Landen Deerfield Park Trail- Ohio

Putting aside time for friends I never regret. My circle has always provided me with insight and growth as I listen to their stories and we catch up on our lives. Most of my friends by now know a walk in the woods is an excellent way to get onto my calendar.

I’m pet/house sitting this weekend up in the Mason area which is exciting because that means new trails to explore.

This looked like an odd trail located in the backfields of a baseball park. I was a bit nervous that it was a bike path, but opted to check it out anyways.
Immediately I was welcomed by wildflowers.
This plant mystified me as it was swarming with mating bugs. If you look closely you will see there are two bugs on top of each other. I thought spring was mating season, but apparently these guys are in it for fall.
Our path led under thick tree coverage which was great for beating the late afternoon sun.
This tall weed was so pretty sprouting its purple horns.
These daisies were temptingly pickable. I wanted to make a bouquet, but snapped a photo instead.
We stumbled across the stream. I love the sound of the running water. Have you all seen the reel going around on Instagram where the man speaks about “what if God is actually water”? It was so eye opening to me.
We came across some flat rock falls.
The steep bank kept us from crossing or getting a closer look.
Vines intertwined with many of the trees.
Looking down from the edge.
Sarah wore tie dye appropriately. I also was wearing my new tie dye tee that George bought for me at a street fair. I regret not taking a selfie of us together. We looked quite the pair.
I was able to cross the stream and squatted in the middle on a rock to breathe in this view, admiring all the textures placed into one gorgeous place.
We kept climbing up and down as the path wickedly wove in and out. We only encountered one group of mountain bikers who seemed to be struggling with the terrain.
This Sycamore tree reminded me of vitiligo.
Fungi was everywhere.
We were lost for a bit and ended up at the opposite end where we discovered another falls.
Later kids were playing in the water as their parents sat by watching them enjoy the simple joys in life, electronic free.
A beautifully decaying tree like a piece of art itself.
We exited to find this tribute. Agree light is found under the coverage of trees.
Fungi beauty dressing up this tree stump.
Logs for bikers being slowly absorbed by the earth. Reminded me of the metal bike sign I saw on a tree previously that was being swallowed by the bark. Nature may be slow at times but it is very powerful.
Another slow progression of decay and absorption with this termite invested tree.
As we were heading out I spotted this large camouflaged toad. First time I’ve seen one so large.

After an hour’s walk in the heat, I talked Sarah into checking out a brewery that was only 1.5 miles away. We arrived thankfully before the rush and relaxed at a picnic bench outdoors cooling off with a cold brew and some grub.

As trusted friends we were open with our vulnerability and honest with one another about the challenges we are facing. Oftentimes I appreciate how alcohol can give you bravery to speak your truths.

This is located in the midst of an industrial park. Strange location, but everyone found it even on a weekend. I can imagine it being a hot spot after work, if in fact people are going into the offices.
The outdoor seating was a perfectly spaced open area welcoming the mixed aged crowd complete with dogs and children.
This quote reminds me of all my friends who are ever changing and finding themselves again in mid life.

Dow Lake Trail- Strouds Run State Park- Athens, Ohio

Always love a state park. They were a Godsend when I was road tripping, always offering a place to camp or crash for the night. There was one only 12 minutes from Ann’s house, so I talked her into hitting a trail with me. I bet this area in Ohio has some amazing hikes but honestly I just wanted to get out for quick bit before I headed back home.

We picked an out and back trail so we could stop at a certain hour and turn around. I thought it would be scenic since it went along the lakeside.

There were several trails from this trailhead, but we stuck with our original route and took a left after climbing a steep incline up to the lake.
Snapped this selfie before we got too sweaty and worn out. Just getting started.
As soon as we got to the top we were able to see a view of the lake. There were a few kayakers and fisherman but otherwise quite still.
After the open field area, we were immediately welcomed by the shade provided with the heavy tree coverage.
The trail was narrow and Ann and I walked single filed. I’m sure she only heard half of what I was babbling about 🙂
Trees were tall beauties. Looking up to see their reach.
Occasionally we would get a peak through the trees at the quiet lake. We did pass a group of young men swimming which looked fun.
Mushrooms were everywhere.
Ann spotted this tiny pink one. You can see her shoe for size reference. Not even sure how she spotted him.
This one reminded us of Alice in Wonderland.
The narrow path just kept going. Probably around the entire lake.
A very peaceful walk in the woods.
Discovered this white wonder on the leaf along the trail.
We put in a solid hour then headed back to Ann’s for an amazing brunch to fill my belly before heading back to Cincy.
I wondered why there weren’t more boats out.
Such cool colors.
The moss and shroom combo is so delicate. God is amazing with details.
This handsome tree was no joke on the lookout.
We resurfaced out from the tree coverage to the grassy plain to take us back to where we started.
Looking down from our viewpoint at where we parked. Surrounded by green.
This love bug was so entertaining to me. I wondered who had the humor, why and how long ago. Eye catching along Route 550.

