For the past year, I've been working with a group of amazing people. We met because of bicycles, and through this common interest we created a nonprofit organization that aims to make bike riding in Pittsburgh both safe and fun. We recently secured a seed grant to support our flagship project, a monthly party ride. We meet after work on the second to the last Friday of every month, fire up some bicycle-mounted stereos, and slowly roll around town in the most law-abiding (important!) manner for two or three hours. It is incredibly fun, social, and generates cheers from the sidewalk audience and automobile drivers. Flock of Cycles also has the honor to be one of this year's "worthy causes" for the annual East End Brewing Pedal Pale Ale Keg Ride. If you have a bike in Pittsburgh, you should be there!

* If your employer matches donations use this info:
National MS Society, Western Pennsylvania Chapter
1501 Reedsdale Street, Suite 105
Pittsburgh, PA 15233

Please include "Bike MS" and my name on the form. The tax ID for National MS Society, Western Pennsylvania Chapter is 251066473.

Doing what I can to keep the rubber side down in this weather.

Big Pour 4 at Construction Junction, Pittsburgh, PA

A Northern Cardinal in my backyard. I just mowed the lawn and when I looked out the window, there were about 3 dozen birds eating the clippings.

I really, really like this door knocker.

Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh, PA

Also published at Only In Pittsburgh.

Greenfield, Pittsburgh, PA

Nasturtiums

Basil

Cucumbers

Pepper

Tomato Blossoms

Eggplant

The rhubarb is also doing quite well. I had some trouble when I first transplanted it, but I think there may have been air pockets in the soil, and it didn't receive sufficient water. The plant sent up 5-6 flower stalks, and after I cut those down to the base, it took off like crazy. Maybe I'll have pie this year after all!

I've lived in apartments for the past 10 years and now I finally have a small plot of Earth to call my own (at least until my lease is up). To take full advantage of this dirt, I am planning a garden for this summer.

So far, it hasn't gone as smooth as I had imagined. I purchased a bunch of seeds, soils, pots, etc. and thought I knew more than the directions on the packets. I just tossed the little suckers in dirt, kept them watered, put them in my window sill and figured it would all work out just fine. No such luck.

My lettuce came up right away, and died just as quick. It turns out the few hours of direct sun they get through the window is no good. I tried again with CFLs shining down on the tops of the seedlings. This worked much better, and after thinning the extra seedlings last night, I had enough for a small salad.

The tomatoes came up after only a day in the dirt, and I immediately stuck them under a fluorescent grow light (see the photo above). My peppers (bell and jalapeño) are very stubborn. Not only do they want water, dirt, and light, but they also need to be warm. I ended up setting them on top of the hot water heater to get the seeds to the proper germination temperature. A few have sprouted, but so far they aren't looking as healthy as the tomatoes.

Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh, PA

I love back and white photos from other photographers, but never seem to like my own after I remove the color. I felt this one worked without color.

Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh, PA

Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada