My True Confession

Not only did I miss yesterday's blog post, I know gaspp, but I do have another confession to make to all of you guys.  It's something I do time and time again, sometimes I feel bad about it and other times I just don't care.

I. Stop. Traffic. Just. To. Take. Pictures.

All I can say is... oops.  Okay, okay, and I tend to make funny faces at bystanders who find it their responsibility to stop and stare while my flash goes off.  In my defense, they started it.

Phew, I feel better already :)

What's Up Dawg?!

I don't know about you, but anything convenient, fast, and easy I like.  A lot of my friends happen to be the same way.  So, when it comes time to make a quick run to grab a few "accessories" for a weekend night out there's only one place to go.

That would of course be Dawg's!  Please excuse the fact that my camera lens looks extremely dirty.  That shows no reflection of Dawg's, it's just a coincidence.  They're easy to find, and you can get in, get what you need, and get out.  And come on, who doesn't like saying Dawg?  But only say it if you can say what's up like these guys first.

A Quick Definition

As I was trying to think of a word to describe my blog in full, I just couldn't think of anything that fit perfectly.  So, I decided to make up my own.  One that would describe both my blog and Greensburg to a tee.  And, this is what I came up with... Drum roll please!

Gurbsnerge

Okay, okay so it doesn't look nor sound too cool, but it's all of the letters in Greensburg rearranged.  In my mind it stands for everything that Greensburg encompasses and stands for.  Literally, everything Greensburg.  I couldn't think of a word to describe Greensburg, and maybe it's just because Greensburg is simply Greensburg.  Indescribable, beautiful, and perfect just the way it is.

Tick Tock Goes The Clock

I don't think this was the clock that Kesha was referring to in her hit single... However, it is the clock that is known all around town.

Sitting on the corner of the busiest intersection of Greenburg, this clock stands almost as tall as the street lamps. But hey, it does come in handy quite often.  For example, for those who forget their watch, or phone, or those who forget to put in their contacts.

See, what a brilliant idea.  And remember, it always helps to know what time it is!

An Old Favorite

If there is one place in Greensburg that everyone knows about it most definitely has to be The Rialto Cafe.  Prior to living in the city of Greensburg, I would visit often, always hearing Rialto this, Rialto that.  After visiting the cafe, I knew why it was so popular.

Known for their Italian food and great drinks, Rialto's finds its home in one of the oldest stone buildings in downtown Greensburg.  Built in the late 1700s, it was first known as Barne's Inn, but later changed to The Rialto Cafe in 1933.  It has been a city favorite, staple, and signature ever since.

Stop in for dinner sometime and make sure to try their lasagna.  What's your favorite cafe in Greenburg and your go-to dish when you stop through??

Ready, Set...

Who's up for a challenge??  Every time I walk around downtown these signs always catch my eye...

And I wonder, how many different ones are there?

So, I'm asking you guys to see what other banners are out there, and then report back to me!

Now ... Go!

Be Some-Buddy For Some-Buddy

To bounce off of my last post, Big Brothers Big Sisters introduced me to a school program of theirs called Lunch Buddies.  Although this program takes place at all of the elementary schools in Greensburg, I was assigned to Amos K. Hutchinson Elementary School.  This program changed my life because it made me a Big Sister.  When becoming a Big, you are a Big for life.  So, although this may just be a school to some, this place allowed me to make an impact that I never knew I could.  I have helped a child, my Little, to gain a better sense of self, how to embrace friendship, and to realize that nothing is impossible or far from your grasp.  But, most importantly, my eleven year old Little Brother has taught me all of the same things.  Whether I'm in Greensburg or a thousand miles away, this experience will forever stay with me.

For The Kids

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region works hard to ensure that all children are given the opportunity to have a brighter future and are able to reach their full potential.  As in intern for their organization, I have seen firsthand the impact that the programs Big Brothers Big Sisters offer have on children who are in need.  Sometimes it's hard to remember that not everyone is as well off, lucky, or blessed as you are.  However, taking the time to give back makes all the difference.

For more information on how you can make an impact on a child's life or how to get involved with the Big Brothers Big Sisters, please visit http://bbbslr.org/.  And remember, "to the world you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world."

Ahh, It's Wednesday!

It's Wednesday everyone, or hump day, or Woden's Day, or for my grandma it's Mercoledì.  Either way it's the middle of the week which means it's time for the infamous Bucket Night at Callaghan's.

Now, for those of you who don't know, every Wednesday this dive bar holds a karaoke night where customers can purchase "buckets."  These little guys are mini pitchers which look something like this...

OR

Fill them with your favorite drink and sing a tune, or just laugh at those who attempt.  Either way, you can't go wrong!

