Once again, Thanksgiving has popped up with what seems like no warning at all!!! Luckily, I had zero responsibilities this year as far as cooking goes. All I have to do is finish out this midnight shift I'm working right now, go home and sleep a couple hours, then get up and eat.
Now THAT'S something to be thankful for :-)
Seriously though, I feel like I really do have a lot to be thankful for this year. Looking back since this time last year and seeing the things that have changed around me makes me take a step back to look at things a little differently.
One year ago, I was spending the night with our friends Matt and TeShannah before going to the Drumstick Dash on Thanksgiving morning. Since then, Matt and TeShannah have gotten married......and filed for divorce.
As sad as this makes me for them, it really helps me to appreciate Ryan and our relationship even more.
One week ago, I was praying that my Mom would be released from the hospital in time for the holiday season. Today, she is at home safe and sound. Taking her meds and doing very well again. I am so thankful for her speedy recovery this time. It has been a hard year for her. She has had a few battles with her illness that were beyond her control and put her right back in the situation she tried to escape for so many years. There was talk at one point this year of Mom going back to the state hospital. Luckily, she became more cooperative and able to understand her illness and got out of the hospital before that ever happened. I am so thankful for that. With the potential threat of going back to the state hospital for a long term stay, my heart was slowly wilting into that of a lost child again. I don't know what I would do if Mom had to go back long term anywhere. I love her like my child, and I have so much empathy for her and Will that it hurts me so much sometimes to know how much they both suffer because of her illness.
Our friends Jeff and Karen have brought a new addition to this world, so Ryan and I are considering ourselves a new Aunt and Uncle again. They delivered a healthy baby boy at home last week. It sounded like everything went very well. I was extrememly relieved. Being a healthcare worker, I like the convenience of having a doctor at my beck and call when ever I need them, and especially if something goes wrong. I have the utmost respect for anyone who is willing to go through such a huge ordeal at home, but honestly, I was worried sick. Today I am very thankful that Byrne Rathmann came into this world without any complications. He and his Mommy and Daddy are all happy and healthy.
Of course, there is my family. How could you ever get through Thanksgiving without getting a little warm and fuzzy about the family. I have some mixed feelings about Thanksgiving this year because my Uncle Dale passed away last May and this is the first big holiday without him. I feel for Andrea, Brent, Rosie, Rich the girls, and especially Aunt Sissy. I know this will be difficult, but I also see this as the perfect opportunity to see how wonderful our family really is. Even though we have a huge part of our family missing this year, we will be there for one another, and we will be just fine. I am thankful for the healing that has covered us over these last few months without Uncle Dale. He would feel better knowing that we were going on with our routines. I will always mourn the loss of my Uncle Dale, but this year, I'm especially thankful for the relationship I had with him. I would be a different person without Uncle Dale's influence.
So much to be thankful for......so little brain space to acknowledge it all.
I love you guys!!!!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Friday, November 14, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
Ft. Lauderdale Florida!!!!!!
First, I must say that Ft. Lauderdale was one of the most diverse citites I have been to next to maybe Las Angeles, and Las Vegas, of course. It was very beautiful in most areas. Especially where we were........all the touristy spots. But, it wasn't unusual to see someone homeless sleeping on a bench just a mile or so from what they call Millionare Row. There was so much culture around us down there. Lots of different ethnic groups everywhere. It was pretty cool just to sit back and watch everything going on around us for awhile.
Jenny and I met up very easily at the airport. My flight arrived about an hour before Jen's, so I just sat at the baggage claim and waited for her to get there. It had been a long day for me already, and it was only about noon. I had to get up super early and leave our house at about 4:30 AM to make it to the airport in time. My flight left at 7:00 AM. UUUGGHHHHHH!!!!!!!
Plus, Ryan and I had just gotten home Sunday afternoon from Sandusky, Ohio. We went to Cedar Point to celebrate my birthday, and had a blast. Needless to say, I was exhausted, my back was aching, and all I wanted was a good nap. That three hours of sleep I got before heading to the airport was not the nap I had hoped for.
