Cheesecakery-Madisonville,Ohio

On the weekend, Sedona and I made plans to check out a new coffee shop in Madisonville. This part of the city is trying to upgrade and what better way to do it than by building modern apartment housing for younger people and putting in an awesome coffee shop in the neighborhood.

We discovered there are several buildings along the block housing different parts of the Cheesecakery business. It was Sedona’s birthday that weekend, so we of course checked out the bakery.

This was an adorable place with tons of clever cheesecake cupcakes and sweets!

We purchased 4 different flavors to try and buckeyes to eat while we waited for our coffee.

I made Sedona pose- Life is Sweet – she’s about to turn 24!

The coffee shop started to pick up. We ordered a coffee tasting line up. Sort of like flights of beer, but with coffee varieties. I loved the idea! You place your order here, then go next door to sit down.

This shows it doesn’t take much to start something new. By the time we left many tables were filled.

The decor seemed to have an eclectic theme, which may be appropriate for the area.

Our coffee flights. Mine hot, hers cold. I tried lavender coffee when I was in Columbus,Indiana celebrating my twin’s 21 birthday. I remember thinking it was such a strange thing- now the flavors are common. Pistachio is one of my favorites, with lavender a close second.

Bricktionary Exhibit- Cincinnati Museum Center

George brought his daughter and her cousins up to Newport on the Levy for a few days of fun over their Spring Break. Knowing Charlie is into Lego with her dad, I told them about this exhibit which is the World Premier showcasing what’s possible with Lego. It has over 150 custom- built models.

I met them there during my lunch break. Not being into Lego at all as a kid didn’t matter. This was an art form that was amazing! They laid it out in A_B_C_ order teaching what can be imagined using things from the letters in the alphabet- hence the name of the exhibit.

C= Crocodile was cool too. Looking at the way they used the coloration to capture the skin texture.

D= Dress. This reminded me of my fashion design days when students created outfits using non fabric items.

The Back To The Future car was so intricate.

Never really considered bricks as an art form.

The movie theatre with the IPad playing the Lego Movie was such a cute twist.

The kids were more fascinated by the island with the mermaid on it than the Sydney Opera House. I do love being around younger kid’s minds. How interesting to hear what their thoughts are. Refeshing.

There were stops along the way where you could build your own Lego and put it into the displays. You can see all the flowers the kids/visitors made to put out front of the F= Flower display.

This caught my eye since I am working on a Fallout New Vegas statue version for my job. I don’t think otherwise I would’ve even understood this iconic sign.

Waking up this morning to the daily death toll of another mass shooting made me reflect on my job in the video game industry. The way they described the mall shooter just walking along and randomly shooting people for no reason. Feels more like a game that you feel no consequence of.

I can’t seem to get it out of my head as I type about the lighthearted creativity of this Lego art form which contradicts the destruction going on in America. Somber side note.

Space craft with all the kids creations below. When we came into the exhibit which is timed to keep the experience enjoyable, the lady out front was deconstructing and sorting all the past kids exhibits by color and putting into plastic jars. It made me smile as previously I’d watched George spend several hours doing the same at his house where an entire loft area is filled with Lego and cabinets with options. Every drawer has a color.

The perfect exit piece was of the Eiffel Tower. I love the history of this structure knowing people once thought it was an eyesore. A reminder that creators are meant to push perspective.

Built in 1889 for a World Fair-“Hundreds protested it, criticized it, campaigned against it, said it was a disgrace to architecture, and predicted it would be the ruination of Paris.”

Banksyland Pop Up Exhibit at The Cincinnati Banks

When social media alerted me to this Banksy exhibit I immediately signed up for tickets. Thankfully Sedona was available to come with me and we had a beautiful afternoon in downtown Cincinnati right after the ending of the Flying Pig Marathon.

It was an amazing day outside and was nice to see everyone in the city enjoying it after the race.

When you first walked in these quotes were displayed. There was music playing and the mood walking through was super casual. It wasn’t the best venue or layout but it was fun nonetheless.

Anyone that knows this artist knows about his background starting off illegally sneaking through the streets displaying his art and messages on city walls, streets, statues and signs. Nobody knew who he was but his political art was recognized everywhere.

I love the idea of fighting a war with flowers or glitter.

