Friday at Fountain Square- Cincinnati, Ohio

This Friday, in Cincinnati, there was so much going on! A home Red’s baseball game, a food truck frenzy, several concert venues with one being on fountain square. Covid -Delta is rampant again, so we decided an outdoor venue may be a perfect place to enjoy the amazing weather we’ve been having.

My friend Kevin picked me up in his vintage convertible Miata which made the whole evening even better. My hair ended up a ratty mess, but it was worth the summer night ride.

Fifth Third Bank now has a more permanent entertainment stage.

There was such a nice crowd gathered. Many people dressed up as if coming from a rehearsal dinner or a prior event. Everyone tried their best to be properly distanced.

As night fell, the fountain lit up and changed colors from blue to orange. They really did a great job with the restoration of it years ago.

The opening band was named The Midwestern. Really undefinable music which was enjoyable. Sort of folksy with a hint of rock.

I absolutely love the detail captured on this shot of the fountain. Night shots are always the trickiest for me. But the clarity of this duplicates my new found vision- thanks to my new contact prescription 🙂

Brett Dennen came up on stage solo with his acoustic guitar and was amazing! Annoyingly, he was having to compete with the sound of the fireworks going off in the distance from the Red’s stadium.

He’s a quirky guy who is tall and thin with red hair, singing in a story telling fashion about change that needs to happen.

These three long haired guys were huge fans and knew all the words to his songs. This was my first music event in a long while. We stayed until the very end then wandered down towards the river to The Banks to see if the other concert was finished or if we could catch any more before the evening ended.

Where words fail, music speaks. - Hans Christian Andersen

Peace, Love and Donuts 🧡🍩💚

While staying in Hyde Park, I discovered a new donut shop on the square. It is located along the street where my kids, many moons ago, went to elementary school. So glad it wasn’t there at that time, would’ve been a very bad habit for me! I recommend anyone coming through this area of town to check out this new -to-me franchise.

It’s super cute with a trillion options! All very creative and made fresh on the spot. They have a display for you to choose from, but literally make them to order as you go through the line. The team working there was moving fast attempting to get the continuously growing line down this Friday am, with little success. People were leaving just as others coming in at 10 am.

At the entryway I was greeted by this groovy peace loving cut out. I felt right at home with her vibe.

Love the tie dye pillows and colorful walls.

When I first came in, all the tables were busy. Many people were sharing a variety of a dozen donuts ordered, testing to see which was their favorite.

This was the production line for the donuts. Very small batches.

The donuts themselves are cake like and about 3″. There were so many choices! Opera cream, Peanut butter and jelly, Coffee cake, Coconut, Snickers, Lucky Charms, Lemon, Blueberry, Raspberry, Smores, the list of creativity was endless.

They dipped into the assorted toppings below as they made each to order.

Needless to say I ate all 6 donuts that I ordered. I was happy I walked there to justify my over consumption with a balance of a little bit of exercise.
My favorite flavor so far is the PB & J- was oddly unique.

A Walk on Ault Park Trails

One thing I love about pet sitting in the Hyde Park neighborhood is being able to walk to bars, restaurants, shops, and Ault Park.

I’ve been to Ault Park twice now during my two week gig and it may not be my last visit. I love the green and feeling that you are nowhere near civilization, yet only footsteps away. The trees are tremendous and as you walk you will see deer, chipmunks, squirrels (even albino ones!) and spiders.

George and I discovered a short cut between houses.

And steps leading up to Observatory Road where the main park entrance is.

Beautiful main entry into the wooded trail area.

Little signs throughout educating us on the preservation.

I believe they are redoing parts of this area to include the Wasson Way Walkway that started in Hyde Park and will eventually extend miles into the city. I don’t know a whole lot about it, except there is a lot of construction going on where they are transforming the unused railway into a paved recreational area.

This is what I found online.

