1,500 Post

Today is the 1,500 post here at PittRehab, proving the long-standing hypothesis that if you give enough monkeys enough paper and typewriters you will eventually get a copy of War and Peace.

Through this blog I have met some very interesting people and let's be honest a few whack jobs too (obviously not you dear reader) lol.  I have certainly enjoyed the opportunity to write down my thoughts and share them with a World Wide Audience. 

I'm not sure how long this blog will continue, but for now I'm happy to keep typing out my opinions (of course using speech to text software). Have a great weekend and thanks for reading!

Pittsburgh Penguins New Winter Classic Jersey

I really like the Jersey that the penguins will be wearing on January 1, 2011 when they take on the Washington Capitals in the winter classic.  I may have to pick one of these up, but I'm not sure which player I would like to have.

What are your thoughts on the new penguins jersey? Will you be purchasing one?

I'm Greg and I approved this message

I am pro-gun, pro-choice, pro-employment, against the banking bailout (unless it benefited you), voted for the healthcare bill (unless you have health insurance then screw the uninsured ) and now support repealing it. My opponent is against Social Security, Medicare, and I've often heard him repeat the phrase "Jihad" several times.

I will lower your taxes, raise the taxes on the rich (those filthy bastards), create jobs thus solving the great economic crisis in this country, immediately stop all foreclosures and provide tax incentives for hiring American workers stopping all outsourcing to India immediately.

My opponent is a close personal friend of Nancy Pelosi, I'm reasonably sure they are having a sexual relationship on the side while using taxpayer money to pay for the room on her congressional credit card. My staff is working hard to prove these allegations so stay tuned for the video.

Meanwhile I have been endorsed by Sarah Palin who definitely wants to sleep with me in the worst way to prove she's all inclusive and diversified.... Something about she knows I like hockey and she wants to be my puck bunny.

Vote early and often for Pitt Rehab

So come election day remember to pull on PittRehabs lever several times if possible in rapid succession.  If you're not a registered voter please contact acorn as soon as possible and don't forget about your dead relatives, just because they are deceased doesn't mean they can't vote.

Octopus that predicted World Cup results

Octopus that predicted World Cup results dies - latimes.com Giant Eagle has Calamari half off all week

What Would You Pack

If you were going on a trip today to the beach, mountains or a Federal Prison for white-collar criminals, what would be in your bag?  It doesn't have to be practical, just essential to your trip.

I think the one item I always make sure to take on a trip is sunglasses.... My eyes have always been a little sensitive to light, especially in the winter when there is snow on the ground. Nothing says road trip like a cheap pair of sunglasses.

The next item in the bag would have to be a mixed CD of music..... followed by some type of hat. What should I put in the backpack for you?

Steelers Sunday

Today Pittsburgh will be playing Miami at 1 PM in sunny Florida. It's also going to be a warm fall day here in Pittsburgh, the weather lady is predicting temperatures in the 70s with rain.

I like Pittsburgh's chances against Miami and think they can win! I plan on watching the game today, possibly with some hot wings and adult beverages.

My fantasy football team is 3 and 3 so far this season. It's the first year that I have participated in a fantasy football league. I'm certainly learning more about other players and other teams by competing in the league.

The Pittsburgh Penguins lost in overtime last night to the St. Louis Blues, 1 to 0.  It was a brutal hard-hitting game. At least the Penguins were able to come away with one point. I'm looking forward to their next home game and getting to see the team in person.

Yesterday I was out in God's supermarket, I did see five deer but was unable to get a shot. I still have a coupon that doesn't expire so maybe on my next visit.

Friday's Thoughts

Yesterday I went hunting with individuals from South Fayette Township on a special needs hunt.  I did not shoot a deer, but had a great time and met some really interesting people. I would like to thank all the volunteers for making yesterday possible. It was a very well planned out event.

Three hunters with disabilities participated in yesterday's hunt, it also goes on today and tomorrow. Of the three of us hunting, one hunter was successful in bagging a mature Doe, congratulations Bob!

After getting up early yesterday and hunting most of the day I was completely exhausted. I got into bed about 6 PM believe it or not, and was asleep by eight. It was a very good time and I'm already looking forward to doing it again next year.

Hunting Preparations

Tomorrow morning I have a special needs hunt in South Fayette Township. I'm really looking forward to getting up early, getting out into the hunting blind and hopefully bagging a mature Doe with my shotgun.

