40 Days This Blog Illumined the Advent of the Holiday Season

Memories of Christmas and other holiday events are part of life’s sustenance, good and bad. They remind of what we’ve experienced and also teach us about who we are. Or perhaps who we aspire to be? Since 2005, I’ve written many blog posts about this holiday. Many describe events long before I was born but […]

The Legacy of Fire Truck Santa: West Mifflin

The third weekend in December meant more Advent candles, school winding down, and Fire truck Santa. Those of us who grew up with volunteer fire companies often enjoyed a tradition of someone’s Dad/Uncle/Cousin playing Santa. This while they circled every street, distributing lovely treats. The full sized Clark bar was my favorite. For me this […]

#SantaClawsPgh Update – a Cat Strrreeettchhh Goal

The great news is that 24 donors have invested enough to give each of our cat caretakers TWO gift cards ($25 value each.) Excellent way to redirect gift cards you don’t love to your neighbors! The better news is that we are within striking distance of THREE gift cards each – we need $575 total. […]

Black Trans Woman Ke’Yahonna Stone Fatally Shot in Indianapolis Over Christmas Weekend

A 32-year-old Black trans woman was shot on December 26 in Indianapolis and, according to friends and family, died from her injuries after being removed from life support in a local hospital in Indianapolis. Her name was Ke’Yahonna Stone. Around 5:30 a.m. Sunday, police responded to Epic Ultra Lounge parking lot. Friends say that’s where […]

I Put Up a Christmas Tree For My Feral Cat Colony

We have three Christmas trees this year. Our main living room tree in its usual corner spot, wedged in with a rocking chair and a few cat beds to avoid feline fiascos. It has lights and cat-friendly ornaments. It is lovely. I could watch the lights for hours. Of course, we put no gifts out […]

Saturday Morning, I’ll Be in a Fake Holiday Parade Courtesy of YaJagoff and Duquesne Light

My adult dream was to be “Pittsburgh famous” enough to be invited to participate in the now-defunct Celebrate the Seasons Parade. I marched in it many times in high school, but I wanted to ride in a fancy car and wave to the crowds. And be warm.   Alas, that parade is no more. So […]

Santa Claws Update: 3 Caretakers Adopted, 22 Still Unclaimed

We are asking the community to “adopt” neighbors who care for community cats throughout the region. Adoption means purchasing a gift card to let the caretakers know that they matter, that they deserve support and kindness. To thank them. Three donors have adopted three caretakers. That leaves 22 who need a gift card. Please don’t […]

Day 290 otherwise known as Christmas Day

Today was generally a nice day – pleasant, sweet, comforting really. To be honest, it has left me unnerved and apprehensive, as if this one lovely day is a parting gift before disaster strikes. The last time I felt this was during multiple trips to Eat’n Park in early January through mid-March. I had this […]

Encourage your children to donate their gently used toys to Play It Forward (Adults, too)

Donate toys for Christmas

There’s a great toy distribution project called Play It Forward Pittsburgh. For the past ten years, they have distributed gently used toys to neighbors in need during this reason. Hundreds of volunteers sort, clean, and pack the toys for distribution out of the Convention Center (DLCC.) Play It Foward Pgh is a super queer friendly […]

How to Request Toys for Tots in Western Pennsylvania in 2020 – UPDATED

Toys for Tots Pennsylvania

This is our annual (8+ year) round-up of Toys for Tots programs in Western Pennsylvania for 2020. I’ve done my best to sort through the available information and provide you what you may need to know. PLEASE click through to the applicable link to doublecheck the details. I will update as information becomes available. Some […]