This incredible shroom was showing off in an area where two albino squirrels made their way through the trees. George’s quick eye caught both. I focused on the mushroom.
My friend Rebecca who lives in this area has named the two albinos- one is Sheba. We figured its a female since its such a survivor 🙂

I started watching a documentary film on Netflix about mushrooms. The main guy was actually born and raised in Ohio and has become an expert simply by following his curiosity. It is called “Fantastic Fungi”.

This natural decay felt like death as I walked past. Naturally reabsorbing one of its own.

And in contrast, these flowers with their amazing stems caught my eye in the park.

Admiring the white tree and blue skies. Looking up.

Zvezda doing her best to crack a smile, even though she was not feeling well in the humidity.

Leaves eaten by insects of some sort which to me created an interesting pattern.

Daddy long legged spiders always crossing our paths. I stepped over them as much as possible.

I was always taught to leave these spiders alone. That they actually help instead of hurt us. No clue whether that is true or not but just comes from my childhood memory.

The exposed root walkways, I always enjoy.

And the natural shelters kids in the neighborhood create.

I stopped to admire this tree. Zvezda leaned up to take a rest.

Making the best of my pet sitting days. I signed up on Rover.com and hope to earn some extra cash while continuing to explore, blog, and teach English to my amazing international students.

Motivational And Inspirational Quotes - Happiness Is Making The.. Stock Photo, Picture And Royalty Free Image. Image 104741665.

Saturday Tour of Cincinnati

Last weekend another friend came into town, so another tour was completed of my cool city. This time I wanted to hit some spots that I’ve never been to before, as well as the classics. I wanted to show him the walk from my place to the Pendleton area which takes you down multiple staircases showing a variety of views as well as amazing row houses and million dollar multi level properties.

Upon arriving in the downtown Pendleton area, we noticed an event was being set up. Many tents were being constructed, bars and outdoor beer trucks set up, as well as big screen tvs and hay lined streets. One thing I truly love (and sometimes hate) about our city is there is always something fun going on and I never am aware of it. Stumbling onto new things unplanned is my jam.

My friend Rebecca and her man Pete joined us at Nation for brunch. It was a 50 minute wait to get a table and was overly crowded, due to the amount of people in the area for the upcoming event.

Our view from the brunch spot, “Nation in Pendleton. Which by the way has awesome loaded tater-tots. You could see the crowds gathering.

The brunch gang. All of us doing our best to recover from the Friday night prior. George and I had conquered three breweries the night before. (MadTree, Woodburn, and Escoteric)

There was some excellent people watching entertainment with this DangerWheels event. The streets were full of characters. Some dressed up as penguins, others wearing wigs, you name it.

During the race, adults ride on a tricycle downhill while spectators throw water balloons at them. You get the feeling that this sport, if you can label it that, is actually more fun than competitive. Everyone was having a good time, win or lose.

Can’t say I’ve ever seen anything like it before. But families came prepared with buckets of filled water balloons and squirt guns.

The finish was a full on crash into the hay piles.

After watching a few races and playing a game of cornhole while sipping on our Braxton Brewery beers, we decided it was time to wander to a new part of Cincinnati and check out another brewery. Cincinnati has over 57 breweries embracing its’ German heritage. We headed to Brew Dog which was only a few blocks away.

The second level at Brew
Dog Brewery was filled with bar games. All of which I lost.

Connect Four was by far my weakest competitive moment.

They offered board games, the giant Connect Four, table tennis, pinball, etc. We also discovered if you walked up another level there was a roof top area which can be rented out for private events.

We wandered through the famous OTR area and shopped a bit, then headed down to Findlay Market. There was a funk band playing as the market began to finalize their Saturday.

We quickly cut through and wandered across the street to Goose and Elder to enjoy a good cocktail ( or 3) and their amazing Mac and cheese. A must try!!!

After getting a small bite to eat and Ubering my daughter down to meet us, we conquered the dreaded stairs to the rooftop of Rhinegeist Brewery.

