My big sister came to town and I haven’t been able to spend quality time with her for quite some time now. She is recently retired and in the midst of moving states. I briefly saw her at Christmas but I don’t think either of us got a true conversation in with each other.
But now with Covid on the decline and boosters out, it was so nice to have her feel comfortable coming down for a visit. She came complete with a suitcase full of crap’ she didn’t want that my kids eagerly embraced. It was awesome catching up and checking out a new place for lunch. I love having an excuse to try something new.
I was hoping to show her a place she hadn’t been to before, so after lunch, I took her to Krohn Conservatory. Later realizing she had been here before when my kids were probably in second grade. (they are now 22)
They had just started presenting their Spring display which was perfectly fitting to my 2022 story board I put together, which revealed the personal need to add more color in my world. Lately most of my months in Ohio are pretty faded in tone.
I enjoyed this symbol representing the protector of the environment.
I was immediately taken back by the color. I hike a lot in the fall and winter, but nothing beats the colors of spring.
Trisha was immediately captivated by the lilies and their diversity. They added such a different dimension to the landscape amidst the hydrangeas.
This flower almost looks fake it was so perfect.
This darker lily was so dramatic. I haven’t seen a flower this dark” since Thailand.
I’m ready for spring’s arrival and the blooms that show up throughout our world during that season of transition.
I admire these greenhouses where the horticulturist know how to create an amazing presentation.
We ended up in the cactus section where this new garden art piece was on display. It was inspiring to my sister who now has time and a backyard to decorate to her imagination.
We noticed the interesting re-colorization of the cactus which I can only assume came from lack of sunlight. Knowing nothing about plants, I can only base plant life on what I see when hiking- the cycle of life in plants comes and goes with the seasons.
As I was admiring these cute little pink buds, I later noticed their thorny stems. Made me wonder a lot about life and how we perceive and are often distracted by beauty.
I wanted to get out of the house today. Some weeks I feel trapped in the routine of work, especially this January. There was a blizzard that ripped up the east coast and Cincinnati received a little snowfall as a result.
I headed out early 10:10 am (double numbers telling me its the right move) to see if I could walk a small trail and still see some of the snow before it melted off the branches.
A small loop I haven’t been on before.
Mt. Airy has so many trails to hike. I don’t know if I’ll ever hike them all.
There were no cars in the parking lot, so I was surprised to see footprints in the snow.
Was quiet, the sun was shining, the temps were low, it was so refreshing. I had to wear sunglasses because the glare off the snow at times was blinding.
I kept stopping to admire the clumps of snow still hanging on to the bare branches.
Reminded me of cotton.
Absolutely in awe of these branches which were so artistically wound. The inch of snow creating a temporary canvas that I was happy to witness.
I was thinking how fascinating the snow must be to someone on psychedelics. It was iridescent and sparkling like precious gems wanting to be scooped up and evaluated. The snow toppers on the blunt cut trees were perfect.
I looked back at the trail I decided to come down- where there were no tracks prior to mine. I was proud to have taken the path less travelled, although it often gets me in trouble.
And here was trouble. A mini obstacle course in my way.
The softness the snow adds to the landscape is only temporary, at least here in southern Ohio, and is a great reminder to enjoy change. I know upper east coast may be living with the snow they endured all month 🙂
The little bare branches kept snapping against my frozen legs. Sort of hurt but were unavoidable so I decided to just accept it.
Sun was peeking through and casting cool shadows.
Love this photo. Not really sure why. The color, the combination? Seems like a painting.
Finally found my loop back.
With more stillness to receive.
Just me and my shadow.
Feeling tall and brave.
Selfie moment to capture the sunshine that day.
Another trail that I didn’t dare wander down as my quick mile loop was already taking me an hour. (did a few detours, got a little lost, thank God for AllTrails app)
I looked up and thought of my friend May who is always reminding me of my own catch phrase, which symbolizes so much in life.
What a fun Sunday. I woke up early and went to “The Fix” to meet a friend for coffee talk first thing in the am. As I was sipping on my second flavored latte, I realized the caffeine was kicking in! I went home to wake up my twins to see if they’d go on a hike with me.
Originally I was planning to go with my friends, Linda and Beth, but Linda cancelled on us. I thought Beth was out” also, but then she later texted and said she was ready to go! So I picked a trail I’d never been to before, because it appeared to be near water and off we went.
Ironically as we were google mapping our way to this place, we literally passed the street Beth lived on. Who knew?
We pulled into the park and saw this historic landmark. There was also a very small random cemetery with a handful of markers.
The sign clearly marks the park entrance, which is good because you could literally zone out driving here on the windy countryside roads.
