The number three event of 2023 went up Saturday morning and it was difficult to post about it. It’s hard to think of what my aunt and Ben have gone through this year with all the time they’ve been in the hospital since 2022. Two weeks last August and a week just before Christmas can’t compare to what this year has been like. I’ve made one visit on my own and have gone with Mom a few times but Sunday will be my second visit flying solo. We may have another Christmas miracle, albeit a small one but I won’t disclose it until I know it’s happening for sure. More tomorrow on this blog when I make my visit.
I did some shopping for Christmas and I went out to the Market District in Robinson (the mecca of all Market District and possibly all Giant Eagle stores). I needed some things for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I picked up a cheese ball and some chicken crackers, as well as some candied dill pickles (all favorites of my Grandma’s at Christmas), and some novelties from Sarris (Canonsburg proud). I love taking trips out to Pittsburgh when I can, but it doesn’t have the same effect as it did when I worked for WIS. Last year I shopped at South Hills Village. So far the winner this year hands down for day trips is Ligonier.
Today, I drove out to Children’s Hospital and spent the better part of my Sunday with Aunt Sue and Benny. When I stepped out of the room, I was able to snap some festive photos in the lobby and by the playroom (where Benny got in the video during the telethon Thursday night). We ate lunch in the cafeteria and then came back to the room. The TV had a nice selection of Christmas movies and we chose the Muppet Christmas Carol (one of Gram’s favorites). A team of elves helped to decorate the hospital room and it looked Santa-worthy when I saw it today. If you have to stay at Children’s Hospital during the holidays, why not make it look festive? The pictures speak more and please, enjoy them.
I tried my first hot chocolate bomb today and it did not disappoint. I also got a picture of the tree in the healing garden. It was too chilly and rainy to be out there too long and enjoy the view of Bloomfield.
Today is Dad’s birthday and we had a feast this evening to celebrate. Mom made meatloaf and had leftover mashed potatoes from Thanksgiving that she froze to reuse for another special occasion. We also had biscuits and corn. Since it was a special occasion, we used the gravy boat. For dessert, we had Texas sheet cake with ice cream. The Christmas baking is just about done and the cookies are ready to be eaten. Christmas is a week away and we have plenty of food for Christmas Eve night including our signature turkey balls, plus meatballs, wedding soup, and charcuterie. We made the turkey balls during the day on Friday and I’m looking forward to chowing down on them and everything else.
This weekend I will unveil my top two events (plus one) of 2023. I was at Children’s Hospital and that was my #3 event. Where does the Billy Porter exhibit at Phipps fit into that? It may be #3 in its own right along with the multiple trips I’ve made here to visit Aunt Sue and Ben. That day was a very Pittsburgh day in its own right. I’ve got some big plans all ready for 2024 and we will talk about those in a few weeks as we wrap up this year.
Enjoy the pictures today from Benny’s room and the lobby.
Stylish 🍒 