DURING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, THE POSTS HAVE BEEN MOVED TO THE HOLIDAY DAY ITSELF... SEE YOU NEXT YEAR, JANUARY ONE!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
NEXT POST ON NEW YEARS DAY IN THE LATE EVENING!!!
DURING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, THE POSTS HAVE BEEN MOVED TO THE HOLIDAY DAY ITSELF... SEE YOU NEXT YEAR, JANUARY ONE!
Friday, December 25, 2009
CHRISTMAS DAY SPECIAL REPORT:
LEFT TO RIGHT: MATT SPAETH, RASHARD MENDENHALL, JERED RETOFSKY
(CLICK TO ENLARGE THE IMAGE)
SPORTS UPDATE:
Last year during our Super Bowl run, our long snapper Greg Warren injured his knee for the season. Jered Retkofsky, who worked for a moving company, replaced him. Jered earned himself a Super Bowl Ring with his outstanding play! He was cut this year; he went back to moving Americans to their new homes around the country. His Super Bowl Ring swayed many customers to select Jered and his company for their movers of choice.
On the last play of the game last week, with no time left on the Clock, Jeff Reed kicked the extra point that won the game, but bad luck struck Greg Warren again; he injured his knee again and is out for the season. Warren himself called Jered to tell him the good and the bad news. Jered's phone rang again, the Steelers calling! Just in time for Christmas Jered's income spiked, and his passion is giving him one more opportunity; not everyone gets two chances in this competitive discipline that is populated with big money and monster men.
The reason I tell you Jered's Christmas story today, is because he was so kind, along with Matt Spaeth and Rashard Mendenhall, to pose for the portrait showing their support for you the troops, moreover, the whole Pittsburgh Steelers organization expressed their support for you, the troops! I shot this portrait of these men last year in Dan Rooney's office during the Pep Rally, which was just days before they left for the Super Bowl. They all returned with the Sixth Super Bowl Trophy for this great team, SIXBURGH!
Keep your head down,
Henry Hill, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
Monday, December 21, 2009
CHRISTMAS, Ours and Yours...
(CLICK IN IMAGES TO ENLARGE)
Christmas is a few days away, and most folks here at home are preparing to enjoy the day with family and friends. This is a luxury in life that some do not appreciate and take for granted.
The warm and cozy fire in the fireplace brings warmth to the revelers, while you over there huddle in tents, holes, and vehicles. Your situation comes without a true break. In World War Two, even at the battle of the bulge, Christmas found a way to have a truce and provide a little peace to reflect.
The malls here are full of shoppers driven to stress levels that exceeds any form of reason for such a simple pleasure, which again, is not appreciated for how much of a gift that is. The stores are full of brand new toys, gizmo's, high-tech games, and every sort of food that man can imagine. Your shopping is by mail call, and the boxes that make it in one piece, if you received one in the first place, may have great gifts from loved ones; some are from strangers who care. No matter the source, your gratitude and appreciation is more than you ever imagined for even the simplest gesture of kindness. This is something that you will carry for the rest of your life, this new found appreciation of the simple things.
The Christmas Holiday back here at home only exists because of what you do, and what the brothers and sisters in harm's way did before you. Here, after the Christmas parties, the dinners with the Steak laden with fat and red wine, most folks will go home and climb into a comfortable bed and sleep peacefully, in some cases with a mate that smells good. You, if you are lucky, will get a cot and a hot, and sleep in the company of some that may be in need of Old Navy. The only fat-marbled steak you will see is in your dreams!
The roads here are full of road rage idiots, while over there they are full of roadside bombs. The buildings here are just shapes and angles, while over there they are vantage points for the enemy to fire from. Yes, the mainstream folks are very supportive of all of you, but many do not know the difficult and dangerous tasks that you all do on a daily basis. The people who do know, appreciates it very much, as many of those have walked in your shoes. Lets hope all who have the power to do so will sort this out so that you will be back home for Christmas real soon! In the meantime, lock and load, and clear the area.
The warm and cozy fire in the fireplace brings warmth to the revelers, while you over there huddle in tents, holes, and vehicles. Your situation comes without a true break. In World War Two, even at the battle of the bulge, Christmas found a way to have a truce and provide a little peace to reflect.
