I know that I’ve got a lot of Pittsburgh Steeler Fans on my mailing list, and I’ve got a message for you.
I just spent the weekend in your fair city, and I would like to tell you how much I enjoyed myself and how impressed I was with some of the things I saw and learned about your city.
My nephew, a die hard Cleveland Browns fan fell in love with, and decided to marry a wonderful woman from Pittsburgh. Needless to say she is a die hard Steelers fan. They actually live in Boston so it works. He’s from here in the Cleveland area and she is from the Pittsburgh area.
They had an outdoor wedding at the National Aviary http://www.aviary.org/ and then the reception was at the Grand Concourse at Station Square. http://www.stationsquare.com/info/history.cfm I took some time looking around before the wedding at the Aviary and got to look a Bald Eagle right in the eye! Actually there were two of them. After the ceremony they had a live penguin in the receiving line, that too was cool.
The reception at the Grand Concourse was really nice, the food was great, but really got my attention was the building. The restaurant is actually a restored train station and all I can say is; “What a breath taking old building!” That place is so nice and I was told that during World War II they actually painted that arched stained glass ceiling black so the building wouldn’t be selected as a bomb target. Of course today they have painstakingly restored the stained glass and much of the old work work is still in the building. Or should I say almost all of it, along with the ticket windows and numerous benches scattered around the building. I really fell in love with that old place. You Pittsburghites should be really proud of that entire Riverfront area.
We didn’t get to take a cruise on the Gateway Clipper fleet, but many years ago when my brother lived in Bethel Park Pam and I did take a dance cruise that was wonderful. I did ride the ducks with my son Duston and an old friend who came in for the wedding. I learned alot about your city, saw many old historical buildings, and learned that you hold the world record for the number of bridges in a city at 446 bridges certified by the Army Core of Engineers as full traffic weight baring bridges. Amazing! I saw a lot of bridges, crossed the wrong one a number of times, but I have no idea where all 446 of them are.
I also learned that Hostess sells more Ho Hos per year in Pittsburgh than any other city in the country. What’s up with that? Hostess should start a friendly competition between Pittsburgh and Cleveland to crank up the sale of Ho Hos.
Anyway Pittsburgh, thanks for allowing me to experience your city. I really enjoyed my visit. I won’t be posting any photos of my nephew’s wedding, but I promise to post some photos of Kevin and Gracie’s wedding. They are getting married on September 5th.
I promise not to share your email
Mike: If the minister get’s sick or doesn’t show… be sure to call me. I’ll fly up from Cincinnati! Sorry I’m not a Steeler’s fan… grew up in Detroit. I owe you one for all the help you’ve given me. I started a seedling “farm” on my back porch this spring. We actually ate from my garden! New concept for us! Thanks again.
So glad you enjoyed your time in the “Burg.” We love our city, our Steelers and Penguins and all 446 of our bridges!!
I’m glad to know you enjoyed your visit to Pittsburgh. I live an hour south of the city & get up there a few times a year. My last trip in July was to tour PNC Park… the home of the Steelers. If you ever get a chance to take that tour, I highly recommend it. Thanks for your informative newsletter.
Teri,
PNC Park is the home of the Pirates; Heinz Field is home to the Steelers!
First of all, glad you enjoyed your visit MIke. And secondly, we are Pitts”burgers” not “ites” as you called us…..but we are a forgiving bunch of people. My son married a Cleveland browns fan and of course his blood runs black and gold! Ten years and they are still married so you can have hope for your nephew! Their two little boys are a little mixed up though, that is the biggest problem they have. Poor kids don’t know who to root for when the browns and Steelers play.
Pittsburgh is a wonderful city. Glad you got to visit. Next time put Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens on your list of must see places.
No pictures? I really wanted to see you dressed up in something besides coveralls! LOL
I thought the article was interesting. I have been a Steeler fan since the days of Terry Bradshaw,Lyn Swan,mean Joe Green,and the rest of that team,and I am still a fan!!
Hi Mike,
I am on your mailing list and just read your post about Pittsburgh. I live out side of a really small town called Chester, WV that’s about 40 minutes from Pittsburgh. They have all kinds of things to do up there and most of the people I’ve met have been the nicest people around.
I am on a liver transplant list at Allegheny General Hospital and all the folks I’ve been around are kind. I’m glad you got to see some of the sights around here. Come on back anytime!
The Burg–my hometown!! Glad you enjoyed yourself there. I did not know about the HoHo’s, but I did know about the bridges. Some of those old bridges seem pretty scary. They were old when I was young and that was quite some time ago!! The incline is also a great thing to ride. Wonderful view from atop Mt. Washington.
I know some folks that have actually said Pittsburgh was boring. Thanks for giving all those compliments for our fair city.
Congratulations on your son’s wedding!
Hey Mike, got any photos of you and the bald eagle? or the penguin?
I wish you and your family well .I too had two weddings this past year a month apart . My middle child married as well as my youngest . I have not at this time started my business but Boy! do I want to .It seems I can’t get my husband on board 100% so I am still working on him . It is soooo nice hearing from you and I have learned so many things from you already so heres hoping in the near future I will be able to start my own ….Give your wife and family my love , Sincerely , Rhonda
A very informitive article you have written.Thanks for sharing your trip with us, and about the wedding. I know very little about Pittsburge, except for the old stories about the black coal dust from the coal mines covering the city, which I understand has been cleaned up.
I’m not sure this article has much to say about why burning bushes don’t turn red. I have one – and it is not turning red. Can you help?
Bob,
Next week I’ll post a video about Burning Bush pruning but for now about all I can suggest is to make sure your plant gets plenty of sun. Leaves turn colors when the daylight hours get shorter. So the more sun your plant gets the more it will respond to the change in season. Plants in the shade tend to defoliate before they have a chance to show much color.
My Hat’s off to You and Your Family for Graciously tipping your Hat to Pittsburgh’s Hospitality May “GOD” Be with You all always, and thank You for your Web site I always look forward to seeing !!! Richard A Irish Jr., Erie Pennsylvania.
Hi Mike,
I’m glad that you enjoyed your visit to the “Steeler Nation” ! Next time that you are in town, you’ll have to check out Phipps Conservatory…it’s a treasure too !
Go Steelers !!!
Thanks Mike,
You made me homesick. It has been a long time since I have been to Pgh. but I was raised there. It is an awesome city. I married a Cowboy fan…go figure. I think a Browns fan is worse though…lol. Glad you had fun at the wedding and in my old hometown.
Blessings,
Elaine
I so enjoyed your letter to Pittsburg. Thanks for the links to the weeding site and the old train station.
Do any of your backyard growers have small just getting started chrysantemuns for sale. I do want to get int backyard growers but the timing this year is not good so will have to wait till next. I enjoy your emails and we have learned so much from you. Thanks again. Enjoy your son’s wedding it is a special time.
Sandi,
I know that many of our Backyard Growers growand sell a lot of mums. I hope to see you in the group soon. Everybody that joins says that they should have waited so long.
Mike: How very nice of you to comment about Pittsburgh, especially since you are from the Cleveland area. My ex-husband has some family up that way and we have really enjoyed some good fun at the expense of your Browns. Also, my sister lives in Columbus and I get many comments when I’m there also! All in good fun!! Thanks again for the nice report and I pray all goes well on Saturday. God Bless!
Amy,
The rivalry is alive and well and always will be. My father used to tell me about the days when the browns were the dominate team. Dad was more of a football fan than I am, but I do watch a few games.
Mike sounds as though you all had a greaqt time. Many happy returns to your son and his new bride on this Sunday. Have a great day ..
Now they will become Patriot Fans.
I don’t think either of them will become patriot fans. They are both too proud to change colors. But that’s a good thing, you have to be loyal to your roots.
It would also be nice to learn how to prune apple trees I have three young trees and would like to learn how them to produce now and in the future with qaulity apples and good looking trees!!!!
