for everyone especially if you are missing loved ones who are no longer with us, so I am sending a virtual hug to you! Take care! <br /><br /><i>Helloooo December!</i><br />-HGB</div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fhgb-steeltrap.blogspot.com%2F" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">Pin It</a>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></div>The Steel Traphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07491069408426240446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1675772622053722050.post-38699014290587334342023-11-24T22:11:00.001-05:002023-11-24T22:20:25.615-05:00Sh*t We Overheard (and Maybe Even Said Ahhhht Loud) on Thanksgiving Well, Thanksgiving is done... finished... finito. But the memories of sh*t we overheard (and said) will live on forever. Enjoy. <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Person 1: Trump got out of going to Vietnam because of shin splints. Person 2: I'm not so sure about that one. Person 1: IT WAS SHIN SPLINTS. Person 3: It was bone spurs. Person 1: That's what I meant. BONE SPURS. </li><li>Cher is auto-tuned! AGAIN! </li><li>Did you know that for my entire life, I've been saying "Thee Olive Garden" as if that was correct? Not "The Olive Garden." Not "Olive Garden" like the sign says. Nope. THEE Olive Garden like THEE Ohio State University. I have never been more annoyed with myself. </li><li>You got these desserts at a school fundraiser? You got robbed because these are TERRIBLE. </li><li>Person 1: What is that? Person 2: A cucumber. Person 1: That don't look like any cucumber I've ever seen. Person 2: Well, it is. Person 2: I don't believe you. Cucumbers don't look like that. </li><li>It's pee-con, not pee-can. </li><li>I am thankful that I finally get to meet who you've been dating. </li><li>He doesn't like anything sticky or moist! </li><li>Why as a seven-year-old, was I wearing my mother's silky pajamas in a photograph? </li><li>Awwww! You brought me canned cranberry sauce! I am grateful for you and you alone. </li><li>Person 1: Tell that joke you know! Person 2: It's literally on your phone because I text it to you an hour ago. You can tell it. Person 1: Walking home last night, I passed a slice of apple pie, an ice cream sundae, and a lemon cheesecake. I thought to myself, "The streets seem strangely desserted." Person 3: Ha. </li><li>This isn't cranberry sauce. It's cranberry soup! </li><li>Why can't anyone explain to me why there are four Mexican-style houses in the middle of Connellsville, PA? It doesn't make any sense. The residents aren't really fans of diversity based on their yard signage, you know? </li><li>Pass those mashed potatoes dahnnn here! </li><li>I went to my father-in-law's to cook Thanksgiving dinner only to discover he doesn't own measuring cups and spoons. </li><li>Son: Mom, are you happy with how dinner turned out? Mom: NO. <br /></li><li>Mom: Today, I am grateful for you. Son: I know Mommy. You tell me every single day. </li><li>Did I mention that I hate the holidays? </li></ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fhgb-steeltrap.blogspot.com%2F" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">Pin It</a>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></div>The Steel Traphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07491069408426240446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1675772622053722050.post-62665387953300489142023-11-21T21:17:00.001-05:002023-11-22T15:28:38.313-05:00The Steel Trap's Holiday Gift Guide Oh Two Three <p>Cheers, friends! </p><p>It's that time of year again! <i>Kidding.</i> I don't even know that means these days. What <i>is</i> this time of year? November is so weird, isn't it? In my mind, this time of year is for giving thanks. It is still Fall and there are crunchy leaves and our clothes should be gravy colored; but when I look around, it is clear that SO many people have different thoughts. I wish we could all slow down. </p><p>Regardless, now that it is dark in the afternoon, you might be looking for some holiday gift ideas that will make your loved ones go, "WOW. S/he GETS me. Hashtag blessed." And because my shopping has been finished for months (hashtag humble brag), I thought might provide some ideas. Cool? Cool. Oh yeah, and since this blog is long past its prehistoric influencer days, all of these suggestions are my own. Good luck! </p><p><b>For kids... </b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Memberships to local museums and experiences! These are gifts that truly keep on giving and memberships afford the recipients with discounts, special events, and the opportunity make memories the whole year long. We belong to the <a href="https://www.aviary.org/" target="_blank">National Aviary</a>, <a href="https://www.phipps.conservatory.org/" target="_blank">Phipps Conservatory</a>, <a href="https://www.pittsburghzoo.org/" target="_blank">Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium</a>, and the <a href="https://carnegiemuseums.org/join-support/membership/joinrenew/" target="_blank">Carnegie Museums</a>; those memberships provide us with so many learning experiences, Kodak moments, and time spent together <i>and</i> well. </li><li>Magazine subscriptions! Lincoln is loving <i>Highlights</i>... he whips out his highlighter and tackles the "hidden pictures" as soon as each issue arrives. As someone who works in print, I assure you it is <i>not </i>dead. </li><li><a href="https://www.kiwico.com/about-us" target="_blank">KiwiCo crates</a>! They come in options for every age-- and they provide ways for kids to explore, learn, and create! </li></ul><p></p><p><b>For your adult loved ones (as in significant others, common law spouses, sweet babboos, bestest buddies)... </b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65gMTJj70kqaq5O9OOnrPDn3cJ-16H6E-oPICldIY5XqCA9Jd62UgC9yIFoKpjuQINCsPX2cfWle6c4jNaIR5XirEjme_elxYvdYajPeW6nb8jvvyGWt3hDWM_tD1j8FuktUyGTgL8zwei8s_xL-6ltaZ176VuMNwseoRskA5yoy6lHN7LJRGIF4AJLB1/s1206/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-18%20at%2012.27.47%20PM.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="1206" height="103" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65gMTJj70kqaq5O9OOnrPDn3cJ-16H6E-oPICldIY5XqCA9Jd62UgC9yIFoKpjuQINCsPX2cfWle6c4jNaIR5XirEjme_elxYvdYajPeW6nb8jvvyGWt3hDWM_tD1j8FuktUyGTgL8zwei8s_xL-6ltaZ176VuMNwseoRskA5yoy6lHN7LJRGIF4AJLB1/w400-h103/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-18%20at%2012.27.47%20PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://peanuts.fandom.com/wiki/Sweet_Babboo?file=19770127.gif" target="_blank">photo credit: peanuts fandom wiki</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Not to be repetitive, but memberships to local museums and experiences are great for dates (or alone time) too! I will add <a href="https://thewestmoreland.org/" target="_blank">The Westmoreland Museum of American Art</a> too; although admission is free, you can make a donation in your loved one's name and hit up their lovely gift shop for something thoughtful and unique to accompany your donation. </li><li>Tours of Frank Lloyd Wright's local masterpieces at <a href="https://fallingwater.org/" target="_blank">Fallingwater</a>, <a href="https://kentuckknob.com/" target="_blank">Kentuck Knob</a>, and <a href="https://www.franklloydwrightovernight.net/" target="_blank">Polymath Park</a>. Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob have great gifts shops and Polymath has <a href="https://www.treetopsrestaurant.net/" target="_blank">a fantastic restaurant</a> on site. </li><li>Locally, I am loving <a href="https://squirrelhilldesignandcraft.com/" target="_blank">Squirrel Hill Design and Craft</a>. Their magnets and stickers are clever; and, the art is original and unique. Check out the topography maps. </li><li><a href="https://furbishstudio.com/collections/pillows" target="_blank">These pillows from Furbish</a>... so many options, so much fun! <a href="https://furbishstudio.com/collections/needlepoint-pillows/products/yuletide-gay-needlepoint-pillow" target="_blank">This one</a> might be my fave. </li><li>Items from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShopBananaSoup?ref=usf_2020" target="_blank">Banana Soup</a> are cute and fun... and clever. </li><li><a href="https://www.portlandleathergoods.com/" target="_blank">Portland Leather Goods</a> are timeless, affordable, and built to endure adventures. A friend recommended them to me, and I am passing along the good word to you. The <a href="https://www.portlandleathergoods.com/products/medium-crossbody-tote?variant=39654579273810" target="_blank">Medium Crossbody Tote</a> is my jam. </li><li>Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes. I suppose here is as good of a time as any to remind everyone that <a href="https://www.thesteeltrap.net/2013/12/ode-to-little-debbie-christmas-tree.html?q=little+debbie" target="_blank">I wrote a poem about these TEN YEARS AGO</a>. Like I said above... prehistoric influencing. </li><li>And finally, since my beloved Sky Mall is defunct, I will suggest <a href="https://www.uncommongoods.com/" target="_blank">Uncommon Goods</a> for its funky vibes with something for mostly everyone you hold dear. </li></ul><div><div><b>For teachers... </b></div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Starbucks, Dunkin', and coffee/tea shop gift cards never get old... they may seem impersonal on the surface, but they are practical and will never be met with a frown. Teachers spend so much of their own money on their students, and having gift cards for some caffeine and a cake pop are great! </li><li>Also, never underestimate the power of a handwritten thank you note... </li><li>You can also try NICE office supplies like some lovely pens, fresh Sharpies that students haven't destroyed, and fun notebooks for their great ideas. See <a href="https://riflepaperco.com/desk-journals" target="_blank">Rifle Paper Co.</a> for some inspiration. </li><li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1059788127/reading-list-bookmark-library-card?ref=yr_purchases" target="_blank">These reading list bookmarks</a> are also super fun from The Square Shop. </li><li>Personalized notecards from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/EnvelopePlease?ref=shop-header-name&listing_id=221907913&from_page=listing" target="_blank">Envelope Please</a> are fun and practical. I've been ordering my notecards here for almost seven years and counting! </li></ul><div>With with that, I leave you with a scene from one of my absolute favorite holiday movies, <i>Mixed Nuts.</i> Oh I love grape jelly! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bAV1SuDWsk0" width="320" youtube-src-id="bAV1SuDWsk0"></iframe></div><br /></div></div><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fhgb-steeltrap.blogspot.com%2F" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">Pin It</a>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></div>The Steel Traphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07491069408426240446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1675772622053722050.post-1714500218797628432023-11-01T23:16:00.001-04:002023-11-01T23:16:17.093-04:00Housekeeping This morning was one of those mornings that felt like a Robert Frost poem. I took the dog out at dawn, snow was falling quietly on the remaining leaves, and the air smelled crisp and clean. Speaking of Frost, here's a favorite of mine that I used to like reading and discussing with my students in the bleaker months: <h4 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44262/dust-of-snow" target="_blank">Dust of Snow</a></h4>BY <a href="https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/robert-frost">ROBERT FROST</a><br /><br /><div>The way a crow<br />Shook down on me<br />The dust of snow<br />From a hemlock tree<br /><br />Has given my heart<br />A change of mood<br />And saved some part<br />Of a day I had rued.<div><br />October was great. The first two weeks were dedicated to preparing for and enjoying my sister's wedding; the remaining weeks were devoted to doing the same for Halloween. </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>XCC season ended and it was such a great experience. Lincoln got better with every meet and it was rewarding to watch his confidence and overall athleticism grow. We are so very proud of him and look forward to his next adventure. </li><li>My sister's wedding was lovely and blissful-- we enjoyed ourselves in one of our favorite places with so many wonderful people. My dress didn't have pockets so I have next to zero pics, but I am sure the professional ones will be circulating soon enough. </li><li>To promote a family-owned business and join in the holiday fun, we participated in the Uniontown Halloween parade again this year. Instead of chickens we with a Christmas theme and had a holly jolly good time. Need a new roof? I know a guy. </li><li>I got to chaperone the kindergarten field trip to Triple B Farms and it was as hilarious as expected. I even learned a new song about soil. Sadly, the kindergarten kids didn't appreciate my National Lampoon's tour guide schtick. Look kids! It's the Youghiogheny River! Look kids! A lock and dam dahn 'ere on the Mon! </li><li>The Pittsburgh CLO's production of<i> tick, tick... BOOM! </i>was fantastic. I am so excited that the Greer Cabaret Theater is back in business. The renovations are striking and the modern art deco vibe is a perfect re-addition to the Cultural District. Try the Lounge's Greer Martini ($13) and the Charcuterie ($19)! </li><li>We got one of this year's Boo Buckets from McDonald's. It really warms my heart to see kids with them. </li><li>This season of <i>The Morning Show</i> (Apple TV) is on fire in more ways than one. If you are looking for a show to fill the void, you have a few seasons of this at least! </li><li>I enjoyed a very quick, very hot trip to Austin. We had dinner at <a href="https://fndaustin.com/" target="_blank">Foreign & Domestic</a>, which was cool. The Gruyere Popovers were something to behold, truly. </li><li>I also enjoyed a quick trip to Omaha. <a href="https://coneflowercreamery.com/" target="_blank">Coneflower Creamery's</a> butter brickle was a sweet treat and <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/omaneqq-the-peregrine-omaha-downtown/dining/" target="_blank">The Habitat in The Peregrine</a> was a good spot for dinner. The tacos at <a href="https://www.mulaomaha.com/eat" target="_blank">Mula</a> are comfort food at its finest. </li><li>Hallowboo at Idlewild was a great time-- we went on the final day of the season in the drizzling rain, but we still managed to ride our favorite rides (some several times in a row), trick or treat through Story Book Forest, have a bubble dance party, walk in a costume parade, make s'mores, and go fishing. Gosh, we love that place. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FXLxmDIQ3BMWS0V3B7ljjvyKazDCObwIUg8dKbf-rbUQ_Mn2WxpKU_wAwt_pSI_RykVlcrTXSEsitqllhtxn16-k0tP27ivgmwlM5z3emVx3qqqqIDANTPUdfHZsZFQqgNKMFxCV7ukW2L9NvHpV3j-Jr78LN5xzwn3ShNYbeGhHuDQzoQ-yKuu4jLUd/s1800/6DE66562-F1B5-446B-8589-692E10492FAA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FXLxmDIQ3BMWS0V3B7ljjvyKazDCObwIUg8dKbf-rbUQ_Mn2WxpKU_wAwt_pSI_RykVlcrTXSEsitqllhtxn16-k0tP27ivgmwlM5z3emVx3qqqqIDANTPUdfHZsZFQqgNKMFxCV7ukW2L9NvHpV3j-Jr78LN5xzwn3ShNYbeGhHuDQzoQ-yKuu4jLUd/s320/6DE66562-F1B5-446B-8589-692E10492FAA.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJxZqa6xMzhr9nQFZpN3CzCFy1o88PZrCy48Zlu4F_tUmQpf41w5dqK5FDraCcpCEEyD6egdYTX9qwcodyae-QHgg4pyihR3w9Ob0dCd_4I7s3H-Lj_WxuBYAcBqtaQkSAEVIIWYs70O4KLXK8kMd1IcoCbsTt5Sxzj8gTlkNWfUcRs2zOqaTKJ9KQRA-/s2400/IMG_5749.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="2400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJxZqa6xMzhr9nQFZpN3CzCFy1o88PZrCy48Zlu4F_tUmQpf41w5dqK5FDraCcpCEEyD6egdYTX9qwcodyae-QHgg4pyihR3w9Ob0dCd_4I7s3H-Lj_WxuBYAcBqtaQkSAEVIIWYs70O4KLXK8kMd1IcoCbsTt5Sxzj8gTlkNWfUcRs2zOqaTKJ9KQRA-/s320/IMG_5749.PNG" width="320" /></a></div></li><li>Lincoln's school picked themes for each grade for a Halloween costume parade. Kindergarten had "careers," and despite his best efforts to wear a "super villain" outfit, we settled on something more tradition. The lifeguard costume was totally his idea, and how could I refuse? I mean... it's practically genetic! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwKt3EaPZamwtq35W5I7eNwlghE0z7hPbRqBIzYacjD1YAbZSPrvERu6eBp9KmTa7sfsEAxPvY-Q5iIdwoBzzgZ9_5UkEy_xUnmWyruoHXdBjtfGxOdMjnt1BGuWm_oJmIPgajnmo5gk5diH0Ctr_pRq5hdPhMIjhK6tvXCzV1sEC9_H13SQU4FDIiUXj/s3780/3537BDEE-E0AC-463C-8943-0B1A00AB0501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3780" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwKt3EaPZamwtq35W5I7eNwlghE0z7hPbRqBIzYacjD1YAbZSPrvERu6eBp9KmTa7sfsEAxPvY-Q5iIdwoBzzgZ9_5UkEy_xUnmWyruoHXdBjtfGxOdMjnt1BGuWm_oJmIPgajnmo5gk5diH0Ctr_pRq5hdPhMIjhK6tvXCzV1sEC9_H13SQU4FDIiUXj/s320/3537BDEE-E0AC-463C-8943-0B1A00AB0501.jpg" width="256" /></a></div></li><li>Trick or treating was a bit cold, but as long as we kept moving, we were good. Tuesday night is A LOT for big activities, but 'tis the season I suppose. But before we got started, we took our annual Halloween photos on the stairs and then we took a stop at a local cemetery for a few more shots. Here is the traditional "on the steps with Mojito" picture that I didn't post on the socials. I am not sure how many more we will have with Mojito, so these moments are certainly treasured. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5HC3BEDJmdrdBFtVlVsM797l7wQNoP5fuxHwJxGVsVijCEFhcG1MS6c2OGtK8XGYA4ZiaMVnpIY_dHE94mE_QbRHj96Q9sG31uYkO7wkna4xSi5s25RLsfDan7YSXwZr0WFlYCT0fw0dReXOIfj-Wf8GhzIom3KBrrrAXrXkgDxtIVjsPvf0QbESJjhRf/s4032/IMG_5758.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5HC3BEDJmdrdBFtVlVsM797l7wQNoP5fuxHwJxGVsVijCEFhcG1MS6c2OGtK8XGYA4ZiaMVnpIY_dHE94mE_QbRHj96Q9sG31uYkO7wkna4xSi5s25RLsfDan7YSXwZr0WFlYCT0fw0dReXOIfj-Wf8GhzIom3KBrrrAXrXkgDxtIVjsPvf0QbESJjhRf/s320/IMG_5758.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div></li><li>A quick note about the costume... now that Lincoln is old enough to choose his costumes, there is not much that brings more more joy than helping Lincoln create and execute his vision for Halloween. The broom was the big project this year since there are not Nimbus 2001 models available commercially. Way to go Warner Brothers. Nimbus 2000? Easy. 2001? Nope. Finding the right paint, sanding the Nimbus 2000 down, painting and making it look like an authentic Nimbus 2001 as possible, and then adding a Golden Snitch with invisible thread for special effects were a labor of true love. I hope he always remembers the magic. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMf8mrxu3kzFq-XnVi3Ri7TrUC5HW6eZcXf9vD2yfQGCXHwk-nDkoIL_k_Xi3mme9pq8DaSI7Omelrag289sY8S6UY-YB3mRf-R1scH1doAZ_5xOB4eGC_3eMLfz2voULGcLPR0OCANna6I5AY_mqRRXfK5Sytjg7YJlFtTVHHzybkxVARKF-QLwS7vtn/s1800/B0B5E870-DDA6-4DE6-BBF0-A0673E4B6B73.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMf8mrxu3kzFq-XnVi3Ri7TrUC5HW6eZcXf9vD2yfQGCXHwk-nDkoIL_k_Xi3mme9pq8DaSI7Omelrag289sY8S6UY-YB3mRf-R1scH1doAZ_5xOB4eGC_3eMLfz2voULGcLPR0OCANna6I5AY_mqRRXfK5Sytjg7YJlFtTVHHzybkxVARKF-QLwS7vtn/s320/B0B5E870-DDA6-4DE6-BBF0-A0673E4B6B73.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_M_8yNnwcDAyuMJT1lvTNspdrL6FoBaiXklTzNJhndk_79AyBr4LhyfgF-f-J3fbgRs2quUtQiQk55xiLyjUwOltmKzGvgT4mu4IwCiVy0Qw3ON1Jz_CsRXt6UN7ZkzB5IlCv84qJgO_qUUAIFW4gNlAQkczGXKYqTxHckj1hlkVHGEWGwZMkyWsDeupk/s1800/19812F15-F0C1-40A7-B4BA-24856CF4B422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_M_8yNnwcDAyuMJT1lvTNspdrL6FoBaiXklTzNJhndk_79AyBr4LhyfgF-f-J3fbgRs2quUtQiQk55xiLyjUwOltmKzGvgT4mu4IwCiVy0Qw3ON1Jz_CsRXt6UN7ZkzB5IlCv84qJgO_qUUAIFW4gNlAQkczGXKYqTxHckj1hlkVHGEWGwZMkyWsDeupk/s320/19812F15-F0C1-40A7-B4BA-24856CF4B422.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbznBQb7rtNfD3cZ_gKDif7yMcstYI7jpZU6aMJDJ0CHFNupBbVILd8F6DMz34p_aOCEdG9g3CDdh3NvBydTlroHxPIaD90tZmPtZ029h3CeIw8QvTBJYVC2rpxEy2NeowTTCoIuEdVIDx9kSLHHW9bEUuynayd5hLnonUOXPM2-yPNMvvu8jMm0X0MfZw/s1800/F8E85FF3-46F8-48CB-B3ED-508EA9A66978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbznBQb7rtNfD3cZ_gKDif7yMcstYI7jpZU6aMJDJ0CHFNupBbVILd8F6DMz34p_aOCEdG9g3CDdh3NvBydTlroHxPIaD90tZmPtZ029h3CeIw8QvTBJYVC2rpxEy2NeowTTCoIuEdVIDx9kSLHHW9bEUuynayd5hLnonUOXPM2-yPNMvvu8jMm0X0MfZw/s320/F8E85FF3-46F8-48CB-B3ED-508EA9A66978.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcjygMNTA6xNrNy5hyphenhyphenVdAHt056p1LOagU_BProV_YuK-3a11TiOt9FwZcHkUoPokuX1FW3dviEl8mg5JnJv4gO__lVmCbFPZyVfupTBQug1dogFqyWGGlJBD3sKA4YT5DBg8SMDxkCi6XJHtr6MU9fJUGjGg4DDHnr4sPV3KyoP-_MYP67SZd8yiZ_o3P/s1800/3861E1C4-2451-4763-B4B1-61099908C9E8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcjygMNTA6xNrNy5hyphenhyphenVdAHt056p1LOagU_BProV_YuK-3a11TiOt9FwZcHkUoPokuX1FW3dviEl8mg5JnJv4gO__lVmCbFPZyVfupTBQug1dogFqyWGGlJBD3sKA4YT5DBg8SMDxkCi6XJHtr6MU9fJUGjGg4DDHnr4sPV3KyoP-_MYP67SZd8yiZ_o3P/s320/3861E1C4-2451-4763-B4B1-61099908C9E8.jpg" width="256" /></a></div></li></ul></div><div>As for November... </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We have birthdays for ESG, EGG, and BDM! </li><li>The latest movie in <i>The Hunger Games</i> franchise comes out! I loved the book and cannot wait for this one. And this cast... oh my goodness. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NxW_X4kzeus" width="320" youtube-src-id="NxW_X4kzeus"></iframe></div><br /></li><li>The kids are excited about <i>Trolls Band Together</i>. Truthfully, I don't mind those movies so we will likely head to the theater for this latest one. </li><li>I am headed to NYC for work (with some play built in). The Winter Market at Bryant Park is one of my favorite seasonal spots and of course one little wizard will be thrilled if I stop at the Harry Potter store. </li><li>Daylight Savings. Ew. </li><li>We plan to celebrate Thanksgiving with family. </li><li>My Christmas shopping is finished so I imagine I will start wrapping and prepping gifts for December. </li><li>The Broadway tour of <i>The Wiz </i>is coming to town! I am looking forward to a little "ease on down the road!"</li><li>There is a new <a href="https://thewestmoreland.org/exhibitions/frank-lloyd-wrights-southwestern-pennsylvania/" target="_blank">Frank Lloyd Wright exhibit at The Westmoreland Museum of American Art</a>. You already know I have tickets (which are free)! </li></ul>Sincere and heartfelt thanks to those of you who continue to support this blog with your genuine interest and readership. Have a tremendous month. Express gratitude. <br /><br /><i>Helloooo November!</i><br />-HGB</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fhgb-steeltrap.blogspot.com%2F" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">Pin It</a>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></div>The Steel Traphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07491069408426240446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1675772622053722050.post-85842687446591977952023-10-01T22:08:00.000-04:002023-10-01T22:08:27.292-04:00Housekeeping September cannot be over, right? Like... how? Thank goodness we headed to the lake to recharge and regroup September began. Because it was gone in an actual flash. <div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We celebrated KMM's parents' 50th wedding anniversary. Did he wear a shirt with a "vintage" photo of them screened on the front to dinner? Absolutely. Because I aid and abet shenanigans whenever I can. </li><li>Lincoln's has been running, swimming, singing, and dancing to his heart's content. He has dropped time in all of his XCC races and in the process, has put big smiles on his many fans' faces. Also, he runs a mile faster than the average adult. Give this kid a trophy. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HnjVYS_-65J_n8wtSHuhg75gTQBEkiGgYOm_KkgVMyJqGscsWEty6ssK8tF5lU107NNd-hcuT7rwUG0YoqWu6cvTuCuve_9LiV5xYR7jHGHdjnEGcIG5vOZfOSdL631ZRpv4OCtX1VTgRNbkE5Nr39TWdHR1Lx_LtBbuhzO79moTLv31RpJlY7dGIiXQ/s2482/1735E51F-47B5-46AF-8941-8A1937DF6ACD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2482" data-original-width="2482" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HnjVYS_-65J_n8wtSHuhg75gTQBEkiGgYOm_KkgVMyJqGscsWEty6ssK8tF5lU107NNd-hcuT7rwUG0YoqWu6cvTuCuve_9LiV5xYR7jHGHdjnEGcIG5vOZfOSdL631ZRpv4OCtX1VTgRNbkE5Nr39TWdHR1Lx_LtBbuhzO79moTLv31RpJlY7dGIiXQ/s320/1735E51F-47B5-46AF-8941-8A1937DF6ACD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></li><li><i><a href="https://trustarts.org/production/86813/moulin-rouge-the-musical">Moulin Rouge! The Musical</a> </i>was an endorphin rush. If you weren't dancing by the end of that show, we cannot be friends. </li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaIyoo-KLHk"><i>The Morning Show </i>(Apple)</a> is really plowing through some plot, isn't it?</li><li><i>Only Murders in the Building</i> (Hulu) is bringing me such joy. Maybe we all need more pattersongs in our lives? </li><li>The South Dakota prairie really filled my cup. Who knew that buying an Evian in ORD would set off a series of events that led to me getting upgraded to first class <i>and</i> getting a rental car upgrade to a Mustang convertible. Yes, you read that correctly. I got to drive all over the prairie with nothing between me and the crystal blue skies for a few days. Wind in my hair? Tunes blasting? 80 mph speed limit? Yes indeed. I even took a detour to <a href="https://discoverlaura.org/" target="_blank">Laura Ingalls Wilder's South Dakota home and school</a>. Not that I am a huge fan, because I am not. <i>Little House on the Prairie</i> was fine, but simply was not my favorite. That said, I love a few people who were/are fans and just had to take the trip. Of course it was worth it. And did I exit through the gift shop? You bet your bonnet I did. </li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYZ3ccL__Z0PQn6PxUsQqKPQa4Ghz-ZzT4Nrn-yJHztpQV8uS3M1Uw4mJXcLyggDpwk4DXhbLrFWeEV3w2_RGCtncf7SaVfhqwuPPvX0uh_C5YQg40jy2LwlMcogh7Hq9Vbd0vPvjyKN8j8uDU8_-Sjd2HeLFQhgyhXCL615z8BnbMY6HI5W_kRS7EZHi/s3088/IMG_5385.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYZ3ccL__Z0PQn6PxUsQqKPQa4Ghz-ZzT4Nrn-yJHztpQV8uS3M1Uw4mJXcLyggDpwk4DXhbLrFWeEV3w2_RGCtncf7SaVfhqwuPPvX0uh_C5YQg40jy2LwlMcogh7Hq9Vbd0vPvjyKN8j8uDU8_-Sjd2HeLFQhgyhXCL615z8BnbMY6HI5W_kRS7EZHi/s320/IMG_5385.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(awkward selfie w/ statue because... who else was going to take it?)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I also took a quick trip to Boston, which was too quick. I need to go back for a week. There are just too many historical spots to visit and gift shops to exit through. </li></ul></div><div>As for spooky season, I am pretty excited about all things to come. </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I told Lincoln we could start to decorate now that it is October 1. Strict? Maybe. But I refuse to decorate for fall because LEAVES, and I will not put Halloween decorations out in September. That's just not the vibe. </li><li>We have birthdays for TMM, NMA and LAB!</li><li>MAB and AMS are getting married! I HAVE BEEN WAITING THIRTY-THREE YEARS FOR THIS! Needless to say we are very excited for a weekend filled with festivities, family, and friends. </li><li>You will be seeing us on a float in the Uniontown Halloween parade again this year. I won't give away our costumes, but be prepared to laugh. </li><li>We have a trip to <a href="https://www.triplebfarms.com/" target="_blank">Triple B Farms</a> planned; tickets to the <a href="https://www.phipps.conservatory.org/calendar/detail/fall-flower-show" target="_blank">fall show at Phipps</a>; <a href="https://www.idlewild.com/discover-the-park/hallowboo" target="_blank">Hallowboo!