thanksgiving walk

Usually on Thanksgiving I do the Pumpkin Pie race in Nazareth. But budget cuts have sliced races from the budget. (Next weekend I am doing the Hot Toddy 5K, but that's a birthday gift.) So no Nazareth. I had to get my fat butt out there alone.

I decided to walk to the north side and back. A pretty typical walk choice for me. I took a lot of pixs. My vintage iPod is dying quickly. December 7th can't come quick enough. My new smart phone—okay, an iPhone who am I kidding—will have a better camera. At least I hope it will.

I began by walking up to St. Lukes, out Ostrum and Brighton and over the Hill to Hill bridge.

 On the bridge I noticed all the Christmas trees were unplugged. Really? They manually turn these on at night? There has to be a better way.

Under the main Street Ramp and thru the pee tunnel up to Main Street.

Then to Payrow Plaza (It's funny, Mom used to call that Payrow's Folly) where the children sculpture in front of the library was sporting new winter caps. I moved the blue one out of her eyes.

On the plaza is the large Christmas tree, a nativity, and the big advent candles.

New this year is a pergola of wind chimes.  They call it a timpani. And it works well with the Moravians love of music. Each pipe was purchased by a resident in support of the city's Christmas decorations. It's a cool piece. Bet it sounds great in the wind.  Not to be a downer, but maybe raising money the decorations will get better. I personally think they have been declining for years. Especially on the south side. What's with all the ugly wire things?

Also on the plaza is the children's tree. It's so cute. But a few taller children were needed to decorate it. Maybe on another day?

 The gate to the sculpture garden.

 And no trip across the bridges is complete without the blast furnaces.

Later, I took a walk around the block. Basically the dog walk. It's not quite dark yet, so maybe I'll go again. It's warmer out than in. And figure out dinner. Spaghetti or leftovers. Oh, maybe there is some goulash in the freezer. I'll have to check.

I haven't decided where I'm walking tomorrow, but it isn't a mall. Then at dinnertime it's my first trip to a Phantoms game.