Last night Mark came over for pizza and a few adult beverages to assist me with installing a trigger activator on my shotgun. The trigger activator is easily installed onto the existing trigger guard. Mark is not a hunter, but he is thinking about going next year for the first time.

Today I need to round up some cold weather clothing (boot covers) and make sure my hunting back pack is organized and ready to go. I think I enjoy the preparations for hunting almost as much as the actual hunting.

Gonchar Returns

Last night Sergei Gonchar played his first game against the Pittsburgh Penguins after leaving this summer. The Penguins played a tribute to Gonchar early in the first period and he received a standing ovation from the crowd.

It just goes to show.... if you are loved by the fans of Pittsburgh, you can always come home. Unlike Marian Hossa lol

Johnson started in goal again last night and brought the Pens another victory, he is unbeaten this year ! The Penguins destroyed the Ottawa Senators by a score of 5 to 2.

It was a very exciting game to watch and the Penguins are on fire. I can't wait until the next game Thursday night, starting at 8 pm in Nashville.



Monday Sports Wrapup

It was a really good sports weekend here in Pittsburgh.  Saturday, the University of Pittsburgh crushed Syracuse University then Saturday night the Pittsburgh Penguins destroyed the Philadelphia Flyers in Philadelphia! On Sunday the Steelers beat the Cleveland Browns completing the Pittsburgh sweep!

Let's hope the winning continues later on today when the Penguins take on the Senators. It will be the first time playing against Sergei Gonchar since he left the team earlier this year.  Gonchar signed a $16.5 million three-year deal with Ottawa in July.

I'm looking forward to tonight's game, I certainly miss Gonchar's lightning shot on our power play this year. The Penguins power-play is not the same so far this year, although Sidney Crosby managed to score 2 power-play goals Saturday night in Philadelphia.

Hopefully the Penguins can come away with a victory! LETS GO PENS

The Pittsburgh Penguins Get a Win at Home

Last night the Pittsburgh Penguins took on the New York Islanders and managed to win 3 to 2 !

The game started off with a battle which Goddard was happy to participate in....

While watching the game last night I had one question.   I wonder if she's available to do my walks this winter? It looks like she has experience....

It was a great game, I'm glad the Penguins won in overtime. I believe they would have won the game in regulation but the Islanders had eight men on the ice if you include the three referees....

Feeling like Fall

The temperature is turning colder, it's definitely fall sweatshirt weather here in Pittsburgh! It also happens to be a hockey night against the New York Islanders.

The Penguins are looking for their first home win at the new Console Energy Center, hopefully they get it tonight !  I think I will break out my blue Malkin jersey just to shake things up....

Just found out the Pens are wearing blue tonight too, 1st of 10 games this year. I guess they were thinking the same thing!

I would like to get my pumpkin carved this weekend (that kind of sounds dirty), I'm thinking about the Pirate Ship design, but I also like the two Grim Reaper designs..

Have you already carved your pumpkin for Halloween? If so what design?

Philadelphia Flyers Jersey Buried at Consol Energy Center

There has to be a Philadelphia Flyers Jersey burried at center ice in the Consol Energy Center....

Some sneaky ass worker from Philadelphia infiltrated the Penguins new-home and buried it, how else do you explain going winless so far at home? 

Mario Lemieux knew it too, why do you think he was trying to exercise the bad juju with precious holy water made from the Mellon Arena ice?

If the Penguins do not win Friday night against the New York Islanders, I will personally try to get onto the ice and find this curse from Philadelphia...... something has to be done!

Adventures

Since my accident my adventures have considerably slowed down, case in point.....

I just received a message from Alex, the son of a very good friend of mine saying he was bitten by a shark while fishing with his dad. This is the same kid who shot and killed a black bear in Canada before he was 12 years old, so I don't think he was complaining about being bitten so much as bragging, lol

The bite was not very serious so I sent back the following message " stop being a fairy, keep fishing and bring me a beer Chum Boy  ".  I really can't let the boy think a little shark bite should stop a perfectly good day of fishing, especially if he is bringing fish to the boat with all that blood.

Think of the stories this kid is going to tell........ it's one adventure after another.

Three Weeks until the Elections

Last night I received a political call at 8:08 PM ........ every other commercial is a negative ad campaign and frankly I'm sick of it. I cannot wait until the November elections are over with.