The view is worth it and the weather that night could not have been any better. Perfectly warm and cool.

After Rhinegeist we headed to a new Vietnamese Restaurant called Pho Lang Thang. Sedona tried a lychee martini. I was ordered a coffee which was also fabulous and a perfect caffeine boost which was needed at this point in the evening. Vietnam is known for their coffee!

Our last stop was Northern Row Brewery. This is the first time I made it to this bar before it closed. Its usually only opened until 10-11 pm. We obviously had a very long day starting off at 11 am and ending 12 hours later.

There are so many different areas in Cincinnati worth exploring. I encourage anyone needing a fun summer weekend to walk around or ride the Connector to see all the interesting parks, breweries, stores and events of this city!

Inside the last bar, there was a shuffle board game which I finally won at.

TOP 25 WINNING AND LOSING QUOTES (of 134) | A-Z Quotes — A great reminder for those like me.

The Quaint Town of Madison, Indiana

My friend and talented artist, Jane Eitel, told me about this place last time I was out with her. She is a blog follower and knows how much I love to adventure to new places. Ironically about two days after she told me, I saw a FB post about this same town from another friend. It looked adorable and was only an hour drive from both Louisville and Cincinnati, perfectly located along the Ohio River.

Lining the streets on the Indiana side of the Ohio River are patriotic flags. For some reason this felt like true old fashion Americana, instead of a representation of Trump followers, which sadly the flag sometimes now is used for. I was appreciating it as if I fell back in time.

Gorgeous well maintained hanging flowers also adorned the street lights. There were flyers everywhere advertising concerts in the parks every summer Friday night.

Not sure why the historic theatre was named OHIO, especially being down here in Indiana across the border from Kentucky. But I love local theatres on Main Streets of these small American towns.

Madison seemed to be in a transition of sorts. Some buildings left unrestored while others completely renovated.

We stopped for lunch at a small joint named RED. Shoestring fries and hot sandwiches were a perfect compliment to cold beers, mine helping cure my hangover from the night before. 🙄

In Madison there was a true show of personality.

Throughout the town were hand painted “Be Kind” sign reminders.

Along with this adorable free food pantry.

The local firehouse even offered words of kindness.

There were lots of little shops, this one was my favorite. Everything in the store was in neutral coloration. It had such unique items and stationary. I could’ve spent an hour there just browsing. “what feels like the end is often just the beginning”- was tempted to buy that sign as a reminder.

Most stores were antique shops. I found them entertaining but being a minimalist, unnecessary. I did appreciate this Johnny Cash photo though.

Always a mural representing the city. No matter how big or small.

This fat cat in the store window was cracking me up. Sleeping comfortably while on display.

Adorable how this cat is napping literally beside the cat products for sale. Perfect merchandising.

Local gun and tattoo shop, an admirable combination.

The local toy store was cool! They had fun mirrors throughout.

The local fountain was beautiful. There was a homeless man digging for coins, was sad yet entertaining at the same time.

Grabbed a chocolate milkshake from this cute shop. Had nothing on Aglamasis! But was refreshing in our attempts to cool down.

For such a small town, we came across 4 different ice cream locations.

How much fun would this be on a weekend!?

Outside one of the parks was this statue.

Just a cute little place. Right along the river. Definitely worth a day trip. But would recommend later in the week when more breweries and shops are opened.

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Rentschler Waterfall Loop- Hamilton, Ohio

Baby B, Sedona, agreed to go on a Saturday morning hike with me and I tried to find a new trail that I haven’t visited yet. I love being able to discover new trails within an hour of where I live. Why hike the same trail twice? Unless of course it’s during a different season in which case, I totally get how it can appear completely different. For me, filling my head with newness is the key to keeping me present and seeing the beauty this world has to offer.

I was house sitting, so Sedona came over early and met with my Turkish student, Sercan, via Cambly. He wanted to meet her since they both work at airports -only thousands of miles apart. It was fun to have one of my students, who I have been chatting with for over a year, meet my daughter. My long term students are more like friends to me. They continue to book my reservations not because I am the best teacher, but because they can talk with me about anything!

I found a route on AllTrails called Rentschler Waterfall Loop, and you all know I am a sucker for anything water. We made our way there before the humidity of the day set in.

There were several entry points, but we opted to start at the Pumpkin Vine Trail head.

This is the first tree I encountered that grabbed my attention. I see a face here and I love bark that has all this texture. Such personality.

Then we stumbled across this site! Check out the antique farming equipment left behind. Nature was not letting it stop its growth and purpose.

I was scaring Sedona a bit by climbing up this fallen tree. I love a challenge. I later was doing a few gymnastic balance beam moves on another log just to prove that her old mom still had it 🤣

This beauty caught my attention from a distance.

Always admiring the natural archways over the trails. I don’t know why. It just makes me feel like I’m walking in a fairytale.

Beautiful wildflowers. We occasionally would see white butterflies gathering around them.

I liked how this post was growing hair on top.

After crossing the street along our path, we came across a totally different landscape with these extremely tall trees.

As we were walking we kept seeing huge feathers. It started to smell foul as well and we noticed a ton of bird poop. Obviously some type of bird liked nesting in these tall timbers.

Kudos to the parks and scouts that make the walkways in the woods.

About half way through we found the waterway.

Sedona and I decided to walk in the creek bed.

Sedona’s Chakos have been on our front porch since our last muddy hike and she finally is taking the opportunity to wash them off in nature.

I was cracking up over this tree and Sedona thinks I’m nuts. But I totally see a guy who fell down on his face with his mouth open and arms outstretched.

How many selfies can I take in the creek beds of my hikes? I naturally always pause here.

Does anyone else see the beauty in this?

As we wandered further we came across another waterfall. If we weren’t walking in the creek would we have seen this?

Sedona discovered that the waterfall was actually creating clay but additionally also a great place for huge spiders to dwell.

We later stumbled across a perfect bluejay feather. If I were a kid I would’ve picked it up and brushed it across my cheeks. Now unfortunately I know better not to touch it.

We resurfaced from the woods to walk a bit along the Miami River nearby.

We decided to take the paved road back to our car. I captured this natural beauty as I was looking up through the fern like tree leaves. A perfect blue sky day.

Sunday Funday Braxton Brewery- Cincinnati, Ohio

My daughter, Sedona, asked if I wanted to go on a walk with her since it was another beautiful day out. I’ll never turn down quality time with my daughter, plus the weekend wasn’t over yet!

We walked down multiple flights of historic cement steps to reach the art area of Pendleton.

I had never tried the Braxton Brewery before. The place was completely open aired but virtually empty. Located right beside the old performing arts school, now renovated into pet friendly apartments, I expected it to be busier.

Across the street we spotted an ice cream shop which we saved room for.

Thinking maybe this area is not yet discovered. Or possibly people are staying inside due to the surge in virus cases? Can’t quite figure it out.

They partner with the wings joint next door for some bar food options.

I would definitely get the fries again. Also highly recommend the blood orange shandy. So refreshing for a summer day.

We got to the ice cream store about 10 minutes before they closed. They were busy! And out of a lot of flavors. Seemed they were known for their shakes and sides of edible cookie dough based on what I saw people order.

I made Sedona pose beside the transformer. She was being a good sport.

Loved the “ funeral, no parking” sign beside the stadium seats.

Any place where President Lincoln is hanging on the wall beside Elvis Presley, you know you are in the right place.

And to top that, the employee of the month in the bathroom🤣. Someone has a sense of humor.

I convinced Sedona to download the Lime Scooter app and ride back. I told her it was just like the scooters in Phuket- feels free, adventurous, dangerous and fun. On the way Sedona butt dialed Zoe, her twin, who was out with friends. Once parked I snapped a selfie of the three of us. Was a perfect way to complete my Cincy weekend!