</a> plans; and some school-related activities as well, including Lincoln's two final XCC meets. </li><li>Final adjustments to our Halloween costumes are in the works. It's going to be magical. </li><li>Who is going to see <i>Killers of the Flower Moon</i>? </li><li>Make sure you go see <i><a href="https://www.pittsburghclo.org/shows/tick-tick...boom" target="_blank">tick, tick... BOOM! </a></i>before its run ends on October 22. The Greer Cabaret Theater has been renovated, and you won't want to miss this show in this spot! </li><li>Boo Buckets are back at McDonald's!</li><li>I am headed to Austin for a quick trip. <a href="https://www.southernliving.com/news/keep-austin-weird-history" target="_blank">Don't worry, I will keep it weird</a>. I may have to finally relive a scene from one of my all-time favorite movies and visit <a href="https://www.topnotchaustin.com/original" target="_blank">Top Notch</a>. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jiwblxUW514" width="320" youtube-src-id="jiwblxUW514"></iframe></div></li></ul></div><div>Sincere and heartfelt thanks to those of you who continue to support this blog with your genuine interest and readership. Have a tremendous month. Try to avoid razor blades in apples. Kidding. Sort of. <br /><br /><i>Helloooo October!</i><br />-HGB</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fhgb-steeltrap.blogspot.com%2F" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">Pin It</a>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></div>The Steel Traphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07491069408426240446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1675772622053722050.post-10395585649543669522023-09-29T09:37:00.001-04:002023-09-29T09:37:21.511-04:00Sunflowers and La Croix and Grief <h4 style="text-align: left;">"If I had a tale that I could tell you / I'd tell a tale sure to make you smile / If I had a wish that I could wish for you / I'd make a wish for sunshine all the while." -John Denver </h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyLWIvJAdQw9Z6tEdnfCz2k1R5CW2P5U_OB_eRq4aqm09g6fqKynYVVFEb4Mbv6ap427G_Tm5RKxHQwceH2CUSl03CdR6qxfF0Nhg-SyofG5cYiaNgIGcYVLGDru5v1btUlj777_D4L4utsQ8chnjGmrjrYrXgFWZaNU_x7g4ih2B8_TM6XP3kqNt16Xx/s2619/IMG_2633.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2619" data-original-width="2605" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyLWIvJAdQw9Z6tEdnfCz2k1R5CW2P5U_OB_eRq4aqm09g6fqKynYVVFEb4Mbv6ap427G_Tm5RKxHQwceH2CUSl03CdR6qxfF0Nhg-SyofG5cYiaNgIGcYVLGDru5v1btUlj777_D4L4utsQ8chnjGmrjrYrXgFWZaNU_x7g4ih2B8_TM6XP3kqNt16Xx/w199-h200/IMG_2633.HEIC" width="199" /></a></div><p>Sunflowers are said to symbolize steady faith while also representing constant orientation towards light... the sunshine they need to thrive. We tend to associate them with positivity, happiness, and optimism too, which makes sense. That's what we do as humans, right? We link aspects of nature with the abstract feelings that overwhelm us... the feelings for which we often yearn as we experience our more difficult seasons. </p><p>A few weeks ago I got an ad on instagram that promoted La Croix's forthcoming flavor: Sunflowers. It's just the kind of thing I would have called her to chat about. We would have plotted where we would go hunt for it and buy each other a case if one of us found it first. Target? Meijer? Shop 'n Save? Kroger? Giant Eagle? In our anticipation we would have joked about how it probably tastes like the entire state of Kansas and how that might not be a good thing. <i>Yeah, I'll have a Kansas and vodka. </i></p><p>I know that I will try this new flavor for the both of us when I find it. I know that some of her nieces and nephews will too. I have a sneaking suspicion that she ultimately would declare how she still likes the Apricot flavor the best... just like me. </p><p>My mind keeps wandering to last year around this time. Her birthday. I had gotten her one of those inexplicably soft blankets from HomeGoods. You know the kind. It was covered in a sunflower pattern and I hoped that it would keep her warm and comfortable. </p><p>I have that blanket now. It rests in the sun (coincidentally) on the back of the couch in the room where Lincoln plays and has some of his greatest "adventures." I walk past it when I water the plants and always pause to feel its fibers. My eyes close and my breathing stops before I force myself to move on to the next task. </p><p>And despite my grief, the memories of her remain as sunshine and sunflowers to me. I wish I could tell her more tales to make her smile. I miss her. <i>Always. </i></p><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fhgb-steeltrap.blogspot.com%2F" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">Pin It</a>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></div>The Steel Traphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07491069408426240446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1675772622053722050.post-66455502861293208902023-09-01T10:10:00.000-04:002023-09-01T10:10:19.969-04:00Housekeeping<p>August. </p><ul><li>The theme of the month was... mugshots. For better or worse. </li><li>On a lighter note, Lincoln turned 6 <i>and</i> lost his first tooth. If you are curious, the going rate from the tooth fairy is $5 (because his name is Lincoln, and a penny isn't enough). </li><li>I attended a smashing party at <a href="https://www.gothamhallevents.com/" target="_blank">Gotham Hall</a>. 10/10, no notes. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoQK0wM8fYvHGEUm3k-baPExf0NZmTkLDvc6UdPNzUlNKixOYER-4T8QNfGmpUy0lDPDosyvEMs2T7DaJQZkmx0rtk3wvkFXKDdN9GbOp8pj4UGhQL2CQA1qXwo6reAx5-G0WT5Dk2rPZ4YRW4IBE1B1_ynXN77NaIQ9jdet5xKTz5aNVfpjXjCYeN-bG/s3780/753C8165-1985-4484-8FD3-240E9E05DFF1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3780" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoQK0wM8fYvHGEUm3k-baPExf0NZmTkLDvc6UdPNzUlNKixOYER-4T8QNfGmpUy0lDPDosyvEMs2T7DaJQZkmx0rtk3wvkFXKDdN9GbOp8pj4UGhQL2CQA1qXwo6reAx5-G0WT5Dk2rPZ4YRW4IBE1B1_ynXN77NaIQ9jdet5xKTz5aNVfpjXjCYeN-bG/s320/753C8165-1985-4484-8FD3-240E9E05DFF1.jpg" width="256" /></a></div></li><li>The <a href="https://www.bklynlibrary.org/exhibitions/book-hov" target="_blank">Jay-Z "Book of HOV" exhibit at the Brooklyn Public Library</a> is incredible (and free). Did it make me feel old? Of course... what doesn't? But it was informative, entertaining, and nostalgic all the same. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVRQl4GH6iIgdJx7gDlSuMXjKq5ETyRB2vgOA7hmAvzkQYBmHQ3vxpQ83ArB--8L5pSQ1hiPYsOAesJvC_GtZSDoMjqfglehgBusNG_1F8uB5KKjs6BTMgJqy_cQbbKGG-OJPxORAdW-QmCYJrLz0_gnlTxW8VKdu5Cos4-Xs5T6cKiOgknudloPLuEzv/s4032/IMG_4953.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVRQl4GH6iIgdJx7gDlSuMXjKq5ETyRB2vgOA7hmAvzkQYBmHQ3vxpQ83ArB--8L5pSQ1hiPYsOAesJvC_GtZSDoMjqfglehgBusNG_1F8uB5KKjs6BTMgJqy_cQbbKGG-OJPxORAdW-QmCYJrLz0_gnlTxW8VKdu5Cos4-Xs5T6cKiOgknudloPLuEzv/s320/IMG_4953.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div></li><li>We loved <i>The Haunted Mansion </i>and I imagine when it hits Disney+, we will be playing it often. </li><li>Pittsburgh CLO's <i>Guys & Dolls</i> was lovely. I know it feels a bit early to think about plans for next summer, but season tickets to the CLO summer season make great holiday gifts. </li><li>Rosemary Beach (FL) is my new fave. I have never been more relaxed on a beach than this trip. My hair? Not so much. Zero chill. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gw6u7gvRqnSfTEkW3OgosYKmW6Z93BoIIv66kdSTpxAixcEpifKupux4oU38GAQtqjFyFZyGcaYCi9Gw7EOneOgY9Qmy9pF-AMFM7YfWuMwRR9ouamc9ozyAoM0eikd3kBhyC2dtpP94n3_A4zeJlMylc6tAS0-UY92xP4G9RqRtNFktsEKBIGkm4myV/s2049/IMG_3658.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2049" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gw6u7gvRqnSfTEkW3OgosYKmW6Z93BoIIv66kdSTpxAixcEpifKupux4oU38GAQtqjFyFZyGcaYCi9Gw7EOneOgY9Qmy9pF-AMFM7YfWuMwRR9ouamc9ozyAoM0eikd3kBhyC2dtpP94n3_A4zeJlMylc6tAS0-UY92xP4G9RqRtNFktsEKBIGkm4myV/s320/IMG_3658.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></li><li>We made it through the first week of school <i>and</i> school pictures. Lincoln has determined that buying lunch in the cafeteria is the preferred way to do it unless it is chicken teriyaki. Hard pass. </li><li>Also, Lincoln is now a student-athlete and I too am running and doing drills with my son. Did I think I would ever be saying, "pace yourself," "keep your arms nice and tight," "high knees," "butt kickers," "chassé," and "karaoke" in this context again? Nope. But here we are. If you know, <i>you know</i>. </li><li>I have been enjoying the current seasons of <i>Physical</i> (Apple) and <i>Only Murders in the Building</i> (Hulu). </li><li>Lastly, we had some fun times with family and friends leading into... </li></ul><p>September. </p><div><ul><li>We are headed to the lake to recharge and regroup as a very busy month begins. </li><li>A 50th wedding anniversary will be celebrated! </li><li>Birthdays are here for JAG, MMMM, KCA, sweet Samiya, and ALG! </li><li>Once more episodes of <i>Ahsoka</i> (Disney+) are up, I will dive into that. </li><li>Lincoln's first XCC meets start this month and musical theater classes at the CLO Academy start as well. We are going to be busy! Run, swim, sing, dance, repeat. </li><li>The Broadway tour of <i><a href="https://trustarts.org/production/86813/moulin-rouge-the-musical" target="_blank">Moulin Rouge! The Musical</a></i> is coming to town at the end of the month. I have been waiting too long to see this show and I am excited! "Voulez-vous coucher avec moi, ce soir?"</li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaIyoo-KLHk" target="_blank"><i>The Morning Show</i> (Apple)</a> is back with a new season! </li><li>I have a trip to South Dakota planned. No, I will not be going to Mt. Rushmore. Once was enough. That's right. I saw that and Crazy Horse over thirty years ago and I think I am still good on that front for a long while. <a href="https://crazyhorsememorial.org/story/the-history" target="_blank">Don't know about Crazy Horse? Buckle up. This story is wild.</a> </li><li>THE BACKYARD BRAWL. 13-9. 13-9. 13-9. </li></ul></div><div>Sincere and heartfelt thanks to those of you who continue to support this blog with your genuine interest and readership. Take care of yourselves and others.<br /><br />Have a tremendous month. Kill the spotted lantern flies with gusto! <br /><br /><i>Helloooo September!</i><br />-HGB</div><div><br /></div><div>P.S. I made a playlist to kick off the weekend. Enjoy. </div><div><br /></div>
<iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="380" loading="lazy" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/0RLBamCmJYddX4CAEEv6Fb?utm_source=generator" style="border-radius: 12px;" width="100%"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fhgb-steeltrap.blogspot.com%2F" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">Pin It</a>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></div>The Steel Traphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07491069408426240446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1675772622053722050.post-9560537645458631482023-08-02T13:53:00.000-04:002023-08-02T13:53:22.571-04:00Dear, Son-<p>Dear, Son-</p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Today is your sixth birthday! I am writing this from my hotel room in Brooklyn, NY; and while it is a fun atmosphere, this is the second year I have missed seeing you face to face on your birthday because of my work obligations. I miss you, but I hope that you know that my heart is with you no matter where I may be. </p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Just as I have written for the past <i>five </i>years, I maintain: “To have experienced yet another year with you in my life is a gift for which I shall never be able to truly express gratitude. Yet, I thank you. For sticking with me, entertaining me, challenging me, and loving me..." I know you are pumped for all of your gifts today, but <i>you</i> son, are the real gift. You are the greatest gift I ever received. </p>As always, there are countless thoughts and ideas that could be shared about you (and with you) this time around the sun. Yet, I promise to keep it brief for the time when your friends find this blog and inevitably tease you about me and all I've written. I hope you don't mind. It has never been my intention to embarrass you. Rather, my intention is only to share the joy of motherhood with people who enjoy reading <b>The Steel Trap</b> and to document my feelings for you in the event that one day you want to comb back through this diary and read about how much I adore and love you, and learn more about your personality and adventures over time. <div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;">Now, about this past year leading up to this birthday... </span><div><p style="margin: 1em 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">You finished Kindergarten in a Montessori program and we enjoyed closing this chapter of your journey. I loved listening to you telling people how you "graduated," and hearing the pride in your sweet voice. You have so much anticipation for Kindergarten in "the big school," and I know that what you've learned thus far will be a solid foundation as you move onward. One big highlight this year for you was performing "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" for show and tell. You practiced for many days and used props to tell the story to your friends. I am so proud of how hard you worked on this! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjODZ5c7PJoNurQuIdWKj7Vbq6M5NUXYtk5tscjo-2Y9lPXku3MJm-34fzWdP0WhEFudnRgOZYsX8aLu0A8TY3zI0lNtfWy65pzjgpuOhZqwAWTJ6_kV-oAsUmlhbImfM3i4x9iMhz7eS8L8Cz6Z8DdLslxspUSYQpJAsgRGWV4wlsfYRjIpvkRb8HtjoU/s1417/E5AC35E1-A144-4B4B-B546-BD5E5CDCF062.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1417" data-original-width="1134" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjODZ5c7PJoNurQuIdWKj7Vbq6M5NUXYtk5tscjo-2Y9lPXku3MJm-34fzWdP0WhEFudnRgOZYsX8aLu0A8TY3zI0lNtfWy65pzjgpuOhZqwAWTJ6_kV-oAsUmlhbImfM3i4x9iMhz7eS8L8Cz6Z8DdLslxspUSYQpJAsgRGWV4wlsfYRjIpvkRb8HtjoU/s320/E5AC35E1-A144-4B4B-B546-BD5E5CDCF062.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><p></p>You have continued to improve in dancing, singing, and swimming, along soccer! You performed as Peter Pan in "I Won't Grow Up;" you can do the butterfly kick like a champ and tread water for a minute, along with doing elegant backstroke and strong freestyle <i>with</i> breathing to the side; and you are a leader on the soccer field with plenty of new moves.</div><div> <div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">You saw seven shows this year: <i>Frozen</i>; <i>Matilda The Musical;</i> <i>Seussical The Musical;</i> <i>Anything Goes;</i> <i>Hero: The Boy from Troy;</i> <i>You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown;</i> and <i>The Hunchback of Notre Dame</i>. Your favorite was <i>Seussical</i> and you got to go onstage in Act II, which further solidified your love for musical theater. If your courage in following the Cat in the Hat onstage in front of over 800 people is any indication of what's to come, just know that I've got season tickets to <i>you</i> and I will never give up these seats. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHeLjunkGwVdxEBiwxgmFlhLoYorWgmplrAQnIIzBujpcc59Q3IzjUngOBUR0yW6V0kMmStu5kkx1ExPNESbrqIUcK6Ito3uheUSm_CEI9fRaesSaAiJZhDMY1If3E-KVjileNsyYWczSFL12G_hoLW3CSFAvslXQZzN7uzyJVvf1hg_nVqvbdzKBDx-MW/s6048/N4287791.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4024" data-original-width="6048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHeLjunkGwVdxEBiwxgmFlhLoYorWgmplrAQnIIzBujpcc59Q3IzjUngOBUR0yW6V0kMmStu5kkx1ExPNESbrqIUcK6Ito3uheUSm_CEI9fRaesSaAiJZhDMY1If3E-KVjileNsyYWczSFL12G_hoLW3CSFAvslXQZzN7uzyJVvf1hg_nVqvbdzKBDx-MW/s320/N4287791.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo by Joe Slick</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">You captured hearts with your portrayal of Seymour at Halloween. Thank you for asking me to join you "down on Skid Row" and for having such "sweet understanding." <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxfwnd8VoD-X9LLxQUvS--q48rHjh51FajR3y7o2kGU1scBa232ZJ78_v6RNFNjTrZdpRH5gnSH3jb6F3y8gZP6DYxQpucLwzXiBK02p6y0FqFZ9fyJnGLyDjU4CNe_8b7UYjbo9OWL5-tZIPEm-VmanmGwdd0w271PqtlfMvZn5hT1JNffGNUl3Bj9hf/s4032/IMG_1783.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxfwnd8VoD-X9LLxQUvS--q48rHjh51FajR3y7o2kGU1scBa232ZJ78_v6RNFNjTrZdpRH5gnSH3jb6F3y8gZP6DYxQpucLwzXiBK02p6y0FqFZ9fyJnGLyDjU4CNe_8b7UYjbo9OWL5-tZIPEm-VmanmGwdd0w271PqtlfMvZn5hT1JNffGNUl3Bj9hf/s320/IMG_1783.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div></div><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Our Saturday morning routines continued this and truly are one of my favorite aspects of our life-- no matter how harried the week may be, I can count on the fact that when Saturday comes, it is you and me, kid. We get donuts, pick a musical soundtrack to play in the car, head downtown to the Pittsburgh CLO Academy, and then go on an adventure of your choice. Not only does this create consistency in your life, but it allows us to have uninterrupted quality time together. Giving you agency to choose where we go is important to me as well. The National Aviary (and the park next to it), the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, the Carnegie Museums, local amusement parks, Triple B Farms, Round Hill Park, Phipps Conservatory, etc. are all fair game. You lead the way buddy!</div><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Your biggest, most fun firsts this year have been learning to wink and to snap your fingers (both hands), getting two loose teeth, riding a school bus for the first time, and getting room service. </div><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">You love bath bombs, toe nail polish, nature and animals, B. Dylan Hollis's baking videos, and ice cream. You are kind, thoughtful, and considerate. You believe in fairness and want the people around you to be safe and well. </div><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">You were introduced to four more pieces of my personal canon (and one from your father's): <i>A Christmas Story</i>, the <i>Harry Potter </i>books and movies<i>,</i> the <i>Indiana Jones</i> movies, <i>The Goonies,</i> and <i>The Sandlot</i>. </div><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>You fell in love Ralphie and his family, we toured the house in Cleveland, and Santa even brought you a Red Ryder BB Gun (with a note saying you can't use it until you are 10... so 4 more years!). </li><li>Regarding the boy who lived, I was going to wait to show you the movies until you read the books, but when you gravitated toward the Room of Requirement LEGO set one day with inquisitivity and a determination to learn everything you could about the Wizarding World, we dove in. Thousands of Harry Potter LEGOs have been built, dozens of movies have been screened, spells have been cast, and one week at a wizard-themed camp has been enjoyed. You are a proud Slytherin and will be Draco Malfoy this coming Halloween. Does this give me another excuse to visit the Harry Potter store even more? Yes indeed! </li><li>As for Dr. Jones, we watched the first four movies to prepare for the fifth, and I love that we went together. The Indiana Jones character and stories captured my heart as a child, and I think it is so cool that they have had a similar effect on you. We even built the LEGO sets from these movies. You also think it's neat that "Club Obi Wan" is in <i>Temple of Doom</i> along with Short Round because he's in another one of your new favorites... </li><li><i>The Goonies.</i> I prefaced showing this to you by saying there were cool kids, a treasure hunt, and good music. And here we are now with you talking about One-Eyed Willy and "booty traps," doing the "Truffle Shuffle," and singing Cyndi Lauper! </li><li>You can quote <i>The Sandlot</i> from start to finish, you idolize Benny (and Squints and Ham), and the scene where they all throw up from "yucky stuff" makes you giggle endlessly. You can listen to the soundtrack and tell me exactly what's happening, which makes for interesting car rides! </li></ul></div><div>My point in even mentioning all these movies and characters is that over the past year of watching my favorites through your eyes by your side has changed my life. I think I unlocked a new level of motherhood when I realized that this journey can be even more fun when I get to revisit what brought me joy as a child again and again... but now with you. And I feel like the luckiest mom in the universe. </div><br />I could go on, but I will leave you with this song, which you asked me to add to your bedtime playlist after you saw <i>Seussical</i>. Of course, I am Horton and you are JoJo; and because we have each other, we are never... </div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Alone in the Universe </h3><div style="text-align: center;">I've been guarding this clover for over a week</div><div style="text-align: center;">Getting laughed at</div><div style="text-align: center;">For thinking that dust speck can speak</div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, let them all laugh</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll try not mind, for I have found something they'll never find</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There are secrets on a leaf</div><div style="text-align: center;">In the water</div><div style="text-align: center;">In the air</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hidden planets, tiny worlds</div><div style="text-align: center;">All invisible</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Not a person seems to know</div><div style="text-align: center;">Not a person seems to care</div><div style="text-align: center;">There is no one who believes a thing I say</div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, I'm fairly certain at one time or other</div><div style="text-align: center;">Great thinkers all feel this way</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm alone in the universe</div><div style="text-align: center;">So alone in the universe</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've found magic, but they don't see it</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">They all call me a lunatic</div><div style="text-align: center;">Okay, call me a lunatic</div><div style="text-align: center;">If I stand on my own so be it</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">'Cause I have wings</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, I can fly</div><div style="text-align: center;">Around the moon and far beyond the sky</div><div style="text-align: center;">And one day soon, I know there you'll be</div><div style="text-align: center;">One small voice in the universe</div><div style="text-align: center;">One true friend in the universe</div><div style="text-align: center;">Who believes in me</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm alone in the universe</div><div style="text-align: center;">So alone in the universe</div><div style="text-align: center;">My own planets and stars are glowing (alone in the universe)</div><div style="text-align: center;">No one notices anything, not one person is listening</div><div style="text-align: center;">They don't have any way of knowing</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have wings</div><div style="text-align: center;">(And I can fly)</div><div style="text-align: center;">I can fly</div><div style="text-align: center;">(Around the moon and) far beyond the sky</div><div style="text-align: center;">Well someday soon, you will hear my plea</div><div style="text-align: center;">One small voice in the universe</div><div style="text-align: center;">One true friend in the universe</div><div style="text-align: center;">Please believe in me</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hello? hello?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hello?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Who's there?</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's me, JoJo, the mayor's son</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, I'm Horton the elephant</div><div style="text-align: center;">Are you real? or you a very large think?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, I'm real alright, I would state that an ink</div><div style="text-align: center;">In my thinks, I imagine a lot of strange things</div><div style="text-align: center;">And I go to strange places</div><div style="text-align: center;">As if I had wings</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love a good think</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, for me, that goes double</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sometimes my thinks all get me in trouble</div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, when you think</div><div style="text-align: center;">Do you dream</div><div style="text-align: center;">In bright colors</div><div style="text-align: center;">Me too</div><div style="text-align: center;">And I go to strange places like Solla Sollew</div><div style="text-align: center;">When you think, do you think you can fly to the stars?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, little friend, no one else could have thinks such as ours</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, I have wings (I have wings)</div><div style="text-align: center;">And I can fly (I can fly)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Around the moon and far beyond the sky</div><div style="text-align: center;">You called my name</div><div style="text-align: center;">And you set me free</div><div style="text-align: center;">One small voice in the universe</div><div style="text-align: center;">One true friend in the universe</div><div style="text-align: center;">Who believes in me</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Goodnight <strike>JoJo</strike> Lincoln</div><div style="text-align: center;">Goodnight <strike>Horton</strike> Mommy, see you in Solla Sollew</div><div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="380" loading="lazy" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/4Coz55agJIaOXbP4QtLZoY?utm_source=generator" style="border-radius: 12px;" width="100%"></iframe> </div><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">So Happy Sixth Birthday my dear, son! Yesterday you opened up the cake that I sent you in the mail, which was fun to observe. Thank goodness for video calls! Seeing your face as the <a href="https://sendacake.com/harry-potter-hogwarts-explosion-box" target="_blank">"<i>Harry Potter</i> Hogwarts Explosion Box" cake </a>opened up with "fluttering" objects and "magic" features brought me joy, like so many of the things you do. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqi9VN-eL2JTWZgReAsVbqOWOEj9-r7c1rCuzcUBNnn1Si1m_hrb0RjEavRGp-5dHMyaRU-x-ElFJj-wlGMfSoPk7Pl_6q3KXtnqiuiujPhBHKt656YsKB_d6-NE3_j0k0qYSA0rANftWRfx9Ix4aTJ4Wwg5TZJ4QdV0jkvwzAIFVmg8ddDvhuUkCyDJY7/s4032/IMG_2597.