Banksy is anti war and anti consumerism. Seeing Jesus on the cross with shopping bags says it all about our celebration of Christmas and what nonsense it’s turned into.

The irony of the gift shop outside of this venue did not escape me. And yes I did spend $.

Worshipping the sale. There is a reason it goes against my grain to bargain shop or compare prices. I buy what I want.
The marketing schemes of Kohl’s and other retailers makes my stomach churn. I can’t stand the games and tricks to keep people believing they’ve scored a great deal, helping them feel good about their purchases. I, 100% of the time, feel I am ripped off. Karma’s a bitch. I can’t spend time worrying about spending a few extra dollars.

The military helicopters with a bow was one of Sedona’s favorites. I enjoyed seeing that anything was a medium for his art. Even scrap cardboard.

We read that Banksy went to Ukraine and did 10 pieces of art in their war torn city. I don’t understand war. How anyone could justify killing others for their cause.

This was a wall of moving video art. I especially like the hunters with their spears aimed at the grocery carts.

Its the first time I’d seen this piece and wondered about its meaning.
My first impression was this child’s world was filled with sorrow and she was just now realizing there was better weather outside her umbrella. I could be totally misinterpreting and there wasn’t any write up to guide us to his thinking.

What do you get out of it?

Sedona snapped this photo of us with a video screen playing in the background of the apocalyptic theme park titled *Dismaland*.

I enjoyed seeing some of his artwork which stirred my thoughts and made me appreciate people that are brave enough to express their views to help create change.

Butchertown Dog Sitting- Louisville, Kentucky

After my sister left Sunday morning, I headed back down to Louisville to dog /house sit for a friend of George’s. I was hoping this would give me an opportunity to be in an area of the city, to discover what it may feel like if I decided to move down here.

This area of Louisville is called Butchertown, which is a growing area still surrounded by the traditional butchery which causes a rank scent depending on which way the wind blows.

His street was filled with historic homes.

The house I was staying in was once the art gallery of a famous abstract artist, Bill Fischer. The new owner completely rehabbed it and it is filled now with other original art pieces and collections of books and records that would blow your mind.

This is Jack who I watched for 5 days and tried my best to walk the energy out of him. Jack is great on a leash, so I certainly got my exercise in this week!

I walked with Jack to this historic site about a mile away. It’s named The Heigold Facade and was one of the few homes to survive the 1937 flood. They saved the facade of the 1857 historic home and moved it here, right outside The Botanical Gardens.

I also walked with Jack along the Butchertown Greenway which led past a homeless camp and some cool graffiti.

It was a nice walkway and not too many people utilizing it.

This walkway led directly beside The Botanical Gardens. But they had a “no pets” allowed sign so I couldn’t sneak a peak.

We continued walking and ended up by the Ohio River’s marina.

Another historic home oddly kept in front of the modern apartment complex.

Jack and I made it down to the Big Four Bridge Viewpoint and I snapped a few photos before turning back around.

Louisville reminds me a lot of Cincinnati.

On my walk back I couldn’t help but snap a photo of this fallen tree which looked like a skeleton of a teradactyl.

I went from one dog sitting gig to another. I am catching up on my blogging from the very comfortable home in Hyde Park with Genevieve.

She has a backyard so my legs are taking a little break along with my schedule.

Been a restful weekend, with many naps and no agenda. Exactly what I needed to regroup for May.

Tulsa, Oklahoma- Nothing’s Left and Solero Brewery- Last leg of road trip home.

It’s been awhile since I’ve blogged. I’ve been in a strange place physically which is then frustrating me mentally. I keep using my California illness as the culprit that I’m still recovering from.

My thoughts are unclear and jumpy. I feel accomplished if I get one small thing completed like getting my car renewal stickers, buying a birthday card or mailing my taxes. God forbid I try to do more than one extra thing a day it will overwhelm me.

I feel slow at multi tasking and tired to no end. Can sleep 12 hours easily. I keep wondering if it’s hormones- age-or covid leftover brain. Regardless, it sucks. I’m uninspired. Uninspiring, sober and personally useless. Although I am managing to still work my full time remote job, when I am awake.

Tried journaling, only to get worn out by my own demons. Trying to stay off social media because it somehow makes me feel less meaningful. I used to get hope and momentum from watching nature and comedic videos. Now somehow it makes me feel inadequate watching others with energy and cleverness.