Jen and I headed into town after we checked into the hotel so we could find some food. We were both starving by that time!!! We found a nice little restaurant called Mangos where we ate some lunch. Just outside the window I noticed a sign that said Water Taxi. Jen and I were curious, so we walked that way after we finished our lunch. It turned out to be a great little tour. The Water Taxi took us through "The Venice of America" along the Intercostal Waterway in Ft. Lauderdale. The area where we toured is also known as Millionare Row. When we saw the homes and yachts, we understood why. It was unreal!!
Jen and I really enjoyed that little part of our trip. We definitely got to see a lot of things we wouldn't have been able to see otherwise. Some of these homes were actually on little man-made islands. Almost everyone who lived there had a yacht. Some of the yachts were bigger than the homes. I could have fit my home in some of those yachts. One of them was over 3,500 square feet. That's three of my homes..............WOW!!!
I don't specifically remember who lived in a lot of the homes. One of them used to belong to Nick Nolte. Most of them were big business owners such as the founder of HBO, Sunglass Hut etc.....
I thought it was really cool to see this house because this is where the movie "Cape Fear" was filmed. Not the old original, but the remake with Robert De Niro from the early 1990's.
We all took turns taking pictures on the balcony. It didn't overlook the pool or anything, but it was beautiful in the morning with the sun shining down on the balcony. I think I got most of my tan from just standing out there so much. 
This is Jen acting goofy with her crab legs. She was a mess by the time she was done eating those things. Kind of like a one year old with their first birthday cake.....he he he!!!
Jenny and I met up very easily at the airport. My flight arrived about an hour before Jen's, so I just sat at the baggage claim and waited for her to get there. It had been a long day for me already, and it was only about noon. I had to get up super early and leave our house at about 4:30 AM to make it to the airport in time. My flight left at 7:00 AM. UUUGGHHHHHH!!!!!!!
Plus, Ryan and I had just gotten home Sunday afternoon from Sandusky, Ohio. We went to Cedar Point to celebrate my birthday, and had a blast. Needless to say, I was exhausted, my back was aching, and all I wanted was a good nap. That three hours of sleep I got before heading to the airport was not the nap I had hoped for.
Jen and I headed into town after we checked into the hotel so we could find some food. We were both starving by that time!!! We found a nice little restaurant called Mangos where we ate some lunch. Just outside the window I noticed a sign that said Water Taxi. Jen and I were curious, so we walked that way after we finished our lunch. It turned out to be a great little tour. The Water Taxi took us through "The Venice of America" along the Intercostal Waterway in Ft. Lauderdale. The area where we toured is also known as Millionare Row. When we saw the homes and yachts, we understood why. It was unreal!!
Jen and I really enjoyed that little part of our trip. We definitely got to see a lot of things we wouldn't have been able to see otherwise. Some of these homes were actually on little man-made islands. Almost everyone who lived there had a yacht. Some of the yachts were bigger than the homes. I could have fit my home in some of those yachts. One of them was over 3,500 square feet. That's three of my homes..............WOW!!!I don't specifically remember who lived in a lot of the homes. One of them used to belong to Nick Nolte. Most of them were big business owners such as the founder of HBO, Sunglass Hut etc.....I thought it was really cool to see this house because this is where the movie "Cape Fear" was filmed. Not the old original, but the remake with Robert De Niro from the early 1990's.It was absolutely amazing to be out in the middle of all that wealth.
This is looking into downtown Ft.Lauderdale from the intercoastal waterway. The tour was about an hour. It was really nice. The water Taxi was really cool because there are several stops where you can get on and off the boat, and your pass is good for the whole day when you get one. The boats run up until midnight.
This is looking into downtown Ft.Lauderdale from the intercoastal waterway. The tour was about an hour. It was really nice. The water Taxi was really cool because there are several stops where you can get on and off the boat, and your pass is good for the whole day when you get one. The boats run up until midnight.It seemed like it would be a great way for the old Florida snowbirds to get around after starting their days off with a stiff drink. Jen and I rode along with one guy who had definitely been drinking already, and all he wanted was to get to the next happy hour someplace. It was funny.
