My original plans for Thursday as I was still on my week off were to go into Pittsburgh and visit one of the museums. I was thinking about going to the Andy Warhol Museum. But between the cost of admission and parking downtown, I was looking for a more cost-friendly option. The Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium was my next option and I almost went with that. But I wanted to visit Ligonier at least one day while I was off.
Enter the Mister Rogers Exhibit at the Fred Rogers Institute at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe.
Now I’ve always wanted to learn more about our favorite neighbor, and in 2020 I bought a book about the history of the show. This book was released around the time that the “Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” movie with Tom Hanks was released.
It’s a small exhibit that takes less than an hour to check out but it’s worth the time. It’s FREE but a donation is suggested if you help keep this exhibit going. The Fred Rogers Institute opened in 2008 and is close to Chuck Noll Field, the training camp home of the Pittsburgh Steelers. When you walk in, go up the stairs to the second floor and the exhibit is on the right. You can read about Fred Rogers’ childhood as well as learn more about the guests he had on his show over the years. I watched the videos and learned about the musical gifts of Yo-Yo-ma and Wynton Marsalis, as well as some of the behind-the-scenes of the show. I looked at the cases that contained the things which made Fred iconic: the Trolley, his puppets, and of course his cardigans. I read the quotes that we all remember.
After taking the time to view this homage to amazing human and mentor and neighbor, it was off to my happy place. My Little Stars Hollow and the Perfect Hallmark Christmas Town.
A beautiful Fall day means a drive to Ligonier is in order. Coincidentally, my sister was working in town yesterday but our paths never crossed. She did have lunch at Abigail’s, where I sometimes go when I’m in my Little Stars Hollow. Brace yourself, I’m in a Gilmore Girls mood and I Smell Snow.
I brought my new Gilmore Girls book and got a nice photo op as I sat in the Diamond. I like to sit there and watch the world go by and pretty soon that gazebo will have a nice Christmas Tree to accentuate it. But first, I made a trip to Second Chapter Books.
Yesterday, the rom-com novel I ordered arrived in the mail for me. It was perfect timing as I got out of my car just as the Amazon van came down my driveway. I began it while passing the time and will take it when I make my Cutie’s visit on Friday.
We had our Toastmasters meeting Wednesday night and it was nice to just come home and not go to work. I bet I was missed though since it was our tag night at the store. Here’s a quick recap.
We had two speakers. Our Vice President pinch hit and gave a speech talking about the changes coming to Pathways, our education program. These changes are similar to what I had to accomplish in the traditional days. Examples are performing club roles and doing canned speeches (e.g. Successful Club Series). The theme of Table Topics involved Everyday Situations that we may deal with.
Finally, good news from Division C! All Club Success Plans have been submitted, clubs are all in good standing, and clubs met the requirement for officers trained. The area directors have done well.
Stylish 🍒 