Canonsburg Library

Yesterday I had the opportunity to go to the new $5.5 million dollar Canonsburg library and I have to say I was extremely Disappointed.   Can you believe after spending all that money there is not an automated door to get into the library?

I had to wait until someone came by to let me into the new library .  Once inside, I voiced my concern to the librarian.  The Director of the library was in a meeting and unable to speak with me.  I left my phone number and I'm expecting a call sometime today. 

After obtaining a book,  Misty Morning and I had to asked a child to open both doors so that we could leave .    I am so disappointed that the architect and board of directors spent $5.5 million and did the absolute bare minimum on accessibility . 

I am going to try to get an automated door installed on this new building .  It's a shame that it will take time and cost more to retrofit the accommodations.    

An automated door will not only benefit myself, but families with strollers , the elderly, and even individuals with their hands full .  I can't believe I have to advocate for an automated door on a brand-new building.   If you agree with me, please send them an e-mail requesting an automated door ,  gcplreference@comcast.net  Thanks

Wicked Wednesday

Well it's the middle of the week and I am really excited about the upcoming weekend.  I will be receiving my new ACTION TRACKCHAIR Saturday afternoon!

I am looking forward to having this fantastic all-terrain wheelchair . The action trackchair will give me back so much mobility and independence, I will not be limited to sidewalks or pavement any longer.

Yesterday I stopped at the local U-Haul store to inquire about getting a hitch installed onto my van.     They were very accommodating and believe they can do the job next week .    Because my Van has a lowered floor and some shielding around the gas tank, they will not know if they can install the hitch until they get it onto the lift. 

My next step will be going to lowes to purchase a 4 x 6 trailer in order to transport the new wheelchair (it is 37 inches wide ) and unable to fit into my van. I can also use the trailer to transport my polaris quad in the future. 

I realize how fortunate I am to be able to purchase this all-terrain wheelchair and the necessary equipment to get me back out into the outdoors.  I could not do any of this without the support of my friends and family  so I would like to thank all of you who are making this happen .   Is it Saturday yet?

 

  

Tuesday's Thoughts

I guess I need to do a little catching up with my blog.  My Kindle took over my free time and I finished an extremely funny book "Shit My Dad Says".  I have to warn you, the F word appears about 3000 times, but the book had me laughing nonstop.


On Sunday I attended the  Western Pa Wounded Warrior meeting. Talk about a great bunch of guys, I am really happy to be part of the group. If you're looking for information about the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, check out the events section at the wounded warrior website .

Blackberries and Raspberries

The blackberries and raspberries are in from my garden.  I'm really looking forward to having a fresh blackberry pie this weekend and raspberries today for lunch.

The berries I buy at the grocery store are never as good as the ones grown in the backyard. Growing up in the country I could always pick blackberries in the summer. I remember filling 3lb coffee cans with blackberries as big as my thumb.  Then having my mom bake fresh pies.

This weekend I plan on recharging my batteries , reading my kindle and eating some delicious  pie.  If you call me, don't be surprised to get my voicemail , I'm not planning on doing one thing.          

Time for Vacation

Anthrocon 2011

My fuzzy, cuddly new name is Drake Skywere.

Furry name generator

Anthrocon Schedule

Not really my thing , but it draws a lot of attention here in Pittsburgh. I always say whatever consenting adults do on their own time is fine by me ... lol

Jimmy Buffett concert

Jimmy Buffett played here in Pittsburgh last night and I had the opportunity to listen online through Margaritaville.

For those of you unaware, Jimmy Buffett does a live broadcast free of charge for all of his concerts! I have been a rabid Jimmy Buffett fan since I was 17 years old and attended my first of many concert's.

I have to say his voice still sounds the same and he put on a fantastic show. Since my spinal cord injury, I am very susceptible to the heat. If the temperature gets above 80° I have difficulty breathing, which makes concerts slightly less fun.

The last Jimmy Buffett concert I attended, I became very short of breath due to the heat and had to leave halfway through. Last night, I laid in bed with my laptop beside me and enjoyed all of the sounds the coral reefer band put out. I have to say it's not the same as being there, but it's like pizza.... Even when it's bad it's pretty damn good.

Let's hear from you Parrot Heads, how was the steel city concert?

Service Dog Questions.

I sometimes get asked questions about service dogs... It's one of my favorite topics to discuss as I am always looking for an excuse to talk about Misty Morning.

Recently I was asked how she is with children and what is she like around the house when she's not "on duty".

Misty may not be wearing her service dog vest all the time (only in public ), but in a sense she is always on duty. She's always ready to assist me. If she hears something drop she is right there to retrieve it.

As for how she is with children, I like the saying, " a picture is worth 1000 words ". I could not ask for a better dog, she is everything I need.

knee deep

Flies

Is there anything more annoying than having a fly in the house? I have been bombarded by this giant fly all morning.

I would say I'm sitting here trying to enjoy my lemon lift hot tea and read the morning newspapers online, but I'm always sitting, so that would be redundant...

Where was I? Yes, the giant fly. I think they are disgusting animals and we should spend millions of dollars on eradication of the species, just my opinion, who's with me?

Man's Best Friend

Toes Zac Brown Band

Happy Friday everyone

4 Dogs, Lots of Fun

last night Steve and Denise (Misty Morning's puppy raisers) came in from Harrisburg and brought SSD Peach and SSD Clara. As you can see, Misty and Bo had a fantastic time playing with these energetic labradors in training.

They also brought the best barbecue I have ever had! Steve made pulled pork and beef on his smoker. They are currently selling barbecue on Friday afternoons and have plans for expansion!

I wish it was a publicly traded company, I would certainly invest in a few shares of this business! It was great seeing them and watching the dogs play. Hopefully I can post a few pictures this week as well.