We all took turns taking pictures on the balcony. It didn't overlook the pool or anything, but it was beautiful in the morning with the sun shining down on the balcony. I think I got most of my tan from just standing out there so much.John and I went out to playa round of disc golf while Jen was in trainging the first day. It was fun. Hot, but fun. Most of the holes weren't extremely difficult, but it's totally different when you lose a disc in Florida............there are a lot of places I wouldn't feel safe going after a lost disc. Like..............the water, where I lost my very first disc I ever bought. It was a Valkyrie, and I loved it like a part of me. I was bummed out, but it was my own fault for throwing that disc on that hole. I knew I was throwing near water, and I knew my disc would curve around to the right.......it always does. I had even brought a back up disc for exactly that reason. I thought maybe I would need it for a tough hole near some water, and I knew I didn't want to chance losing the Valkyrie. But did I think of that when I stepped up on the platform to throw?.............NO WAY!!! I just threw my favorite disc right smack dab in the middle of the water. Just like that. Damn. But hey, I had fun anyway. John gave me a bright pink disc to throw the rest of the game.................thanks Cuz!!!!
This is Jen acting goofy with her crab legs. She was a mess by the time she was done eating those things. Kind of like a one year old with their first birthday cake.....he he he!!! This was taken at a really nice restaurant called The Rustic Inn that Jenny had found online. There was a whole page of the names of celebritites who have eaten there in the past. I had fun looking at that and wondering where they sat and what they ate. We sat outside by the water and watched some boats go by while we were eating. I'm not a big fan of crab meat or lobster, so I stuck to shrimp. I got some coconut shrimp that was to die for!!!!!
After dinner at The Rustic Inn, we headed into Hollywood where the Hard Rock Cafe and Casino is located. The little shopping area outside of the Casino was really cool. Everything was really fancy, and much too expensive for my taste, but it was still cool to look around.
After dinner at The Rustic Inn, we headed into Hollywood where the Hard Rock Cafe and Casino is located. The little shopping area outside of the Casino was really cool. Everything was really fancy, and much too expensive for my taste, but it was still cool to look around.We were all a little disappointed with the Casino. John wanted to play roulette and I wanted to play craps. They didn't have any tables though. They had black jack and poker tables and lots of slots, but even in the slots, I couldn't find the one I wanted to play. So, we just walked around and looked at all the music memorabelia. That part was pretty cool.
They had a whole display case of Peter Frampton's stuff. They even has the voice box he used on Frampton Comes Alive. It was super cool to see that!!!!
After we got back to the hotel that night, we started watching Youtube on Jen's computer. She made it through an hour or so of the entertainment before she passed out. John and I stayed up cracking up laughing until Jen rolled over and said "it's 2:30, so you think you'll be wrapping things up by 3:00?" It was hilarious!!! Sorry Jen...................
The next day, I got up and headed down to the pool for a few hours. It was awesome. I had the whole pool to myself the entire time I was down there. I laid out in the sun for a long time and jumped in the pool every once in awhile to cool down. I finished reading Slaughterhouse Five and started reading a sweet book called Marley and Me about a crazy Golden Retriever. It was so relaxing.
That afternoon when Jen got done with her training, we headed over to Ft. Lauderdale Beach. The beach was gorgeous!!! The water was not as clear as I would have liked it to be, but it felt really good. It wasn't dirty exactly, it was just full of seaweed and stuff like that. So, we never managed to get too far out in the water. I get nervous in saltwater when I can't see my feet. I'm scared of all those crazy ocean creatures!!!!
The strip along the beach is called Breezeway Blvd. It was a pretty cool area. It was a lot more happening at night when all the bars started filling up. There were lots of little gift shops along there, but Jen and I got there a little late to shop around in most of them. They all seemed to close really early. We did stop in a surf shop where Jen got some cute new flip flops and I talked tattoos with some cutie with long curly hair and lots of bright tattoos. We hit it off right off the bat. I loved him!!!!! ;-)
Jen grabbed my camera while I was playing in the water and snapped some shots when I wasn't looking. 
