On January 30, 2020 I wrote a blog about this restaurant. Last year I visited their original pink colored location on Reading Road. They have since taken over an old antique diner, which is featured in many films. This historic piece of American history is one I remember eating at back in the late 80s when my parents came to visit me in college.
Recently it sat vacant for a bit and now is the newest Sugar &Spice breakfast/brunch site.
Zoe and I wanted to do a downtown hike on Friday to grab some coffee just to get out on a sunny day and feel like we did something. When we passed this diner on Sycamore, we decided to do breakfast instead.
Most of the girls I know and raised.
Love how they restored the vintage look.
Murals painted on the ceiling are in the same style and coloration as the original restaurant. They had gift cards on sale, if you bought 25$ worth, you got 25$ free. 50% off for our future breakfast breaks!
Pieced colorblocked chairs.
Candy colored bar stools- so cute!
They are known for giving you a rubber duck at the end of your meal to take home. Adults and kids alike enjoy this!
I also admire their authentic pottery coffee mugs.
On the much needed walk home, I showed Zoe the staircase that I discovered during one of my other urban hikes downtown. I counted 300 steps. Zoe of course beating me to the top.
Acting as if the climb was nothing for her! Young legs!
I was literally on a high driving home from my Saturday am hike and was determined not to let this sunny day end with me lethargically watching Netflix. When catching up on the golf course, I heard news of a vibrant middle aged soul that just got dealt the death sentence of a stage 4 ovarian cancer diagnosis. Being that I am in limbo for my own womanly issue results and action plan, I was determined more than ever to get out and enjoy life. After all, we are all dying. There is absolutely no other way out and timing is never certain. Staying in the moment and trying to appreciate all that is given to us is the key to every day. This was an excellent reminder.
I decided to hike downtown and embrace the energy of the city. I ended up going even further, over the river and into Kentucky. I just kept walking without any true destination in mind. Was so nice to get out and just wander for a change. Alone.
My walking path.
As I passed Christ Hospital, very close to where I started, I noticed a young man in the middle of the busy street. He would literally step out in front of ongoing traffic and stop the cars which eventually maneuvered around him. I wondered if he was lost? Scared? I really couldn’t imagine what he was attempting to do.
As I got closer I saw he was wearing a small back pack and sporting a hospital plastic ID bracelet. I asked him if he needed help and he just cursed at me. I continued walking and called the police in hopes that they would send a kind officer to help guide him off the streets to get him the help he desperately needed. (Sadly I was also hoping they would not shoot him out of fear of his mental illness or with excuses of potential weapons in his backpack)
I walked past this mural which was so cute! Its been a long time since I’ve blown bubble gum. I used to be quite good at it. What happened to that fun? I never see kids do it anymore. You?
I walked past this open door only to turn back around and sit my butt inside. It was called Bar Saeso. I ordered a brilliant gin and lime spritzer which had a bit of cucumber and mint in it. Was a perfectly refreshing cocktail to keep me moving.
Admiring the Contemporary Arts Museum. I can’t wait until the museums and concerts open back up to restore the lost creative vibe.
An awesome mural, one of many in our city. I applied for a job at ArtWorksCincinnati since I am such a fan of this art form and their non-profit movement. Unfortunately I got the generic rejection letter reply. Maybe next time!
Made it down to The Banks and people were out in full force, riding bikes, walking, skateboarding, walking their dogs…gorgeous day to just be outside.
The Red’s Baseball Stadium itching for April’s opening day.
The Roebling Bridge was closed, yet again, to cars but you are still able to walk across. So I continued trekking across the river and into Covington.
And of course, in typical Tonya style, I ended up at an Irish Pub. I texted a few friends who later joined me for a beer. Was awesome getting out.
Guinness and fried pickles. I packed the leftover pickles to take home, only to later find them in the bottom of my bag after the hike home.
Lime scooter rental history.
It was dark out by the time I crossed back over to the Ohio side of the river, so in attempts to save time and energy, I jumped on the first available rental scooter to ride home. The funny thing about this was:
1. The scooter had absolutely no brakes left, so every time I had to stop I was forced to drag my feet off the side. This was a little hazardous to anyone who got in my way and to myself as I entered intersections.
