Fourth of July 2005, Pittsburgh (Squirrel Hill), PA

Last year's trip was at Thanksgiving.

Uneventful trip via the Ohio and Penna turnpikes to get here. Baby Jonathan needed to stop a few times, and we got to see the 1970s recession-era Penna turnpike rest stop just outside of Cranberry. I drove most of the way except for a 45 minute long stretch to take a conference call. T-Mobile wireless coverage on that stretch was problem-free.

We're staying at Alice and Tim's again, our vacation timing working out perfectly. Last time was Before Jonathan, so a few of the arrangements are a little different, but it's all working out well.

As is our custom every meal is accounted for. Friday night dinner was at Alladdin's for delicious middle eastern food. Saturday lunch was with Granny at Hunan Kitchen, which is a cut above our usual for Chinese. Saturday dinner a cookout, Sunday morning oatmeal, Sunday noon leftovers, Sunday dinner at Gullifty's with more family.

While Deb swims at the JCC and Saul and Jonathan are with Nana and Granny, I'm taking care of some networking tasks at Starbucks. Wifi courtesy of Telerama via Pittsburgh Knit and Bead across the street, $5/day. Last time I was here there was an open wireless here, but that has disappeared, and there's a "nocat" installation in its place which didn't want to let me in. Wireless at Tim and Alice's was very spotty and slow but at least a little doable.

I did manage to get out for a run one night, down the Murray Ave. hill running and back up Shady mostly walking. I'm either too uncertain of myself to try to run the whole thing or too much of a flatlander to challenge the hills. It was nice to be out running while most people were walking, you see a lot more when you're moving through pedestrian traffic.

For Monday we travel again, then home. Another uneventful turnpike trip. Stopped at Beaner's in Maumee, OH which now has wifi, that's good to know.