The New Place

Our new apartment is in one word, Pittsburgh. The tall three or four story, skinny houses are all crammed in one after another. There are stairs and more stairs to reach each door. There is a very narrow street to park on and, of course, no driveways. It is Pittsburgh.

We decided to take a risk and rent typical Pittsburgh for the first time. We are away from our first rental, The Waterfront, which was an oasis in the middle of Pittsburgh, and nothing like the city. So far the 'Pittsburgh' apartment is challenging and delightful at the same time.

Our truck parked on the sidewalk in true Pittsburgh style.


Enlisted for moving day was a small group of our friends, Kevin, Megan and Sky. Tuff was our official supervisor.


I made them pose like this.

The morning of the move, we were checking out of our hotel and found a wonderful flat tire.


Tuff did not let his left arm woes get the best of him and got right in there to help change the tire.


Also on the woes list is Tuff's Genuine Rattler scooter. We tried a lot of different things to resurrect it but no go. Helping us via phone and email is my Uncle Dave, Uncle Joe and Dad. Apparently winterizing your scooter is important. Also I guess eight months of not driving the scooter does not help either. We learned our lesson.


Friday night we had dinner with our dear friends, the Maggies and Tyler and Patrick at Legends on the north shore. Today Tyler and Patrick were released from the roster:( The final cuts are always a hard time of year.
http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Steelers-release-11--get-to-53/2f50ed4a-edff-461f-a600-1d2acf845dc4


Today Tuff and I strolled down to the Strip District, just outside of downtown Pittsburgh. Its a historical market district where you will find a variety of local and national businesses, restaurants, shops and markets, many of which are Pittsburgh landmarks.


In the Strip is the original Primanti Bros, which Dana, Tuff and I visited back in December. Fortunately for us there was not a line when we went.


Wholey's Fish Market


Tuff continues to rehabilitate and is getting used to sleeping with a sling. He is thinking about a possible trip to Montana to watch a Griz game!

Lastly Happy Birthday to my little sister Cydney, who today turns 20.

Our friends Mike and Leslie came up to Pittsburgh from Nashville to watch Tuff play in the opener pre-season game. Of course he did not play, but originally that was the intent. He did get to stand on the sidelines to watch the game while the rest of us watched from the stands.


As usual on game day, the atmosphere around Pittsburgh was chaotic. We managed to get seated at Jerome Bettis' Grille before the start of the game to grab a quick meal. It was my first time eating there and I definitely recommend it. Reasonable prices and a big menu. Mike's dad and wife came along too.


Then we made our way to the game and just before half time a big storm rolled in, forcing all the fans into the outer tunnel areas.


After an hour wait in the tunnels, Mike got us all Steelers ponchos and the game went on!


Mike, Leslie, me and Tuff after the game saying our goodbyes.


Two days later, Tuff was in the hospital for his scheduled surgery. Below he is pictured with one the Steelers physical therapists, Rebecca, who was there to view the surgery.


The doctor was pleased with the surgery and Tuff should have about 5-7 months of recovery. He started rehabilitation the day after surgery. In the picture below he is hours out of surgery and wondering who will put his hair in a pony tail.


I flew out the day after his surgery to Minnesota for my friend/University of Montana golf teammate Krista's wedding.


Our friend Emma, from Idaho, also was in the wedding and attended the University of Montana. Below Krista and Emma posed by a 'Minnesota Welcomes You' sign.


Krista took us to Interstate National Park, where they feature potholes formed from glacial times. Krista and Emma walked down into one for a picture.

On the same day we mini golfed, which is not my specialty. However, I managed to pull off an unexpected victory, which is notable due to Krista's competitiveness.


Thursday night was the groom's dinner and the bridesmaids and bride posed for a classy picture.


Friday was wedding day at Mississippi Dunes in Cottage Grove, Minnesota. You could not have asked for a better day. Also, I felt especially blessed to be a part of this day as Brad had a near death experience last October with pneumonia and the swine flew. God had a plan for him and I was so joyed to be there to see Brad and Krista wed.


The Wedding Party

The Beautiful Bride


Wednesday I fly back to Pittsburgh and Thursday Tuff and I move into a new apartment. I must say that even though Tuff's injury is a bummer, it did provide the first stable time line we have ever had in his career. We will be guaranteed to be in Pittsburgh through the end of the season. After that, the Steelers have the option to sign a new contract with Tuff or just let the current one end. So there will be no new football news until January or February, when the season ends.

Steelers Decision

The Steelers finally let Tuff know that he is on the Injured Reserve list. We will be in Pittsburgh now for the season.

Tuff has surgery scheduled for Monday first thing in the morning to repair his torn posterior labrum. It is a fairly simple arthroscopic surgery in which they will essentially sew his labrum back onto the bone. Please keep Tuff in your prayers.

Since Tuff's injury last Friday, we have had the entire week to sit and think about what they would decide with Tuff. I must admit this is especially challenging for me. After all, I was voted most impatient in my class in high school. Just Kidding. I have come a long ways. Tuff has actually been at St. Vincent's since his injury rehabbing his shoulder.

On Sunday, the Steelers put on a special event for the families, Family Day. There were a lot of activities for the kids so of course Tuff and I participated.


Also Kutsch Kutsch and her boyfriend Patrick got a caricature drawing.


And finally Tyler got one with his wife Maggie. Actually Maggie was home in Tennessee so Tyler held up a picture of her from his cell phone.


After surgery on Monday, Tuff will spend the day and night at the hospital, then head back Tuesday to St. Vincents for the beginning of months of rehabilitation. Thank you all for all your support!

St. Vincent's