Winter Classic Alumni Game

This morning at 9 AM The Pittsburgh Penguins will be live streaming the alumni game between the Penguins and Capitals,  taking place at Heinz Field at 9:30 AM. I cannot wait to see Mario Lemieux back on the ice, I wonder how long the game will go before we hear " He Shoots and Scores ".

It's a great day for hockey and a great day for the city of Pittsburgh ! I will be watching the alumni game today online and of course watching the winter classic tomorrow at 1 PM. Let's Go Pens !

New Van

I just returned from looking at new wheelchair accessible vans.  I plan on purchasing this 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan.  It has less than 10,000 miles and looks like it's in really good shape.  It's not exactly my dream vehicle (2010 Ford GT Mustang) but I do like the Deepwater blue color.

I imagine it will take some time for all the paperwork and the loan to go through.  But I'm looking forward to having a new vehicle.  Its front wheel drive so it should go well in the Pittsburgh winters. 

The 3.8 L V-6 engine should be better on gas than my current eight cylinder.  I also like the fact that instead of carpeting in the rear, it has a rubber floor.  That should make it easy to clean.  The ramp stows completely under the floor and the van itself will kneel down.

Now if it only looked like this

Tuesday catch-up.

The pressure sore on my right foot is still there but looking better. I received a great Christmas present, some really nice socks and shearling sheep skin slippers that I will be using at least for the next month or so.  I think they will be soft on my feet and aid with the healing process.

The Winter Classic is in jeopardy, the weather forecast for Saturday is 50° and rain !  It's not the warm temperatures everyone is worried about, but the rain itself.  Hopefully the weather forecasters continue with their stellar accuracy rate......

I'm so thankful the recent snow blizzard missed Pittsburgh on its way up the eastern coast.  After experiencing last year's blizzard, I want no part of 2+ feet of snow.  I was watching the news out of Cape Cod Massachusetts, seems they are experiencing a lot of coastal flooding.  Hopefully the people affected are able to recover quickly.  I really enjoy vacationing there every year, it's a beautiful place with great people.

I plan on looking at wheelchair accessible vans tomorrow and will post some pictures later this week.  Wish me luck in the negotiation process.  I don't know about you, but I always feel like I'm getting screwed when purchasing a new vehicle and not in a pleasant way.... Any negotiating tips?

Merry Christmas

I hope you had a great Christmas! I know I certainly received some great gifts, much better than I should have, it seems that Santa Claus must not be checking his famous list all that thoroughly.

I'd like to thank everyone for the fantastic gifts, e-mails and text messages! I spent the afternoon watching classic Pittsburgh Penguins hockey games including Mario Lemieux's 2000 come back, the seventh game of the Stanley Cup finals 2009 and the Penguins first Winter Classic..... A perfect Christmas for me.

I also could not put down my new Stephen King book, Full Dark No Stars . Not your typical Christmas day read, I will give you that. But if you like the master storyteller, I recommend picking it up.

And just to remind us that we are never too old for a Christmas toy, let me tell you about one gift I received. A radio controled helicopter ( Air Hog ). I had a great deal of fun flying this around my living room! Yes it took a little getting used to but even as a person with quadriplegia I was able to take to the skies.

Enjoy the rest of your holiday, I'm going back to Stephen King and a mug of hot tea!

Pens Win in a Shootout Over Washington

Last night the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Washington Capitals 3 to 2 in a shootout.... if the referees were not penalizing Pittsburgh while overlooking most capital penalties, a shootout would never have been necessary. Everyone knows 87 is greater than 8.

Sidney Crosby continued to add to his point streak (23 games).... I personally feel that the Pittsburgh Penguins outplayed the Washington Capitals. I can't wait to watch the winter classic and all that goes with it.

Check out the web camera from Heinz Field, as they build the ice rink.... Hopefully the Penguins are victorious new years day! Go Pens !

Put a Little Love and Joy in Your Season

Or better yet put love and joy together and you get Ben Lovejoy ! Last night he helped the Pittsburgh Penguins defeat the Florida Panthers 5 to 2 !

Lovejoy had his first NHL fight, first goal and first puck to the face ....... all in the same night. The Penguins came out on fire and seemed like they were scoring at will.  What an exciting game, I'm so glad I was able to attend.

 

Tonight the Penguins take on the Washington Capitals at 7 PM in a Winter Classic Preview in Washington DC. The Penguins are certainly on top of their game, Sidney Crosby has points in 22 consecutive games!  Hopefully they can continue to pay attention to the details and get the puck into the back of the net.

In other news, I was unable to go look at new wheelchair accessible vans yesterday.  I did manage to talk with my doctor and get the necessary prescription for the ointment to treat the pressure sore developing on my right foot.  I know it will take quite a while to heal, but at least the process can begin.

Pressure

Many of us experience pressure this time of year, finding the perfect gift, attending parties and dinners, socializing and traveling can add to the stress and pressures of the season.

Yesterday I was experiencing pressure of a different kind.  I was not feeling well all day, I would experience goosebumps and hot flashes periodically throughout the day.  Being a quadriplegic my body reacts differently to pain, it's difficult to know what's causing it.

Last night in bed I discovered the source, I was getting a pressure sore on the side of my right foot.  Here is how quickly a sore can develop.....

So this morning I need to call my doctor and obtain some ointment in order to keep this from getting worse.  I am also in my slippers instead of tennis shoes for the next few weeks.

So if you see me at the Penguin game tonight wearing bedroom slippers, rolling down the aisle in my old backup power wheelchair you will know the reason for my slippers......

Great Gift Idea

If you are searching for that last-minute gift for someone special and would also like to help out a great organization at the same time, check out Lands End for this great Merinac jacket with the Susquehanna Service Dogs Logo. I just purchased one with two day shipping, so it should be under my tree in time for Christmas!

It looks like a great jacket and I know it will last because it's made from Lands End !  I'm almost finished shopping, how about you?

He Shoots and Scores

Did you see the hockey game last night ? The Pittsburgh Penguins destroyed the Phoenix coyotes 6 to 1 !  Geno Malkin had a five-point night ( two goals, 3 assists ) and Sidney Crosby had three points ( one goal, two assist ).  Crosby's scoring streak continues..... 21 games.

The offense was spectacular scoring five goals before the end of the second period.  The Penguins scored on 3 out of 5 power plays. I believe the defense and Marc Andre Fleury had the best game of the year.  The defense completely shut down the coyotes eight power plays, including a five on three.

When Phoenix was frustrated and decided to fight, England landed a solid knockout punch, driving the coyote to the ice. Phoenix was literally and figuratively getting there butt kicked.   It just was not their night

Yes I'm a little excited about the game........ Wednesday the Penguins take on Florida and I will be there. But the big game of the week will be against the Washington Capitals in Washington this Thursday.  Call it a Winter Classic indoor preview.

If the Penguins play half as well as they did last night, Washington does not stand a snowball's chance in hell.

24 / 7

Have you watched the HBO series 24 / 7 The Road to the Winter Classic yet? I do not have HBO but was able to watch the first episode by clicking the link.  Hopefully this series comes out in DVD because I would like to watch every episode.

This series gives an insider's view into the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals. In the first episode the Penguins were riding their 10 game winning streak which eventually turned into 12 games.  The Washington Capitals were riding a losing streak (eight games).... It must really suck to be a Capitals Fan.

Yesterday the Pittsburgh Steelers lost to the New York Jets....  I just want to say I don't think the Pittsburgh Steelers have what it takes this year.  I think we will be seeing the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots playing in the Super Bowl this year.

There is a lot of football left to play and the Steelers did clinch a spot in the playoffs..... I hope I'm wrong in my prediction but you heard it here first.

Friday Wrap Up

I know many of you are busy wrapping presents for your loved ones this time of year.  Since my hands no longer work I am relieved of wrapping duty (not that I ever was a good wrapper).... lol

This weekend I'll have to pick up a few gift cards and one or two more presents in order to finish up.  Hopefully the weather cooperates and I do not freeze my chestnuts off while retrieving the gifts.

Today I plan on drinking my lemon lift tea and reading my Kindle, staying inside where it's warm and enjoying the day.  Nala is snoring beside my wheelchair already, what better way to start the weekend?

Waiting........

As a person with a disability you get use to waiting..... Waiting for appointments ( yes, the doctor can see you next month ) , Waiting on public transportation ( your shared ride will arrive one half hour before or after your scheduled pickup time... theoretically  ) , Waiting on assistance ( yes I can help you, just wait one minute ).