Tonight; BBQ, Music, Dogs and a Cooler

I'm really looking forward to seeing Steve and Denise tonight. They are bringing along SSD Peach and SSD Clara Barton.

Four dogs on the deck, Steve's barbecue and a cold beverage, what could be better? It's officially the start of summer, how do you enjoy spending your summer nights?

Pakistan Arrests "Informants"

Osama bin Laden Informants for CIA Arrested by Pakistan: Officials - ABC News

During the past 10 years I have always said that Pakistan has been aiding and providing support to our enemies. Al Qaeda's leadership has found asylum in that country, it's very obvious, at least to me.

The United States gives billions of dollars to Pakistan simply because they are a nuclear powered country. We have attempted to buy their friendship and treat them as an allied country....

I never claimed to be a smart man and I certainly do not have any definitive answer's to the Pakistani problem. But I do know they are not our friends and I wish the United States of America would quit funding a country that is clearly aligned with Al Qaeda.

BBQ Done Right

I just received an e-mail from Steve and Denise, Misty Morning's puppy raisers, confirming their arrival tomorrow. They are bringing barbecue with them!

As you can see, Steve takes his grilling seriously! It will be great to see both of them and catch up. It's fantastic to have a relationship with them and share stories of Misty's past and present adventures.

I know it's my imagination but I can smell the hickory smoke already.

Bow Bash to benifit People with Disabilities

Here is a great opportunity to help individuals with disabilities and have a great day of family fun as well.  Come out to Rogersville PA to the Rogersville Park on Saturday, August 20, 2011 for the Dreams Become Reality , Bow Bash.

From Noon to 8 PM prizes will be drawn every 15 minutes.  A 3-D archery shoot with prizes as well !   Donation is $20.00 ,  come out for food and live entertainment to benefit individuals with disabilities.    Tickets can be purchased that day  or contact (724) 499-5535.

Monday says it all

I swear everything I touched today ended up on the floor. So far this morning I have managed to drop my fork, my pencil and my hat... thank God for Misty Morning!

She doesn't seem to mind the Monday morning drops. She's happy to retrieve anything I drop and place it back onto my tray. Today would be really frustrating without her expert services.

Bud West Memorial Bike Run

I had a great time yesterday at the Bud West Memorial Run sponsored by the Western Pennsylvania Wounded Warrior Group . The ride ended at the West Brownsville American Legion Post.

Everyone had a great time, on the ride despite the rain. In addition to the ride, a day of fishing was also sponsored. Several individuals in power wheelchairs and manual chairs had the opportunity to hit the river.

Fishing was difficult due to the rain, but some fish were landed earlier in the morning using pontoon boats.

All the volunteers did a fantastic job putting this charity event together.

TGIF

I think its a country music, cold beer Friday afternoon...

Brought to you by the letter T.

Happy Thursday everyone, today it's expected to be in the 90s again with severe thunderstorms this afternoon.  If the recent local weather is any indication of our summer, it's going to be a very hot and tropical season the next few months here in Pittsburgh.

I would like to talk about a very important issue for all of you dog owners , cat people move along there's nothing more to read here....

When the temperature hits 80 or 90° it's very important to think about your dog's safety . Now I am sure everyone knows to supply an endless bowl of cold fresh water, to bring your dog inside the AC or at the very least provide shade.    

But also think about his or her paws !  They can easily be burned on a hot deck, sidewalk or pavement, ect..    Take care of your faithful companions, they deserve our attention and care. 

Leave It

Misty Morning is doing so much better with leaving food alone and her down stay.  I think it just took a little while for her to settle in with me. 

Leaving food and staying put is a very important behavior for service dogs especially in restaurants and coffee shops .....

Her retrieving skills continue to amaze me, last night I was in my bedroom and dropped my reach flosser.  She heard it hit the floor from the living room and came running in to retrieve it for me.    That's dedication! 

Politics

For those of you who know me, you know I'm basically not a political person... I pretty much figure every politician has their own agenda and not my best interest in mind.

I could be wrong, but I have to question their motives when they spend millions of dollars to get elected.  I always think if they're willing to spend millions of their own money, how much are they planning to recover from questionable deals.

This week Rick Santorum announced his candidacy .... we have another year of speeches, lies and rhetoric  not to mention the polarization of the country to look forward to . 

Weekend List

Why is there always more list then weekend left ?  This weekend the deck was cleaned within an inch of its life, using the power blower followed by a heavy duty bleach and detergent wash.
 
The next day a liberal application of cedar stain and waterproofing was applied .    The two-year-old gas grill was also repaired , what do they make these things out of tinfoil? 

Bills were paid and the next thing I know it's Monday morning .  I say we have a complete do over, whose with me ?    

You can't make this up

click the beaver

Rabid Beavers I hate when the beaver is .... oh you get it, only in Philly.

Flip UltraHD Video Camera - Black, 8 GB, 2 Hours (3rd Generation)

I really love my new FLIP video camera, it's very easy to use and extremely easy to share the videos and pictures.  The camera itself is very small, smaller than my cell phone but takes excellent HD videos.

I can't wait to take it on vacation this year, I'm sure I will be taking a lot of video of Misty Morning at the ocean this year.  

It will not be her first trip to the ocean, Steve and Denise ( her puppy raisers ) have taken her everywhere, she is a very seasoned traveler.  Do you have vacation plans?

Action TrackChair

Check out this beast of a wheelchair video starring yours truly...

This is the answer to outdoor accesibility !  I have not had such freedom in the woods since my SCI in 1999.  Ready for some Stats?

350 lbs

37 inches wide

20 degrees in tilt

4 to 6 mph

3.5 inches ground clearance

Range up to 10 miles

ALL DAY FUN..... and it comes in camouflage , my favorite color !