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqi9VN-eL2JTWZgReAsVbqOWOEj9-r7c1rCuzcUBNnn1Si1m_hrb0RjEavRGp-5dHMyaRU-x-ElFJj-wlGMfSoPk7Pl_6q3KXtnqiuiujPhBHKt656YsKB_d6-NE3_j0k0qYSA0rANftWRfx9Ix4aTJ4Wwg5TZJ4QdV0jkvwzAIFVmg8ddDvhuUkCyDJY7/s320/IMG_2597.heic" width="240" /></a></div><br />I cannot wait to see you tomorrow and play with all of your new toys together, and I cannot wait to see what this next year will bring. I love you forever and ever (and ever and ever). <div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">-Mommy</div></div><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fdnz-T5cWyQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="Fdnz-T5cWyQ"></iframe></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fhgb-steeltrap.blogspot.com%2F" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">Pin It</a>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></div>The Steel Traphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07491069408426240446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1675772622053722050.post-44268111881493996082023-08-01T21:50:00.003-04:002023-08-02T22:44:29.598-04:00HousekeepingJuly came and went, right? <br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>This month wasn't easy- but we are all okay and that is what matters. </li><li>We saw <i>The Little Mermaid</i> along with <i>Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny</i> and <i>Barbie</i>. SOme thoughts: </li><ul><li><i>The Little Mermaid</i> was pretty, but way too long. Prince Eric needs his own movie. Give that dude a prequel. </li><li>Dr. Jones continues to make my heart sing. Lincoln loved it. Did I cry? Of course. Seeing Harrison Ford's name in the credits for what will be his last time, truly gave me pause. I love this character so much and am mourning the loss of Indiana Jones movies with Harrison Ford in them already. </li><li>And <i>Barbie</i>. There aren't enough empty blog posts out there to fill up what I have to say about <i>Barbie</i> and how that movie cut right through to the center of my heart and soul. What I do wish is that people who VERY clearly <i>never</i> played with, cherished, admired, and/or treasured a Barbie doll would stop writing about the movie and the dolls. It's <i>Kenough</i> already. Please stop. </li></ul><li>I am writing this from my hotel room in Brooklyn. I've already enjoyed being here for the past few days. I had dinner at <a href="https://www.frankiesspuntino.com/location/frankies457-restaurant/" target="_blank">Frankies 457</a> and <a href="https://www.gageandtollner.com/" target="_blank">Gage & Tollner</a>, both of which were great spots. At Gage & Tollner, I had a ridiculously good gazpacho with rock shrimp, possibly the best scallop dish I've ever eaten, and a kickass martini. Perfect summer dinner. </li><li><i>Sweet Magnolias</i> (Netflix) was good! I want a fourth season, don't you? </li><li>I finally started watching <i>The Righteous Gemstones </i>(HBO).<i> </i>It's all a big WTF but I love it. </li><li>And, if you don't mind watching airplane hijackings, I do recommend <i>Hijack</i> (Apple). It's riveting. </li><li>We had breakfast with some animals at the Pittsburgh Zoo, which was fun. We also indulged in the rite of passage that is having out caricatures drawn. 10/10. No notes. </li><li>The Pittsburgh CLO's <i>The Sound of Music</i> was fantastic. </li><li>We've been enjoying our Idlewild season passes and I already know we will get them again for next summer. </li><li>We had a family reunion for the KMM side of our family. It was fun watching the kids play for hours on end, capturing the true spirit of summer and time with cousins. </li><li>We had a little birthday party for SLM and Lincoln at <a href="https://www.lushusa.com/shop?StoreID=730" target="_blank">Lush (Ross Park Mall)</a>. The kids had a blast making bath bombs, playing soapy and scented games, and eating amazing cupcakes from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ShortbreadCityMercantile/" target="_blank">Shortbread City Mercantile</a>. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVffgoYPMZ8sDBmPRX1AlaGqlUNzq_jqMkVf5zW-8TUE_rXp9Le_aKOo-10LnY-fd3klEMX6kTl_3ypss2Jnrl1AC9wWL3CFTqNUsRoZoHw2ZSToDl6TASbZlZK-alGserIr_W8zcCQyIAQj9LEBwXj6bu0cYdIum5zCXoyuuG_Mc29UG3hiLp9tPFeKx/s1800/44A4CBD9-B628-48EB-843B-95292C6AF438.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVffgoYPMZ8sDBmPRX1AlaGqlUNzq_jqMkVf5zW-8TUE_rXp9Le_aKOo-10LnY-fd3klEMX6kTl_3ypss2Jnrl1AC9wWL3CFTqNUsRoZoHw2ZSToDl6TASbZlZK-alGserIr_W8zcCQyIAQj9LEBwXj6bu0cYdIum5zCXoyuuG_Mc29UG3hiLp9tPFeKx/s320/44A4CBD9-B628-48EB-843B-95292C6AF438.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRjoNI3yRrJy-WGqi2cMC78W4aUmpAUzzPumSXc_Dw9jbYy4qztgB8JKGPd6S9ozy3qPb-0_T7l8JyLTORjSq2yU74YIHHn2HAuYpE7XTHPaJRIhyz1SNrCArJH4f6zMxgW_uMfZL2donDZdLdLmNUG6W6O9RYiQnpQEV1V_hk06hQqbS7ujHRlTr-Mam/s4032/IMG_4729.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRjoNI3yRrJy-WGqi2cMC78W4aUmpAUzzPumSXc_Dw9jbYy4qztgB8JKGPd6S9ozy3qPb-0_T7l8JyLTORjSq2yU74YIHHn2HAuYpE7XTHPaJRIhyz1SNrCArJH4f6zMxgW_uMfZL2donDZdLdLmNUG6W6O9RYiQnpQEV1V_hk06hQqbS7ujHRlTr-Mam/s320/IMG_4729.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div></li><li>Lincoln is enjoying his summer activities at camp, soccer, and playing at home. He is very much anticipating his birthday and looking forward to Kindergarten at "the big school." </li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoou3FAVijhEWrrQRNb4fFLGXmjyQ8SeB33bSF0fQ6wv5nh-kpE44nfjOAEaEleJE2KbM4QfmIJmn26a4K-i8tMUYTd17puRrayOtyxsHdMxtp49WIk127SchAaIysFZC7y8-qW9utsL9M1eKuGEvfOWWNwsuNjQG8oWkAU5_OxelF8FxiPmx_mVpoUCyN/s2147/9F03165E-92CB-4727-8C64-D438D9677ABC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2147" data-original-width="2147" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoou3FAVijhEWrrQRNb4fFLGXmjyQ8SeB33bSF0fQ6wv5nh-kpE44nfjOAEaEleJE2KbM4QfmIJmn26a4K-i8tMUYTd17puRrayOtyxsHdMxtp49WIk127SchAaIysFZC7y8-qW9utsL9M1eKuGEvfOWWNwsuNjQG8oWkAU5_OxelF8FxiPmx_mVpoUCyN/s320/9F03165E-92CB-4727-8C64-D438D9677ABC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>August. That escalated quickly. <div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We have birthdays for LWM, MAB, SAA, RRM, MBK, and KLG! </li><li>When I get back from Brooklyn, we are seeing <i>The Haunted Mansion</i>! I can't wait to see how all "the grim grinning ghosts are out to socialize!"</li><li>We are seeing Pittsburgh CLO's <i>Guys & Dolls</i> and <i>Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812</i> this month. If you haven't yet checked out the summer season, these shows are your last chance. Don't miss it! Best show in tahn! </li><li>I am heading down South (not to be confused with going "dahn Sahside," you Pittsburghers) to celebrate MAB's bachelorette. </li><li>Can it possibly be time for back to school? Can it really be time for Lincoln to try his first interscholastic sport? I finished back-to-school shopping a long time ago, which is intentional because I like to have it all done long before the last minute so I can avoid the insanity. Monogrammed backpack and lunch box? Check. Litany of required school supplies? Check check. School uniforms? Check check check.</li><li><a href="https://pittsburghrestaurantweek.com/" target="_blank">Pittsburgh Restaurant Week</a> is happening from August 7-13! There's a well-rounded lineup of spots including two favorites of mine: Station and Local Provisions. </li><li>The <a href="https://www.pittsburghzoo.org/event-asian-lantern-festival/" target="_blank">Asian Lantern Festival: World of Wonders</a> at the Pittsburgh Zoo starts August 11 and runs through October 29. I love driving through at night! Tickets are on sale now. </li><li>We will be savoring the last days of summer, as I am sure many of you will be doing as well. </li></ul></div><div>Sincere and heartfelt thanks to those of you who continue to support this blog with your genuine interest and readership. Take care of yourselves and others. <br /><br />Have a tremendous month. Don't take your eyes of your kids in the pool. <br /><br /><i>Helloooo August!</i><br />-HGB</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fhgb-steeltrap.blogspot.com%2F" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">Pin It</a>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></div>The Steel Traphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07491069408426240446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1675772622053722050.post-64218685712604772122023-07-19T10:16:00.001-04:002023-07-19T10:16:16.033-04:00Utmost Surprise <div><b>Editor's Note:</b> <i>It's been a long time since I trolled my own spam folder for interesting messages, but this morning I found a good one in "utmost surprise." Honestly, it may be the best written, most legitimate message involving millions of dollars and a bank executive that I've ever received. A few things that give me pause. First, am I a "Dear" or a "Friend?" There is a difference. Also, can he further define "practically no risks." I am a practical person after all and if I am going "to stand claim" I need more details. I am very picky about the millions that I accept. </i><i>As always, nothing below has been edited. </i></div><div><br /></div><div>From: Mr. Williams Park <wilpark@park.net></div><div>Subject: Hello Dear <br /><div><span class="qu" role="gridcell" style="outline: none;" tabindex="-1" translate="no"><span class="go gD" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #1f1f1f; display: inline; font-size: 0.875rem; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px; vertical-align: top;"><span aria-hidden="true" style="position: relative; vertical-align: top;"><br /></span></span></span></div>Hello Friend,<br /><br />How are you? I know that this message might meet you in utmost surprise however, it's just my urgent need for a foreign partner that made me contact you for this transaction, My name is Mr. Williams Park, I am a banker by profession and I have packaged a financial transaction that will benefit both of us, as an officer in my Bank; it is my duty to send in a financial report to my Head Office at the end of each business year.<br /><br />On the course of last thirteen years 2010 business report, I discovered that my branch in which I am rank officer made Ten Million Five hundred Thousand United State Dollars ($10,500.000.00) which my Head Office are not aware of and will never be aware of it. I have placed this fund on suspense account with no beneficiary. As an officer of this bank i cannot be directly connected to this money, this informed my contacting you. Indeed I will appreciate if you can receive this money in your bank account and get 30% of the total funds. There are practically no risks involved, it is simple bank to bank transfer, all I need from you is to stand claim as one of our customer who has been banking with us and the depositor of this funds with my branch, so that upon your request for its immediate transfer my head Office will not hesitate to transfer to your designated bank account.<br /><br />I will give you more details once I hear from you declaring your interest to cooperate with me.<br /><br /><br />Yours Sincerely,<br /><br />Mr. Williams Park<div><div class="ii gt" id=":1rz" jslog="20277; u014N:xr6bB; 1:WyIjdGhyZWFkLWY6MTc3MTcwMTg0OTc1NzA2NDM3MSIsbnVsbCxudWxsLG51bGwsbnVsbCxudWxsLG51bGwsbnVsbCxudWxsLG51bGwsbnVsbCxudWxsLG51bGwsW11d; 4:WyIjbXNnLWY6MTc3MTcwMTg0OTc1NzA2NDM3MSIsbnVsbCxbXV0." style="direction: ltr; font-size: 0.875rem; margin: 8px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="a3s aiL" id=":1ry" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: small; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: 1.5; overflow: hidden;"><div class="yj6qo" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></div></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fhgb-steeltrap.blogspot.com%2F" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">Pin It</a>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></div>The Steel Traphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07491069408426240446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1675772622053722050.post-3732557699905789822023-07-02T00:30:00.001-04:002023-07-02T00:42:10.608-04:00Housekeeping<p> Knee high in July! The corn stands are ahhhht! Duda's? Denny's? DO IT! </p><p>June was one heck of a month. </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Lincoln is absolutely loving day camp. The first week was wizard themed, and he got sorted into Slytherin. He was upset at first, but with enough pep talks from MAB and me, he is embracing his inner Draco Malfoy and being ambitious, resourceful, determined, and clever. I am so proud of him. </li><li>Soccer started up again and I had forgotten how fun it is to watch my son's little legs running up and down the field. </li><li>Lincoln's dance recital was enjoyable and he performed his little heart out! Did the etiquette of the people in the audience leave much to be desired? Absolutely. But we endure because in the end, it is always worth it. </li><li>MAB and I treated my dad to a little homemade lunch, front porch time, and ice cream for Father's Day. </li><li>If you haven't done so already, give a frozen drink from the McDonald's summer menu a try. The Frozen Hawaiian Punch is refreshing and nostalgic, and the Frozen Coca-Cola Classic <i>never</i> lets me down. Lincoln approves (and loves being a little brand ambassador)! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxw1dnCv32o0sz0lZ55ezAtjBJqSthAuaiMoe62ETf23r9ohY1o-w6J7980UVoIMULVnleY5pitNwTHZZ6M7MExnRqWiwatVGjIp7iIFDokbYegziyQ_hopqd-qmRQGu8ARQixTN6cJVPeOuyaYIHq3sfM23moYFWvPA672swJThNpgvCZl08YTEdaw-d/s4032/IMG_4502.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxw1dnCv32o0sz0lZ55ezAtjBJqSthAuaiMoe62ETf23r9ohY1o-w6J7980UVoIMULVnleY5pitNwTHZZ6M7MExnRqWiwatVGjIp7iIFDokbYegziyQ_hopqd-qmRQGu8ARQixTN6cJVPeOuyaYIHq3sfM23moYFWvPA672swJThNpgvCZl08YTEdaw-d/s320/IMG_4502.