Nothing Like A Visit From Friends

Myron and Sheri El blessed the last day of our year with an overnight stay. We had a delightful time visiting, eating and touring Cincinnati as well as Northern Ky. (We visited Devue Park in Ky where Howard put a diamond ring on my finger forty years ago! We were surprised to find no bronze marker to indicate the spot!!) Myron and Sheri are dear friends. He teaches music in the Indpls. Public School system and sings beautifully at the Traders Point Christian Church in Indianapolis. Sheri is on the staff at TPCC and she sings as well. They sang a duet at Howard's retirement party. Their visit made our day!

A View From The Hill

When guests come to visit and we begin our city tour, the Cincinnati Christian University is at the top of the list. Howard is showing Sheri El some downtown points of interest from the edge of the campus.

The Artist And His Manager

Erin left her position as project manager with Morningstar Investments (Chicago) and began managing her artist husband, Jason. They make an awesome pair. They are seen here relaxing after hanging a show which opened last night.

Brutopia Offers More Than Coffee

Four couples went together and opened a coffee shop on Ludlow a year or so ago. Craig and Carol are part of that group. Jason was invited to bring his art from Chicago and hang it for the month of January. Last night was opening night. The place was hoppin!

Howard Enjoying Retirement....

Howard laid carpet squares on the basement floor which turned the area into a cozy space. My studio is now set up along with an area for sewing and scrapbooking. There is also a laundry area. I will be spending a lot of time down there. Fortunately, there is a lot of natural light with nine deep windows.

Madeline's Birthday Dinner

Carol is fixing Madeline's birthday dinner while Craig puts the finishing touches on the cake. The mobile hanging from the light fixture has nothing to do with the party even through Madeline's nickname is "Bug".

Make A Wish

Madeline has been begging....and begging for a cell phone. The older kids have one, and now that she has joined the ranks of a teenager, why can't she have one?????? We all know what she is wishing for!

Yeah! Wishes Really Do Come True!!!!

Madeline does not (and never has) hidden her emotions. She danced and squealed when she found this cell phone in the pocket of her new birthday jacket. She settled down for the photo.

Bon Voyage

This is the ship that took us on our cruise. As you can see, it was HUGE.

Early Morning Sunrise

Seeing the sun rise and set at sea was a beautiful experience. I'm not sure where we were at this point, but the sky against the sea gives you an idea as to what we saw each day.

Navagator Of The Seas

Our ship's name was Navagator of the Seas. It was beautifully decorated in Art Nuvo style.

Elegant Dining Room

The four of us shared a table with four younger gals. Nancy Milby is on the left with Kay Nay and Barbara Harris in the foreground. We had an assigned table. The eight of us ate together each evening.

Nancy Milby Enjoying Her Morning Coffee

Nancy Milby has been a long-time friend. She and her husband Mike live near Lancaster, Ohio where Howard preached before going to Indianapolis. This was her first cruise as well as mine. We enjoyed having coffee delivered to our cabin door and then going down for breakfast later on.

View From Our Room

We had an exterior room which offered a large patio-size door and a deck. This was a wonderful place to view the night skies as well as get lots of sunshine during the day. The stars appeared large and bright against the ink-blue sky. I have never seen the big dipper tip it's handle so close to my head.

At Your Service

The Royal Caribbean offered wonderful service. There were 1,200 employees serving their guests which amounted to 3,750 in all. The ship never seemed crowded except when it was time to embark.

Docking At Cozimel

Our ship docked for a day at Cozimel. This is a small island off Mexico. We were advised to stay on the main street. We thought it was for our safety; however, I soon realized it was because of the jewelry merchants who were waiting for us on that street. They stood outside their stores begging and pleading for us to come in. There were a couple of small restaurants. The rest of the street was filled with jewelry stores.....one after another!

Our Last Meal On The Ship

As you can see, this was a "Girlfriends' Outing". Kay Nay (on the left), Barbara Harris, Nancy Milby and I had a great time eating as we sailed the seas!

Brammer Update

Have you ever put something away so securely you can't find it? That's the case with my camera's battery charger and the computer cord. We have looked the house over, but not the spot where I put it!!! What makes this dilemma so frustrating is that I am leaving on a cruise tomorrow and had looked forward to taking photos as we sailed along. Oh well.....

If you heard I was in the hospital for a couple of days last week, the rumor is true. What appeared to be serious, ended up being a "complicated migraine". I am extremely thankful that it wasn't more.

If possible, I will be blogging while on the cruise. Blessings to all.

Hallway Statue At Walnut Hills High School

This is one of the marble statues as you enter Walnut Hills High School. (I wanted this photo to be after the next one, but am not savvy enough to rotate them)

Museum or High School?