The malls here are full of shoppers driven to stress levels that exceeds any form of reason for such a simple pleasure, which again, is not appreciated for how much of a gift that is. The stores are full of brand new toys, gizmo's, high-tech games, and every sort of food that man can imagine. Your shopping is by mail call, and the boxes that make it in one piece, if you received one in the first place, may have great gifts from loved ones; some are from strangers who care. No matter the source, your gratitude and appreciation is more than you ever imagined for even the simplest gesture of kindness. This is something that you will carry for the rest of your life, this new found appreciation of the simple things.
The Christmas Holiday back here at home only exists because of what you do, and what the brothers and sisters in harm's way did before you. Here, after the Christmas parties, the dinners with the Steak laden with fat and red wine, most folks will go home and climb into a comfortable bed and sleep peacefully, in some cases with a mate that smells good. You, if you are lucky, will get a cot and a hot, and sleep in the company of some that may be in need of Old Navy. The only fat-marbled steak you will see is in your dreams!
The roads here are full of road rage idiots, while over there they are full of roadside bombs. The buildings here are just shapes and angles, while over there they are vantage points for the enemy to fire from. Yes, the mainstream folks are very supportive of all of you, but many do not know the difficult and dangerous tasks that you all do on a daily basis. The people who do know, appreciates it very much, as many of those have walked in your shoes. Lets hope all who have the power to do so will sort this out so that you will be back home for Christmas real soon! In the meantime, lock and load, and clear the area.
________***________
SPORTS UPDATE:
Big Ben was running from the blitz, with no time on the clock, when he threw a pass to the end zone for an almost copycat catch from our Super Bowl win. We beat the Packers 37 to 36!
A cowboy brings home the Christmas TreeBig Ben was running from the blitz, with no time on the clock, when he threw a pass to the end zone for an almost copycat catch from our Super Bowl win. We beat the Packers 37 to 36!
________***________
Doris and Bill wish you a Merry Christmas
Keep your head down,
Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania
Monday, December 7, 2009
Dorothy and Floyd, December 7, 1941
Dorothy and Floyd
December 7, 1941
The day started out as any other day, at the Soda Fountain in small town Ohio, where Dorothy worked; Soda Jerk was her job title. Dorothy’s smile greeted many folks each day, almost none were unknown; that was a perk living where everyone knew your business. Busy days at work made the time pass by, and any distraction, even the small ones such as the uncomfortable shoes that she wore, a decree by the Government to help the war effort, helped her to not think of Floyd all the time. Dorothy knew this was a small sacrifice compared to her husband Floyd, who was now thousands of miles away in Hawaii in the US Army. Her look was relevant the time, as she stood behind the counter in her Pencil Skirt, with a simple cut blouse topped off by wearing a Beret.
The US Government rationed fabrics. Women’s dresses had to be short with hems of only two inches, extra material added on such as ruffles, were forbidden for the duration of the war. Although hats were not rationed to allow women to express themselves, the designs were simple. Since there was rationing of elastic the beret may have been the favorite hat, it also had an elegant look. Veiled pillboxes and hats with plumage and ribbons were also popular. The pencil skirt cut in one straight line was within the limitations of clothing rationing, since the design required the least amount of material for the dress size.
The day was suddenly and permanently interrupted when the town clown ran into the store and yelled out, "Pearl Harbor has been bombed! Turn on your radio!"
Dorothy's heart almost stopped as she ran to turn on the old and worn Zenith Consoltone radio. She turned it on and waited for the tubes to warm up. A few minutes had passed, when the speaker finally crackled, voices told the news story, “Pearl Harbor has been attacked, many men were killed or injured!” All she could do was wait: one day, one week, one month, so many nights of not knowing and wondering if he was dead, lying in pain, and or wounded. After two full months news finally came. She heard from Floyd, and he was still alive and well.
Those were the days of no E-mail, no CNN, no cell phones, and also no phone contacts to overseas troops at all. Mail from over seas took forever, but a letter from Floyd finally made it to Dorothy. Now that she knew he was still alive, she worried all over again: night after night, month after month, for 4 years! It wasn’t until 1945 when Dorothy finally saw Floyd in person again, and what a happy reunion it was! They dated for five years before marrying; then they were separated by 4 years of war. This year brings them to year 68 of this most wonderful and classic marriage that most will never achieve. I, being one of such.