Athens Visit with Ann

I had a visit to Ann’s new place on my calendar back in March that got rescheduled due to one of those late snow storms that randomly hit when you are expecting spring. Sadly, it wasn’t until 5 months later that I made the trip. But so happy I did.

The drive out along 32 East was in itself a preface to what was to come for my weekend. Gorgeous scenery, beautiful weather and peace away from all things responsible.

Ann (Newton) Brandon used to live in Cincinnati, and we spent a few Covid nights by her bonfire solving the world’s problems and recognizing our continual attempts to better ourselves in this lifetime. We’ve known each other since high school, although never really hung out or played the same sports. Cool how life can bring you together at later dates for different purposes.

Ann always pushes my thinking and I absolutely love hanging with her. I always feel open to express myself honestly and this trip was no different. We laughed so hard discussing a story surrounding the need to know if someone has eaten meatloaf, read our tarot cards to reveal better times coming as we shared our Findlay roots and life discoveries.

I couldn’t help but snap photos out my windshield during the drive, it was so beautiful. Lined with green, with very little traffic and perfect blue skies with continually changing clouds to entertain me.
I was breathing it in on my drive as if I were again on my solo trip out west.
I passed about 6 horse and buggys on this route on my return home.
The Amish still fascinate me.
I took this photo as I started driving up Ann’s driveway. Thankful I didn’t attempt this trek in any sort of snowfall. She lives on a farm property down a very windy route which would have been challenging for sure in any weather condition.
Loved this relaxation area on her property. So artsy and inviting.
While we walked her dog Buck I kept taking in the landscape, telling her how fortunate she is to be surrounded by all this. Truly picturesque.
There were a couple stables on the property.
This white beauty came over for some scratches.
Ann pointed out this antique metal farm equipment, knowing I would love to photograph such a thing. I LOVE that people see things” and now recognize the beauty around them as if through my eyes. Nothing makes me happier.

While I was visiting with Ann, my Phuket friend, Virlane, sent me a text with a photo of her “looking up”. It literally made me so happy, knowing I somehow inspired her to capture those moments symbolically and literally.

The view outside Ann’s back sunroom. I mean how lucky is she!? Across the driveway from her is an office that designs museum exhibitions. For such a country setting, she is surrounded by open minded educated Ohioans.
I’d never been to Ohio University before which is now where Ann works. I asked her to give me a quick tour of campus.
I stopped to read the raw history of this lynching which is shocking but unfortunately not uncommon. I admired the memorial reminder.
Ann said everyone gets their picture taken under this walkway, so I struck a Tonya- style- pose. Ann gave me a bright green bandana, which I tied onto my purse, symbolizing a pledge to respect and help those with mental health issues. To listen without judgement and help direct to resources and support. She is spearheading this project on the Ohio University’s campus. This woman does so many great things to help bring awareness.
Brick walkways were everywhere making the campus rated one of the most beautiful. Ann informed me it is the oldest campus in Ohio. So I googled it-
The Ohio University” is the oldest college in the state, founded on February 18, 1804. The University opened in 1808 with one building, three students, and one professor, Jacob Lindley.”
Store fronts welcoming students back with their Bobcat colors of green and white.
The courthouse proudly in the middle of town.
Historic clock, talking about the love of wisdom.
I enjoyed this mural in the middle of the campus area, reminding everyone that labor roots are also in these mountains with the mining community.
Ann told me about a meadery close to her house, so I had to stop by, just to test them out.
The gal working there was adorable and talked me into a flight of all the meads available as well as their two ciders. She claimed it was only equivalent to two glasses of wine.
I enjoyed their history board.
They also housed a fascination with The Mothman, which I believe took place only 40 minutes away in Virginia, and Big Foot.
They had a speaker come talk about the facts surrounding Bigfoot sightings and over 70 people came to listen. They said it was one of their biggest events. Who knew?
The options tried. All were mild and not too heavy on the honey.
Let the fun begin!
Ann looking cute as ever, behaving with just one drink.
We ordered this charcutier board which was so impressive!
In the distance I spotted the Mothman. I had to hike down to get a good look.
I found it amusing that this needed to be posted, I wondered who wanted to climb through the fence with a glass of wine and cut through the weeds.
They also had a Bigfoot in the woods. Truly entertaining and a conversation starter. I met a couple who were Ann’s friends who actually met at a Bigfoot convention. I didn’t even know they had conventions! My eyes are now open. We joked that we were going to spot a real one on our drive home and no one would believe us.
A view from the Bigfoot looking up at the property. Really beautiful here.
The wildflowers throughout this area are stunning with their yellow and purple mix. I really enjoyed being back in nature, surrounded by green lit up from the heavy rains this summer. A perfect weekend away.