While walking to grab a pair of scooters we passed this mural. I think it sums up my attitude.

Downtown Tour of Cincinnati

First stop -necessity of drinks and tacos! We headed to the Cincinnati Banks where there are plenty of food choices, stadiums, museums and the river walk.

Condado Tacos. Jalapeño margarita and corona draft, yes please!

Virlane wanted to take a few photos of the ballpark for her brother who is a diehard St.Louis Cardinals fan.

Showing her love for our Reds! Mr.Redlegs- whatever the hell that is. A very strange mascot.

Pete Rose, back from the days when I knew all the players.

It was 4 ish and fans were already waiting to get in to the 7 pm game.

We reminisced about how both of our families used to pack us up in the car and drive hours to a baseball game when we were kids. It was a big event! We never spent the night, but it was a long day out. I remember sleeping in our sleeping bags on the way home in the back of the station wagon.

Love seeing all the red color. It was a gorgeous day to be out. They blocked off the stadium street so you could walk around and drink/eat before the game.

We headed down toward the Ohio River and sat on the swings for a bit chatting and people watching.

We decided to take the Connector to OTR brewery district. This tram beautifully attaches these two areas making it easy to check them both out in one day.

This transportation is free and super convenient.

I took her to Lackmans where I had my first date with GPP/Louisville Lover.

We passed Cincinnati Music Hall where there was an event going on. Virlane told me, as we were walking by, that she smelled a skunk. 🤣🤣🤣🙈. I started cracking up. Certainly she cannot be my friend and be that naive.

We went to Tafts Brewery which is inside an old church. Thought that would be a unique venue.

I always appreciate the messages displayed of peace and open mindedness in Cincinnati.

We then jumped back onto the Connector and got out in front of the Rhinegiest Brewery. I wasn’t sure if this late into the day she was going to be up for all the stairs, but the rooftop was worth it!

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Krohn Conservatory -Cincinnati, Ohio

After nursing hangovers Saturday morning with some coffee and bacon, I wanted to give Virlane a tour of this great city I live in.

I started with Eden Park which is very close to my house.

A view from one of the lookout areas in Eden Park, capturing a riverboat making its way upstream.

Loving the color combinations! Virlane was a botanist at one point in her diverse career path and she started educating me about the blooms.

I have never noticed these before! Virlane said they were related to artichokes. Makes sense.

As I was driving through the park, I pointed out our conservatory and we decided to go in. It used to be free to enter with a donation box at the entry but now they charge 10$ per person. That allows you into all the exhibits.

When you first walk in, it’s like a mixed jungle complete with humidity.

Amazing diversity in this place. Plant life from around the world mixed into one compact location.

I adored these fuzzy red elongated beauties. I squeezed down a small path the get their photo.

Virlane was fascinated by these leaves that seem to have sprouts in the middle. At first glance it looked bug infested.

I don’t know why but I liked this leaf coloration and shape.

Splashes of color. Textural differences are so artistic. Notice the ferns next to the smooth leaves.

In the palm tree walkway there was a waterfall.

Carnivore plants. ( I wouldn’t have known but Virlane was telling me)

This plant’s multi tones of green, pink and red were eye catching! Why do we think we need to be all one color?

Pure genius. Reminded me of the orchid farm I went to in Phuket.

There was a butterfly exhibit going on. I haven’t been to it since my mom last visited many years ago. My daughters were still in elementary school. I remember my sister Tiffani trying to get our mom to focus on the butterflies but with her Alzheimer’s it seemed impossible, sadly, for her to notice.

Virlane on the other hand was loving it! The butterflies were very active and in flight all around us.

This gentleman had one sticking onto his hat and shorts. From this butterfly’s closed winged view it looked like a moth.

But when it opened its wings it looked like this!