So it is today, I wait on my durable medical equipment supplier ... Chesapeake Rehab to arrive and pick up my C-500 wheelchair.  Then I will wait for them to obtain insurance approval, order wheelchair parts( they can't order the parts without approval ) , do the repairs and return my wheelchair.  I expect my wheelchair to the back sometime in January at the earliest.

They say patience is a virtue and frankly I was never very virtuous to begin with........ over the last 11 years I have been forced to be patient.  But some days I really do want to just reach through the telephone, grab a hold of someone and say fix this Now !

Update: Jason just picked up my chair and explained what the problems were with the back caster.  There are two bearings in the caster that went bad, preventing the wheel from turning.  Hopefully the wheelchair motors are not damaged.  He will replace the bearings, casters, front wheels and if necessary the motors.  Jason estimated three weeks for the repairs.  The Waiting continues

Wicked Wednesday

The high temperature today will be 23° in Pittsburgh, or as I like to say freaking cold or FC for short!

Fortunately for me, the house is warm and I am sitting here enjoying lemon tea.

Last night the Philadelphia Flyers and referees managed to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 3 to 2. The Pens took way too many penalties to win the game.

Geno Malkin returned to the lineup and scored both goals for the Penguins. The 12 game winning streak is over, you have no idea how mad I am at the Flyers broke the winning streak.

Sidney Crosby's scoring streak continues, currently at 19 games. The pens play at home tonight against the New York Rangers.

I still need to do a few more things for Christmas, how about you? I did not go overboard with the giftgiving this year.... But that's not what this holiday season is about anyway.

Next week I am going to look at a new wheelchair accessible van. At least it will be new to me, it's a 2010 model with 20,000 miles. It's a Chrysler Town and Country minivan, has anyone had one of these? 

It's only a transport van, and not set up for a disabled driver. But that's really okay, I never was the primary driver. It has a lot less electronics which means a lot less to go wrong. My current van is a full sized Ford E-150,  2001 model with 60,000 miles, so I believe it's time to start looking for a replacement.

Winter Classic Seats Available

I received a message from the Pittsburgh Penguins yesterday, they are making additional Winter Classic tickets available today to season-ticket holders started at 10 AM.

Most of this remaining inventory is available in scattered single seats, triples and sets of five in the following price points:

$250 (200 Level – Club Seats)

$149 (100 Level – Endzone/Corners/Sides)

$149 (500 Level – First 5 Rows)

$139 (500 Level – Sides)

$129 (500 Level – Bleachers/Corners)
 
If any of my friends are reading this and would like to go, give me a call and I will purchase a ticket for you on my season-ticket account....
 
I'm still glad I sold my tickets when I did. It's going to be an extremely cold game. I really hope they broadcast the alumni game on 12 /31/10, I want to see Mario Lemieux on the ice one more time!

Dropkick Murphys - "Finnegans Wake"

Raspberry Cape Cod wine is in the ice box getting cold, come on 5:00 pm

C-500 Wheelchair Problem's

This weekend I was in Ohio visiting a relative in the hospital when I experienced a pretty significant wheelchair problem.

As I was going down the corridor at the hospital I noticed my wheelchair was making a funny sound. Not funny ha ha, but louder than normal.  When I would attempt to turn left or right the wheelchair hesitated and was not as responsive as it normally is.

The left rear caster wheel was not turning properly. I was dragging the wheel and it was preventing the chair from operating. Here I was at a hospital five hours from home and staying at a Holiday Inn express. Talk about problems!

I managed to get back to the hotel but as I was rolling down the hallway to my room my wheelchair started to smell like it was burning. The motor sounded bad and started to smell like something was going to catch fire. Beth had to push my chair and I barely made it into my room to make the transfer into bed.

All night long I worried about my wheelchair. Would I be able to make it into my van in the morning? Obviously I had to cancel the rest of my trip and leave early.  Couple this with a snowstorm, 0° wind chills and I can say my stress factor was extremely high.

The morning finally came, I transferred into my wheelchair and moved the chair only when necessary. We made a beeline to my van, not stopping for anything. I was able to get into the van and start the trip home.

After the five-hour drive in the snow, Beth had to remove the wheelchair batteries ( 2 ) from my C-500 Permobil and transfer them into my old  Chairman 2-K Permobil.   For those of you that are not familiar with wheelchair batteries, they are the size of the battery in your car. So imagine transferring two sets of 2 car batteries.

This morning I contacted Chesapeake rehab and instead of replacing my wheelchair tires on Wednesday they will be picking up my C-500 for a much more complicated repair.