I’ve tried walking in the mornings with my friend Kathy. I tried walking on the weekends with Linda and Beth.

Just can’t get my mojo back. Yet.

My coworker Don helped me find a balance board similar to my childhood days. I get on it every day and it’s helping me to concentrate and get my brain and muscles working together again. I’m hoping over time this will also help me to stay agile.

I feel like my diagnosis of covid in February aged me 5 years in just one month. I used to feel so alive and ageless and now I feel stagnant and heavy. Depressing right? Personally everything is going great, so the mood defies logic. My kids are launching, growing and becoming the fantastic adult humans I knew they could be. My boyfriend remains completely kind, loving and supportive. (and sexy😉).

Just wanted to vent. I try not to. Wanted to explain because I myself am confused. But also wanted to finish and attempt to blog again- to bring my light back. So I’ll try to complete my road trip back from Cali with George, for memory’s sake.

——-After a late arrival in Albuquerque, we wanted to try to reach our next destination with daylight hours left to actually enjoy the city, whichever place that may end up being. We set our destination to Oklahoma City but later extended it to Tulsa.

I set our Google maps to a brewery named Nothing’s Left. Clever name. It seemed to be located beside some other breweries which could be a fun break from the road. But we still needed a place to sleep. This is always my concern when travelling with George. He likes hotels. I don’t. But can’t argue that my choices in Airbnb places at times can also be questioned.

We were happy to have this brewery as our first pit stop. Had a great vibe to it.

My flight. I loved the tags as a way to show what you had and doubling as a take home reminder.

George soon joined me- always a bit chattier than me with the bartender. My photo of both of our flights- so different as are we. We always try each others and I am always pleasantly surprised at some of the darker brews.

George made sure to add his sticker to the fridge.

The bartender is a gal who moved to Tulsa recently. She explained that she and her partner took advantage of a city incentive to get remote workers to move there. If you qualify, they pay you $10,000 over the course of a year as appreciation. I took it as an attempt to reverse some of the sterotypes or mindset of the locals and get some fresh perspectives in the city.

She told us about a Sheraton Hotel in the Arts District so we called to reserve the last remaining room. (again…) Before heading that way we went just up the street to find a Cidery and another two breweries which were equally cool.

Love their van decor and coloration. Now there’s a new flag with all the colors.

The view as we walked into the Solero Brewery. So beauifully pastel.

Inside was packed. Seemed like we arrived in time for happy hours with groups of coworkers and friends.

Loved the way their fridge is set into the walll and the fun neon sign setting the mood. I bought a 6 pack just because”. Always wanting to support a local business.

Beautiful merch display. I was feeling tipsy by this time and was tempted to also buy a tee just for fun, but purchased a glass instead. I love the coloration and how easy it was to find your size- kudos to this breweries merchandising.

Us. Perfect capture. Definitely feeling the buzz and happy to be out of the car for a bit.

When we walked out we caught a glimpse of the city in the distance and headed that way.

The hotel was difficult to enter. It was on the second floor but you needed a code or key to unlock. The phones to call up weren’t working. Luckily someone was leaving and we grabbed the door to get in. The one room down the hall smelled like smoke. I was not going to be able to sleep there. We told the front desk who claimed it did not smell like smoke (okay…..?) and then plugged in some chemical odor cleaner which then replaced the smoke with a chemical aroma.

The next morning George was kind enough to leave me be for an hour so I could jump into work to get started prior to the bumby ride home. I find it really hard working in the car. Plus I still wasn’t feeling the best so my tempermant was off.

As George took in the cloudy am, he found a Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie museum. I wondered why it was in Tulas so I google it.

“Tulsa worked because Dylan liked the idea of the museum being in the heartland, as he told friend and historian Douglas Brinkley. He also responded to the Native American presence in the region. May 11, 2022″

Seems Tulsa is looking to change. Aren’t we all.

Route 66- Arizona

George arrived in rare form after a delayed flight in a cramped Frontier Airlines middle seat. After picking him up at 8 pm we headed to Rosco’s chicken. It was Zoe and I’s first time, and it was something else! Delicious and memorable, to say the least. Glad we got to experience it with George as he reminisced about his time living out in California. It was fun.