Hey, Mike has a couple of apple tree articles on his website at http://freeplants.com/ that will help you with your trees. This article explains how to choose, plant, prune and fertilize apple trees: http://freeplants.com/apple-trees.htm and this one explains how to prevent some of the more common apple tree pests and diseases: http://freeplants.com/apple-tree-facts.htm
Kathy Anderson
Mike’s Assistant
Mike,
Great story thanks for sharing! Die hard Browns fan here. Glad Pbg offered you a great experience. But, we want you back in Ohio. ;o)
Can’t wait to see the pics of Kevin and Gracie’s wedding! I make csutom cakes so make sure you get pics of the cake posted so I can drool, Ooooh, and Ahhh.
Thanks for the web page too – there’s a wealth of information!
Beth
So glad that you liked our city. Steeler country is wild when the Steeler’s play. We can’t wait until the season starts – next week.
Hey Mike, I was so glad to read your nice comments about the”Burgh.” Pittsburgh really
has a lot to offer with old and new at the same time. As you say there are bridges and more
bridges but with three rivers, we need them! Come again! Goooooo Steelers!
Thanks for all of your helpful gardening tips, I really need a lot of help!
Mike,
I’m glad you had a great time in Pittsburgh. I grew up here but moved away to live on both East & West Coast, then Europe but I came back home a few years ago – homesick for the friendly folks & family in this town. When you visit again, check out http://www.phipps.conservatory.org Their creative staff displays a combination art & plants which always gives me inspiration for my garden which is slowing evolving. I enjoy your email tips, keep up the great work.
Jen
Thank you! I really enjoy your newsletters.
Congratulations to both your nephew and son, may they be as happy as my husband and I are. We’ve been married 51 years now and still going strong!
Hi Mike,
Thanks for your comments on Pittsburgh! I grew up in the south, but my Dad played in the early 50′s for the Steelers, so I was raised a die-hard Steeler fan. My Mother still talks about how wonderful a place it was and how nice the people were. They really loved their time there.
Congratulations on all your weddings! I hope those two couples will be very happy!
Thanks for your newsletters. I really enjoy them and always learn something.
Hi Mike!
Glad someone clarified for you that we are Pitts”burgers” not “ites” and we don’t mind being called that either
. You gave a great description of our fare city and made me homesick. I too knew about the bridges, but not about the HoHos, which were my favorite junk food growing up. Next time, visit Phipps Conservatory and ride the Incline up to Mt. Washington, spectacular view!
Thanks for all your gardening tips and Congratulations on the weddings! Go Steelers!!
Hey Mike,Like Thelma my wife and I are married 51 great yrs.it don’t seem that long though.We were just in Pittsburg this past May for our grandsons graduation from College and staided right accross from steelers staidium I am also a diehard steeler fan as I played golf with Bruce Ariens there one coach,he was from my area,I still play a few days a week with his brother Denny.
Enjoyed the stay there for 3 days and walked around city a bit,had a great time as my daughter in law knew her way around nice place.Back to your 2nd. wedding tell that young couple marriage is like a beautifull rose bush, which also has thorns in it and will prick you at times you have to show tender love at these times.”MAY GOD BLESS” with many happy years together.
Spence T.
So THAT’s why my ‘burgher husband loves HoHos! Hahaha! Now I understand. Thanks for clearing that up for me!
My in-laws still live in the Pittsburgh area: my husband moved South and found me.
I have been converted to the Steelers and love Pittsburgh… as long as it is not winter. This North Carolina girl can’t handle the snow!
Glad you had a good time there!
Thank you all for commenting on my article about Pittsburgh and of course all of the well wishes for my son and his soon to be bride. I wish I could reply to every post, but as always, time is the elusive monster for me.
Well Mike, in your spare time you could have helped me stick some cuttings! Just kidding you know. I was born and raised in Barberton and moved to Pittsburgh in 89 – best move I ever made! I have been and will always be a Steelers fan. I have had the opportunity to watch Cleveland evolve (lived half my life in Ohio) and passed through this summer – WHAT A NICE CITY!