2. I have a very sharp incline to get up to my house and this scooter decided it did not have the power to carry my weight up it. So I had to ditch the scooter and hike the rest of the way home.
Not complaining, just part of the story. Was fun and I love those scooters! I felt like a tourist in my own town. A fun day making the best out of the weather and enjoying my day off.
I’m sure I looked this cool riding mine!
Believe it or not, you can do this in the very city you live in too.
Finally the sun was out! February has been such a tough month here with Covid and winter storms bombarding us in Ohio. We are all itching for inspirational change that comes with spring! I can’t wait to flip my calendar over to March.
I received a late Friday night text from my bass-ass friends about hiking the next day. Beth picked the trail, a concrete path, wise choice being that all the other trails would be muddy from the melted snow and rain. We ended up at a deserted golf course which was part of Shawnee Lookout Parks. She nicknamed it Hillbilly Golf, due to all the steep inclines.
We only completed the left half of the course.
The skies were blue as could be and the grass was teasing to become green. Unfortunately this is near the industrial part of the Ohio River where smoke stacks cloud the skies with exhaust.
As we passed over this creek, the sky reflected in the water and when you leaned at just the right angle it created a glimmering sapphire blue reflection that was amazing. Unfortunately my old Iphone was no match for capturing this natural wonder.
Looking up to admire the blue skies against the white bare branched trees.
I took this photo more of a childhood memory of when I used to crawl in these drains with my friends. Shout out to the 70s when parents never cared what their kids were up to as long as they were out of their hair.
Impossible to capture the steep hills but we found plenty of excuses to pause and look back to see how far we’ve come.
Was loving the shadows as there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. Beth brought Derby along who had just been groomed into a perfect poodle silhouette.
The sun on our faces felt amazing. As if we had been denied it for years. Remember to always look up to gain new perspectives and appreciation.
Long paved trails with not much of a view, but with friends any walk together is always fun.
Linda and I sporting our awesome matching scarves/masks/headbands/multi purpose hiking bands.
On my drive home I couldn’t help myself from pulling over and snapping this photo of an exposed salt mound. It looked like blue swirled marble. Was really something of beauty.
Ohio has gotten its fair share of snow this month with temperatures dropping well below freezing. Just getting down my steps is a challenge. Driving out of the un-shoveled driveway another. So most of my days are stuck indoors which makes me a bit stir crazy.
Reminds me of Gene Wilder and Richard Prior. Classic film.
Zoe and I decided it was time to recreate our interior and lighten up the mood of our first floor. We have had the same paint color in the condo since the twins were about 5 years old, so it was due for a face lift! Being that we are now an all female/girl power home, we also decided to add some pink tones to the walls, something I would never have dared to do before.
This is what our backyard is looking like this February.
No amount of salt keeps the ice off the steps since the water drips constantly down from the icicles hanging from our faulty roofing. Makes this being the only entrance in and out quite a challenge.
So we decided to paint.
This is the before of our kitchen. Rusty red toned.
Face lifted to a sage green.
Looking out of the kitchen toward the dining room.
We changed the dining room to a dustier blue. Cookie has his updated holiday sweater on too, always handsome, sporting a new look the girls dress him in.
Capturing the dining, entry and kitchen.
After- still loving my original pieces of art Bobby bought me for my 40th birthday, a decade ago and now we have a futon that we can’t move but are not willing to get rid of yet. My new Ruth Bader Ginsburg pillow setting the right attitude/mood.
Our living room before.
And after.
Much lighter and brighter, with pink and coral accent walls.
Took two weeks of nonstop chaos in the house. Poor Cookie was so anxious not knowing where his sleeping beanbag was going to be placed next. I can’t believe we kicked it out so quickly. But feels great having a brighter, lighter, new energy home to hide from winter’s wrath outside.
Last night as I was working on my computer facing my bedroom window, I could see the snow falling gently in the reflection of the Planned Parenthood flood lights. It looked like we were in a snow globe. It was such a pleasant surprise to me, watching it fall so beautifully, putting a quiet onto the city. I never check the weather reports, especially on my work days when I usually never make it out.
When I woke up this morning to sign onto Cambly, there was about 8″ of snow on my neighbor’s roof and was perfectly balancing on all the tree limbs. It was surreal.