I'm very fortunate that I have a backup wheelchair to be able to transfer into. Otherwise I would be confined to a bed waiting on the necessary repairs which can take some time to accomplish.

I am also fortunate that Beth and I have our masters degrees in rehabilitation. Working on a wheelchair, changing the batteries and everything that goes with it, is not as difficult for us as it would be for someone else. So it's back into the old chair, with my old desktop.

Friday's Ramblings

Yesterday the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team invited 60 schools (10,000) middle schoolers to watch their practice at the Consol Energy Center.  Talk about a great field trip, the Penguins signed autographs and tossed T-shirts into the crowd of kids.  Check out the video here

I am sure most of these kids have never been to the Consol Energy Center before or seen the Penguins play live.  It's another example of the Penguins giving back to the community and supporting their fans.  It's also a great marketing campaign.  I bet they made some lifelong Penguins fans out of these middle schoolers.

I followed up regarding my wheelchair tires with Chesapeake rehab yesterday.  They are scheduled to install the new tires on Wednesday.  The tires on my chair now are not providing any traction.  As soon as they become wet I just sit and spin.  Basically just stuck.

It's really frustrating waiting on durable medical equipment suppliers.  I ordered the tires last month, my insurance had to approve them and then I needed to get put on Chesapeake's schedule for installation.  I'm sure if I did not follow up it would take even longer.

I plan on meeting some friends later this afternoon, hopefully it does not snow or rain putting the kibosh on my afternoon plans.  Have a great weekend everyone!

It's a Great Day To Be a Penguins Fan

Good morning sports fans........... How about Those Pittsburgh Penguins!  The winning streak continues to 11 games in row.  Last night the Pen's defeated Toronto 5 to 2 on home ice.

Sidney Crosby continued to score goals ( 2 ), for the 17th game in a row.  The Penguins are the first team in the NHL to win 20 games this year, it's hard to believe they started out 0 and 3. 

They never lost confidence in their game plan, they believed in their goalie, coaches and each other.  They knew the win's would come if they were patient.  They needed to execute on the ice and pay attention to the details.

Maybe we can all take a lesson from this team, when things are looking down .... just keep your stick on the ice, keep working hard, continue to implement the plan and good things will happen.  It's a great day for hockey!

Chronic pain

I'm not sure how many of you are familiar with or experience chronic pain, but it seems like when the weather gets cold the pain increases at least in my case.

Today my arms are on fire along with my butt, my neck and shoulders are stiff and sore ...... so it doesn't look like I will get much accomplished today.  This concludes today's whine.

What are your experiences or thoughts on chronic pain?  Does the weather affect yours?

10 in a Row and Other Thoughts

Last night the Pittsburgh Penguins won their 10th game in a row against the New Jersey Devils, winning by a score of 2 to 1 in front of a sold-out hometown crowd.

Sidney Crosby scored in his 16th consecutive game, adding to his lead in the NHL scoring title. Last year we could not beat New Jersey to save our souls, the Penguins made it look easy last night. I seriously believe we have another chance at the Stanley Cup Championship again this year.

What are your thoughts on separation of church and state?  Inevitably every Christmas we are forced to deal with the issue of separation of church and state. 

Yesterday was no different in Canonsburg PA.  For 57 years the Knights of Columbus has erected a manger scene or creche at the borough building. This year one resident of Canonsburg complained by written letter asking that the creche be removed from the borough property.

So the borough moved the manger scene to a next-door private property.  Many residents were upset regarding the complaint, but I have to say I am not.  I believe in separation of church and state.  Anything you want to do on private property is fantastic, but do not do it on government property.  It's as simple as that.

And just so you know, I was not the person who complained... lol

Pearl Harbor Day

Today is the 69th anniversary of Pearl Harbor.  Today in 1941 almost 3000 Americans lost their lives at the hands of the Japanese.  Thrusting the United States into World War II.  If you know a World War II veteran (and they are quickly disappearing) please take a moment today and thank them for their service to this great country.

Brooks & Dunn - Hillbilly Deluxe

Steelers and Ravens, Sunday Night Football

First off, nice way to call the game ref (see yesterday's post) ....... I guess getting punched in the face resulting in a broken nose and a jersey full of blood does not qualify as roughing the passer.  Give me a break!