I set my alarm for 5:30 am to start hitting the road. George promised to help hang a few things with the drill I purchased (and wasn’t brave enough to try). He successfully got Zoe’s entry up to standard and off we went, me in tears, on the highways back to Ohio/Kentucky

We captured the sunrise. I was so sad to leave. Knowing in a way, I may not have been able to if George didn’t come and get me. Physically and emotionally speaking.

Unbelievable views as we exited LA. The mist over the mountains. This taken from a car window.

I tried to work from the car but the views kept distracting me.

I loved seeing the railroad against the backdrop of the mountains.

I kept trying to figure out where the heck we were in the world.

I snapped many photos out the car window as we drove west out of California. This rock was flipping us off as we went by.

The landscape is near impossible to capture. Just so beautiful. Made me want to just run out into it. I love the west. Maybe because I didn’t grow up around it, but it is something I am so damn happy to see.

Felt like a movie. No wonder the film industry ended up on this coast. So much inspiration in the natural surroundings.

George stopped off for some pamphlets 🙂 And in doing so made a friend who looked up the weather forecast and suggested we get off the highway and take Historic Route 66 through Arizona.

It was quiet through much of the terrain. But then we hit the town of Seligman.

They made the best out of this historic town.

It was colorful and vintage with quirky shops.

Selfie moment out of the car to stretch our legs.

I imagine bikers come in packs to stop off at this lcoation.

Even Betty White, God love her, made an appearance.

Not really sure what this place as about.

Happy in a way that we were on a mission to get to Albuquerque as our first stop. Otherwise I may have lost George in the antique shops.

Considering this was early March and the weather was quite chilly, I imagine in the heat of the summer this town is jumping with visitors.

We eventually got back onto the main highway.

Snow appearing on the mountain tops as we approached OK

After hitting a few hotels that were sold out due to the March madness, we woke up to this view.

The Ugly Reality of California

There was so much beauty to be seen in California, but the homelessness was no joke.

Everywhere you turned, didn’t even matter if it was a nice neighborhood or not, there were homeless people and their accumulative belongings. It was sad. I didn’t feel sorry for them oddly. It was more of an eyesore that seemed to take over the city.

I started to snap photos from my car to remember. Its unexpected even with all the warnings I’ d heard about it.

There is not one neighborhood without it. Maybe in the suburbs, but not in the city.

I wondered what they were hanging on to all the belongings for. I think I would opt for a more simple life but I am sure hoarding comes with mental illness and logic is no longer available.

This person is sound asleep in the middle of the afternoon on the sidewalk. Could be dead even, I was not about to find out. Where was my compassion?

Many overpasses were filled with tents or RVs like this one.

Pretty nice. Nobody bothers them. Directly after this underpass, I saw a family pull up to a soccer field for a weekend game. It bothered me how normalized this is for kids to see growing up. It’s as if we are all numb to it. Feel like its a hopeless situation out of our control.

Really don’t know a lot about why there is so much of this and why people that possibly can’t afford a living here, stay. It seems like a community of its own. And yes, I am ignorant to the true understanding of it all.

Reminded me of Manhattan back in the day. Thompson Square Park used to be a homeless village. I wondered how that city cleaned it all up.

Beach bums were also everywhere. I had a different view when I saw them here for some reason. I used to see people living free from society, bathing in the ocean and living day by day and admire them. Honestly. It seemed right to me on some levels.

But when I see LA and all the tents and squatters, it doesn’t seem as free. Almost more an existence instead. Killing time. Not really contributing to anything or anyone. Stuck in a society that is also at a loss.

Malibu Wine Tasting- Malibu, California

Our last full day together, Zoe and I decided to grab brunch and go to a wine tasting. While she was still sleeping in, I googled food places nearby. Once she got up and rolling we headed out.

We went to the Larchmont Cafe and we perfectly timed our arrival. After we ordered and sat down, the place filled up and there was a line out the door.

Adorable place with great coffee and breakfast! We watched a single guy put his dog on this bench and made him pose to take photos. People and their pets. Verdict for me is still out. Sometimes its cute and sometimes its just weird.

The Urgent Care that I went to previously was right around the corner, so I decided to stop in again to get a refill on my cough suppressant prescription. My cough subsided but sometimes out of the blue would come back strong. Usually at 2 am.

As long as I paid another 50$ co pay and saw another doctor, they were able to fill it. Ya gotta love how the US medical system is all about the bottom dollar and not the actual patient care.