I knew it wouldn’t last. In Cincinnati, when it snows, it will usually turn to slush and falls off the tree branches by mid afternoon on the same day. So after finishing my last morning lessons, I convinced Zoe to take her online class while hiking with me! She plugged in her ear-pods and off we went to check out a short trail I’d been meaning to hike.
Zoe posing by the sign welcoming us to the untouched forest. It was about 11 am.
Before heading out I went into the basement to dig out the kids snowsuits and boots. Zoe is wearing a matching set that was given to her from a family in New York- it still had its 1993 vintage ski pass attached to the zipper pull. Classic. She looked like she walked out of a 90s film.
Perfectly preserved snowfall on the picnic bench.
We only did the short 1.5 mile loop version.
Happy Trails is right. I was smiling the entire way.
Zoe could be spotted easily among the neutral white and tan landscape.
The snow started falling down from the trees in clumps and it felt like I was walking in a winter fairytale.
There was a mountain bike that looked as if it went through before us, but its track stopped when the incline got too steep.
Loved how this tree just grabbed all the warmth from the snow.
Selfie 🤳🏻
Can you see the heart shape created in this shot?! With Valentine’s Day coming up it was a reminder that we are all loved by nature.
These weeds took on a bell like flower shape as it hung onto the snow.
I’ve been wanting to hike in the snow. And this is why.
I made Zoe be the first to put a butt print onto the bench.
This growth on the side of the tree was intriguing. Was telling me a lot of stories all at once. Of pain, love and childbirth.
Not a glamorous shot of me but I loved the view of this tree I was looking up at and wanted to capture myself with it.
Zoe still in class. She was reminiscing about the time when snow days would actually cancel classes and she would go to Ms. Kathy’s house for the day.
Nobody came before us.
Discovering the path less travelled.
Natural archway.
I spotted this heart shape created on the side of the tree and I redefined it. Seek love which is right in front of you, never behind you.
This morning there was a soft snowfall coming down and I was quick moving to try to get out while it lasted. Anyone that knows me realizes quick moving in the morning is NOT my speed. But I was excited to enjoy the beautiful white powder.
In disappointing fashion, expected in Cincinnati, the flakes quickly changed into small hail and then eventually to rain. Zoe was a great sport agreeing to at least check out the trail since we were already on the way when the raindrops started falling.
After we exited off the highway Zoe was directing me to turn into the Highland Cemetery but I didn’t believe her. I figured the annoying mapquest was showing the turn too early. But in fact you do have to drive through the cemetery in order to get to the trail opening. That was unexpected. So we said hello to the dead as we drove to find the trail site.
Right outside the trail entrance there was one of those awesome free public libraries, so thanks to a friend (Kim) who donated money for me to put free books into them after reading my blog, I set one in!
I am proud to say that I sold out of my “Lessons in Nature- Ohio and Kentucky Trails” book and only have seven “Lessons in Nature- Phuket, Thailand” books remaining on hand. I sold about 140 and did not take a loss. Made enough to buy some hiking boots which were greatly needed.
Didn’t make a great profit $, because I gave many away as gifts for Christmas/housewarming presents/and to local retailers trying to entice them for display in their shops. I never got anywhere with that, maybe I was a bit too late (too close to the holiday chaos) or maybe not aggressive enough in self promotion.
Nevertheless, I am thrilled to have books out there inspiring others and that was my main purpose with launching these! I had a young lady come up to me at a recent funeral I attended who told me she flips back through my book to find peace in dealing with the loss of her grandfather.
I’m grateful for taking the chance on myself financially and thankful for all the support of friends and family who purchased them! (see Nov 9th blog for details on the books)
We ended up wandering off the Black Squirrel Trail and onto the Box Turtle and PossumTrails. We definitely went more than 1.6 miles.
This quote spoke to me. In regards to myself lately.
Me in the entrance with my baggy sweats and beloved thrift store hoodie. This look is my new fashion statement during Covid- all comfort, little class. 🤣
The trail veered straight down and as we know what goes down must eventually come back up. Our glutes had a nice workout today!
Was admiring this natural dam from the ridge above.
The creek bed was dusted with snow creating a unique coloration . I love how this shot geometrically separates it all.
A sign we were on the right track.