The trail was only occupied by a handful of people. Snow was predicted and I think the temperatures kept most sane people indoors.
But not us! And I loved it. Nothing a hat won’t fix. It’s amazing how a good winter hat will add miles of warmth and a colorful punch to our winter wardrobes.
The river was a cool shade of sage and was beautiful contrasting with the dried out riverweeds and sand banks. Was such an interesting landscape on an overcast day.
The trail was right along the Miami River banks.
I was admiring the deep cut in the bark of this tree.
And then a little further up, was totally taken back but this tree which had fallen. It now looked like a sculpture. With its textures and dramatic stance.
It was huge. I walked around and took this photo of my girls waiting for me. Just love the view.
Close up photo of the bark and its transition.
I was mystified by this. What is your guess to what it is? I think someone started carving an owl into the bark and then someone said “no”. Odd really. Always good for story telling.
The twins were always up ahead and Derby (the poodle) kept checking back to see if Beth and I were still coming.
Beachfront. Could be fun to sit here during a hot summer day.
The water was moving quickly.
Sedona enjoying the view. She wanted to take a drink of the water it was so clear.
I enjoyed the way the trees framed everyone walking ahead.
Such interesting terrain with the sand and bare trees.
At the end of the trail was this frozen water area with another fallen beauty.
We were curious if we could cross it without falling in, contemplating its depths.
I climbed up, of course, and pranced around having fun balancing and feeling free.
I dared Zoe to go up and take a walk, but she opted to hug the tree instead which was adorable.
I have no idea why, but I always struggle during the Holidays. This year, with taking on a new full time position and being back in America, I struggle to find the balance of life. I have learned what brings me nuggets of joy, but yet again I find myself chained to a desk falling back into the groove, working nonstop, making ends meet.
Why do we do that? Old habits die hard. Its interesting to me as I watch in observation of myself. Trying to figure out how I so quickly, automatically reverted back to become the past me.
I haven’t had much time for friends, shopping or hiking. I’m still working Cambly in the am and pm on top of my other job, as I refuse to let go of my now only 24 regular students who still brighten my day. I haven’t seen my friend Kevin in a couple months, so I was happy to have him on my calendar, even if it was just a Tuesday night.
Kevin travels all the time and is always off adventuring. Its one of many things I love about him. He is also such an easy going friend to hang with, unload on, gain wisdom from and explore with. We decided to try out a brewery that neither of us had been to before. Rebel Mettle is celebrating its 1 year anniversary.
Its in an odd location in the south west corner of downtown, wedged by alleyways and highways.
I loved how their tables had their engraved logo on them. It was a typical Tuesday night. I need to go back when the weather is warmer. It looked like they had a pretty cool second floor and outdoor area.
One of the workers is obsessed with the rubber ducks they give out at the Sugar & Spice diner. They look cute as beer taps.
Their graffiti wall reminded me of my house growing up. My parents allowed us kids to doodle on the basement game room walls which entertained us until high school. I am certain the memories live on in that house even if its covered in fresh paint.
When taking a closer look, it seemed to be a memorial wall tribute.
The bathrooms of this place were super clean and extremely warm which was nice. This graffiti awaited me in my stall. I wish I had a pen to contribute.
Kevin and I both ordered flights to try them all out. I ended up taking a mixed six pack home to get me through the week.
Being that it was Tuesday it was Trivia night at the bar. I really didn’t want to participate, but Kevin already had the app on his phone so we decided to give it a try. I was able to guess a bonus question, which I was dang proud of. (totally random number guess too- but made me look smart!)
We compromised on a lot of answers, which turned out he was usually right and I was usually not. But, nonetheless, we won a 10$ gift card in the end scoring 3rd place! (I won’t tell you how many teams participated🤣)
As we left the bar, there was a light snow coming down which was magical. It was not cold out, but perfectly still. Felt like we were in a movie. One of those moments you wish you could freeze in time. A great ending to a much needed night out.
I hope everyone doesn’t let time escape them during the holiday season. Cherish the time we have and remember that time really is just an illusion.
#5 on our Sunday bar hop. I insisted on ending it close to home at a new place that Nancy and I walked by a couple months ago. When we last saw it, it was being built. I was so excited to find it opened and was getting quite a crowd on an early Sunday evening.
I have no idea how people find out about new places opening up. I just stumble into them usually. I wish there was a website that kept a city’s openings weekly or something. Not that I would read it. But would be nice to be able to look up something like that- events of that week all at once along with new places to check out. I digress.
This place is a MUST SEE! Whoever designed it must have worked in larger cities or with themed hotels. It reminded me of something that would be in NYCity. It’s a wonderful gem in the middle of an up and coming neighborhood on East McMicken.