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div></li><li>I had a nice week in NYC for work <i>and</i> play. I enjoyed a great dinner at <a href="https://ladressenyc.com/bryant-park" target="_blank">L'Adresse</a>, partied at <a href="https://www.cipriani.com/us/" target="_blank">Cipriani</a>*, watched <a href="https://playbill.com/person/marty-lawson-vault-0000065233" target="_blank">Marty Lawson</a> (his wonderful cast) light up the stage in <i><a href="https://chicagothemusical.com/" target="_blank">Chicago</a></i> on Broadway, and bought my little Slytherin so many treats at <a href="https://www.harrypotterstore.com/" target="_blank">Harry Potter New York</a>. And lord have mercy, the cookies at <a href="https://www.heritagegrandbakery.com/bakery/" target="_blank">Heritage Grand Bakery</a> are WILDLY good. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXqOsW1HpKUHdTCHPTpnr3T-ZoxQtEnqHOwSlEW3sjCIASzJiB8qWCnA6adlbJ1EvfM5J0NwQBj3T0tecwshuwqvQow50nn4HOjJeEM3B3tGasY0I03zxmNK9bHfTLonGFrPHYaS3uDHNIJlukbJ0ohkOq6KYBVBL0BuR7Kg1Mxk1_x8DR0bYXWqFYAnx/s3780/D695D458-67E4-49DA-A330-8D9C245C6C2D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3780" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXqOsW1HpKUHdTCHPTpnr3T-ZoxQtEnqHOwSlEW3sjCIASzJiB8qWCnA6adlbJ1EvfM5J0NwQBj3T0tecwshuwqvQow50nn4HOjJeEM3B3tGasY0I03zxmNK9bHfTLonGFrPHYaS3uDHNIJlukbJ0ohkOq6KYBVBL0BuR7Kg1Mxk1_x8DR0bYXWqFYAnx/s320/D695D458-67E4-49DA-A330-8D9C245C6C2D.jpg" width="256" /></a></div></li><li>We've been to Idlewild a few times, taking advantage of our season passes. I can't tell you how many times I've been on the Loggin' Toboggan and the Roll-O-Coaster, but my riding partner won't let me stop. They are his jam. We also have been enjoying the Soak Zone lazy river and wave pool. If you have kids under 10 and the drive is manageable, I highly recommend making Idlewild part of your summer. I already feel like we will age out of the thrill of that Laurel Highlands gem before I know it. </li><li>I watched the first season of <i>Shrinking</i>. If you've seen it, you know that I cannot wait for another. It's just so good. </li><li>I also watched the first half of the current <i>Yellowstone</i> season. I'll continue watching it of course, but I don't love it as much as I used to. </li><li>We took a cousins trip to Cleveland and squeezed SO much into three days! The first day involved lunch at <a href="https://www.redhawkgrille.com/" target="_blank">Redhawk Grille</a>, a tour of the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/jaga/index.htm" target="_blank">James A. Garfield National Historic Site</a> (where Lincoln earned another Junior Ranger badge!), and dinner at <a href="https://punchbowlsocial.com/location/cleveland/" target="_blank">Punch Bowl Social</a>. Garfield was a fascinating President, and I am eager to learn more; also, kudos the our Ranger who really tailored our tour for two energetic children. I know Punch Bowl Social has several locations and isn't local to Cleveland, but it is a nice spot to feel like you're somewhere hip-ish but child-friendly as well. Get the Cauliflower Nachos ($14). <i>Get 'em!</i> The second day involved the <a href="https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo" target="_blank">Cleveland Metroparks Zoo</a> and Little Italy, where we dined al fresco at Mia Bella. The zoo was awesome; we soared like eagles, fed giraffes, hopped like kangaroos, and walked almost eight miles! Little Italy in Cleveland is always fun and our meal at <a href="https://mblittleitaly.com/" target="_blank">Mia Bella</a> was heavenly. The award winning Cheese Tortellini ($21.95, peas, spicy tomato cream, prosciutto) melted in my mouth and also was large enough to be dinner the next night! You know I love a great leftover! Finally, the third day involved a big breakfast at <a href="https://www.luckyscafe.com/" target="_blank">Lucky's Café</a>, a trip to the <a href="https://www.cmnh.org/" target="_blank">Cleveland Museum of Natural History</a>, a visit to the <a href="https://www.wrhs.org/plan-your-visit/history-center/" target="_blank">Cleveland History Center</a>, a stop by <a href="https://www.lakeviewcemetery.com/" target="_blank">Lake View Cemetery</a> to pay our respects to James A. Garfield, and ice cream at <a href="https://www.mitchellshomemade.com/" target="_blank">Mitchell's</a> before heading home. I try to enjoy Lucky's whenever I am in CLE, and the Brûléed Steel Cut Oatmeal and Pecan Bacon are a Top 5 breakfast for me every time. The exhibits we visited were interesting and engaging for adults and children, and closing out the weekend with an ice cream treat was nice and sweet. Did I mention the kids also took full advantage of the hotel pool? I am exhausted all over again thinking about the trip, but also smiling because my cup is full. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9zxwdJMM0_GxnQ5f9w514Biew7bBsURNQM7az5vtxGjaQ_v7O3YVvo_gRHZS5qQH44ad-XfTTyltTYHjaK48LGXCFXQ-k9VzLDYzt2k6PPFndBYrzS3G6Q9SjOH0Zxn3NV5ygrQs60DDeMuS_T2DYNYZnQCiMjKJDjPbPKh1ppYvw5Zf_3-4nP4ieX6z/s3050/BB696120-F0C3-4617-AE21-858615BEE280.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3050" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9zxwdJMM0_GxnQ5f9w514Biew7bBsURNQM7az5vtxGjaQ_v7O3YVvo_gRHZS5qQH44ad-XfTTyltTYHjaK48LGXCFXQ-k9VzLDYzt2k6PPFndBYrzS3G6Q9SjOH0Zxn3NV5ygrQs60DDeMuS_T2DYNYZnQCiMjKJDjPbPKh1ppYvw5Zf_3-4nP4ieX6z/s320/BB696120-F0C3-4617-AE21-858615BEE280.jpg" width="317" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Ej-plkiWKQobiCqU00nBIzMFEAQCiE3Jgb6igq9iTRCxb3M5P_kHgs1JG2lSWfS5qAZEQLJ_z_vXrI3I3dFjBl_5SmX1jpNm7y3gOKbakjmCqzcI2bau0zVtPTR5hr69F6sq7D0NwZiB5zauhXy24sB3_SRkY0-LNNCg7r8Qb1fMkzoLqu3IlOI94QSs/s1920/1494979_EagleZip_left_6_73959327.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Ej-plkiWKQobiCqU00nBIzMFEAQCiE3Jgb6igq9iTRCxb3M5P_kHgs1JG2lSWfS5qAZEQLJ_z_vXrI3I3dFjBl_5SmX1jpNm7y3gOKbakjmCqzcI2bau0zVtPTR5hr69F6sq7D0NwZiB5zauhXy24sB3_SRkY0-LNNCg7r8Qb1fMkzoLqu3IlOI94QSs/s320/1494979_EagleZip_left_6_73959327.jpeg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQ09VQ4L-k-sYEzrwgvLdH08Hw6vIC2B98s8jfiur5nxnzaIXtKt6yqNg_mjOYG1r5KOh6U6j0hws26hTxU6olMpMVdkWRLGkLNKLiuvMyXglamZcidhzSj-7Ws5DV6bv-fehWLxyY7A5PS9C34eZAk5nfwXQFmtY2XzqraeOOQnkYLSJ7fo7sjutKC8A/s4032/IMG_4534.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQ09VQ4L-k-sYEzrwgvLdH08Hw6vIC2B98s8jfiur5nxnzaIXtKt6yqNg_mjOYG1r5KOh6U6j0hws26hTxU6olMpMVdkWRLGkLNKLiuvMyXglamZcidhzSj-7Ws5DV6bv-fehWLxyY7A5PS9C34eZAk5nfwXQFmtY2XzqraeOOQnkYLSJ7fo7sjutKC8A/s320/IMG_4534.HEIC" width="240" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYIqlVFPK9Ih0ulP5fiWTJLLT2CryoKtkkdHc7rbgl7VkmMClfVdcdiZbZN_FLHxr7SwA68pEy0yLI_G5POC7H6Mfwjj3ZbgvEjLDnXmGyAwwREgrL_JnkzucjG6dok2lcRYk9HuUR8Pnk_uiiryM9e4RAHQmxnjRVgzWXh7y9PsSnXTxEpyneqfcSMoW/s4032/IMG_4554.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYIqlVFPK9Ih0ulP5fiWTJLLT2CryoKtkkdHc7rbgl7VkmMClfVdcdiZbZN_FLHxr7SwA68pEy0yLI_G5POC7H6Mfwjj3ZbgvEjLDnXmGyAwwREgrL_JnkzucjG6dok2lcRYk9HuUR8Pnk_uiiryM9e4RAHQmxnjRVgzWXh7y9PsSnXTxEpyneqfcSMoW/s320/IMG_4554.HEIC" width="240" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEIaJpTCf5J4g1SH8oLeaZkY5P3pqYNSGKHmSOQJBn7SxqOMCc1K1xjuPJ3u1BDKENSb8_mvjPLwXBkRwATYMDif_xdXWKDxw-nFpfg43_Bo7NdOi152dgsFxdtLrYqfTsuZFhgDGvm3R_BGhOA4DuriGwACZAR862R0GHCbrwP_X1cgq9Qefumrr-Xb4/s4032/IMG_4556.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEIaJpTCf5J4g1SH8oLeaZkY5P3pqYNSGKHmSOQJBn7SxqOMCc1K1xjuPJ3u1BDKENSb8_mvjPLwXBkRwATYMDif_xdXWKDxw-nFpfg43_Bo7NdOi152dgsFxdtLrYqfTsuZFhgDGvm3R_BGhOA4DuriGwACZAR862R0GHCbrwP_X1cgq9Qefumrr-Xb4/s320/IMG_4556.HEIC" width="240" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuC-ENfWkfdlXj38Dt-TrMOW4FGyfvVAkJtoyp2nCT02kbYxF_rTg25pZKsN5PnWCtHd4GYnwx81NVgQWGvQxIgiwfi-ISrc0yfdcMTATuq65ShYVf2EIq0OziiLqrO22AgBLdhzXYICjCjkNkZCwcrwe3tgUpZenMxZbysbDuQpSFvGx4YacaF7hf93L/s4032/IMG_4569.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuC-ENfWkfdlXj38Dt-TrMOW4FGyfvVAkJtoyp2nCT02kbYxF_rTg25pZKsN5PnWCtHd4GYnwx81NVgQWGvQxIgiwfi-ISrc0yfdcMTATuq65ShYVf2EIq0OziiLqrO22AgBLdhzXYICjCjkNkZCwcrwe3tgUpZenMxZbysbDuQpSFvGx4YacaF7hf93L/s320/IMG_4569.HEIC" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGukcIF7Qgyhvv2kRZRXYa7XByHkG4ZDuKUXCJBuwfbTC1-52VkJfhIae9ZJr-gN-S_hxeipFiuyFzytQdpn8LB_u7erJ1EsQo9CQE6EZt6Lw72elM0Lam0LjxkI9MEQQwePPhKsbRxj7KSqakrE7SeCMTqDUjeJm9ZiRpIVWQv8Oro2ZYq7pW5Xz6Pv1/s2895/16984836-B71F-46AD-8055-42ADBF644582.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2895" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGukcIF7Qgyhvv2kRZRXYa7XByHkG4ZDuKUXCJBuwfbTC1-52VkJfhIae9ZJr-gN-S_hxeipFiuyFzytQdpn8LB_u7erJ1EsQo9CQE6EZt6Lw72elM0Lam0LjxkI9MEQQwePPhKsbRxj7KSqakrE7SeCMTqDUjeJm9ZiRpIVWQv8Oro2ZYq7pW5Xz6Pv1/s320/16984836-B71F-46AD-8055-42ADBF644582.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70Und5NPoQmXiFEUCQxXfWqibVViIVHwsQpvshT_i-yXZ685WnceAXMV5EBQORw2pcAUfTvw7Ela9W152DRmY6vmPdbV1J5Dzd8MH6UgnlEYMeLgmUxkq-J2qagGJk4-LCkqmJGr8Nmu603r3PEOR5722p-iv23BRSUzAUwuMCOBk3eYmfgBwU1VsSX5T/s4032/IMG_4579.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70Und5NPoQmXiFEUCQxXfWqibVViIVHwsQpvshT_i-yXZ685WnceAXMV5EBQORw2pcAUfTvw7Ela9W152DRmY6vmPdbV1J5Dzd8MH6UgnlEYMeLgmUxkq-J2qagGJk4-LCkqmJGr8Nmu603r3PEOR5722p-iv23BRSUzAUwuMCOBk3eYmfgBwU1VsSX5T/s320/IMG_4579.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></li><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We saw <i>Elemental</i> and loved it. Fun characters, enjoyable (and surprisingly emotional) storyline, and beautiful animation. Pixar rarely lets us down, no? </div></div></li><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Pittsburgh CLO Summer Season is off to a "de-lovely" start. <i>Anything Goes</i> was delightful. If you want to give one of their upcoming shows a try, use code CLOBRDAMB to get $10 off tickets to any show in the rest of their season. You can apply the code online (<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pittsburghclo.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3tLVTJXKM2iZKwqtCfrOBiLZ34IOrVCOsjaty_0wLjmjb-pycnlqsw7y8&h=AT2RtSB0l8T-HrpOgTcnGa-p4Echmm0FfNVe7ugZNDCbgTyjtSs4wrrmeBJI8zUzMjmXEStoMJZgcl9ol5AgAIomtmKxghWYI_NRZkEBW-SU4ZrHfyJAmfS8DaAZDSePAHaABAk8Qnx8Qnc3UUVvFpQ&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT3wEjSZarEtehnhNJcLyCyX2ebcnp9bOdqrmGBOSiBQ3QxpYa3kOn2qOgp0Ew4pqtZLpkKIlAPoT9MOMst4_n_5TBXOGi35MbptWSAyf5YgCXnPcpdvO-1OyyaPkhYayGs2eJPnQwJO8_Sv9jfih0e2kOEf1CRU9VhV2VXo_Hch1QU">https://www.pittsburghclo.org/</a>) or over the phone (412-456-6666). Maybe I will see you there!</div></li></ul><div>July is likely to just as busy <i>and</i> fun. </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Birthdays for SLM, KBN, SJG, WFG, Uniontown (PA), the United States of America, and Harry Potter (HAPPEE BIRTHDAY HARRY. Yer a wizard). </li><li>We are finally seeing <i>The Little Mermaid</i> along with <i>Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny</i> and <i>The Haunted Mansion.</i> I love summer movie matinees! </li><li>Oh, and <i>Barbie</i>. My girl. I CANNOT WAIT. So much Kenergy. </li><li>I am headed back to NYC for a quick trip mid-month and back again for a longer one at the end of the month. Should be busy, but an adventure as always. </li><li><i>Sweet Magnolias</i> is back on Netflix (July 20) for those of you who have been enjoying it or have read the books. It's one of those Netflix shows that I watch faithfully, but don't love as much as <i>Virgin River</i> or <i>Bridgerton</i>. </li><li>We are going to have breakfast with some animals at the Pittsburgh Zoo. We have done this a few times for Easter, and I am eager to see how they structure the event without a holiday. Lincoln really loves animal encounters, so I will continue to get him up close and personal with them whenever I can. </li><li>I will be seeing the Pittsburgh CLO's <i>The Sound of Music</i> (use that code above and join me!). </li><li>We have some visits with family and friends planned this month too. </li><li>We will also keep making a splash at the pool and building as many Harry Potter LEGO sets as we can. Quality time, my friends. It is all about quality time well spent with your favorite people. In my case, I think you all know exactly who that is. </li></ul></div>Sincere and heartfelt thanks to those of you who continue to support this blog with your genuine interest and readership. Things aren't great in our country. I am not saying that in comparison or in contrast to another time period, but merely speaking for the present. It is tense. It is tough. It is troubling. If you have the opportunity to make it better for anyone, I hope you will try. Take care of yourselves <i>and</i> others. <div><div><br /></div><div>Have a tremendous month. Don't take your eyes of your kids in the pool. <br /><br /><i>Helloooo July!</i><br />-HGB<p></p><div></div><p></p><div>*I didn't have <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/12/style/norton-100-year-anniversary-party.html" target="_blank">attending a party that got covered in the <i>Times</i> on my bucket list,</a> but I quickly added it only so I could cross it off! Cheers to W.W. Norton! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p></p></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fhgb-steeltrap.blogspot.com%2F" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">Pin It</a>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></div>The Steel Traphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07491069408426240446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1675772622053722050.post-41386956360900179002023-06-02T11:54:00.003-04:002023-06-02T12:30:43.661-04:00Housekeeping<div>You know? Here we are. Summer vibes all around. May was a good month in our house. Especially since I haven't had to turn on the air conditioning, as the weather has been pleasantly warm rather than miserably hot. </div><div><br /></div>May <div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We celebrated Mojito's birthday and I still cannot believe that little dude is eleven! </li><li>Lincoln has reached the end of his Montessori experience. He loved "graduating," and is really looking forward to adventures this summer and ultimately in August when he goes to "the big school." We enjoyed some Dairy Queen and swimming on his last day of school and turned the page on that chapter. On to the next! </li><li>We had dance pictures for Lincoln's musical theater class, and all I can say is... WHAT A HAM. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gqCG1rJAPKm8emBfAfhWm1xSAgX344GVCsSdj3lpc8X4j-UFi2BfTs-D9agTibWPczyGEzxpbIbXdrx1LzO_OshNOGaHOWiY6G0yDXETVMDDT2WsOEClpJW1WGcOXY3isgd0Cz-PxJDGGL1DYxaZtihDrKrI9LNiCxhC9tJkBCvmSCVniqRl2nmxMQ/s4032/IMG_3959.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gqCG1rJAPKm8emBfAfhWm1xSAgX344GVCsSdj3lpc8X4j-UFi2BfTs-D9agTibWPczyGEzxpbIbXdrx1LzO_OshNOGaHOWiY6G0yDXETVMDDT2WsOEClpJW1WGcOXY3isgd0Cz-PxJDGGL1DYxaZtihDrKrI9LNiCxhC9tJkBCvmSCVniqRl2nmxMQ/s320/IMG_3959.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div></li><li>We took a quick trip to the Detroit area and managed to squeeze in quality family time, play time at two different parks, shopping in <a href="https://www.berkleymich.org/" target="_blank">Berkley</a>, <a href="https://www.buddyspizza.com/" target="_blank">Buddy's Pizza</a>, breakfast at the <a href="https://ramshornrestaurants.com/" target="_blank">Ram's Horn</a> (a tradition), and ice cream at <a href="https://clarksicecreammi.com/" target="_blank">Clark's</a> <i>and</i> <a href="https://www.silverdairy.org/" target="_blank">Silver Dairy</a>. </li><li>Memorial Day weekend always brings one of my favorite nights of the year, which is the Gene Kelly Awards. We enjoyed a fabulous dinner at fl. 2 before the show. </li><li>Mother's Day was fun. We went to the mall and bought bath bombs, a LEGO set, and enjoyed Auntie Anne's pretzels. Gather ye pretzels while ye may! </li><li>The Chamber of Secrets has been opened! If you are a <i>Harry Potter </i>person, you get the reference and can probably even guess what I mean. After having plenty of <i>Harry Potter </i>references throughout his life (artwork in his bedroom, stuffed snowy owls, baby pictures in costume, etc.), Lincoln has now run full speed through the brick wall to get to Platform 9 3/4. It started with a LEGO of the Room of Requirement and now he is very much invested in the story, the characters, the spells, and building every LEGO I can find so that he can recreate scenes and use his imagination to the fullest. I must give LEGO a round of applause because the Hogwarts sets are fantastic, modular, and have such fun details and features. Lincoln declared himself to be a Gryffindor, but perhaps when we go to The Wizarding World in a few years, he will realize his full potential as a Ravenclaw like his mother. Kidding. Sort of. All of this has been such a fun and meaningful development for me (as a mother), especially as I revisit something that I hold near and dear to my heart with my favorite little wizard. Always, Lincoln. <i>Always. </i></li><li>The <a href="https://www.aviary.org/birds-habitats/habitats/condors-court/" target="_blank">Condor Court at the National Aviary</a> reopened and we were thrilled to be there for the unveiling of the new features, especially the personalized brick pavers. If you visit the Aviary, you may notice one in celebration of my favorite person. There's no playbook for this whole motherhood thing, right? But if I wrote one, I might include something about finding 800 million ways to make sure your child knows the depth and breadth of your love for them. And, if you end up helping one of your favorite places to go together in the process, it's an added bonus. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWse4Bn62JGbO6gJj-JeP36Pr7BsDCYKSI_CPFXDi2Wacw3_vRxcjJpGBmj9Of-Y3kQhLp77NXgFSCZzHSmfQqvJxcACExRKLjvoEUFh47-yimto9yCDa6mATJtE7ghLP0Vod9VIbK3x4-S3Rrp1j33uRPn75TBeCzBmnyhPawPcv1zmNYLanB5NsZw/s1021/68AAB66A-9627-4E32-9E04-186763F545EB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1021" data-original-width="816" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWse4Bn62JGbO6gJj-JeP36Pr7BsDCYKSI_CPFXDi2Wacw3_vRxcjJpGBmj9Of-Y3kQhLp77NXgFSCZzHSmfQqvJxcACExRKLjvoEUFh47-yimto9yCDa6mATJtE7ghLP0Vod9VIbK3x4-S3Rrp1j33uRPn75TBeCzBmnyhPawPcv1zmNYLanB5NsZw/s320/68AAB66A-9627-4E32-9E04-186763F545EB.jpg" width="256" /></a></div></li><li>Lincoln worked and worked on his backstroke and front crawl with breathing to the side, and this month he achieved his goal of passing to the next level at Goldfish Swim School. The joy and pride when he realized he was moving on cannot be replicated. So pure. So pumped. </li><li>I drove to Buffalo to explore the <a href="https://martinhouse.org/" target="_blank">Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House</a> and enjoyed dinner at <a href="https://irontailtavern.com/" target="_blank">Iron Tail Tavern</a> while in town. FLW never fails to blow my mind with his work, but the Martin House exceeded expectations in every way. I don't want to spoil the experience with too many details, but if you are an FLW fan and you are within driving distance to Buffalo... go this summer or fall. And yes, exiting through the gift shop is essential as well. </li><li>I had some lovely visits with friends, all of which were long overdue. </li><li>Fuel and Fuddle has closed... we made it for a last supper. More on that soon; but truthfully, I am just not ready. My notes look like I lost my mind and maybe I finally did. </li><li><i>Ted Lasso</i> said farewell (?). I sobbed. #Believe #BeAGoldfish </li><li><i>Succession</i> ended. I marveled. What an epic series of thirty-nine agonizing, beautifully written, and expertly acted episodes. </li><li><i>Somebody Somewhere</i> was renewed! I smiled so hard. So big. And this is not a spoiler, but when they integrated <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNEb2k_EmMg" target="_blank">my #1 jam "Gloria"</a>* into this season's plotline, they truly made me burst with joy. </li><li>We closed out the month with a visit to Phipps to enjoy the summer flower show, lunch at <a href="https://www.dineattheporch.com/" target="_blank">The Porch</a>, ice cream at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DaveNAndys/" target="_blank">Dave and Andy's</a>, a few rides on the carousel in Schenley Plaza, and some good walking and talking through Oakland. Sharing that beloved neighborhood with Lincoln never gets old, despite how being there makes me feel old! </li></ul><div>June </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We've been watching over a set of mourning doves care for two eggs and then two squabs on our deck, and today they left the nest! The mother bird was named "Strawberry Shortcake," and the squabs were named "Kim" and "Chelsea." Needless to day, it has been an absolute thrill to watch this entire process over the month of May and into the start of June. It was bittersweet to see the empty nest this morning. Lincoln and I shared a hug and both mumbled something about how we hope they come back to visit. </li><li>Birthdays for CMW, DGF, ELG, and DRM, along with Father's Day! </li><li>We started the month with a "field trip" to <a href="https://www.nps.gov/fone/index.htm" target="_blank">Fort Necessity.</a> It's been decades since I have been there, and I was impressed with the revamped Visitor Center and the beauty of the park itself. There is also poor cell service, which is fantastic because it helps all of us to be more present. Lincoln completed the tasks to become a Junior Ranger and I enjoyed watching him explore local <i>and</i> national history. We had a delicious lunch at <a href="https://www.bittersweetfresh.com/" target="_blank">Bittersweet Café</a> with PSB, hiked up to the cross at Jumonville, and finished the day with ice cream at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/vinnysdriveinn/" target="_blank">Vinny's Drive Inn</a> with MAB and her new dog Cooper. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmOMq6-md6cgUoxOIISWzGWRc_btXlTGPmYTG-8o0dDZ8wGjbfKe5vXzmVJM_d01c9wrXcWADScccN4OM-0fLGakr_mTOQ95XswHLms_m2HKoO_0Fbug-Cn7TSYdMmP8Q3WKCM71syX0qkc8BG7Ex6neC0Ef5LIuer2n0N49XAir5YBSbrO-dtMhqGw/s3780/A32E8626-661F-4ADC-8565-82A2B94335EF.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3780" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmOMq6-md6cgUoxOIISWzGWRc_btXlTGPmYTG-8o0dDZ8wGjbfKe5vXzmVJM_d01c9wrXcWADScccN4OM-0fLGakr_mTOQ95XswHLms_m2HKoO_0Fbug-Cn7TSYdMmP8Q3WKCM71syX0qkc8BG7Ex6neC0Ef5LIuer2n0N49XAir5YBSbrO-dtMhqGw/s320/A32E8626-661F-4ADC-8565-82A2B94335EF.jpg" width="256" /></a></div></li><li>Lincoln has his dance recital next week. Will I cry? OF COURSE I WILL. </li><li>The <a href="https://www.pittsburghclo.org/" target="_blank">Pittsburgh CLO</a> summer season kicks off and we will be seeing <i>Anything Goes</i>. </li><li>Lincoln starts day camp and I hope he loves it a much as I do. </li><li>We got season passes to Idlewild so we plan to take full advantage of that when we can. </li><li>At some point, we will make it to the theaters to see <i>The Little Mermaid</i> and <i>Elemental</i>. </li><li>And I suppose it goes without mentioning that I will be seeing Han Solo in <i>Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny</i>. Speaking of... <a href="https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/a43965150/harrison-ford-indiana-jones-interview/" target="_blank">check out this great interview of Harrison Ford from <i>Esquire</i></a>. </li><li>We are headed to CLE for some family adventures! </li><li>I am also headed to NYC for some work <i>and</i> some play! </li></ul></div>Sincere and heartfelt thanks to those of you who continue to support this blog with your genuine interest and readership. Take care of yourselves and others. Have a great month. <br /><br /><div><i>Helloooo June (and summer)!</i><br />-HGB</div></div><div><br /></div><div>*How long has this been my #1 jam you might be wondering? Well, let's just say that I have it on 45" vinyl and my Fisher Price record player spun it on repeat long before I could stream it on Spotify. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fhgb-steeltrap.blogspot.com%2F" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">Pin It</a>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></div>The Steel Traphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07491069408426240446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1675772622053722050.post-39300329552717036162023-05-04T23:12:00.002-04:002023-05-04T23:12:43.652-04:00Dear PuppyDear Puppy,<div> <br />Today was your day, even though <i>Star Wars</i> fans would argue otherwise! Despite your least favorite weather forecast of rain and winter-ish temps, I think you enjoyed yourself. You had some peanut butter puppy ice cream and your brother Lincoln gave you some tummy rubs. You also got a new chew toy that is allegedly flavored like bacon, with which you ran off as soon as Lincoln handed it to you. </div><div><br /></div><div>For your big birthday dinner, you got a cheeseburger from McDonald's, complete with a candle to blow out. You got to eat at the table and of course your buddy Lincoln was right there to assist you! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8y_QuhGkHXBVQsjsoxToJfI1mI9VOe_OdtFM-PuJx909bcVlWJb8ah5zTHsyIIDKvYEv4tSq_y-kpuex-7-kyhvMX5c3wQyzHNenQ1_t2-Az-fSvrrZVijXGo4TjTRBKUcg7ASkPGqwncOSWScz2YZd5x-dxDCemvZTOp3PAeSeXcljWZ3NCksUj1g/s4032/IMG_1709.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8y_QuhGkHXBVQsjsoxToJfI1mI9VOe_OdtFM-PuJx909bcVlWJb8ah5zTHsyIIDKvYEv4tSq_y-kpuex-7-kyhvMX5c3wQyzHNenQ1_t2-Az-fSvrrZVijXGo4TjTRBKUcg7ASkPGqwncOSWScz2YZd5x-dxDCemvZTOp3PAeSeXcljWZ3NCksUj1g/s320/IMG_1709.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div>You remain the cutest little puppy face I've ever seen, and you have kept up with your usual antics. Sleeping under the covers, verbally assaulting delivery drivers, demanding to be cuddled whenever I am watching anything on the television, stealing pizza crusts from plates, and begging for cheese at every opening of the refrigerator to name a few... No matter what though, you continue to make me chuckle every day and I am so happy that I have had eleven years worth of those chuckles. <br /><br />You were Mr. Mushnik for Halloween since your brother Lincoln was Seymour (and you two needed to run <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCe6lW0hL54" target="_blank">Mushnik & Son</a> together). It remains unclear if you like <i>Little Shop of Horrors</i> as much as we do, but you cannot deny how well you play an oddball Skid Row floral shop owner, no? </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59FpabtDlHlCQ14bOzRXbKHbTx7XwTZVQ3LPOaRnu6z9d249-fk8G7LXzfV-ifKPmzPTqdicAXePRY7XoJ1riKabGQnUc6NlC3m7x9ZSLvQHYmpl2l53riFf-oEydkOWk224yqsRj6TdfXSP-sgMoCoLqwPPZDvvpaqfLig4_FiVy4XHX6IWas0U3QQ/s4032/IMG_1992.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59FpabtDlHlCQ14bOzRXbKHbTx7XwTZVQ3LPOaRnu6z9d249-fk8G7LXzfV-ifKPmzPTqdicAXePRY7XoJ1riKabGQnUc6NlC3m7x9ZSLvQHYmpl2l53riFf-oEydkOWk224yqsRj6TdfXSP-sgMoCoLqwPPZDvvpaqfLig4_FiVy4XHX6IWas0U3QQ/s320/IMG_1992.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div>You made the back of the holiday card this year, wearing nothing less than a sweater from the GAP. You may not have wanted to participate in a photo shoot with us, but you pulled it together and managed to sit still for a few moments. The pictures of you are perfect and I will cherish them forever. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqc81ah6HPC0H4HK5lVJfJlF_TRYGssErxotH24_V3hgmXDDgerRAWJb88ud7rP2itp_VL9wYLbWrdx56pFn2i7cxDIsImGQIy-qL84pjcmG11kKWC4qCiGM2iqynyXjiUIemrAymblEZvv6MhdjxNvkFxf1Bp-6FPLvsZzKu4qXaqkTevKhk3PffIUQ/s4898/IMG_9836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4898" data-original-width="3265" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqc81ah6HPC0H4HK5lVJfJlF_TRYGssErxotH24_V3hgmXDDgerRAWJb88ud7rP2itp_VL9wYLbWrdx56pFn2i7cxDIsImGQIy-qL84pjcmG11kKWC4qCiGM2iqynyXjiUIemrAymblEZvv6MhdjxNvkFxf1Bp-6FPLvsZzKu4qXaqkTevKhk3PffIUQ/s320/IMG_9836.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div>We made sure you didn't get into the Easter candy this year. Lincoln reminded two different Easter Bunnies in person and SLM wrote a long letter on Easter eve detailing where the candy needed to be placed. It was nothing short of adorable and you are lucky to have siblings who wanted to keep you <i>and</i> their candy safe. </div><div><br /></div><div>Lastly, your Aunt MAB and Uncle ASM adopted a dog named Cooper a few weeks ago. We can't wait to introduce you to your new cousin and see if you are able to chill together. We know you are more of a feline-friendly dog, but it doesn't hurt to broaden your horizons. Who knows? Maybe we <i>can</i> teach an old dog new tricks. </div><div><br /></div><div>Like I said last year when you turned ten (and many years before that), as we both get older, I am increasingly more aware that nothing lasts forever... Thank you for sticking with me and "guarding the castle" for another year, my sweet cuddle buggy. <br /><br />Happy 11th Birthday to you!<br /><br />xoxoxo<br /><br />Love,<br />Your "Mommy"</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fhgb-steeltrap.blogspot.com%2F" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">Pin It</a>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></div>The Steel Traphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07491069408426240446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1675772622053722050.post-22968024482009106652023-05-01T17:38:00.002-04:002023-05-01T17:38:50.070-04:00Housekeeping<div>Welp. The first day of May is like any other day here in Pittsburgh. Chilly. Partly cloudy. Windy. Damp. </div><div><br /></div><div>But before we dig into May, let's reflect on April for a beat. </div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>First, I feel like I should mention our professional baseball team (you know the one). BUT I also don't want to do anything weird to jinx them so this is me acknowledging that something is happening and it might be exciting. Got it? Good. I did buy a new hat, but the minute this hot streak ends, I am burning it. </li><li><a href="https://pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/baseball/schedule" target="_blank">Pitt Baseball</a> is also having a fun season, despite losing its own Backyard Brawl. Like, seriously Pitt? Do better. </li><li>We caught the last week of the spring flower show at Phipps. What a lovely and intoxicating exhibit. Of course we are excited about <a href="https://www.phipps.conservatory.org/calendar/detail/Flowers-Meet-Fashion-Inspired-by-Billy-Porter" target="_blank">the next one</a>. </li><li>Lincoln and I visited the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and a great lunch at <a href="https://thecafecarnegie.com/" target="_blank">The Café Carnegie</a>. This time around, we focused on learning which specific dinosaur bones were authentic and which ones were created to complete the exhibit. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhmJh0Lvm98sFhMgzrl6BbKw_tFcw25z8PHrAvULN04-uZeVF1csPn1AfyVxk_lETVV-Zg4WM2P5Ho7HxMUAj55Jj6R2GufHDAzHzYOfbNjOpB19jiWGyXyCXtrOZWm8Xi5zUQMI18B5jxTBsUID_RoOt3qRdaNlffl4e_Fntjcfbe-5XkxAIfI97SA/s4032/IMG_3732.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhmJh0Lvm98sFhMgzrl6BbKw_tFcw25z8PHrAvULN04-uZeVF1csPn1AfyVxk_lETVV-Zg4WM2P5Ho7HxMUAj55Jj6R2GufHDAzHzYOfbNjOpB19jiWGyXyCXtrOZWm8Xi5zUQMI18B5jxTBsUID_RoOt3qRdaNlffl4e_Fntjcfbe-5XkxAIfI97SA/s320/IMG_3732.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div></li><li>Speaking of lunching with Lincoln, I think his two favorite restaurants are The Café Carnegie and The Porch. This tracks accurately since we are in Oakland a few times a month. </li><li>I took Lincoln to a local production of <i>Seussical The Musical. </i>I have found that his engagement in live theater is higher when he is familiar with the story and music, so in the months leading up to the show, we read "Horton Hears a Who" and listened to the original cast recording several times. The Grinch is his favorite Seuss character, so we picked out a Grinch t-shirt to wear and he brought his "Horton" book with him to the show. Needless to say, he was enamored with all aspects of the production through Act I. After intermission, the Cat came down the aisle looking for a child to help him start Act II, and Lincoln happened to be in the right seat at the right time. He followed the Cat to the stage, learned how to conduct the orchestra, and danced with a few cast members in front of over 800 people. Total pro. To say that my face almost broke from smiling so hard is an understatement. After the show, many audience members kindly congratulated him. It was sweet. In the lobby, Lincoln asked some of his favorite characters to autograph his "Horton" book, and they were so gracious, humoring him by continuing to play their parts. It was musical theater magic at its very finest... absolutely demonstrating that "a person's a person, no matter how small." </li><li>The <a href="https://www.britfloydofficial.com/" target="_blank">Brit Floyd</a> concert delivered exactly what we needed! My father and I had a solid meal at Primanti Brothers before the show (complete with some I.C. Light Mango). We enjoyed the evening and each other's company through and through. I am sure I mentioned this before, but if you are a Pink Floyd fan, you will love Brit Floyd. </li><li>Easter was a fun romp with lots of treats and time with family. </li><li><a href="https://bonafidebeerco.com/" target="_blank">Bonafide Beer Co. </a>(155 21st Street, 15222) is a cute spot in the Strip District for a craft beer or local cocktail. For those who don't imbibe, they also have <a href="https://www.natronabottling.com/" target="_blank">Natrona Bottling</a> available. </li><li>If you are in Waynesburg or Morgantown, stop by <a href="https://www.fruitionbowlsandbrews.com/" target="_blank">Fruition Bowls and Brews</a> to try their fresh smoothies, toasts, and bowls. I had toast with hummus, cucumbers, and feta <i>and</i> a tropical smoothie. Both were delicious. </li><li><i>Firefly Lane</i> (Netflix) ended. Admittedly, I have mixed emotions about that show for a ton of reasons; but HOLY SMOKES, that ending really did the trick. And for the record, Cloud is the best character. Don't even try to tell me that it is Tully or Kate. </li><li><i>Succession</i> is blowing my mind (and everyone else's, I know). HBO really knows how to grip me on a Sunday night with an absurd amount of cringeworthy, Emmy-worthy moments. </li><li>This season (3) of <i>Ted Lasso</i> is a roller coaster and I am here for it. The character development is really quite amazing and the music is perfection. </li></ul><div>And now, May (hopefully with flowers and not showers). </div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Birthdays for SAB, AEG, JRT, KMM, and Mojito! </li><li>The Gene Kelly Awards are here again! Can't wait to get dressed up with my mom, have a lovely meal, and enjoy this annual tradition together. </li><li>I haven't decided how I want to spend Mother's Day, but it better end with a glass of Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc and a good episode of <i>Succession. </i></li><li>The end of <i>A Million Little Things</i> is this week, and I am not ready. Last week's penultimate episode wrecked me. </li><li>Lincoln's dance pictures are this month, and he is pumped. I only mention this because it is such a change from a few years ago when he was so unsure about it, clinging to my leg. This is one of the great joys of parenting, no? Seeing your child gain confidence and get their footing over time, right? </li><li>If you are looking to spread joy and love this month (<i>and</i> donate to a good cause), I'd like to introduce you to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090019764605" target="_blank">Mighty Mito Twins</a>, two local girls named Scarlett and Kendall with a rare genetic condition called THG1L. Their parents Larry and Nicole provide information regularly on the girls' facebook page about their fight to find a cure and to raise awareness. Nicole writes, "There are still days that I grieve and allow the fear of the unknown to overwhelm me. I let the waves roll over me, but I cannot let them take me away from the purpose I have found. I feel called to share Scarlett and Kendall’s journey. I want to share the highs and lows. I hope this provides insight to other families that may be searching. I will bring awareness to the complexity of a special needs journey and highlight amazing community resources. I will bring awareness to mitochondrial diseases and work towards finding a cure. And we will give back. Stay tuned for amazing things to come!"</li><li>May marks the end of our Montessori journey, which was three years of learning and growing in a setting that worked particularly well for Lincoln. Although he will complete their Kindergarten program, he also will do a more traditional Kindergarten program in a private school next year. It's time for him to learn "On Eagle's Wings," and if he doesn't know it by the end of the first week of school, I want my money back. </li><li>I am taking a solo road trip to Buffalo and Rochester, which will absolutely include a tour of the <a href="https://martinhouse.org/" target="_blank">Martin House</a> and maybe even some antique shops along the way. </li><li>Lastly, if you really want to go down a rabbit hole of information, <a href="https://www.aquamagazine.com/builder/spas/article/15119081/a-history-of-innovation-hot-tubs" target="_blank">check out the history of hot tubs like I did this morning</a>. My life is forever changed. </li></ul> Sincere and heartfelt thanks to those of you who continue to support this blog with your genuine interest and readership. Take care of yourselves and others. <br /><br /><i>Helloooo May!</i><br />-HGB<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fhgb-steeltrap.blogspot.com%2F" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">Pin It</a>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></div>The Steel Traphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07491069408426240446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1675772622053722050.post-41224092070644271602023-04-19T10:33:00.001-04:002023-04-19T10:33:18.935-04:00Awesome or Flawsome: Hidden Valley Ranch Ice Cream <p>When <a href="https://vanleeuwenicecream.com/" target="_blank">Van Leeuwen</a> announced that it was partnering with Walmart and Hidden Valley Ranch to bring us the Limited Edition Hidden Valley Ranch Ice Cream, I knew I <i>had</i> to try it even though I knew I didn't <i>want</i> to try it. Since my influencer ship sailed off into the sunset, I don't get advance copies of new products these days. I had to wait with the plebs until it made it to the Walmart closest to me. </p><p>And now, $4.98 later, here we are. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSlItd61vHYaWgnk6gHedLhkBmgOkGh4uD63odA2ig2F8qaCMsk_qo1JKtuhjcr-EwNf8XOmnhHG4wHEv2F7t9cApXEjXMkTPcv9bhJsSiEvnuDSR9RmZjdbCEaluF4ZLvB97u8S-yrATdeN1qNl3GWabroPa07VtGTuMccc02NcloNDxj7-a1mJiqg/s3024/IMG_3575.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2980" data-original-width="3024" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSlItd61vHYaWgnk6gHedLhkBmgOkGh4uD63odA2ig2F8qaCMsk_qo1JKtuhjcr-EwNf8XOmnhHG4wHEv2F7t9cApXEjXMkTPcv9bhJsSiEvnuDSR9RmZjdbCEaluF4ZLvB97u8S-yrATdeN1qNl3GWabroPa07VtGTuMccc02NcloNDxj7-a1mJiqg/s320/IMG_3575.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crudités, anyone? </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislyyjDFeZ1dzKEIuss7I00X8OcMDWiBAmXT8jowUMahZybceEZCLgXHgxbuH7MUBjV8hiLTvTJU4Dv5XP2NfbKGW1bgTCVE-AGWiFICtBYajcGuHA1ukpc4PA2QDQxA7buhrBsaX6IsmrfHvs3aoItTWKQJ-odNFwz0F52Kqf0aliEqqk_ocvrC0j5Q/s3024/IMG_3576.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2871" data-original-width="3024" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislyyjDFeZ1dzKEIuss7I00X8OcMDWiBAmXT8jowUMahZybceEZCLgXHgxbuH7MUBjV8hiLTvTJU4Dv5XP2NfbKGW1bgTCVE-AGWiFICtBYajcGuHA1ukpc4PA2QDQxA7buhrBsaX6IsmrfHvs3aoItTWKQJ-odNFwz0F52Kqf0aliEqqk_ocvrC0j5Q/s320/IMG_3576.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>TMM: "I don't like ranch. Not trying it. No way." </p><p>LWM: "<i>Mommy. </i>Get that away from me [insert fake puking sounds not unlike Chunk from <i>The Goonies</i>]." </p><p>SLM (who did an actual taste test with celery, carrots, and ranch salad dressing for comparison): "It was very, very weird and the regular ranch tastes WAY better... in my opinion." </p><p>KMM: "It didn't taste terrible with carrots and I bet if you throw a scoop of this on some hot wings it might be fantastic." </p><p>As for me, I found it to be unsavory (pun intended). Even trying it as a dip for celery and carrots can't save it for me. I don't want to be in the vicinity of this abomination ever again. </p><p>I am #TeamEatnParkRanch4Ever. Freeze that and then we can talk. </p><p>The Van Leeuwen Limited Edition Hidden Valley Ranch Ice Cream is officially flawsome. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fhgb-steeltrap.blogspot.com%2F" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal">Pin It</a>
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></div>The Steel Traphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07491069408426240446noreply@blogger.com2