Sunday Update . . . Life on the River

Well, the jewelry box glue was dry this morning, and I put it back together this afternoon. I think it's going to work. What's your opinion? Do you think Melanie will like it?


We've had a very cultured weekend. Friday night we went to the opera to see Samson and Dalilah. We aren't usually into the opera . . . having only seen The Barber of Seville previously. It was okay, but we weren't really thrilled with the Barber of Seville. Greg bought a couple of 'sampler' tickets from a telephone sales person this fall, so we picked this opera and La Boheme to try. La Boheme is in March; we're going on my birthday. :-)



We REALLY liked the Saint Saens music in Samson and Dalilah; and the VOICES WERE WONDERFUL. It was an amazing production. Today we had our subscription concert for the symphony. We went to brunch after church and then headed downtown. We had a little extra time, so we walked down the waterway under the Convention Center and out to the river.



The pathway from Tenth Street goes down the middle of the street when it passes under the Convention Center. The sides are like a waterfall along the walkway with pools of water cascading down to the dock area along the Allegheny. I have been seeing it when I go for walks at lunchtime, and it was fun to go down and look. Here is a picture of Greg along the walkway this afternoon.


There is a beautiful, paved park area on both sides of the Allegheny all the way to the point. You can also cross several of the bridges on foot and go to the North Side where the PNC Park (baseball stadium) and Heinz Field (football stadium) are located. This is a busy place for restaurants and all kinds of activities, including a controversial casino that is being built. I have enjoyed walking along the river at lunchtime for exercise this fall. There is always a lot of foot traffic during lunch time as people stroll or sit by the river to eat or chat.


There is, of course, a homeless population in Pittsburgh like any other city. When you walk the river walk, you see evidence of many people literally living under bridges. But one thing that struck me about these humble abodes is that there is order to them. For example, some of the people have accumulated some serious bedding. It is not unusual to walk under an overpass and see a bed on the concrete, neatly made with the pillow in place and the flowered comforter spread out to cover everything. These people are so close to us every day, yet their world is drastically different. Living under a bridge . . . .

Back up at street level, there is Point State Park with its beautiful fountain and lights. This month the water in the fountain is pink for Breast Cancer Awareness. People in their cars sit on the double decker Fort Duquesne Bridge and complain about the traffic and the cost of parking. The contrast is maddening.

One time I packed some food and took it in my car to give to a man who hung around my parking lot all the time. When I offered him the food, he laughed at me and asked me for money. I said I didn't have any money to give him and went away. Does the insanity come from living on the street, or do they live on the street because they are mentally ill? How can I help them and still be safe?