I like this picture of us laying in the sand together. It would have been nice to have been able to spend more time on the beach, but time wasn't really on our side. Jen had training all day the two full days we were there, but it was nice while we were there.
Funny how I hate feet, but I always want to take a picture of my feet when I'm on a beach somewhere..........................
We decided that Breezeway Blvd is where we needed to go for our last night out on the town, so when Jen and I got done at the beach, we went back to the hotel to pick up John so we could all go out one last time. We all walked around looking for someplace good to eat and listening to all the live music coming from the nightclubs. Some of it was really loud and overwhelming when you were trying to talk to eachother, but it was still cool to walk around and hear everything that was going on.
They had a whole display case of Peter Frampton's stuff. They even has the voice box he used on Frampton Comes Alive. It was super cool to see that!!!!After we got back to the hotel that night, we started watching Youtube on Jen's computer. She made it through an hour or so of the entertainment before she passed out. John and I stayed up cracking up laughing until Jen rolled over and said "it's 2:30, so you think you'll be wrapping things up by 3:00?" It was hilarious!!! Sorry Jen...................The next day, I got up and headed down to the pool for a few hours. It was awesome. I had the whole pool to myself the entire time I was down there. I laid out in the sun for a long time and jumped in the pool every once in awhile to cool down. I finished reading Slaughterhouse Five and started reading a sweet book called Marley and Me about a crazy Golden Retriever. It was so relaxing.That afternoon when Jen got done with her training, we headed over to Ft. Lauderdale Beach. The beach was gorgeous!!! The water was not as clear as I would have liked it to be, but it felt really good. It wasn't dirty exactly, it was just full of seaweed and stuff like that. So, we never managed to get too far out in the water. I get nervous in saltwater when I can't see my feet. I'm scared of all those crazy ocean creatures!!!!The strip along the beach is called Breezeway Blvd. It was a pretty cool area. It was a lot more happening at night when all the bars started filling up. There were lots of little gift shops along there, but Jen and I got there a little late to shop around in most of them. They all seemed to close really early. We did stop in a surf shop where Jen got some cute new flip flops and I talked tattoos with some cutie with long curly hair and lots of bright tattoos. We hit it off right off the bat. I loved him!!!!! ;-)Jen grabbed my camera while I was playing in the water and snapped some shots when I wasn't looking. I like this picture of us laying in the sand together. It would have been nice to have been able to spend more time on the beach, but time wasn't really on our side. Jen had training all day the two full days we were there, but it was nice while we were there.Funny how I hate feet, but I always want to take a picture of my feet when I'm on a beach somewhere..........................We decided that Breezeway Blvd is where we needed to go for our last night out on the town, so when Jen and I got done at the beach, we went back to the hotel to pick up John so we could all go out one last time. We all walked around looking for someplace good to eat and listening to all the live music coming from the nightclubs. Some of it was really loud and overwhelming when you were trying to talk to eachother, but it was still cool to walk around and hear everything that was going on.We walked past an alley that had a bunch of pirate statues lining the walkway and a sign that said "pirate bar is open." So, we decided to check out the pirate bar. It was pretty fun. The bartender, Jenny, was really good at playing the pirate girl role. She talked really loud and said "AARRRGGHHH" a lot. When the clock struck 9:00, she yelled "nine o'clock and all is well!!!" She was fun.
There were white walls troughout the bar that all the tourists have signed, so we had to make our mark too. Some guy named Jesse bought hats for all the girls in the bar that had rinestone skulls and crossbones on them. They're actually pretty cute. Jen and I wore ours together for a few minutes until Jen couldn't take it anymore. It was already obvious we were tourists. I mean, we took pictures of our food for crying out loud....but wearing matching hats, well, that was just a little too much. I love my hat though!!!!
We had Jenny the bartender take this picture for us. I think it's almost frame worthy......LOVE IT!!!!
There were white walls troughout the bar that all the tourists have signed, so we had to make our mark too. Some guy named Jesse bought hats for all the girls in the bar that had rinestone skulls and crossbones on them. They're actually pretty cute. Jen and I wore ours together for a few minutes until Jen couldn't take it anymore. It was already obvious we were tourists. I mean, we took pictures of our food for crying out loud....but wearing matching hats, well, that was just a little too much. I love my hat though!!!!We had Jenny the bartender take this picture for us. I think it's almost frame worthy......LOVE IT!!!! By the time we got back to the room that night, we were all pretty beat. I sat up and read some more of my book while Jen and John drifted off to sleep.
Jen and I woke up the next morning and decided to get another hour of sun out by the pool. It was kind of overcast when we first went out, but it cleared up and we had a little sun to enjoy before we had to leave.
I was originally supposed to fly home on a seperate flight than Jen that had a layover in Memphis, but when we got to the airport, I asked if they had any seats available for the direct flight back to Indy. I totally lucked out. They had one seat left......and I got it!! I was so happy to be on the same plane as Jen. Even though we couldn't sit together, we got to say our goodbye's in Indy instead of Ft. Lauderdale. That was nice. Plus, I got home about five hours earlier than I had originally expected. I was really happy about that.
I took this picture as we were flying out of Ft. Lauderdale. It was beautiful flying over the coast.
I was ready to get home. I really missed Ryan while I was gone, and kept asking myself in my head why I would go somewhere without him. I really did have a blast, but it's always more fun if my baby's around. One night away from him now and then isn't so bad, but a big trip like that.....I don't know. This may have been my last vacation without Ryan.
My vacation ended perfectly when Ryan got home that night and we could be together again..........................I know you are probably all puking right now.
SORRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:-)
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
The Birthday Queen
After partying like a rock star for two nights, I had to jump back to reality for a couple of hours and play the role of the "nail chick" at our niece's birthday party Saturday afternoon. 
Saige Marie is the Queen sitting at the far end of the table with her hand in the cheesy puffs. Isn't she beautiful?!?!? Ryan's sister, Stacy, threw a girly party for Saige for her sixth birthday, and I got suckered into doing nails for the day.....even toe nails. You know I was thrilled to have some dirty little toes all over me. They all got their nails and toes done, got make up, and got their hair done. They also got the take a little present from each station. They got a little bottle of nail polish, some lip gloss, a tierra and a head band, and some hair glitter with make up case that Stacy painted all their names on.
We all had cheesy puffs, cupcakes, and Capri Suns after everyone got all dressed up. Saige was hiding from Ryan and the camera all day, but we finally caught her when she sat still long enough to blow her candles out. She wanted eveyone to hurry up and eat so she could open her presents.
When we got done eating and washing cheese off of everyone, it was time for presents!!! Yeah!! Ryan and I bought her Cowboy Barbie and a Barbie horse to go with it. Along with Cowboy Barbie, she got about a million other Barbies....and was just as excited every time she opened one. It was cute. I kept waiting on her to complain about not getting anything else, but I guess that's all she wanted. Ryan said it looked like a Barbie masacre after they were all ripped from their boxes.....he was right :-)
We tried to get a good picture and a goofy picture of the girls before they all left.
Saige (second from the left) didn't do the goofy face for us....party pooper!!!! But she did look beautiful!!!
The girls all thought Ryan was weird. I thought that was funny. But he was bound to get picked on....he was the only boy there. He was in charge of pictures. I don't think he realized what he was getting into when he agreed to carry the camera. I'm sure he loved every minute of it!!!
Saige Marie is the Queen sitting at the far end of the table with her hand in the cheesy puffs. Isn't she beautiful?!?!? Ryan's sister, Stacy, threw a girly party for Saige for her sixth birthday, and I got suckered into doing nails for the day.....even toe nails. You know I was thrilled to have some dirty little toes all over me. They all got their nails and toes done, got make up, and got their hair done. They also got the take a little present from each station. They got a little bottle of nail polish, some lip gloss, a tierra and a head band, and some hair glitter with make up case that Stacy painted all their names on.