Upon arriving and seeing the atmosphere, I decided to switch from my beer tasting day and end it with a Cosmo night.
At the entrance.
Admiring the mural. This is how you know you arrived. You also will be greeted by bouncers at the door, even on a Sunday.
The interior was designed like a greenhouse. The bar was packed and cocktails were being made by some very new bartenders. I loved the decor with the lanterns and balls hanging, live plant life everywhere and the red gorilla sculpture at the top claiming it was all his.
Sedona’s cocktail. Their recipes were unique and not inexpensive. Of course, totally worth the experience.
I took this photo and then started asking myself (apparently out loud) where the women’s room was. A man behind me said laughingly that I just took a photo of it. (see the door handle)
My adorable Baby B posing in the hand chair.
I felt underdressed so I smacked on some lipstick.
This room had its own smaller bar and was opened to the outside.
Inside the bathroom was this Grecian or Romanesque sculpture.
I noticed that someone had painted tears coming down from all their faces.
There was so much to take in visually, I almost missed this wall made of old slides. George pointed it out.
One of the outdoor seating areas. The woodwork and eclectic decor just makes me happy.
Hidden around the corner in the bamboo was this little gondola. (new word for me because I thought that was a boat in Venice….love when I learn another use for a word)
This is the front of a tuktuck which made me feel right at home.
Another outdoor area that started to fill up when we left. This place had an eclectic Asian vibe going.
Enjoying great company in an amazing new atmosphere. This is my happy place.
Looking out through the greenery. My girlfriends and I need to put on our fancy dresses and come down for a night out!
Cheers to discovery.
And to daughters that have learned to enjoy life along side you.
Allen texted and later joined us on our gondola. I was impressed with my own stamina after such a long travel weekend. I definitely had some bags under my eyes on Monday.
Coming back from Phili was an easy 1 & 1/2 hour flight and George picked me up from the airport. I was looking a little rough from my two nights drinking with my girl friends, so I hopped in the shower and decided to bite the hair of the dog. (A great idiom that my Cambly students would love.)
While I was trying to put myself together, George researched a few breweries that I had never heard of, or been to before.
Our first stop was on Kemper Road at a place called “March First”. My younger sister’s birthday. 🙂 I convinced my daughter Sedona to come along, telling her that at any time she wanted to jump off the crazy bar hop bus, we would take her home. Needless to say, she lasted all night and we all had a blast!
It was a tad chilly but we sat outside as we tested a few of their taps. Honestly I would go back here! Pretzels ordered were tasty and every beer or cider we tried was unique.
They had fire pits ready for the evenings. Indoors they had plenty of games like air hockey and shuffle board. We got there early on a Sunday so it wasn’t too busy yet.
The chocolate cherry was like dessert!
I can’t even remember what mine was but I liked it. Sedona had some sort of blond coffee beer.
George looking handsome as ever.
Then we headed to bar number 2= Third Eye in Sharonville. I’ve been here many times before but wanted Sedona and George to try it. We had some awesome waffle fries and their Sunday chicken and waffle special which had some amazing bacon bits on top. Their food is always unique and presented beautifully.
George had a flight.
The one struggle with eating outdoors in the fall is the honey bees. They get a bit aggressive and you have to find something sweet to temp them to go to another table so they don’t continue to buzz around and dip into your drinks.
Stop #3 was Artifact Brewery which is in Northside. Its housed in an old church and specializes in sours.
The bar in the basement.
We again sat outside and Sedona snapped this cool photo of our flight. Sedona and I at this point started splitting the flights to keep from getting too drunk.
George and Sedona were competing to see whose photos turned out better. They honestly both had unique views.
I’m so glad she came out.
Across the street was another brewery named the Humble Monk. #4- I heard about it last time my friend Allen stopped over for a visit. I love the name.
Specializing in belguim style beers. I loved the logo, but this time, did not steal a glass.
Great saying placed right above the church pews.
There were a couple of gatherings there. Breweries offer such a great space for groups now that they’re starting to get back together. I just always continually remind myself when I’m out that Ohio only 50% of the population is vaccinated. Holding steady at this stupid’ point.
Capturing my new model.
Our adorable selfie with the logo in the background. I was sporting my new tee from the Media Sterling Pig Brewery. Needless to say, good times were had and we weren’t done yet.
After finishing Parcours Trail, it was such a pleasant day, Allen and I decided to hit another hike in Winton Woods. I looked up our options on AllTrails and we headed a 5 minute drive around to the other side to explored Kingfisher.
We knew we were in the right place.
Cute wooden walkway.
Caught this action shot of Allen jumping to hug a tree.
I know I look a little insane but I wanted a selfie to document our time.
