You probably woke up this morning thinking that spring was on your doorstep and it was time to start planning vacations accordingly (ah, spring break). Well, guess what, winter isn’t going anywhere.
Punxsutawney Phil, the world’s cutest weather forecaster, has seen his shadow and as such six weeks of winter has been added to the calendar. The famous groundhog lives in Punxsutawney, PA, and has been looking at shadows for years, so he knows what he’s talking about (squeaking?).
What are you going to do with more winter? Another ski trip? Ice fishing? Take the kids sledding? The possibilities are endless. Kind of like winter.
I love public art. I don’t think about whether or not my taxes are paying for it and simply enjoy the free pretties that have been created for my pleasure.
Pittsburgh has public art all over town, including murals on the sides of buildings, sculptures in public parks, and oddly-dressed dinosaurs in downtown courtyards. Pittsburgh also has quite a few statues honoring local heroes. These three can be seen along the North Shore of the Allegheny River just before it tumbles into the Ohio.
The Homerun
In 1960, Pittsburgh Pirate Bill Mazeroski hit a walk off homerun in Game 7 to win the World Series against the Yankees. Known simply as “the homerun” to baseball fans, the moment is immortalized outside PNC Park with a 14-foot statue of Mazeroski rounding second base. While always impressive visually, the statue may be even more intriguing now during an era when the idea of the Pirates making the playoffs — let alone winning the World Series — seems to belong way, way out in left field. Read More »
The argument could be made that Philadelphia is the birthplace of the America. It was here that the Declaration of Independence was written, signed and read in 1776, and the Constitution would later be drafted and signed in the same building. A trip to Philadelphia is a great way for kids (and adults who have been away from a classroom for decades) to learn more about how a handful of British colonies came to be the United States of America.
Carpenters’ Hall – The Very Beginning
Although many guidebooks will direct visitors to start their trip at Independence National Park, the events that took place there would not have been possible without the gatherings held in the middle of the night at Carpenter’s Hall. In this building, the would-be founders came together in secret to discuss things like liberty and treason, risking their lives to do so.
Independence Hall
Once you’ve gotten an appreciation for what was risked, it’s time to learn more about how and where our version of democracy came to be. Independence Hall is free to tour, but timed tickets must be picked up at the Independence Hall Visitors’ Center. The ticketed tour will take you through the building where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed. Although much of the furniture in the room has no historical significance other than looking like it belongs, you can see the chair in which General George Washington sat when he presided over the negotiations that would result in our Constitution.
According to Phil winter is ending soon. I'll believe it when I see it.
Phil has some pretty sweet digs in Punxsutawney, PA, but I’m not sure he’s earned it. A groundhog telling the weather seems about as likely as running into Ned Ryerson EVERY DAY. Bing!
This photo is an entry for Wordless Wednesday and as such I can’t say more. I’d like to, but I can’t.