Queen City Underground Tour with Todd Colquitt

I am behind on blogs. I finally finished my freelance contract and have time to catch up, explore and reflect on my adventures in life which is such a necessity for my sanity. A couple weekends ago, a very dear childhood friend of mine came to visit. We’ve known each other since highschool and kept in touch ever since.

We usually just hang out or bar hop whenever we are together but this time, I booked us a tour because I thought Todd would enjoy the historical aspect of brewing in Cincinnati.

The Underground Cincinnati tour started off in a courtyard in OTR where they paused to tell us that children historically drank lagers. Basically everyone drank beer all day long. As we turned the corner he showed us a historic park where Annie Oakley preformed.
As we headed to Washington Square Park, we were told how bodies were found when they dug up the ground for the parking garage underneath. They later realized that this was a burial ground. Music Hall is one of the most haunted buildings in America. They found 40 skulls when repairing an elevator shaft. A mass grave for cholera deaths. I had learned previously that supply wagons at that time were only allowed into the city if they agreed to haul bodies out.
OTR (Over the Rhine) has been renovated over the last decade and many historical discoveries have surfaced along the way. This district in Cincinnati is the largest historically preserved area in the USA.
The building behind our tour guide is the now home to “Alcove by Mad Tree. George and I went there before our candlelight quartet earlier this month, but I had no idea the history of this place.
Its a must see if you are in the area.
Apparently Mad Tree Brewery, headquartered in Oakley (where Annie Oakley grabbed her name) saved this building from destruction and restored it for a new venue. This is a building where the baseball league of America started and was also a huge German bier hall.
OTR is so walkable and filled with non-chain restaurants, boutiques and bars.
We headed into a locked area revealing a beautifully kept garden walled in with St. Francis Seraph Church. Right outside of this church are many homeless and street preachers. I found it oddly peaceful to be inside the garden with the chaos continually outside.
Beautiful mosaic windows. We were here to hear about how this used to be on the outskirts of town, on Liberty Street, but as the city grew, they continued to dig up graveyards and move the bodies further out. Many of the families did not want their loved ones moved, so they kept them in the crypt in the cellar of this church and used the tombstones as part of the flooring.
Always amazing what people have behind walls.
History as we walked down the musty smelling hallways to the crypt.
A tour worth taking just to get to know some of the history in this area where churches always played a key role.
Sort of creepy, sort of cool.
It is an honor to be buried within the church. Not sure how often they had to keep digging up loved ones back in the old times, but seems quite strange to me to have to keep moving bodies due to the city’s growth.
We learned that this crucifix is rare, left double sided, revealing Christ to the priest and the congregation who were always separated.
Was nice to be able to see inside a church that housed history here.
We walked around the corner to an underground brewery from the 1800s which was discovered only when a new owner noticed a dotted line on the architectural plans and wondered what it meant. They sledge hammered through and found this underground facility. I made Todd pose for me outside.
They have since hired people to dig out the underground brewery and discovered it was the site for the Kauffman Brewery, which if I remember correctly, the tour guide said never re opened after Prohibition.
The underground chambers.
Looking up to street level. Guess they had a space where people could roll their empty barrels down from Vine Street and they would then wash and refill.
Through the holes at the top, people would just throw down the garbage and dirt, so the dig out is quite a project. They are hoping to finish clearing it out and use it for a museum eventually.

Finally Met Kangkang!

Anyone that knows me or who has read this blog in the past, knows one of my favorite people in all the world is a Cambly student I met online from Taiwan. KangKang or aka now Ayla and I have been speaking for 3 years regularly and she has readied herself for all the necessary English tests to get her into a university for a PHD in Kinesiology.

When applying to different schools, the Universe answered and got her into OSU. Of all the places she applies, O-H-I-O! I couldn’t believe our fate! I immediately promised to pick her up from the Columbus airport and help her transition into her studio dorm room.

I literally got to the airport an hour early in anticipation. I wasn’t even sure if I would recognize her in a mask and full bodied 🙂 But the minute she came through the security point and aimed towards the hand sanitizer, I said her name out loud and she turned and ran into my arms!

The entry point.
I sent her a trendy “Be Kind” tee and she wore it on the flights over to greet me. I had a “Good Vibes” rainbow dress which shrunk on me (….blame it on the laundry) so I cut it off and layered it to meet her. Matching rainbow messages. Finally we meet!

It was as if we knew each other forever. It really wasn’t odd at all meeting her in person, just excited to have her physically with me. To drive together, talk for hours, help. I was honored that she allowed me to welcome her and go through the process of checking in to OSU. I honestly had never been on that campus before only to the bars surrounding the area from years past.

We arrived at 10 pm and we were able to check in, grab a bin and unload.
Cute welcoming sign with a sketch of the dog in training’ that recently departed to his new home.
She explained that there is a saying, blessing of sorts, that they say before they enter a new home. She spoke it rhythmically as I snapped this photo.
The next day her she gave me a gift from her mother. A very cool culturally printed purse and inside was a wooden hand painted comb that another student, Lily, from China sent to KangKang to give to me.

I feel so blessed to be able to connect people from around the world. I introduced my two shy students from cultures in conflict, (Taiwan and China) that I knew would get along and support each other. They became instant friends and I am beyond touched that they orchestrated this surprise gift for me.

We literally spent 3 plus hours in Target, pricing out options and getting starter home needs. I told her I couldn’t do the groceries there, because it was just too much. We needed to check out and head to the grocery to load up with a different mind set.

Earlier that morning, I picked her up at 8:30 am and she got her student ID, opened a US bank account, got a US phone number, shopped Target and Kroger and then unloaded again.

Bonus was having lunch with my roomate from college, Cindy! So cool that she got to meet Ayla and enjoy the one part of our day that was relaxing. Love that we are all in blue.
Finally a simple home with some feng shui, a plant to talk to and a new studio apartment to call home for a few years.

Provin Park Trail- Grand Rapids, Michigan

Was so happy to squeeze in a hike while visiting West Michigan. My sister and I decided to hit a trail she was familiar with and in the hour we were there we went up and down every side trail available.

Any easy loop with a lot of inside trails.
Made Trish pose in front of the sign which also warned about “no sledding” during the winter months which up here is at least half the year.
The minute you walked in you could smell the aroma of pine.
In the middle of this forest is a sand dune. West Michigan is full of sand and it makes the beaches amazingly soft and the dunes out here a challenge to hike.
There are little wood forts created along the way. We also saw many people reading in hammocks enjoying the summer’s humidity free weather.
Reminded me of a trail I hiked in Edisto Beach.
It was fun hiking with my sister. We haven’t really spent a lot of quality time together in years and with her recent move to Grand Rapids, I had an excellent excuse to stay and explore with her over an extended stay.
Reminded us of the woods that were out outside our back yard growing up.
Fresh mushrooms a surprise as we hurdled some fallen trees.
I felt like this tree was special with a tutu skirt or hat. Just interesting the way her branches filled at a certain level.
Then we spotted this glory down a side trail. Was so cool to hear my sister speak of her the same way I do, admiring her scars and curves.
Dead and waiting for the right storm to fall. In the meantime still allowing her beauty to shine.
Such a beautiful trail.
Another little tee pee complete with a welcoming walkway.
Another view of the sand desert before we headed back.
Perfect way to end my work week. Walking and catching up.
They actually spray painted the roots to let you know what trail you were on. I’d never seen this before. Only colored tree markings or posts.
Someone took the time to arrange the pinecones, sticks and leaves in this path. Man and nature, a perfect couple.
One last glance at the pines before we headed back to pick up her husband Tim to start our brewery hop and embrace a proper weekend.

Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park- Grand Rapids, Michigan

I heard about this park from one of my Cambly students who moved from South Korea to Grand Rapids. I was hoping to meet up with Jay while visiting my sister but our timing was off unfortunately.