There were feeding stations that attracted many at a time. We were told the bigger butterflies tend to live longer but their lifespans vary. They usually only live 1-2 weeks according to the volunteer at the info center.

It’s so easy to capture these unbelievable photos with the setting the butterflies are released in.

When you walked into the butterfly room they handed you these round papers to help remove or pick up a butterfly. You weren’t supposed to touch them.

And in contrast this poor fellow is all white.

Caught two mating (bottom right) as I was actually looking at the beautiful one above them.

Outstanding. No wonder we are inspired by them.

An excellent reminder with our own self criticism.

Virlane was convinced if she lived here she would volunteer her time at Krohn’s. We later saw the nursery where the butterflies were developing. I guess there are actual breeders of butterfly larva that ship to these places. Interesting farming.

After exiting the butterfly room we entered a bonsai exhibit which was pretty cool.

Each one so unique. More than just a plant. Was told these are handed down through generations in some Asian countries. Originated in China but the Japanese took over the art form and are more known for it. I remember Karate Kid with Mr.Miyagi’s.

After the bonsais, there was a cactus exhibit.

Again such a variety. Reminded me of my May trip out west and Virlane of her many years of living in Arizona.

Succulent wall. I’d love to see these outside on
buildings. Plant walls are so meaningful.

Creative metal chair along the walkway as we left.

Was a wonderful unplanned pit stop. Such beauty and reminders of God’s endless creativity.

I drove to Mt. Adam’s stopping at the old Rookwood pottery facility to check out another viewpoint.

Virlane noticed the stadium in the distance so we made it our next destination.

The entire trip this flower was hanging onto the passenger car door. She was along for the ride desperately clinging to the handle, wanting to partake in our Saturday fun. ( can you see it?)

Pendleton Bars- Lucius Q and Brewdog, Cincinnati

I was so happy that my friend Virlane road tripped across the flatlands of Illinois and Indiana to spend the weekend with me!! We met in Thailand a couple years ago and she was my go-to person there! I remember when she told me she was moving back to the USA. I was devastated. She lived in Phuket for 4 years and was ready for a new start. This was pre-Covid.

Little did I know I’d be joining her 6 months later escaping Phuket’s Covid lockdowns.

What I’ve learned is newness can be found everywhere if you know how to change your point of view. Doesn’t matter that Virlane and I are now bar-hopping in Cincinnati instead of Phuket Town. Good friends will find adventure wherever they are together.

I’ve been wanting to check out this BBQ place. Kept waiting for someone to go there with. It was super cute!

When we read the door sign we knew we were in the right place.

The bartender wiped the puddles off the outdoor barstools from the previous rain and we positioned ourselves outside looking in, enjoying this surprisingly unexpected weather. Virlane brought the sunshine with her. Rain was predicted for the entire weekend.

Selfie capturing our first stop. There was a band playing that had an accordion player and an amazing fiddler. Eclectic. Exactly what we needed to match our energy.

Virlane ordered a Tafts key lime beer and was cracking up at the guy in the bathtub logo.

Fun facts about President Taft who is from Cincinnati.

It started to rain for a bit but we decided that wasn’t going to keep us from trying Brewdogs, another place that’s been on my bucket list. I walk and drive past this place a lot. It’s never opened but being that it was Friday night, I figured it would be our best shot.

Somewhat empty as the storms were rolling in and it was close to 11:30 pm.

Love the contrast signs. No dogs, but beware of them. Most breweries around here allow dogs, which I personally don’t understand. I mean I like animals/pets but they don’t have to go everywhere with me.

Cute set up. Tons of party space! Someone was celebrating their 30th birthday on the second level. Would be a fun spot for large groups.

We decided to go to beer school and get educated.

I tried a flight. One tasted like marshmallows ♥️. Found out later it was made with coconut. Such a unique and smooth flavor.

We stayed until last call and by the time we left it was pouring down rain. We both had no issue with getting wet, as in Thailand this was a common event-getting soaked. It was fun.