While I was getting my blood pressure taken to ensure I wouldn’t die with another week’s worth of syrup, Zoe wandered to some great shops across the street. Met a woman who started at Abercrombie and now custom makes her own unique jeans. Totally worth the price for their design and custom fit. I’m sure Zoe will make her way back but at the time, neither of us could justify it.

We were told by the boutique owners that there was a flea market going on just down the street. They actually thought we were there for that. We had no idea. So we walked down the street a couple blocks only to be super inspired by the California creativity. Truly unlike any items I’d seen elsewhere.

I was so glad at the time that my body does not easily fit into things. Zoe on the other hand was tempted at every booth. It was torture for her not to make purchases.

Ironically we ran into one of her high school friends there who was visiting from his college in Arizona. So random!

It was fun to see the different booths creative clothing but also people watch. I swear some dressed up just for the occasion. Found out this is called the Silver Lake Flea Market but was actually in Echo Park.

After filling our bellies and our minds, we drove to find the winery. We didn’t make a reservation but figured it was just the two of us, so we should be able to squeeze in somewhere.

We went to the bar to select our tasters for 25$. The bartender had zero personality but the wine was fantastic, so I guess in the end it didn’t matter.

Our flights. We sat on the concrete ledge around the tree. Later we were approached by a couple leaving and they gave us their table.

We sat in the sun for another hour just people watching and sipping our wine.

We had such a good time, we decided to google map our way to another winery which took us through the mountains.

Was a beautiful day and an exquisite view.

I honestly continue to be stunned by the landscape in California.

The second winery must have relocated so instead, after a Mexican lunch, we found our way to Malibu Beach. Most of it seemed closed off to the public, but we found one access point and wandered down.

In between two homes, we found this staircase and pulled over to walk down for a bit. The sun disappeared and the chill came out again.

Sad that most of these homes are vacant. Strange to own such beautiful property only to use it temporarily.

A view toward the other houses along the beach.

Huge mussel shells everywhere in the sand.

Love seeing her color among the neutral rocks.

Happy I got to see this part of the west coast. We followed the shoreline local roads back to LA. Was a great day and I am sure we will have many more together in the future.

Lost Cause Meadery- San Diego, California

George of course wanted me to check out a meadery in town. Thank goodness it was only a 15 minute drive from my Airbnb and I was able to convince Don to join me. It was a rainy Friday, our last working day together. A happy hour taster was an excellent way to say good-bye.

As most of the best breweries and meaderies, this place was in the strangest location. Down a dead end street across from a Home Depot. You just never know.

The name and attitude greeted you at the door. The place was small but packed with people. They were only open until 9.

Cool wallpaper. We were immediately greeted by a couple who was giving up their table. They were Amy and Tom. Don introduced us and they said immediately that my name needed to be Ton- all of us needed 3 lettered names. Would have enjoyed a drink with them I think, just our timing was off.

The outdoor area was really cute, but vacant given the downpour.

Plants are a trend you see in every hip new place. Their bottle shapes and label designs were cool too.

Check out their medal case. This was one of the most award winning meadery.

Don with our tasters. They really were excellent and I ended up taking several bottles and canned meads home with me.

The sign in the background “stay lost”. Yes please.

One last selfie! Feeling happy. Don was so much fun to be around.

Work Week Ocean Beach- San Diego, Lunches and Sunset

I only had one weekend in this amazing city, but I had an entire week onboarding Don at my Airbnb in Ocean Beach. Every day, we walked 15 minutes down to the beach area to test out a new restaurant for lunch since the company was paying. It was an excellent break in our day.

Don is very outgoing and approached a very unapproachable guy to ask him to take our photo in front of this sign. Sedona gave me a sticker when she was in college that was this exact same brand/logo/saying. I had it on my old computer. Love that I see it still this many years later now on a wall.

This van reminded me of my sister Trisha and all the bumper stickers she used to daringly put on her car in conservative Findlay- boldly stating her openmindedness.

This was on taco Tuesday. I had to test out their marg. I always followed up my lunch drink with a coffee 🙂

The best coffee shop we found. I would totally plant myself here if I were alone to work.

We set the alarm to make it on time down to the beach to catch the sunset on the last clear weathered day. I felt like a badass hoping on the back of his vintage Harley making our way down to the beach.