THE AIR OF FREEDOM!

First stop was at DQ for a cold one!

Today was a special day especially considering it was still in April, as there was a sleepy, almost-June like feel to the hot blowing air. The spring robins were twittering all about, as they dodged and burned through the sky, and one brightly colored unknown songbird sang beautifully from its lofty tree branch. The sky was a washed out cobalt blue—near denim in color, and the sun shone down a golden hue in this unprecedented heat of early spring nearing 90 degrees. It was a day to ride, go fishin’, but it was not a day to do anything that might appear to be a chore or the deadly weekend killing Honey-do. I chose to ride!

It was such a privilege to be able to breathe in deeply the air of freedom. This air is so unappreciated by those who have never lost it, or never been out of their protected box of American living. Living in privilege and by and large without doing without things taken for granted. Living where food comes hot and fresh, and there is plenty of it. Living where beds have mattresses, and water comes out of a faucet, hot water at that! No, I am afraid is the answer by the many for this question. The air of freedom was bought by, and paid for by American sacrifice in the defense of it by our troops … YOU!

May my photo essays that I shoot on my motorcycle explorations for you, motivate you to do whatever it takes to make it back and breathe in that air of freedom! You paid for it.

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This old Oak has been aged at 340 years old, the oldest tree in the county. I visit the old man every season of the year.

Small town USA, Lower Burrell; this country baseball diamond was being grated by a boy on a board being towed by a truck!

(CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE)

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May my photo essays that I shoot on my motorcycle explorations for you, motivate you to do whatever it takes to make it back and breathe in that air of freedom! You paid for it.

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Sports Update:

The Pens kicked the Philly Flyers back to the east side of the state where they belong! After falling behind 3 zip, they stormed back with a 5 and 0 run to eliminate them from the playoffs. Well-done Pens!

The World Champion Pittsburgh Steelers had a great draft! They filled a lot of needs with their 8 selections. To see the whole selection, go here: http://www.steelers.com/draft/

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NEW PINUP IMAGE AT BOTTOM OF THIS BLOG PAGE!

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

THEN CAME THE BLESSING...

The annual Blessing of the Bikes in Murrysville Pennsylvania was a grand time, with thousands of bikes and riders making their annual trip to attend; then a ride to Greensburg to break bread together. The age span was 1 to 85 years of age … the fun range was all-inclusive. Pastor Dan of the Murrysville Alliance Church blessed all who attended and wished them safe passage to their homes.

We hope to see some of you there next year! April 18, 2010!

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Early Arrivals

The Murrysville FD raising the flag

Saluting the raising of the flag, and the National Anthem.

The front parking lot, leaving the back lot, and all the connecting streets full!

Bless all, and Bless America said Pastor Dan

(Click on images to enlarge)

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SPORTS UPDATE:

The Pittsburgh Penguins lead the Flyers 2 games to 1 in the best of seven series. Go Pens!

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Since World War Two the Pinup Girl has been a staple of our Boys over There. Occasionally I have local citizens volunteering to be yours! Melissa is one of such, and as usual her image will be posted at the bottom of this blog page until further notice. Her image here in this weekly column is only to give you the heads up in case you have not checked at the bottom of the page lately! If you are a person that may be offended by Pinup Girls, you now have notice to avoid looking any further in this weekly column, and the bottom of the blog page until further notice!

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

THE 'BOYS OF SUMMER' ARE BACK! Pittsburgh Tea Party...

(Click images to enlarge)

Monday was the opening day home game for the Pittsburgh Pirates. It was a grand day for the return of ‘The Boys of Summer’ who played on the field, and also occupied the stands! It was a day where the ‘Old Man’ taught the ‘Boy’ the unspoken rules of being a gentleman; how to approach another gentleman, how to celebrate victory and defeat, and how as in life it is not about the score, but about how you play.

Tailgate Party

Late throw...

OUT!

Homerun!

The 'Wave'

Crowded

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TEA PARTY, DOWNTOWN PITTSBURGH:

The ripples in the Allegheny River spread out in all directions equally; the teabags continued to hit the water one by one. Protesters not unlike those on December 16, 1773 in Boston Harbor, demonstrated their ire for an unwanted tax without recourse—the tea tax in 1773, and the 2009 backdoor taxation of the bailout of failed banks and other select corporations. This time it was about Government spending, according to Dr. Alan Keyes, who was the keynote speaker. The Pittsburgh Tea Party on April 11, 2009, was the first such event to attract Dr. Keyes to speak.

Young protester

Dr. Alan Keyes passionately voicing his opinion!

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania

Spring Trudges Ahead...

Tony on his first new bike!

(click to enlarge photos)

Today, spring trudged ahead with sunshine and mid 60 degree temperatures. In spite of the up and down spring tendencies, local motorbike riding has been good. My friend Tony purchased his first brand new motorcycle, and today was his first true ride. On the 19th of this month is the “Blessing of the Bikes” at a church in Murrysville, Pa. … more on that, that weekend. A lot of returning vets have found their way to their local Motorcycle shop; you could be next, back home and riding across our great and grand country. Harleys are a great way to meet the opposite sex.

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If you do make it home and get in your new car or on your motorcycle, please take caution on the roads. Too many vets cash it in on the roads, after making it home from the war. Pfc. James “Hap” Writt of Export, a veteran of Iraq, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines, the 21 year-old man who was proud to be a Marine, died in a speed related accident on the way home from Camp Lejeune. He was a graduate of Greensburg Salem High School in 2005. I do very few updates in regard to casualties, only when they are more than just news, but a lesson that may save another. Just like your boot training, You Will Do under Stress what you Train To Do, so Please Train yourself to be a very safe driver, and practice it until it is second nature!


We wish the family and friends of Pfc. James “Hap” Writt our best wishes and our condolences.

I usually avoid the negative in this column as already stated, but I think an occasional reminder that danger can be found everywhere is needed. Do not let your guard down when you come back. We want you back, and we want you to live a long and prosperous life! Even when you are out of the war zone, life can be dangerous. But, and there always is a but in life, life is worth the risk, so enjoy and appreciate it for all of your time.

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Next Monday is the home opener for the Pirates. I will be there! Next week’s update will be on Monday night, after the game!

Sports may not be important in the big scheme of things, but, and there always is a but in life, it sure is nice to have fun in these trying times. If you get the chance to take in a Pirate game this year, Go!

My Harley, our Spring.

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Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania