Iowa

Iowa

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

More Summertime Fun

Thanks to all for the support and good wishes on my job at Phipps! I am very excited to begin this Friday. It is orientation day and I begin officially on Monday. Needless to say, this has been such a good move for me. I needed to make a change in my life and this has proved to be such a positive move for me.
Yesterday was Mia day and it was a day of transportation. And I am again impressed with everyone we came in touch with, from the busdriver to the lady in the park cleaning up from the pigeons!
We began early yesterday by catching the bus into the city. The driver was helpful in telling us how to do this in the cheapest manner. It was a quick ride, then off to the subway. While Bean and Monkeyboy waited somewhat patiently for the subway, I started taking some pictures. A short subway ride took us to Station Square and a ride on the incline. I opened my eyes only once to take a picture of the kids. Bean took all the other ones on the incline.
Once at the top of Mt. Washington the kids ran to the lookout. I cannot even stand on the lookout I have such fear of the height. If affords those who venture out on the lookout a spectacular view of the city, and it is truly a beautiful sight.
Back on the incline and a quick bite to eat at Station Square, then off to the Ducky Tour. A picture of the Duck is to the right! What fun! We sat in the back and toured the city, quacking as we traveled. Into the Ohio River for a quick tour and an opportunity for anyone who desires an opportunity to drive the duck. Neither Monkeyboy or Bean wanted to do so, but there were others who tried their luck.
Back onto the subway and into the city. As we arrived at the park, we had some time to sit and Monkeyboy began his ever faithful attempt to catch a pigeon.
The rain began and Monkeyboy donned his poncho and splashed in the puddles running madly about the small park.
Off to catch the bus and end our day of transportation in the city! What a great day, even with the rain.
Am trying desperately to get ready for the party in the new back yard on Saturday night. They are calling for great weather, and I am looking forward to having everyone share the great yard.
Bean and company are going camping this weekend and I am spending a good deal of the time with Oscar and Flurrie. It's nice to have a dog for the weekend!
Have a great weekend!

20 comments:

Cathy said...

That's a wonderful idea! I am going to do it with the kids next week. And it is so nice to decide that you need a change and to actually have it work for you. Good job, Mia, and good luck! I know you'll love it.

Ben said...

We do have a great city, Mia, and what a way to show it to the kids. So glad you got the job at Phipps. It sounds like it will be perfect for you since you seem to like the peace you find in your outdoor space at home. Your party sounds great, what time shall I be there and what can I bring?

Jen said...

How lucky they are to have you there to do some fun things with. Can I come to Mia day?

ginger said...

Those duckies are fun. Took our grandsons on a couple of years ago.I think one of them drove it.

A few years back, Skipper and I rode our first duckie in Branson, Mo. and I did drive. What fun, even though I didn't know what I was doing and I tried not to let the other passenger know how inexperienced I was.

Congrats again on the new job, Mia.
I know you will do great and love it too.

Bill said...

OK, we will come to the party...wait, Ben, were we invited? Oh, who cares, we will be there. Very happy for you Mia...gl

SocialWorker2 said...

I think it is great the way your summer is going...you have the best. You got the job that provides you with personal satisfaction and you left one that did not.

SassySam said...

I want to go on Mia day! When is the next one and where is it? And a party! Sounds like fun. I'll go shopping today for something appropriate to wear. Everything summer is on sale, you know.

Twigs said...

Isn't it wonderful to want something so badly, then get it? I know you wanted that job at Phipps, Mia, glad you got it. I, too, am not crazy about heights. I don't think I would be standing there with them either. We have the ducks here also and they are fun!

Elizabeth said...

Sounds exciting to be starting a new job! New things to learn, new challanges. Maybe it's time for me to look for a new one!

Tim said...

I believe there is a steeler game on in Pittsburgh Sat nite. I'll wear my cheerleader's outfit.

Jessica said...

It's partytime! I'll bring the chips and dips (not you, Tim). I am looking forward to the cheerleader! Finally, we get to meet Tim.

Allie (cat) said...

I didn't get an invitation, but if everyone else is going, I'll be there. Does anyone know where we are going? I'll bring my speciality, as soon as I figure out what it is.

Tigger said...

Hope the party is great, hope the job is great, hope Tim's cheering is great. Your "transportation day" sounds wonderful. What is an incline?

Lori said...

A party? Alllright! I love parties. I'll bring the nachos and the mexican dip.

Ben said...

We call them inclines here in Pittsburgh, some other places call them funiculars. They are cable-powered and we use it for transportaion from Mt. Washington to the bank of the rivers. The cars are pulled up and down the inclined track by a cable driven by an engine at the upper station, which is where the operator works. They operate in pairs which are permanently attached to opposite ends of a singel cable, with one going up and one going down, simultaneously. They counterbalance each other. Lesson for today, Tigger! Hope it was helpful.

Nate said...

Wow, that's quite an explanation, Ben. Are you an engineer by education? I know you do a lot of renovation work from some of your posts.

Anonymous said...

Both inclines were taken over by Port Authority of Allegheny County and neither make the money that it takes to operate them. They are used for sightseeing purposes.

Bill said...

I beg to differ, Anonymous. My wife takes the incline to work every day. There are a number of commuters that use it to get to the city. PAT in general is running at a deficit, so I'm not sure what your point is.

Matt formerly known as anonymous2 said...

I have to change my name.

ginger said...

OMG Tim now in a cheerleading outfit. You certainly will stand out since the Steelers have no cheerleaders.

We haven't even seen the bikini yet, don't know if we can handle anymore pictures in our minds.