Backyard Snapshot

So, I took a picture of my backyard when the snow was coming down... I thought it was pretty cool and figured I'd share with you guys!

Are there any cool images that you've taken around your house?  If so, please share! :)

Truck Co. #2 At Your Service!

Located on North Pennsylvania Avenue and having over 40 volunteers, the Greensburg Volunteer Fire Department Truck Co. #2 works hard to serve their community everyday.  Although everyone can appreciate and respect their mission and work, visitors to their station can also admire their one-of-a-kind mural painted on the outside of their building.

The detail of this mural is beautiful, so for those of you who haven't seen it, you should definitely stop past!

To learn more about this branch of the Greensburg Volunteer Fire Department visit http://www.greensburgfire.org  

The Church Bells Are Ringing

I have to admit I have a slight obsession with church bells, especially those that are older styled and aged.  I think the sound is beautiful, and the size and structure of these objects are amazing.

This older styled church bell can be found next to Trinity United Church of Christ.  Part of what I love the most is the attention to detail put into the engraving, as well as the cast iron topper.  This structure most definitely will grab your attention while walking by due to its size and presence.

If only all of Greensburg could hear her ring...

Coffee Anyone?

If your answer was yes, then feast your eyes on this giant cup of joe...

Monstrous, huh?  This awesome scultpure is part of the DV8 Expresso Bar and Gallery's storefront.  Take a look...

Come on, how creative is that?! Where can the best coffee in Greensburg be found?  Hopefully you'll be enjoying a cup of your favorite java when you share!

This Way Up

Since being founded in 1885 by the Sisters of Charity, Seton Hill University has been the home of the Griffins.  However, to reach this beautiful campus you first have to drive uphill through a tunnel formed by trees.

This is one of the most magical and enchanting views while driving.  Being Seton Hill's tagline, "This Way Up" is placed on various flags along the driveway.  Although this phrase has many meanings for the campus, I see it as a nice touch of direction.  However, once you make it up this massive hill and look back to where you first started, you will find something just as beautiful...

The tops of the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral and the Courthouse (which I have previously posted about) peeking out of the Greensburg skyline...

Priceless!

'Tis The Season...

For frozen custard, of course!  Well, it's always a good time for frozen custard.  The Meadows Original Frozen Custard has been around since the 1950s and has been a popular place every since.

However many do not know the difference between frozen custard and ice cream.  Frozen custard contains egg yolk which gives it a richer, more creamy texture.  Ice cream, of course, does not have this.  Ice cream contains only milk... Big difference!

At any rate, The Meadows is open daily, so definitely stop by... even if it is only 30 some degrees out!

Japan in Greensburg??

Yes, you read it right... Japan has made its way to Greensburg, PA!  Take a look for yourself...

(Taikoson, Inc. - 331 East Otterman Street)

(Robokyo Japanese Steakhouse - 910 East Pittsburgh Street)

(Joy's Japanimation - 209 Foster Street)

How excited are you?!  Integrating different cultures, backgrounds, customs, and ways of life is the most amazing thing a city can do.  What other cultures or cultural integration have you seen around Greensburg?

Culture is the sum of all the forms of art, of love, and of thought, which, in the coarse or centuries, have enabled man to be less enslaved - Andre Malraux

Oo, Bruno!

Nope, not Bruno Mars... And no, not the movie either...

I'm talking about St. Bruno Parish in South Greensburg.  It's a beautiful church with a huge presence to match.  However, I'm posting to talk about their outside gazebo which is slightly hidden to the left of the building.

Yep, I bet you didn't see that coming.  I noticed it after most of the snow had started to melt, and thought it was truly a beautiful sight.  This statue was directly across from the gazebo itself...

This part of their courtyard is secluded, as well as very calming and serene.  Where is a place you can go to clear your mind and straighten out your thoughts?  Or maybe somewhere that just puts you completely at ease and in a better mood?

Please share and always remember to just smile :)

All Aboard!

Join me in traveling to Brady's Train Outlet...

Located right off of Route 119, it won't take too long to get there.  As long as you follow all of the correct signs, you'll be sure to make it in no time.

They have miniature train displays both inside and outside that show multiple towns and landscapes.  Each train ride is sure to take you on a completely different journey.

Make sure to check each of them out... Just don't forget your conductor hat!

Just Because They're Pretty

I know you've seen these!

These flowers add such a great splash of color to the entrance of the Greengate Centre plaza.  I don't know too much about them except for that I love them!  Hmm, I wonder if the owners would let me take one of the huge yellow daffodils for my front yard... That'd be awesome!

Does anyone else just love these?!