________***________
Dorothy and Floyd 1941
The day started out as any other day, at the Soda Fountain in small town Ohio, where Dorothy worked; Soda Jerk was her job title. Dorothy’s smile greeted many folks each day, almost none were unknown; that was a perk living where everyone knew your business. Busy days at work made the time pass by, and any distraction, even the small ones such as the uncomfortable shoes that she wore, a decree by the Government to help the war effort, helped her to not think of Floyd all the time. Dorothy knew this was a small sacrifice compared to her husband Floyd, who was now thousands of miles away in Hawaii in the US Army. Her look was relevant the time, as she stood behind the counter in her Pencil Skirt, with a simple cut blouse topped off by wearing a Beret.
The US Government rationed fabrics. Women’s dresses had to be short with hems of only two inches, extra material added on such as ruffles, were forbidden for the duration of the war. Although hats were not rationed to allow women to express themselves, the designs were simple. Since there was rationing of elastic the beret may have been the favorite hat, it also had an elegant look. Veiled pillboxes and hats with plumage and ribbons were also popular. The pencil skirt cut in one straight line was within the limitations of clothing rationing, since the design required the least amount of material for the dress size.
The day was suddenly and permanently interrupted when the town clown ran into the store and yelled out, "Pearl Harbor has been bombed! Turn on your radio!"
Dorothy's heart almost stopped as she ran to turn on the old and worn Zenith Consoltone radio. She turned it on and waited for the tubes to warm up. A few minutes had passed, when the speaker finally crackled, voices told the news story, “Pearl Harbor has been attacked, many men were killed or injured!” All she could do was wait: one day, one week, one month, so many nights of not knowing and wondering if he was dead, lying in pain, and or wounded. After two full months news finally came. She heard from Floyd, and he was still alive and well.
Those were the days of no E-mail, no CNN, no cell phones, and also no phone contacts to overseas troops at all. Mail from over seas took forever, but a letter from Floyd finally made it to Dorothy. Now that she knew he was still alive, she worried all over again: night after night, month after month, for 4 years! It wasn’t until 1945 when Dorothy finally saw Floyd in person again, and what a happy reunion it was! They dated for five years before marrying; then they were separated by 4 years of war. This year brings them to year 68 of this most wonderful and classic marriage that most will never achieve. I, being one of such.
________***________
Dorothy and Floyd 1941
(Click on images to enlarge)
________***________
Keep Your Head Down,
Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
DECEMBER, The Boy and Santa...
The Boy and Santa
(Click on image to enlarge)
The turkey hangovers are over, the nightmarish 'Black Friday' is over, and the thoughts and plans are now focused on Christmas. December as always, is ushering in the holiday cheer, music and visual arts ... endlessly on TV, Radio, and captured elevator audiences. You can even see love blossoming right before your eyes, kissing in public, the holding of hands, and two-strawed chocolate malts everywhere. It seems that all that anyone wants right now, is finding a true love! Those already in love are rebooting their old times in these downturn times.
The times are hard and folks are starting to realize that the best things are free. The sharing, gathering and meeting places are filled, moreover, the movie theatres and on stage shows such as the original Rockettes are booming. Hard times brings back in retro-style the romantic outlook, and traditional festivities, as these pursuits are not as costly and pure fun. This is the positive side of things back here at home.
The times are hard and folks are starting to realize that the best things are free. The sharing, gathering and meeting places are filled, moreover, the movie theatres and on stage shows such as the original Rockettes are booming. Hard times brings back in retro-style the romantic outlook, and traditional festivities, as these pursuits are not as costly and pure fun. This is the positive side of things back here at home.
________***________
The Commander in Chief gave his speech today spelling out for the world his plan to pull out the troops over there in 2011. Of course giving a time line has set off a firestorm in opines, and hopefully cool heads and wise ones will take your welfare into account as first priority in every decision that is now being made. Lets hope such is true, and every one of you comes home in good health, to your family and friends. You must not drop your guard during this transition in policy and troop increase. The enemy will take advantage of any and all opportunities, so never let your determination and American spirit wane, ever!~ Your life and your buddy just ahead depends on it...
Sports Update: The Steelers -- you don't want to know. The Penguins are setting offensive records and looking like defending champions...
I would like to remind those who plan to send our troops overseas Christmas gifts, that they are running out of time to do so in time for them to receive them by the big day. Please send early and often!!!
________***________
Sports Update: The Steelers -- you don't want to know. The Penguins are setting offensive records and looking like defending champions...
________***________
I would like to remind those who plan to send our troops overseas Christmas gifts, that they are running out of time to do so in time for them to receive them by the big day. Please send early and often!!!
________***________
Keep your head down,
Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania
Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Thanksgiving 2009...
If you are reading this you probably are not in transit to your Thanksgiving destination; you may be on post. I have been there, and I know the feeling of being so far away during the holidays. Such has been the life of warriors as far back as war goes in history. You can be assured that most folks back here are in full support, and all of your brothers and sisters in arms who have actually been there feel your place and time. There is no news worthy of repeating this week in light of the situation of all of you over there. The sports news is not worthy either this week, if you know what I mean. So this will be a very brief note to wish all of you the best Thanksgiving possible away from your loved ones!
Keep your head down,
Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania
Monday, November 16, 2009
SUMMER OPTIMISM
The summer swim hole in fall...
(CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE)The colder nights have brought a new look everywhere; My 'Boys of Summer' hangouts have been through a lot, with the summer look being devoured by the grayness of fall. If I had a day of summer that I could bring back, it would be that day at the ole Swim Hole, with the beautiful women swinging on the rope swing ... not in winter dress! The swim hole now is very fall looking and not filled with those lovely summer girls or summer optimism. It tells a tale of winter over the hill, the rope swing now hangs in despair. But, and there always is a but in life, a day will come when that ole swing will again fill the beautiful hands of those 'Girls of Summer' once more...
________***________
November is a very nice month with Thanksgiving coming, and opening day of deer season pending. It isn't long after that when Christmas is here, and all the festivities and good times that bring families together to celebrate and share.
For those who love the outdoors, opening day is a tradition that goes back deep into a young boy's memory. The real outdoorsman knows it is all about the time spent together with the old man, not about the taking of game. When I was that boy, schools were empty on opening day, whereas the fields were full. The night before opening day was as bad as Christmas Eve, who could sleep? Just when you thought you were going to burst from anticipation, your first footstep in the crisp and crunchy snow brought the brutal reality of a wintry day to your senses -- now back down on earth.
For those who love the outdoors, opening day is a tradition that goes back deep into a young boy's memory. The real outdoorsman knows it is all about the time spent together with the old man, not about the taking of game. When I was that boy, schools were empty on opening day, whereas the fields were full. The night before opening day was as bad as Christmas Eve, who could sleep? Just when you thought you were going to burst from anticipation, your first footstep in the crisp and crunchy snow brought the brutal reality of a wintry day to your senses -- now back down on earth.
________***________
The Cheswick theater,which has been open for 61 years, has closed. A sign of the times, and disappearing times right before our eyes. Small town movie houses fading away in the shadow of the new "Big Box" metroplexes...
Keep your head down,
Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
VETERAN'S DAY 2009
Happy Veteran’s Day to my brothers and sisters in harm's way and back here on the home front.
Unlike most politicians and some citizens who give you the obligatory greeting and salutation, I truly mean it from the heart that beats with yours, and stops with every loss.
Some declare themselves as “Antiwar” as if you are for war! This shows their ignorance and misunderstanding! The soldier is sent to war by the politicians who disdain both! The soldier is not for war as is the poor and mislead, antiwar ideologue; but the soldier responds to the call to defend their country; unlike most politicians and the lost souls of the antiwar clan. With Honor, the soldier dies for them both!
________***________
SPORTS UPDATE:
On Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers crushed the Denver Broncos 28-10, but the game easily could have been 42-10. The Denver offense scored their only points -- 3 -- on their first drive. Their defense score the other 7.
________***________
Local happenings:
The replica ships Pinta and Nina, which are exact copies of the ships that Christopher Columbus used for his voyages are in Pittsburgh this week! The Nina was his favorite that he used for 3 1/2 voyages. When you see these ships and the relatively small size of them, although big for their time, it becomes apparent that these men were very bold and brave to do what they did. To cross the ocean, thinking that it may be flat and they could fall off, these wooden ships would have been extremely frightful. The crew was made up mostly of slaves, and this crew slept on deck, only the Captain, Christopher Columbus slept down below in a compartment. None of the crew perished on their voyage, which again is amazing!
The Pinta on the left, and the Nina
Heinz field is visible on the right, with the Heinz mustard color seats!
The Nina, Christopher Columbus's favorite ship used on three voyages!
(CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE TO FULL SIZE)________***________
Keep your head down,
Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
