The Ghost of Costumes Past

HOME -- These costumes weren't all for Halloween. Kids just like to dress up. Apparently big people do, too.

The top hat folds. My dad got it in France during World War II

Mary, Kim, Kris (in back), Robin and Patti (dressed for high school plays)

Hey, pilgrim, I think she was just getting over Chicken Pox

Puppet Shows on Demand

PITTSBURGH -- I was strolling downtown on Sunday, soaking up October sunshine on a 75-degree afternoon. I had just scored a ticket to the opera, Rigoletto. I had intended to buy a ticket, but a man had entered the box office and asked those of us standing in line, "Does anybody need one seat?" To which I replied that yes, I needed one seat. To which he replied, "Happy Birthday." He handed me a ticket and walked out the door before I could think what to say. Thank you anonymous ticket giver.

Anyway, I saw a couple of interesting sights on my stroll:

Too bad Zach doesn't work on Sundays.

The old, weathered sign on the building where Duff's Business Institute used to live on Ninth Street. Where I went to school in the '70s.

Rigoletto was terrific. The soprano's high note at the end of Act II brought tears to people's eyes.

Stop Shooting. We Love You.

GARFIELD NEIGHBORHOOD OF PITTSBURGH -- Nothing to add.

Don't Be a Boob

PITTSBURGH'S NORTH SHORE -- It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, just in case you have missed all things pink in American society right now. Pro football players and refs wearing pink shoes and gloves, airline staff decked out in pink scarves and ties, pink water in fountains. Even the Rivers Casino here in Pittsburgh supports the cause:

Mums the Word

FLORENCE,  South Carolina -- While visiting my folks in Florence, we stopped at their local farmers market where pumpkins and mums (and even bottle trees) were in full bloom.

Family Wedding

CARLISLE, Pa. -- My cousin Mark got married this weekend at the Cameron-Masland Mansion at Kings Gap. His new wife, Linda, is welcomed into the family with open arms.

The mansion sits atop 2,500 acres of what is now a state park. We had the entire building just for the wedding party and guests, about 70 in total.

Mark and Linda with her family

Mark with a cast on his leg sits in a seat that a friend of his built. His son Jaysen is best man.

Picking up petals.

Just as the reception was starting, we were all brought back outside by the sunset. We took it as a sign of good luck.

My uncle Vern and cousin Jaysen. Happy 92nd birthday Uncle Vern!

Cousin Donna and her husband Irwin, Uncle Vern and Mark at breakfast.

The fire alarm went off just after this was taken.The toaster set it off. The park ranger said that if he didn't call the fire department right away, they would send a couple of trucks. It's 4 miles of winding road up to the mansion, and the siren can be heard for about 15 minutes as the trucks make their way up the hill. He caught them before they left. Apparently the toaster has wreaked havoc before.

Waiting at a railroad crossing on my drive home, this was the "moo" from my car window.