Let's Go Steelers!

Did you know that I married a Steeler fan?

He's not a fanatic, thank goodness, but he does enjoy the football season, and he now seems to have a fascination with training camp.  He attended the camp, alone, two summers ago, and he was extremely eager to stop today on our way back home from a quick trip to Pittsburgh this weekend. 

As we headed out this morning,  we were looking for a place to attend mass, and as luck would have it, St.Vincent's Basilica was hosting their annual Black and Gold Mass at 11:30 which fit in perfectly with our schedule!

The basilica is beautiful, with a statue of St. Vincent greeting visitors right outside the front entrance. The interior features numerous  stained glass windows that are simply amazing, but I had forgotten to pack my camera, and the phone just could't pick up the beauty with the sun shining through, so, unfortunately, I can't share them with you. 

How lucky were we to stumble upon this special event?  The Rooney Family, owners of the team, were in attendance, and many participated during the mass.  

St. Vincent College has hosted the training camp since 1966, and it is obvious that the Rooney family is a vibrant part of this local community.   I was surprised to see so many people attending this service, dressed in Steeler jerseys!  Let's just say that there was a LOT of black and gold in that church!  It was definitely an unexpected treat, and I was happy to be a part of it.

After Mass, we headed to the field 

which was already beginning to fill up with fans eager to see the team.  We settled down in the bleachers and waited for the festivities to begin.

There was a small crowd of fans lining the walkway where the players would enter the field.

Without my great zoom camera, the photos definitely leave a lot to be desired, but I'll share what I managed to take with my phone. 

Once on the field, the team got right to work doing some line moves

stretches

 and what looked like some familiar yoga poses.

I'm not sure who this was, but he entertained the crowds by seeing how many footballs he could catch at once. 

He topped out at four and the crowd cheered!  Quite entertaining. 

If you're eager to see familiar faces, the middle of this photo features Tomlin (head coach)  with Rothlesburger,  and James Harrison in conversation.    

Needless to say, this was all quite a treat for Marty.  But the reality was that we had a long trip home, so within an hour we made the decision to leave and start on our way back to the car.

But not before taking one last photo.

Yep!  That's one happy guy!  Let's Go Steelers!

Truly a "Star Spangled Spectacular"

I can't take credit for this blog's title as it belongs to the Reading Symphony Orchestra program for this evening's festivities.  If you recall, this symphony was scheduled as part of yesterday's entertainment, but was postponed due to rain.  Playing instruments outside on a baseball field just doesn't work in wet weather!

It was really a picture perfect evening for tonight's entertainment.

We arrived early and settled into some excellent seats, ready to relax and enjoy the performance, which promised spectacular fireworks at the end.

About half an hour before they were scheduled to begin, there was an announcement over the loudspeaker regarding some cars that were parked illegally in a field near the stadium, and that they needed to be moved because the fire marshall had stated that unless the cars were gone, there would be no fireworks.

15 minutes later, the announcement was repeated.  And, about 5 minutes later, the announcement changed from "please move your auto" to "cars will be towed" or there cannot be any fireworks.

The performance began as planned, and we were confident that the parking issue would be resolved.

Andrew Constantine introduced the orchestra

the color guards presented the flags

and Patricia Risley sang the National Anthem.

She was spectacular!

The evening continued with patriotic pieces interspersed among several classic pieces, including a Star Wars arrangement and West Side Story medley.  The last piece prior to intermission was an Armed Forces Salute where each branch of the military is represented, flags are displayed, and veterans are asked to stand when they hear their familiar theme.

This is always a tradition at this RSO performance, and it never fails to move me to tears when I see the men and woman stand at the appropriate time, proud to have served this country. 

When the piece was finished, and intermission proclaimed, there was yet another announcement over the loudspeaker:  all of the cars parked illegally had been moved, and everyone was thankful.

However.........the fire marshall had decided that the six cars that were parked in the Citizens Bank parking lot had to be moved, or there would be no fireworks.

Really?  Marty and I began to wonder if there really were any fireworks. 

In any event, the second part of the performance began with another moving rendition of some Irving Berlin favorites with Patricia singing God Bless America and getting the entire crowd involved.

then, there was the fun piece called The Typewriter by Anderson. 

As a spoof, the retired Reading Eagle editor, Chuck Gallagher, came out onto the field,  sat down at an old fashioned typewriter, popped a cigar in his mouth, and began to type along as the orchestra played.

It was VERY entertaining!

At the end of the song, there was yet another announcement:  all cars except one white chevy impala had been moved, and there would be NO fireworks if the owner did not come forward to move the vehicle.

A very loud BOOOO emanated through the stadium.  Things weren't looking good for the owner of that car, for sure!

Finally, it was time for the 1812 Overture, generally played in conjunction with fireworks towards the end.  Andrew Constantine was given a thumbs up, which meant that the fireworks were on!  And the piece began.

We all sat in anticipation, waiting for the blast of fireworks.  

The song played on....and we waited......and waited.....

Then the overture was complete.  The crowd applauded, but  the conductor was obviously confused as he questioned what had happened to the fireworks!

So he had the orchestra play one final piece, Stars and Stripes Forever, and once again, we sat, waiting to see flashes of light explode while the orchestra played.   

Just near the end of the piece, about three skimpy blasts were set off, and Marty and I looked at each other and laughed.  We had attended this performance a few times before, and the combination of music and the light show had been truly impressive.  Apparently that wasn't happening this year. 

Suddenly, the lights were dimmed, recorded music was blasted over the loudspeaker, and the fireworks display began!

And they did NOT disappoint!

We are fortunate to have such an excellent professional orchestra who is willing to entertain the crowds, at no cost, nearly every summer.  The performance was superb.

In fact, I would dare to say that it was, indeed, a "Star Spangled Spectacular!"

July 4th Surprises

Ever since we moved to this area, I have always enjoyed attending the Independence Day Parade in one of the nearby communities.  If we are in town, this tops my favorite list, for sure!

So, it should come as no surprise to read that Marty and were in place, at our usual hang-out along the parade route, in plenty of time to participate in some camaraderie with our friends, whose house has always been a welcome haven during the festivities.

First surprise:  Our friends must be out of town!  I'll admit that I was a tad bit disappointed, as this is the one opportunity that we have to catch up, but this year it didn't appear that would be the case.   

No worries....our attention was soon on the alligator leading the way:

followed by the  Hawk Mountain Highlanders playing bagpipes for our enjoyment.

And this little drummer certainly added to the entertainment!

 He wasn't the only cutie:  This tyke certainly came prepared for any type of weather:

And she brought her little friends along as well.

We saw patriots

And just a few doggies:

The Statue of Liberty:

Some fabulous floats:

One even featuring the Pope!

The Reading Phillies were certainly represented with the Evil Candy leading the way

followed by the crazy hot dog vendor riding his ostrich

screwball, of course

and some characters which, I must admit, are a bit foreign to me:

But they certainly did add to the festivities!

There were entertaining bands playing

And the Reading Royals were represented as well!

This newlywed couple had just exchanged vows yesterday!  How cute are they?

 

And then, there was the Presley car, playing music and lights flashing to the beat

with Elvis himself on the back seat!  Now, how's that for a surprise?

 Then, it was time for the antique cars:

always entertaining!

It was nearly the end, when we spotted a bright orange vehicle, loaded with kids and happy adults, coming along the parade route.  Within seconds, there was smoke billowing from the hood, and some wondered if it was part of the show.

It was soon obvious to all that the vehicle was in some sort of major distress, and the crowd became quite concerned. 

Needless to say, this was quite a surprise to all, and no one was more relieved than I, when the vehicle's driver decided to pull off the parade route, and the firetruck followed suit!

Firemen jumped out of the truck, hurriedly donned their gear, and headed with hose to the car, which by this time, was REALLY smoking!

Thank goodness they were on the scene quickly, as the smoke was eliminated in less than 30 seconds, thanks to the quick thinking of many involved. 

We certainly hadn't expected that kind of excitement at the end of the parade!  Wait until my friends find out what they missed!  

All was well, and Marty and I were looking forward to attending the RSO performance at the stadium tonight, to be followed by a spectacular fire works show, another recent tradition that we really enjoy.

I was promised dinner at the ballpark as part of the festivities of the day.

Well, imagine our disappointment when we learned that the show was cancelled....or at least postponed until tomorrow, due to rain.  Looks like they made the right call, as the rain is falling and the frogs are croaking as I write!

Not the best of surprises...but there's always tomorrow...right?

Well....perhaps I should check the weather.  Someone owes me dinner out!