Chagrin Falls, Ohio

I put a date on my calendar to drive up to Cleveland to see an old friend of mine from back in my New York City days. Literally just wanted to get up there to give her a hug since she had been through so much at the end of last year. It was heartbreaking to see the toll her challenges had taken on her body yet so uplifting being able to spend quality one-on-one time and reminisce about our ‘glory days’.

The stories we exchanged about being young Ohioans literally packing up and leaving for the big city to see if we could ‘make it there‘ as they say. I often wonder why people’s paths cross in life. Who gets to play a role in who you become and why. May was definitely one of those defining people who entered my world during the start of our careers and continues to inspire and leave the kindest marks on my heart.

We drove over to a small village for a bit of fresh air. I had never been to Chagrin Falls before and it was such a treat. This village was named after the Native American meaning “clear waters”. May knows I love waterfalls and I was due. It’s been a hot minute since I’ve been out.

I took this photo which truly captures the quaint experience you get when coming here.

May also dragged me into some amazing boutiques along Main Street. She mentioned that when she was the Director of Fashion at the University, she brought her students here to get inspired and see what unique design is about. One of her students recently opened their own shop. You never know how you can redirect someone in a positive way just by being your true self.

This waterfall is literally part of the town. Beautifully kept with easy access. Not overwhelmed by tourists.

There were restaurants built along the river with this view. Such a romantic place for couples.

Across the street, we wandered along a brick pathway which followed the river. It led to a playground.

May mentioned taking her son to that playground years ago. Our kids are growing up so fast and looking back on when they were little ones is so special.

I am officially an empty nester now. Sedona moved out into her own apartment and it creates such a different energy as a parent. Another level to the relationship, a healthy and beautiful step. As she and Zoe were cleaning out they came across an old digital camera we had. I’m sad sometimes that I didn’t have the opportunity to raise my kids during the time of easy access photos and videos. We had to have the full video equipment if you recall.

When they looked through the past photos that were taken and still alive on the camera, they found some old videos of themselves as kids, probably around 8 years old, filming each other and play acting. It literally melted my heart.

The hanging flower baskets on a gas light is so classic small town Ohio. Always remember to look up and appreciate where you are from.

The ducks and Canadian geese lined up on the opposite side. So cute how they all hung out together along the edge.

I finally feel awake after such a long funk. Getting back to blogging and recapping is such a joy and I’m happy to feel energized to do it again. Doctor changed a prescription, which did not say it had side effects of depression, but dang, I was definitely in it. Love this quote below which captures both my time with May and my memories of my twins as kids.

Holden Arboretum- Cleveland, Ohio

May recommended this place when I saw her in Cleveland. She reminisced that her son loved climbing up the tower and walking over the narrow suspending bridge. I had no idea what she was referring to. But when someone I love and trust recommends a place, I go. Heck if a stranger advises me, I’ll go too,

And again, as always, following spontaneous recommendations is never disappointing.

This willow tree was being overly dramatic, but as most drama does, it gets attention.

Then there was Christmas in November. (ode to Debbie who will be sorry she didn’t go)

Fall was definitely showing off its colors here. I was so glad I decided to come.

I loved the added architecture which caste awesome shadows.

Such a serene walk, totally worth the 16$ entry fee.

The reflections in the water are amazing this time of year.

I felt covered in yellow, with a lime teaser.

This was the bridge. Like walking among the trees. There was a huge line to get on filled with many families with small children. I decided to skip it.

But I did wait a small amount of time to climb up this cool tower! They were doing a great job making sure there weren’t too many people on at a time.

Cool looking up from the bottom once inside.

This was the view from the top. Quite a height. 120 feet.

There were many trails off the beaten path. I think you could discover a new area every time.

I sat by this pond for a bit and noticed this thin tree was perfectly centered and the yellow leaves felt above the others from this perspective.

From a distance this stump looked just like an old chopped down tree. I thought it was strange that they didnt remove it. So I walked over to touch it, and as I got closer I discovered the carvings along its base.

Can’t believe I almost missed these. Nobody was near this stump and no one was coming.

Felt like it was speaking to me. These artist did a good job showing its soul.

Winter is right around the corner but I am so happy Mother Nature gave a few sunny warm days to appreciate the transition.

Looking up always. Can definitely look up today because its FRIDAY- and I forgot how difficult work weeks can be. It’s aging me. Thank God I have this blog to save a piece of myself and remember who I am. It’s tough during work days to stop and appreciate. It was so much easier when I was freelancing.

I took a leaf trail and discovered these cool little bridges.

Love the little country straw hat hanging above the natural arches.

As I as neared the exit I saw this staircase heading down to some hiking trails. But I concluded that I needed to call it a day snd give my hips and calves a rest. So I didn’t dare adventure down.

I headed back to Cincy by cutting across the top of Ohio so I could veer down through my hometown of Findlay and deliver some mead for them to enjoy for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.

Once I got closer to Cincinnati I viewed this amazing sunset. Just completed my Sunday in the most perfect way.

The Christmas Story House

Waking up Sunday morning after bar hopping in Cleveland Saturday night was a bit rough. Getting older, its tough to sleep in, you just lay awake and think, which honestly is never good.

So I got my butt out of bed and wandered to the living room only to find Debbie had been awake for hours before me. I asked her if she wanted to go get breakfast. The thought of food repulsed her. She couldn’t believe I was up and okay. Truth be known, I wasn’t, but I was in Cleveland, so I wasn’t about to waste the day.

I googled best breakfast place and followed my google map to Grumpy’s Cafe.

Driving down from where I was staying I was in awe of the trees and the colors of fall. This Sunday was peaceful. Sunny,. Another beautiful day, I was not going to waste it.

Next thing I knew I was taking a bridge into the city.

Next I was circling around and ended up back in Tremont. Having a bit of deja-vu.

Grumpy’s Cafe did not disappoint. I always ask the server what they are known for, and she recommended the breakfast tacos. I scraped the plate. Devoured all of it.

While I was at the cafe, I texted May to thank her for coming out the night before and she asked my location. I told her I was at Grumpy’s, which of course she knew. She told me the Christmas Story House was only a couple blocks away. I honestly have never seen this iconic Christmas movie, but I thought I would check it out anyway because I was so close.

Here it is in all its glory. It actually was on a very quiet street. A lot of dead end roads. Was nice. Like a perfect family neighborhood.

I love how the sled and shovel were positioned on the front porch.

The fishnet stocking lamp. I see this appear every Christmas but have no reference to it. I snapped this photo because everyone there visiting the house was making a big deal of it.

I crossed the street to take a photo of the retro car. It was cute. Had a personality of its own.

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Cleveland Bar Hop

After wasting two hours dealing with my own stupidity in allowing my car to run out of gas and then having my battery die, I was hangry and needing a beer! Debbie and I set out to find lunch at 3 pm on a beautiful Saturday afternoon and did not stop until the bars closed at 1 am.