The Meijer Garden and Sculpture Park is simply a must see if you ever get up this way. $18.00 to enter and I saw art, nature, botanicals, sculpture and a concert by a South African peace train musician.

Pulling up it has such a presence! You can see the thought that was put into the buildings.
Meijer stores are headquartered here and apparently the family was kind enough to give back to the community by building this park.
I was fascinated by the wall face sculptures. Have never seen anything like it before.
A piece of art along the wall made out of metal scraps had such texture and movement I had to get an up-close look.
Inside is a small exhibition room that showcases different artists throughout the year.
African prints were used throughout.
Art from a distance but more detailed meaning once you saw the materials used.
Was interesting to read some of the deeper thoughts behind the beautifully creative displays.
Being a fashion design major I truly appreciated the craftmanship.
The dramatic action captured in such a still pose.
By far my favorite. From the front such an innocence portrayed.
If I had the time, I love these book covers and how just putting them on the shelf is art.
Somehow reminded me of my sisters and I. Not sure why. We were/are no angels.
As we left the art venue we walked down this hallway which again was so perfectly thought out architectually with the tree columns leading you to the conservatory.
Aren’t these cactus adorable. In a way so cute.
The fuzzy ones were tempting to reach out and touch.
This arrangement made me aware of the design quality and significance in every display. Admiring human’s creativity with nature.
Looking up at the bamboo stalks.
This conservatory had very high ceilings and felt more open than Cincinnati’s Krohns.
My sister pointed out these orchids which were rare.
Once we got outside there was this statue named “Mad Mom” but Trisha and I were saying she looks more sadly disappointed than angry. I loved her shape next to the background angles of the glass building.
Flowers were unique and the color combinations eye catching.
Plants I have never seen before made our walk staggered as we paused to admire.
Sculpture was everywhere.
This gigantic horse caught my eye through the woods.
I made Trisha pose to show the magnitude of its presence.
I also caught this, what I thought was a girl silhouette, from a distance as we walked. Michigan days are absolutely gorgeous! Look at the sky! And the clouds up here move so quickly with the lake breeze.
When we got up close, it changed into a man silhouette. It was named he/she.
Loved the balance.
Looking up again. Always. Seeing new perspectives.
The display of colors surrounding this bronze beauty.
Some left you feeling eerie and empty. A sadness somehow.
While others had humor like this gigantic spade in the midst of the meadow.
Industrial featured with the softness of the wildflowers.
Walking down this sidewalk with its curves and the arches of the trees perfectly displaying this statue which was representing shame.
I did not read the title of this piece, I wanted to leave it with me in my own personal interpretation.
I told Paige, my niece, that this one reminded me of her chihuahua which I was told never to try to pet or it would attack me.
From behind was beautiful and simple.
From the front complex like a Picasso.
Perfect combinations and complexity also in surrounding nature.
This metal art felt like a heartbeat captured.
I loved this man sculpture sitting back watching the sun or taking a nap which the other man human perfectly sat as if part of the display.
A beautiful venue with overpriced snacks and beer, totally enjoyable evening out.
Family friendly with the kids allowing the African rhythm to take control while most adults silently sat back watching the unique band.

Grand Rapids Breweries

While visiting my sister and her husband in Grand Rapids, we tried to work our way through a couple breweries. Tim told me about an app called brewsader, that you use to check into breweries and get a free tee once you hit 8 of them. What a fun idea to get people out trying different places!