I went to bed last night in the third quarter thinking that the Steelers were going to lose.  Imagine my surprise when I watched this morning's news only to find out the Steelers pulled a victory out of certain defeat.  Steelers 13, Ravens 10.......way to go Troy Polamalu for once again saving the game!

In other sporting news, Penn State University will be playing in Florida at the Outback Bowl.  PSU plays January 01, 2011 at 1 PM against Florida. Unfortunately that will be the same time as the Winter Classic, so I will be switching back and forth between games.

PSU will earn $3.4 million for its appearance in the outback bowl, win or lose. It's a pretty good paycheck for the school which brings up the question should college athletes be paid for playing? 

I know they receive a free education through scholarships, but what about actual living expenses etc....I would really like to know your opinion, should college athletes be paid?

What It Really Means

Have you ever wondered what the hidden meaning behind certain sports words and phrases really mean? 

This morning I would like to decode the mystery of a Pittsburgher's vocabulary once and for all.

Phrase/Word............................................. Meanig

Let's Go Pens............................................ Ovechkin Sucks

Lower Body Injury.................................... Hurt Mr. Peepers

Nice Call Ref............................................. Asshole

Great Call Ref........................................... Way to Screw the Other Team

Philadelphia............................................... Philadelphia Sucks

The Pens are On....................................... Don't bug me under penalty of death

The Arena.................................................. Consol Energy Center

Monday after Thanksgiving......................... Deer Hunting all day

Nice Outfit.................................................. Where Is Your Black and Gold

Please add your own

Incredible Pittsburgher's

Yesterday I sold my winter classic tickets to someone I met on craigslist.  It turned out much better than I could have imagined, not only did I get the agreed-upon price, but ( the buyer ) Big Joe  read yesterday's blog and brought me a brand-new WINTER CLASSIC JERSEY !

I have to say I was really shocked at his generosity!  People in Pittsburgh do random acts of kindness every day and I sure appreciate Big Joe's kindness towards  me ! 

You can bet I will be wearing this Jersey for a long time, supporting the best team in hockey, the Pittsburgh Penguins!  I will also be remembering exactly how I acquired my new winter classic Jersey, thanks Joe.

8 Games and Counting

Last night the Pittsburgh Penguins beat Atlanta by a score of three to two, securing their eighth victory in a row, and they did it in championship form! 

Sidney Crosby scored his second hat trick in less than a week on home ice, and he did it by the end of the second period.  I was so glad to be at the console energy Center to witness his natural hat trick, to say it was a very exciting game is an understatement.

This is where Crosby redirected the puck to score his hat trick!  The building went crazy and the hats began to fall onto the ice, always a spectacular sight.

Between periods these guys fell in front of the Zamboni and were almost run over!  The driver of the Zamboni was very lucky he was able to miss them!

It was a fantastic night to be a Pittsburgh Penguins hockey fan.  I also scored some free swag thanks to Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.  A blue scarf with the winter classic logo patch on one side and on the reverse side it says "it's a great day for hockey" and it certainly was!

Today I am selling my winter classic tickets, I just cannot sit outside on January 01, 2011.  Although I'm sad it's really the best thing for me.  So to lessen the blow I decided to buy a winter classic jersey, check out my new edition to the wardrobe.

The Sky Is Crying

Another Stevie Ray Favorite!

Winter Preparations

Pittsburgh received several inches of rain this week, this could have very easily been several feet of snow.  I certainly learned my lesson last year about emergency preparations and having the correct supplies for winter. This weekend I want to stock up on batteries for my flashlights, headlamp and radio.

I always have enough food and bottled water in the house for several days, enough medication etc. that I do not have to worry about going out if I am snowed in.  Here is a list of my emergency home supplies:

1. Propane Heater with oxygen sensor

2. Propane Lantern with extra mantles

3. Propane Stove

4. Extra Propane Canisters

5. Flashlights

6. Batteries

7. Emergency Radio

8. Matches/Lighter

9. Rock Salt for the walkways

10. A few bottles of Cape Cod wine........ let's face it if I'm snowed in I may as well drink wine!

What are your emergency preparations like?  Am I leaving something important off of my list?

Stevie Ray Vaughan - Life by the drop

Wheelchair Tires

I am waiting on new wheelchair tires, I called to order them two weeks ago from my durable medical supplier.  Hopefully they get here soon as it snowed today.  My current tires spin when it's wet, I don't even want to attempt going out in the snow today.....