Once again I plan on imposing my own term limits on the candidates. After two terms I vote you out, it's nothing personal I just do not believe in career politicians. I know there are several out there doing a good job but that's just how I roll.......

What are your thoughts on politics, specifically term limits? Are you a voter?

Monday Morning Ramblings

Sunday's expedition to cabelas for provisions was a successful adventure... a jerky shooter was purchased along with two types of dry rub marinades to make venison jerky. A sweet and hot mixture along with the standard teriyaki.

In a few hours everything will be put into the dehydrator and the house will begin to smell wonderful as the jerky dehydrates. I think the first batch will be teriyaki!

I just spoke with Jerry from South Fayette regarding another upcoming disability hunt . This will be Doe only and will not be a crossbow hunt but a slug shotgun hunt.

I plan on using another cabelas purchase; my new mossberg 535 12 gauge shotgun....

Today at 4 PM the Penguins take on the New Jersey Devils. The pens are still looking for their first win, maybe it will happen on the road today.

Scoring Twice in 24 Seconds

I cannot freaking believe the outcome of the Penguin game last night against the Montréal Canadiens ! With less than three minutes left in the third period the Penguins were leading 2-1.  Geno Malkin got his first goal of the year, life was good !

Then the game took a very bad turn.  Montréal scored twice in 24 seconds to beat the Penguins 3 to 2........ Freak Freak Freak

The Penguin are starting off the season 0-2, still looking for a win at the Consol Energy Center. Losing sucks, just saying..... go out there and hit somebody, put the puck in the net and win a freaking game already boys!

Moving on..... I need to go to cabelas today and buy a jerkey shooter and dry spice mixture. I also want to check out their slug shotguns....... yeah I got the fever for hunting again, I know my credit card will never get paid off at this rate.

It Pays to Know a Butcher

I picked up my deer meat from Kips in Carnegie Pa today, one week after harvesting a mature Doe and an 8 point Buck, taken last Saturday with my Parker crossbow. I dropped off the antlers and cape at my taxidermist today, hopefully the mount will be completed before Christmas.

Tonight the ground venison was made into spaghetti sauce with red and yellow peppers, onions and spicy cherry peppers. Talk about delicious, Kip processed the meat quickly and cleanly, getting it wrapped and frozen. There was absolutely no wild game taste. 

I cannot wait until later this week to make jerky, not to mention sitting down with a nice steak and salad or possibly a roast next weekend.  It's been 12 years since I had venison that I brought home.

I have to say it was a fantastic meal and I'm looking forward to a very long bow hunting season (I still have Doe tags) hopefully I can harvest one for the local food bank and put one more in my own freezer. 

Pittsburgh Penguins Home Opener

I managed to get down to the Console Energy Center early yesterday to watch the Pittsburgh Penguins walk the red carpet into the new building.

Some of the players did stop and sign autographs for fans, others simply walked inside. Here are a few photos and some pictures from the game.

After the red carpet, it was time to go inside and get ready for some hockey.  Here I am waiting in line for the elevators, imagine my surprise when I learned one of the elevators was not working! At this point there's probably 20 people in line in wheelchairs waiting to use one elevator....

Before the puck was dropped I went over to section 221 to receive my free soft drink coupon at the designated driver booth, then headed over to grab some nachos and a hot dog! I can't really justify spending over seven dollars for a draft beer.

 It's too bad the Penguins lost the home opener, but it was a fantastic game nonetheless. They battled back in the third period to score twice, but it was not enough... Philadelphia won 3-2.

Today's the Day

As the great treasure hunter Mel Fisher used to say "today's the day".  The Pittsburgh Penguins drop the puck on the new season tonight at 7 PM against the dastardly Philadelphia Flyers.... and I will be there.

The players are set to walk the red carpet into the Console Energy Center around 4:15 PM.  Penguins management is asking all the fans to be in their seats by 6:45 PM for a very special opening ceremony.

Hopefully I will be able to capture this on video and post it tomorrow. I'm very excited to start the new season in the new center with my season ticket plan.


If you're not lucky enough to have a ticket, don't worry. You can come down and watch all the action on Mario's big screen TV which will be set up outside for all the Penguin faithful to watch. This game is the 167th consecutive sellout for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Lake Erie shipwrecks

Lake Erie shipwrecks, well-preserved by fresh water, are favorites among divers

I think it would be fascinating to dive the wrecks in Lake Erie. I was in the process of getting certified in scuba when my accident happened. After my accident, I had the opportunity to scuba dive a few times in pools but nothing in open water.