We all had cheesy puffs, cupcakes, and Capri Suns after everyone got all dressed up. Saige was hiding from Ryan and the camera all day, but we finally caught her when she sat still long enough to blow her candles out. She wanted eveyone to hurry up and eat so she could open her presents.When we got done eating and washing cheese off of everyone, it was time for presents!!! Yeah!! Ryan and I bought her Cowboy Barbie and a Barbie horse to go with it. Along with Cowboy Barbie, she got about a million other Barbies....and was just as excited every time she opened one. It was cute. I kept waiting on her to complain about not getting anything else, but I guess that's all she wanted. Ryan said it looked like a Barbie masacre after they were all ripped from their boxes.....he was right :-)
We tried to get a good picture and a goofy picture of the girls before they all left.
Saige (second from the left) didn't do the goofy face for us....party pooper!!!! But she did look beautiful!!!The girls all thought Ryan was weird. I thought that was funny. But he was bound to get picked on....he was the only boy there. He was in charge of pictures. I don't think he realized what he was getting into when he agreed to carry the camera. I'm sure he loved every minute of it!!!
Phil Lesh and Friends in Columbus, OH
Last Thursday I went to Columbus, Ohio with Jen, Chad, and their friend Jamie to see Phil Lesh and Friends. It was a little gloomy on the way there, but we got lucky and it cleared up just in time for the show. We were worried for awhile, and heard that the show had actually been cancelled at one point due to the weather, but by the time we got to the venue, the show was back on. We did miss the opening band, The Levon Helm band, but they only played three songs before the venue was evacuated. So, I'm glad we missed the mess with all that. I would have liked to have seen them. Levon Helm was the drummer for "The Band." I was hoping to hear "Up on Cripple Creek" or "The Weight." Those are a couple of my favorite Band songs.
Here's Jamie, Chad and Jen inside the back of the venue. That was where everyone was waiting for the gaits to the lawn to open back up. I saw Steve Sweney from Ekoostik Hookah while we were in there, but didn't talk to him then because I got shy for a second. I wasn't shy when I saw John Mullins or Eric Lanese though. I'm never shy with Eric. There's just something so powerful about Sweney that makes him a little intimidating. But, it was still cool to see him hanging out playing the role of a fan just like me instead of playing the big star.
We all had so much fun after we were able to go out to the lawn. We ran into a mutual friend of ours named Brian, and hung out with him for the night. Jen, Jamie and I danced all night long. I got along really well with Jamie. She was tons of fun!! It's always nice when you get along with the stranger you're gonna have to sleep in the same bed with for a night :-)
I ventured up to the front of the stage for a song or two hoping to get close enough for some decent pictures. The pictures just turned out so-so, but I had a blast up front while I was getting them. It always helps to be a female in a skirt.....the guys will just push you in front of them until....before you know it, you're standing front and center. So, I danced with a few strangers, found a couple familiar faces, said hi, and headed back to the lawn to meet up with the rest of our crew.
I really wish I could have gotten a few more pictures of Phil, but at least you can see his wrist band in this one. That ugly thing is one of his trademarks....and we all love it!!!
This show was the first of three for me last week. I saw Phil on Thursday and Ekoostik Hookah Friday and Saturday. Since I was planning on driving Friday and Saturday, I took full advantage of Chad being our designated driver. I enjoyed several glasses of wine trhoughout the evening....so many that I lost count. So, I had a blast to say the least. The picture above is definitely AFTER all those glasses of wine :-)
Next up............the rest of my weekend!!!!
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
One Week...............