I googled breweries in their area and tons popped up.
#1- Our first stop was in an old church called Brewery Vivant.
Gorgeous bar with a German feel to it.
They had a large outdoor venue with half covered.
I tried a flight and could not figure out how to get the beers out, I thought for sure they booby trapped mine in and gave me a flight where the wood openings were too tight. But then we saw someone simply lift their baby beer out instead of trying to pull it through the opening on the sides. I felt like a moron. And I hadn’t even started drinking yet!
We had a large group and I enjoyed meeting Paige’s friends and Zack’s fiance, Leslie Was nice how instead of a long table where you can only talk to one side, they pushed tables together to create a more round atmosphere.
#2- Greyline Brewery, because it was on the way home and I needed to take a work call.
Nothing special inside. It seemed pretty low key.
Outside they had a solo artist who was amazing! Guess he tried out for American Idol and gor pretty far but didn’t win. He was so chill with a great voice.
As we left I was admiring the tiny buds on the tips of the whipsy bushes.
#3- Perrin Brewery. We went for dinner and was not disappointed! Their food and beer was great!
Huge tanks, yet I’d never heard of them before.
Been around awhile apparently.
I opted for another flight to taste some of their fruit choices and local IPAs. Loved the coloration of mine.
I ended up buying a tee shirt as a memento. Still searching for a vee neck though. Haven’t seen one since my Sterling Pig from Media, PA.
Garage doors open and the breeze felt great. Summer weather up here is amazing.
#4- Archival Brewery. It was on the way home.
Felt a little higher end. Overlooked an old golf course and I guess this building used to be a country club.
Their merch was displayed so nicely and they even sold discs for disc golf. Guess the course changed over to the new sport.
Trying to take a photo of the fermenting barrels.
Copper seemed to be a theme throughout. All of their silverware was copper too.
#5- Mittens. This used to be an old firehouse and then they turned it into a baseball themed brewery.
We stopped here to grab dinner on our way back from the beach.
Totally cute board cut out in the shape of the state accurately displaying why their brewery was named Mittens.
They offered a “flight” of pizza that you could order up to 6 different specialties. It was so fun. My favorite was the Westerdog which Leslie earlier recommended to us. Trisha thought she was crazy because it was made out of all beef hot dots, shaved pickles, ketchup and mustard- but I have to say we all loved it.
Really cute venue with great service.
Score board leaning against the building completing the theme. I guess Grand Rapids has a minor league team that feeds into the Detroit Tigers which is fun.

From Bach to The Beatles- Rhinegeist Brewery, Cincinnati

Back in May, an event kept popping up on my social media about an intimate orchestra setting by candlelight. I wanted to experience it and booked a date. This venue has a lot of modern music options- Taylor Swift themed, Queen, etc, but I picked from Bach to The Beatles to get a little bit of both old and new.

I loved the Vegas Cirque de Soleil Beatles show. Listening to The Beatles always makes me happy for some reason. This event was at the Rhinegeist Brewery in their private event space.

We arrived 30 minutes early and were able to enjoy a few drinks with great seats. Its a first come first serve on the seating based on zone.
There were hundreds of the artificial candles set out but unfortunately due to the skylights the room never darkened enough for us to capture that intimacy.
The quartet was amazing. So talented. And being that up close and personal to see and hear their interpretations of music, priceless. Very happy to have experienced it.
Perfect date night.

Rocky River with the Kunkles

We were meeting my old childhood friend Bobby for an urban hike in Rocky River which was two small towns away from where we were staying. I felt fortunate that he and Lisa were in town and had time to spend the early afternoon with us during our Cleveland stay.

I cannot express how nice it was to be with people that understand me and have known me for ….God knows how long….45 years? Something absolutely solidifying about people that have known you that long.

We stopped by their new condo which is on a beautiful marina. Bobby showed off his new business of high end hats and I made them take a selfie with us.
He told me about this Emerald Necklace hike through Cleveland so we did a small section of it.
I was impressed by all the trails in Cleveland.
Capturing a fly fisherman in the Rocky River.
The men up front chatting about who knows what while Lisa and I catch up on our lives behind them.
When we wandered back into the urban landscape I couldn’t help but noticed so many unique trees. This one was so feathery, it looked like it belonged in Asia.
Looking back at where they live as we circle our way around Rocky River.
New signs expressing feelings about the USA today. I like this trend of support and opinion.
Look at that beautiful tree behind that home. Literally dwarfs the home and shows off its power and history.
Such a beautiful view of Lake Erie with that single sailboat out there. As we paused here for a brief second, they mentioned Lakewood Park and the solstice steps.
Another amazing tree in the neighborhood.

After an amazing lunch at a French bistro which included two bottles of bubbles, George and I headed back. We had an amazing few hours with the Kunkles and hoping to see more of them next year when the come to the Kentucky Derby.

View of Cleveland. The clouds were so low but colored perfectly to the landscape.
The solstice steps. Apparently this is the place to watch the sun settle into the lake. Being cloudy our timing was a bit off, but good to know its there for the next time we visit Cleveland.
Caught this shadow of myself which I enjoy because it clearly elongated me. With my new menopausal waistline, I am appreciated why older women wear elastic waist pants and flowing tops. A new reality I am slowly forced to embrace.