It certainly would be like visiting a museum, seeing shipwrecks perfectly preserved from the 1800s. I guess for now I will have to be satisfied with viewing photographs and videos of the underwater shipwrecks.

LETS GO PENS

Unbelievable Feeling

I am feeling unbelievably good today, not physically, but mentally. Today is my 43rd birthday and I feel like one of the luckiest guys I know.

I am still riding the wave from Saturday's fantastic hunting experience.  I met some quality people from Whitetail Management and have been trading e-mails with them ever since. I know they will be added to my circle of friends.

Susquehanna Service Dogs should be contacting me very soon with a decision regarding which Service Dog I will be partnered with. I am very excited to work with a new dog and start the bonding process. Some great news regarding Nala, her hearing has returned ! She can soon enjoy her permanent retirement and live the life she has certainly earned.


This week the Penguins have their home opener against the Philadelphia Flyers and I will be there ! I cannot wait until the puck drops on the regular-season. I plan on breaking in the Console Energy Center by going old school. I will be wearing my Mario Lemieux 66, White game jersey. It's also his birthday today (45).

I feel so fortunate to have friends and family to celebrate not only my birthday but all the gifts in my life. Things are certainly going extremely well for me, I'm excited and looking forward to the rest of the year!

Bow Hunting Success !

Yesterday I was extremely fortunate to be a part of a special needs hunt sponsored by Whitetail Management Associates of greater Pittsburgh .  A group of dedicated men and women gave up their Saturday to help me bowhunt again.

Friday evening I tried to sleep but my arms were aching and burning twice as bad as normal, It was really bad. But I kept thinking about the possibilities of Saturday morning and the opening day of buck season in Pennsylvania.

I was up at 4 AM and getting dressed for the field.  My brother John and I met the group from WMA at  6AM, and went to our hunting site. By 6:45 AM my double bull archery blind was set up and I was hunting, with my Parker 175 buck buster crossbow!

All morning long I was entertained with watching a red fox, squirrels, chipmunks and the sound of nature all around me. But unfortunately no deer....

Lunch time came around and the guys from WMA provided a great pizza and Ice-T lunch for John and I. It was back into the blind for me while my brother John decided to take a nap behind my blind. It wasn't 20 minutes later when a group of deer came by stopping 24 yards from my ground blind.

I was able to get my safety off independently, take aim and send the bolt at my target, a mature doe. The 100 grain rage broadhead found its mark and quickly dispatched the doe.  She only traveled 20 yards downhill !

The sound of my Parker crossbow going off, awaken my brother who asked me  if I got one. I quickly told him the story and he walked out to retrieve my arrow which had completely passed through the doe.

He called the guys from WMA and they quickly retrieved my trophy. I thought my day could not get any better but they told me it was early afternoon and now it's time to get a nice buck.

For the rest of the afternoon they concentrated on getting me a shot at a beautiful eight point buck. When the time came I was able to make the shot and with a little tracking they recovered my 8 point!

So many people made this hunting season a success, and it's not even over yet.  I still plan on hunting with the Peters Township deer management group and have another special needs hunt later in October.

It was one of the best Saturdays since my injury, I really love Bowhunting and the opportunity to be in the field.

I would like to thank Kips Deer Processing in Carnegie Pa, for processing both of my Deer at no charge and preparing my 8 Pointer for the taxidermist!  Parker crossbow's also donated one dozen arrows to help make this dream hunt come true. Thanks to everyone who played a part in my success!

Possibilities

I went out hunting the other evening for a few hours, from 5:30 PM until 7:30 PM in Peters Township. Unfortunately I did not see a single deer, but I had a great time anyway. Because I was hopeful. Hopeful for great possibilities, what would I see... would I get a shot... so many different scenarios and possibilities!

As I sat in my double bull archery blind, I remained vigilant. Because you never know when the moment of truth is going to happen.... I think I enjoy hunting so much because of the what-if's, the endless possibilities.

Even though I was basically hunting in someone's backyard, watching their apple orchard, I still had hope. I'd previously seen three deer there but was unable to get a clear shot with my crossbow.

Tomorrow morning I will be back in my blind. Hoping for a large mature buck to make an appearance. To give me an opportunity, to give me a shot, Possibilities....