Only one week and the madness starts again. Thursday: Phil Lesh and Friends in Columbus, Ohio with Jen and Chad. Friday: Ekoostik Hookah at The Vogue, partially promoted by yours truly, so anyone in the Indy area.....Andrea, Rich...hint hint......you should come to the show...make it a big turn out...make your little cuz look good!!! Then Saturday: 2:30 starts the make-up, facial, manicure, pedicure party we're having for our niece, Saige. That ends at 4:30, and then off we go to Fort Wayne to see Hookah one more time for the weekend. Sunday and Monday are for recuperation.Geez.....I'm still recuperating from Hookahville. I'll have it posted soon, I promise. Check out Kellyann's blog....she's got hers done.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Adam's Mill
Last week, Mom and I decided to take a road trip out to Adam's Mill to reminisce about Dad a little. It was a beautiful day. We talked about how happy Dad would be to know that we were out spending time together. Actually, I think about that every day. I think Dad would be amazed at the relationship Mom and I have built over the last ten years since he's been gone.
Adam's Mill is such a peaceful place. It is in the township of Bolivar, which is just west of Burlington and east of Cutler. I remember going there with my parents when I was a child. We used to fish and wade and walk on the trails. 
This is the old mill. It has been remodeled over the years. It was originally a flour mill. Now it is a small museum. one of these days, maybe I'll actually go through the museum. I haven't done that since it's been open.
This is just a random shot of the guard rails made from old wagon wheels. Thay run along the side of the Wildcat Creek by the mill.
I also met a new friend while we were there. Mom was scared when she saw this big dog running loose, but he had a big smile, and I could tell he would be fine to approach. So, when I did, I talked to him real sweet (you know.....the doggie voice) and he sat down and raised his paw to shake my hand. That was our official introduction. I decided to call him Barkley. He hung out with us for a little while and then ran off to splash around in the creek.
If you're ever heading out west of Burlington, and you see this sign........turn. You won't regret it. It takes you past the mill and just down the road through the old village of Bolivar and then down to the old covered bridge. Just that short road alone is a beautiful drive.
This is Mom's model picture. I told her she looked like a model with the wind blowing in her hair and her new sunglasses on. That made her smile.
Mom and I took a little walk down by the bridge. We practiced skipping some rocks. Man, no matter how old I get, I'll never be able to skip a rock like my dad could. We had a lot of fun playing around by the water.
After a couple hours of walking, we decided it was time to head home. It was so nice to spend that time with my mom. I always appreciate our time together, but when we are able to really talk and remember the good things from the past, I appreciate it even more. Sometimes even something that simple is difficult to accomplish with my mom.
Adam's Mill has become a very special place for me not only because that's where we scattered Dad's ashes, but also because of all the quality time it has brought my mom and I over the years. I don't mean just the time since Dad has been gone, I mean all my life.
Adam's Mill is such a peaceful place. It is in the township of Bolivar, which is just west of Burlington and east of Cutler. I remember going there with my parents when I was a child. We used to fish and wade and walk on the trails. This is the old mill. It has been remodeled over the years. It was originally a flour mill. Now it is a small museum. one of these days, maybe I'll actually go through the museum. I haven't done that since it's been open.
This is just a random shot of the guard rails made from old wagon wheels. Thay run along the side of the Wildcat Creek by the mill.
I also met a new friend while we were there. Mom was scared when she saw this big dog running loose, but he had a big smile, and I could tell he would be fine to approach. So, when I did, I talked to him real sweet (you know.....the doggie voice) and he sat down and raised his paw to shake my hand. That was our official introduction. I decided to call him Barkley. He hung out with us for a little while and then ran off to splash around in the creek.
If you're ever heading out west of Burlington, and you see this sign........turn. You won't regret it. It takes you past the mill and just down the road through the old village of Bolivar and then down to the old covered bridge. Just that short road alone is a beautiful drive.
This is Mom's model picture. I told her she looked like a model with the wind blowing in her hair and her new sunglasses on. That made her smile.
Mom and I took a little walk down by the bridge. We practiced skipping some rocks. Man, no matter how old I get, I'll never be able to skip a rock like my dad could. We had a lot of fun playing around by the water.
After a couple hours of walking, we decided it was time to head home. It was so nice to spend that time with my mom. I always appreciate our time together, but when we are able to really talk and remember the good things from the past, I appreciate it even more. Sometimes even something that simple is difficult to accomplish with my mom.