We crossed the stream at one point and went up the opposite ridge.
Zoe always ahead telling me to keep up. We both slipped and fell at one point and laughed! Exposed roots are slick in the snow, note to self- stay in the leaves.
The light dusting was just what I needed for a change of scenery. I wish I could describe the melodic sound of the tiny ice raindrops coming down around us. It was like a beautiful meditative static.
I loved this memorial and thought how cool it would be to have one when I died.
It read “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.” – Henry David Thoreau
I dared Zoe to walk across this. It was quite high even though the perspective doesn’t really show it. I thought if Kassie was here she definitely would!
Little history of the black squirrel.
We decided to take the Box Turtle loop. I thought what a great animal, who can just set his house down and stop for a rest inside whenever he desired. The first mobile home model.
I spotted this wonder and climbed up for a closer look. Reminded me of the woman that lived in the shoe, but in this case the tree.
These tree bases reminded me of a giants hands curved as if picking up leaves from the ground.
River bed roots are always the most fascinating, clinging on and morphing.
Zoe was testing her weight on the ice.
I have no idea why, but this reminded me of a sort of windchime or art exhibit. The way the shroom looked like a ceramic piece and the leaves were on light wires clinging artistically around it.
Throughout the woods were these simple memorial benches.
As always we started to warm up but the pathways remained frozen.
I took this photo from across the street from where we parked. It was awesome seeing this many cardinals in one place! I counted 8 just in this shot alone. There was also a blue jay that I wasn’t able to capture but are more rare to see.
Love how they pop out among the bare branches.
There was a photographer with a big camera lens nearby and I wondered if he put out birdfeed to attract them to this site.
This is the belief in Ohio. My friend Kathy always is visited by her friend Patricia. She always talks to the cardinal and says hello as if its an angel checking in.
I watched the film “Bird People” with Zoe. It was an assignment for her university film class. It was interesting to say the least. Check it out if you like unique artistic films that makes you see life a little differently.
Bird People is a 2014 French drama film directed by Pascale Ferran and starring Josh Charles and Anaïs Demoustier. It was screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival. It was also screened in the Contemporary World Cinema section at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival.
After attending a funeral for a dear friend’s father in Vandalia, Ohio, I needed some reflection. I fully intended on meeting everyone after the service for a toast in his honor, but the crowded parking lot and unmasked patrons scared me off. My instinct told me that I would not be comfortable due to Covid’s “dark winter” and decided a solitude walk instead would be a better option for me. I always keep my hiking boots and winter hat in the car, so I found a short trail 10 minutes away and set out to find God’s beauty and voice.
I lost my father in 2016 and mother in 2017. I still remember the undefinable emotions that surfaced randomly, at illogical times and how I wanted to be alone, yet was comforted by company. The world continues around you and you want to scream to make it stand still in honor of your own grief. I remember at the end of my dad’s service not being able to listen to anyone’s story about him or even respond to simple questions friends and family were asking me. I got annoyed by the chitter chatter of everyday life going on as I wanted silence to mirror my pain.
Its a time I don’t wish upon anyone, yet we all will eventually endure. Struggling in our own ways to find peace with the death of a loved one. Every one of us knows our time will come to lose those we shared our lives with, that had an everlasting influence on who we are, who gave us the support we now will have to live without.
It’s inevitable, yet we always fight to have one more moment to cherish. Another laugh together, another minute in time to appreciate and express our heartfelt gratitude.
I starred at the stained glass in the church as I sat alone waiting for the service to begin. I loved that it was a tree with exposed roots and the sun was shining through it.
Sorry for starting off on a somber note. Its just an honest blog of my day and where my head was. Heading to a new trail alone was exactly the recipe I needed to clear my thoughts and regroup.
I passed this red barn which I believe is the visitor’s center for the metro park. Perfectly Ohio.
This was a historic farm which I imagine during non- Covid times would have many visitors.
Pulling into the trails.
An easy 2 mile hike. It was quite muddy at parts and I enjoyed sloshing through.
Fishing boardwalks aligned the west part of the pond.
I appreciated the shadows as the sun was starting to set.
There were ducks on the pond enjoying their peaceful swim.
Walkway through the swamp portion.
This burr reminded me of my childhood. I used to have to cut them out of my collie’s fur when we got in from playing out in the woods.
There was a huge prairie area that in parts the wind permanently bent. As kids we used to make hideaway forts in similar weed areas, complete with hidden pathways to flattened areas where we would hide out.
It was chilly, especially in the open field areas. Amazing how much warmer it is among the tree sections, even with their bare branches.
Beautiful blue sky day! Taking in the layers of color and texture in nature.
Climbed up a few fallen trees just for fun.
Looking up in the chill of wintertime.
The insect tracks are always so artistic.
Reminds me of my doodling I used to do on ceramics.
This was a mug I made for Zoe. I was thinking of doodling in paint on my bedroom walls as a therapeutic release. Revealing my crazie for anyone who dare enters 🙂
I was following the yellow trail and many times the “follow the yellow brick road” rang in my head in munchkin Wizard of Oz voices.
Snow remained in some parts that obviously did not get any daylight.
A cute swing to sit and watch the ducks and geese on the pond.
Canadian geese following the leader.
Loved the signs on my way out. Ice fishing at your own risk. I have yet to see any ponds freeze over since climate change took effect, but I guess better to warn people than have the stupid fall in.
I wanted to cancel. Out my window Saturday am it looked blustery cold, overcast and dreary. Near freezing temperatures for sure, with a possibility of rain. I often have to force myself to get out. Its so easy to want to hibernate in the wintertime, put on those winter insulated pounds by overeating and hide under the sweatshirts that allow me to expand comfortably.
Zoe, baby A, agreed to come along, so once I heard her get up and around, I knew there was no backing out. I selected a trail on the east side as I wondered what else was within my city radius to explore. Linda and Beth also joined and the four of us put in about 4 miles of walking in the frigid environment.
Once you start walking you warm up- except my butt. Its always freezing. I need some short long- johns to wear under my pants. Somebody invent those!
This is another area that is part of the Great Parks of Hamilton County.
Trails were interestingly unconnected, but Linda knew her way around and we conquered them all.
I don’t know why but this tree captured my attention with its one trunk and many fingers coming up from its’ base.
Heading out to see what adventures we can find in the woods. And if nothing else, get some exercise. With no safe place to go during the peak of Covid, hiking is our best option.
I can see where scary movies sometimes get their inspiration. I mean its taking over the post. In the winter it always looks like an attack.
Loved the plaque on this park bench.
The view of the Ohio River again taking on an abstract painting appeal. On our drive home the sun peaked through an opening of this overcast day and I said hello” to it. Then I scared it off and it immediately took cover again 😦
Linda and Zoe took the lead , I was admiring the tilted tree acting as an archway for their entrance.
Tiny frozen bits of snow still remained on the fungi.
Down one of the trails there was a ton of exercise equipment. Reminded me of the outdoor equipment I saw in Phuket. Except in Ohio, this all looks terribly hard.
Sit ups on this angled board were a bit challenging. But we tried a few each and that was enough.
Zoe was the only one enjoying the ab circle workout on this set. Looks more like gymnastic equipment.
Once we surfaced from the workout world we headed down the Hedgeapple Trail which led to a few ponds bringing me back memories of the ponds behind my house growing up. Watching tadpoles become frogs was always fascinating.
These two trees looked as if they were dancing together as they leaned back while still holding hands. Odd how I always see people in trees.
I am doing my best to seek newness this winter but am getting frustrated with my attempts. It all is looking similar and I am desperate for some fresh inspiration.
So, I rented a van for the entire month of May and plan to road trip out to Utah from Ohio. (a 24 hour drive) Any suggestions on places to check out please be sure to comment. I can’t wait! Heck maybe I’ll even be vaccinated by then!
Selfie after my two hour hike. Just being quirky and looking old with this winter weather taking a toll on my skin, but young at heart always!
A walk with an old friend was exactly what I needed. A perfect spur of the moment get-together on a warm January day.
I was so excited to see Jeff that I forgot to put on my hiking boots and ended up ruining my German ones again which have definitely seen better days. I hope I can get to Frankfurt again to renew my stash of this favorite style! I usually buy the exact same brand in a new color every year. Last year, since I was living in Phuket, I didn’t see any reason to purchase my annual pair. What would I need boots for on a tropical island? I only needed flip flops- made sense at the time. Now looking back, that may have been my last opportunity and I regret it.
This nature preserve trail was pretty short so we walked the loop quite a few times just to get the mileage and conversation in. We were completely alone for the first hour. By the time we left people were waiting for our parking spots.
Assuming these guys funded something here and want credit. The symbolism of the hand plaque is right for these upcoming inauguration- looming days.
Jeff and Scout took the lead.
This preserve is right off Pfeiffer Road.
Great little walkway over the stream.
Just looking back.
The woods are starting to look very similar, but Scout entertained us.
There was a fallen tree that served the purpose of a natural teeter-totter. I was testing it out and it was tougher than it looked! I was cracking myself up trying not to fall off.
Scout ran this obstacle course between Jeff and I at least 5 times.
A little muddy and a little hilly. Just enough to get the blood pumping and not allowing you to take your eyes off your next step.
All the woods have an unbelievable amount of fallen trees. Haven’t hiked in years here in Ohio so I am not sure if this is common or something new.
Then you also have these trees in the woods, bending and finding their own unique way to survive.
The roots of this tree felt like a horror movie coming to life. As if it was crawling out and invading us from the underworld.
And this tree reminded me of the movie Matrix. Bending to avoid the bullets.
A new weekend, a new trail. I convinced my daughter to come with me and meet Beth for a hike this morning in North Bend. This nature preserve is a 35 minute drive west along the Ohio River. It’s a typical overcast, cold January day and I wasn’t too optimistic about seeing anything new in the leafless woods, but, I was pleasantly surprised to discover Indian burial grounds and unique river views.
I never regret getting out in nature.
All the trails were well maintained and offered steep inclines to get the glutes working. There was a little sign of hope as some bright green clover started showing promise of future spring months ahead. As Beth said, these days we just have to take it a chunk” at a time. We made it through the holidays, now we can face the next chunk.
In America, that looks like a change of presidents which, God willing, will hopefully force the white supremacists back into their holes where they belong. With record number of Covid deaths today topping 4,000- I am also hoping that next chunk offers vaccines slowing down the spread of this virus. In attempts to remain optimistic, a hiking I will go.
The first leg of the hike was called Little Turtle Trail.
Cute little signs marking the entrance.
There were many dead trees and we spotted a few red headed woodpeckers which was awesome, seeing their redheads contrasting against the grey backdrop. Of course catching one on camera proves difficult.
Much of the woods here is filled with many twisted and tangled mess of vines.
And then, just like a twinkle of hope that Christmas brings, I started to spot the small bulbs someone placed randomly along the trail. It made me happy.
Honor the fallen for the life they’ve lived.
Zoe, Beth and I were admiring how this tree shed its bark. Like it stripped naked and was ready to put on a new dress.
Very cool how this area is respected.
I usually fall behind while observing.
The Ohio River view.
I started down a less travelled trail to see where it would take me, but it became muddy and steep and nobody was willing to venture with me.
Another bulb softening this prickly bark.
The color popping out like a happy thought. I love that someone spread a little color in the woods for us cold weather hikers.
We drove further up to hike the second of the two trails.
This trail had a viewpoint of where the two rivers merged. The Great Miami and Ohio River.
A Boyscout memorial. Love all they do to keep Ohio and Kentucky trails walkable.
And then there’s this…….a power plant spewing off smoke and corroding the view and climate.
Cheeks rosy from the chill, heart beating from the steps.
There were quite a few to climb.
Zoe took Derby and ended up far ahead of us.
Gorgeous pink berries randomly appeared among the dead grass.
View of the rivers merging complete with a RR bridge and highway making their way across.
Heading back after a much needed breath of fresh air.
The tumors on this tree captured my eye in contrast with the clover below. I always look at trees and compare them to my human life. The trials, scars, hardships and beauty.
Beth mentioned that on her way here she saw a cute restaurant that looked open and could be good place to stop and eat at on the way home. I didn’t notice it on our drive in, but it was an adorable looking farm house with local hand made breads, chocolates, oils, etc for sale inside. Unfortunately no lunch was served, but we each purchased a loaf of bread and Zoe got an organic dandelion-ginger sparkling water which was amazing.
Tonya Takes Thailand 