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.
Such peace here.
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.
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.
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.
Any easy two mile goal.
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.
Then discovered the petite falls.
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.
A bouncy pedestrian bridge. So fun.
Sedona being my model today.
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.
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.
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.
Sculpture along the wall.
And even a meditation labyrinth.
Great view of the Roebling Bridge.
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.
Always sharing laughs and memories.
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.
Looking down from our upper level view.
Bar upstairs is quite beautiful.
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!
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.
Landscaping here is gorgeous.
I have never noticed these before! Virlane said they were related to artichokes. Makes sense.
Sort of weed looking from a distance.
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.
At the entry outside.
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.
A house plant gone wild 😀
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.
So interesting.
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.
So many different varieties.
They are so beautiful.
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.
Check out the detail on those wings!
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.
Looked like a mini forest.
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.
The shapes- and colors.
Almost looks monster or human like.
Succulent wall. I’d love to see these outside on buildings. Plant walls are so meaningful.
Nature holds all answers.
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?)
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.
The beer menu.
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.
When we got home my daughters were up and we continued our night drinking our way through the 12 pack of Thai beers Virlane brought with her. This was my brand that I enjoyed when I was there. She of course remembered.
End of the night. I looked like a drowned sweaty rat but Virlane still had it together. We were up until 2:30 am, then finally decided it was time to call it a night. Always the first night you see a friend that you haven’t been in touch with for awhile, its a doozie. You never want the night to end.
Virlane has changed my life in so many ways. I love that the universe had us meet on the island.
Last night I received a random text from my friend Kathy inviting me on a boat excursion in the morning. I had no idea where, who with, what for, or why- but I jumped at the opportunity. I miss the water and was happy to be on the river feeling the cool breeze that the morning offered.
Dave drove the boat and Kathy and I took on the role of ‘women of luxury’. Sitting, chatting, sipping champagne. Mimosas make drinking before noon totally acceptable. It was just the three of us and I felt so special being included and thrilled to get some much needed friendship time.
What a perfect summer outing.
Dave, our captain at the wheel.
Kathy looking stylish as always.
A site along the river.
Love the Cincinnati bridges.
Riding underneath of them offers a new perspective of their scale and intricacy.
Selfie shot! Cheers all!
The infamous Montgomery Inn Boathouse restaurant with Mt. Adams in the background.
The Big Mac yellow bridge which is getting more than its share of use these days with the main I-75 bridge under repair.
A natural shot of this beauty! Kathy and I have been friends for over 25 years. Half our lives. Hard to believe. I couldn’t imagine my life without her in it!
Riverboats. Everyone has to experience them once.
A little side river off the Ohio River.
A wonderful life reminder as well. Take the time to enjoy the ride!
Fantastic view of the Cincinnati Reds stadium and partial skyline from the river.
I think this is Kathy’s new motto. Get out there and find what brings you joy!
Sedona agreed to go on a hike with me this weekend so I googled a few trails that were within a 30 minute radius. This park pulled up so off we went to explore.
I’ve never heard of this place but being that it was Saturday, families were out in the picnic areas celebrating recent graduations. A crazy 2 mile trail. We started down this steep pathway that immediately led to the creek. You know I love the water. This creek was shallow enough to easily walk through. We were surrounded by a fresh green glow. The color seemed vibrant probably due to the week of rain we endured. And the paths were muddy as hell. There was no escaping it. This vine was wrapped as if in attack mode trying to take down the tree. Half and half. Made me want one of those twisty soft served ice cream cones with chocolate and vanilla. Was tough to capture a photo but this tree literally had two large long branches that I felt were reaching out to me! Sedona was certain that it was not wanting me, but possibly another tree. One of the neighbors must have built this cute fort. After getting a few cobwebs off, Sedona climbed up. Teeny petals. Not many flowers along these paths. I nearly fell thinking the wood would be more stable than the mud. We ended up at one point trekking across this open field. It was so strange emerging from the coverage suddenly. Selfie by the water. 💚Rinsing my boots off. Sedona in a peaceful moment under the natural archway. A few dry walkways. Admiring the angles. I thought this little sprout needed some attention. Looked like art to me. We heard kids in the distance probably enjoying the break from the sun and the coolness coming off the water. It was another humid 90 degree day. Great overhead coverage providing shade. Hmmmm not very helpful in our decision making. Moving water always fascinated me. I mean how does it never stop?Hiking with my daughters always makes me happy. We decided to take the stairs up hoping they’d lead us back to the main park level. Wasn’t sure if we could get a grip in the mud on an incline.
Rain is predicted for every day next week. Unlike some who are comforted by the sound of rain and the excuse to stay indoors, I dread a cloudy Ohio day. It depresses me somehow. I enjoy the sound at night when I am trying to sleep, but otherwise it puts me in a comatose condition. So I wanted to get out again if possible and not waste the morning as the storm clouds started rolling in.
I met up with my friend Linda at California Woods. Unlike the last time we were here, the parking and trails were empty even though it was a Sunday.
I saw this trail on my drive to the parking lot so while I was waiting for Linda I walked back to check it out.
Map of the park
I spotted this pathway and wandered til it’s dead end. I love the tall grass. Reminds me of ‘weed forts’ we used to make as kids. We would create trails in the tall grass by matting down the grass, then covering up the entrances so no one could find us. Shout out to my Westmoor comrades.
Looking up always gives me hope. Thank God my vertigo has been at bay.
Look at her bulges. Her rounded hips make me smile with relatable compassion.
As I was walking I snapped this photo in attempt to capture the narrowness of the trail we were on.
Inspirational rocks make my day as I hike. A common find on Cincinnati trails.
Natural fallen archways.
A look back. The forest was so green, humid, buzzing with the rhythm of cicadas. We couldn’t stop for long because we’d get bitten by mosquitoes and other gnats looking for something new to attack.
We climbed quite a height. Linda didn’t seem phased with the incline, meanwhile I was trying to catch my breath attempting to keep up.
An artistic composition of fallen timber.
How many faces can you see in this beauty?
Perfection. The raindrops in their oval shapes could not have been posed any better, lining the leaves’ edges.
It was an easy trail to follow. Signs were blocking a lot of the options for restoration.
This flowering tree caught my eye snd I made Linda pose by it.
Such feathery petals with no scent whatsoever.
Another one of nature’s genius design.
Linda stopped to skip rocks in the stream while we caught up on each other’s lives.
My badass friend. The joy of being back in my city.
Tonya Takes Thailand 