This creek must flood a lot. We saw many natural driftwood dams.
Lord help me, more steps. This photo taken after we walked our way up from the creek below.
Whenever I’m hiking I make a point to really appreciate greenery around me. I snap my photos in split seconds and am never disappointed at how Mother Nature poses perfectly for me.
A lesson on sinkholes. Allen and I spotted a huge one on Parcours Trail. I found it fascinating that we just trust the earth we walk on. But we honestly have no clue what is below our feet.
I personally have been finding myself again with the help of my journeys and a year of therapy. There was a tolerance I endured which consistently put me back into a sinkhole. I would even willfully jump into it because it was comfortable there, where I knew what to expect. But I am out. And now looking forward to continuing to see the beauty of what I choose to surround myself with. ✌🏼
Zoe and I headed to OTR to find a unique gift for her Auntie, who she will be staying with in LA next month. The store we anticipated finding something in, Elm & Iron, is sadly now closed in the Cincinnati area. Another fallen local business. So we started looking into all the store windows as we walked along Vine Street to see if there was anything new.
We discovered the most amazing boutique! I asked the owner’s permission to blog about it. It’s brand new. Her grand opening will be Labor Day weekend.
The items are priced right and so original. She makes all the macrame herself which is a perfect gift item for any millennial. Zoe purchased a lime green key chain, while I window shopped fantasizing about a new apartment to start my decor completely over. Maybe my daughters will let me help them decorate one day.
When I asked the owner, Amanda, what was the most difficult part about opening up her own boutique, I received an unexpected response. She said it was finding day care for her autistic, buzz light year loving, son. She is fighting the system that so many of my friends have conquered in attempts to find the proper care for a child with special needs.
Anyone in Cincinnati, I encourage you to check out her store. Not only is she incredible but I do believe you will find so many items that make perfect gifts!
The store front.
The eclectic table display caught my eye as soon as we entered. I loved the simplicity, textures and warmth in the color combo.
Feels like Antropologie without the price tag!
Great store with exposed brick walls and plenty of space to move about.
My Zoe was loving all the clothes. But I made her restrain herself since she is spending a month in LA and will need her cash!
The owner. She also made the desk and wood pieces.
These earrings are adorable and only 15$. I love supporting a local artist.
I never blog about a store. But for some reason really felt a pull to post this one!
After breakfast with my daughters at Sugar & Spice, I decided to show George around Eden Park and nearby Mt. Adams. Every time he comes up, I am hoping to show him a new part of this great city of Cincinnati. It offers so many interesting neighborhoods and whenever I am given an opportunity to show them off to friends, I welcome it.
There is so much history here and interesting stories that go along with it. I mean which other city has a past president with the reputation of getting stuck in a bathtub? or stories of Charles Manson trying to jump off the balcony of a bar? Ohio masks itself in ordinary but it is anything but.
We drove around the winding streets of Mt. Adams dreaming about what houses we would purchase given the money. We decided to pop into this bar which said it was open. It was noon on Sunday, perfect time for our first cocktail. 🤷🏻♀️🥂
The backbar reputedly came from a speakeasy owned by an infamous Cincinnati bootlegger, George Remus. The success of his bootlegging franchise grabbed attention so he gave his diamond collection to his wife who then immediately filed for divorce. Two hours before Remus’ trial began, he tracked down his wife in Eden Park and killed her. He then pleaded insanity and was sentenced to a mental hospital of which he was later released.
Imagine if bars could talk.
The location was the first drinking establishment in Ohio to obtain a liquor license after prohibition was repealed.
A happy day for all Americans.
There was plenty of interesting decor to keep your attention. This place was packed with locals.
George grabbed a pamphlet about Mt. Adams and Eden Park, which sparked us going to check out the City View Tavern located on Oregon Street. It’s in the middle of a neighborhood and you would miss it completely if you didn’t look for it. I hadn’t been there since my children were around 4 years old….so needless to say, its been awhile. But not one thing had changed.
When you walk into this dive bar the view immediately grabs your attention.
From their balcony you could see the rooftops of the million dollars homes also sharing the cityview.
Was loving the Budweiser poster and the reference to the Maisonette.
This bar had some historic photos of the incline that used to take people up to this great mount.
I wasn’t sure what to order, since it was a dive bar where the beers were basic, the liquor selection limited plus no cocktail menu. This place is well known for its burgers served with a side of local Grippos potato chips.
The bartender (who also served as the cook, waitress, and busser of the place) offered to make me a tequila sunrise with citron vodka instead of tequila. She then told the below story as to why tequila will never be served here. I copied the below out of a google search which told the story she informed us of.
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.
Kevin and his cute car.
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.
Tonya Takes Thailand 