Adam's Mill has become a very special place for me not only because that's where we scattered Dad's ashes, but also because of all the quality time it has brought my mom and I over the years. I don't mean just the time since Dad has been gone, I mean all my life.After Dad died, I was looking through my baby book one night and came across a picture on the page labeled "Baby's first outdoor trip," and guess where it was taken...........Adam's Mill.
I knew then that Adam's Mill would always be a special place for me. It always was, and I didn't even know it.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Ratdog Covington, KY
Last week, Jen, Chad and I went to Covington, KY to see a Ratdog show. I had a lot of fun even though the place was way over crowded.
I have been to that venue once before to see Ekoostik Hookah. When I saw them there, the fire alarms went off and we all had to evacuate the building. it turned out to be kind of fun though, because some of the band members came out and played banjo and sang while we were waiting to get back in.
I was just waiting for the fire alarms to go off when I was there with Jen and Chad. Honestly, I kind of wish they would have. We all heard rumors throughout the night of how they had oversold the show. Supposedly, the fire marshall was there questioning the situation, and he had every right to.
At one point during the second set, I felt like there was no where to go except up. We were pushed all the way against the back wall of the lower level. I was just about to try to take off in the crowd by myself and try to make it to the front when Jen and Chad decided they were ready to head towards the back. When I thought about it, that was a much better idea. I really wanted to get closer to get some better pictures, but it just wasn't worth it. if I have it my way, there will be plenty more Ratdog shows for pictures.
I have been to that venue once before to see Ekoostik Hookah. When I saw them there, the fire alarms went off and we all had to evacuate the building. it turned out to be kind of fun though, because some of the band members came out and played banjo and sang while we were waiting to get back in.I was just waiting for the fire alarms to go off when I was there with Jen and Chad. Honestly, I kind of wish they would have. We all heard rumors throughout the night of how they had oversold the show. Supposedly, the fire marshall was there questioning the situation, and he had every right to.
At one point during the second set, I felt like there was no where to go except up. We were pushed all the way against the back wall of the lower level. I was just about to try to take off in the crowd by myself and try to make it to the front when Jen and Chad decided they were ready to head towards the back. When I thought about it, that was a much better idea. I really wanted to get closer to get some better pictures, but it just wasn't worth it. if I have it my way, there will be plenty more Ratdog shows for pictures.
Chad long armed this shot for us during the second set before we were all smashed like sardines.
I did hold the camera in the air and hoped for the best on a couple photos. They weren't the greatest, but they were alright, so I guess it's better than nothing.
This picture was after the show in our hotel room. The funny thing about this one is the fact that Chad has a mouth full of Pringles. He hid them pretty well, huh?
The next day, we all went over to Newport, KY. It's a pretty little area on the Ohio River directly across from Cincinnatti. Ryan and I have been there a few times to see concerts at The Southgate House. There's not a whole lot to do there, but they do have an aquarium and lots of shopping in the area. 
This is a picture of The Southgate House. The first Tommy gun was invented in that building. The first time I ever stepped foot in there, I felt really weird. Everything around me seemed familiar. I even started dreaming about that house for awhile. It was almost like I had been there before. Maybe just a case of deja vu, but that place has stuck in my mind for years since then. I'm still really intrigued by it.
It was beautiful the day we were down there. I really enjoyed walking around by the river just soaking up some sun. I always say I'm solar powered. I function much better when the sun's out.
This is the building they call Newport on the Levee. They have an IMAX theater and lots of shops and restaurants. Jen and I got some ice cream at some place that uses homemade butter cream ice cream. OMG talk about rich!!! That stuff was delicious!!! It was fun to watch them mix your treats up because you could get your ice cream with anything you wanted mixed in with it, and when they mix it in, they're doing tricks with their sccops kind of like bartenders. Those boys had some skill!!!!
This is a walking bridge. It was pretty cool. I should have gone out to the middle of it to take some more pictures, but I didn't think of that at the time.
The whole area along the river is so gorgeous. I was so happy to get out in the sun and walk around. Even though I had been there before, I enjoyed every minute!!
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