You are viewing the entrance to the Walnut Hills High School here in Cincinnati. It is both a museum and a High School. The marble statues on each side of the hallway are original works of art. You will note that the runners are going into the school building and no out!!! The walls are graced with original paintings. Since Cincinnati is the home of Rookwood Pottery, the schools built in that era have beautiful ceramic murals and water fountains. Walnut Hills is fortunate to be filled with incredible art that only a by-gone era could produce and schools could afford.

Friends From Indy

Denny & Vickie Towles made our day when they arrived for a visit Thursday. It was a beautiful Fall day which gave us an opportunity to walk a few blocks to our little business district for lunch. Nothing better than a visit from friends.

Flowers For Crosley

Granddaughter Crosley received flowers from Papaw after performing Wednesday night in the Walnut Hills High School musical GREASE. Seeing saddle loafers on the girls and black leather jackets on the boys took us back to the 60's,,,,which was OUR era . These kids today think they don't relate to our world; however, when they go on stage and memic us, we cannot help but go away grinning.

God Bless Our Veterans

There is no school today! Our grandkids are thrilled!!! The city is honoring VETERAN'S DAY with all government offices and schools closed. When veteran's day arrives, it brings to mind a different war to different people. I came into the world on a cold January morning during WWII. I do not remember the war, but I have a vivid recollection of seeing my uncle's empty shirt sleeve. One day my nerve became strong enough to ask him what happened. He bent down and explained how he was at a watch post when an enemy bullet came rushing toward him and severed his arm. He had no choice but to have it amputated. I admired his sacrifice. I don't remember hearing him complain about the loss. That was a tough generation; we benefited from their courage. God bless our veterans....wherever they are. (I took this photo of Lady Liberty when I saw her for the first time this Spring).

Can You Ever Go Home Again?

Traders Point Christian Church (Indianapolis) has been our home for the past twenty-four years. Howard preached his last sermon June 10....five months ago. He was invited back to honor Bob Smith (a staff member) who is moving to Miami to assist in starting a new church. It was a great weekend as we said "good-bye" to Bob & Linda and proved once again that you really can go home again!

I74

I74 can be a rather dull drive; however, on this day, the mist stayed with us most of the way to Lancaster, OH where we went to church and met friends for lunch.

Howard Is Up To Speed!!!!

Howard recently reached a milestone on his life's journey. No....it isn't his AARP card or his Social Security check. This event did not slow him down either. As a matter of fact, he is going at a higher speed than ever before. He is now going 65 mph. (Don't count the candles. I put on enough to light the room and then quit!This is not a good shot of HRB, but I don't claim to be a great photographer.)

Good-bye Summer

One of the small pleasures of living on Sherlock Avenue is watching our neighbor's climbing roses as they weave their way through the slats toward the sun. We enjoy the abundance of soft pink blossoms provided each Spring. As I walked past their house this afternoon, I was intrigued by this lone bud. It is not discouraged by the impending frost.

Memories From The Woods

Have you ever left your mark on a tree? My parents did when they started courting back in the 20's. They were young and the knife was dull; but their initials, as well as their marriage, held together until death parted them in old age. Their lives and the tree stayed on the original farm which was staked out from the government several generations before them. We grew up with the same soil under our feet. I loved to walk into the woods and look at the tree with the heart that encircled their initials. An arrow going in one side and out the other was carved to hold it all in place. I wonder if it served as a reminder of their committment to each other, especially since there was no money for wedding bands. (This tree was in the heart of Houston Woods.)

Reflections

When the fast pace of summer gives way to Fall's melancholy days, it is a joy to relax and reflect upon the goodness of God. Now that we are retired, this verse has become a favorite.

Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. Psalm 16:5 & 6

Meandering

The best part of walking through the woods, is the joy of meandering. It's something we seldom take the opportunity to do. As Howard & I meandered through Houston Woods yesterday, the leaves crunched under our feet, the wooden bridge sang as we crossed, and trees dropped their leaves on our heads.

Quiet Moments

A walk through the woods was delightful. The air was crisp and still. The lake was quiet and peaceful. A small sailboad drifted past a window of autumn leaves providing the perfect photo op.

October Friends

For the past several years, Susan Toadvine & Judy Russell have come each October for a three-day visit. It all started when I entered the world of scrapbooking. Two years ago, they came here to Cincy and helped me paint woodwork! That's what you call FRIENDS!!! This year we took in "Jungle Jim's Market" which is a unique (and huge) grocery specializing in ethnic foods. Since we were near the Kenwood Shopping Center, we had to take that in as well. Needless to say, we had three fun days together.

Candlelight Night In Gaslight Clifton

Pumpkins are lit, candles are glowing, candy is waiting.....where are the gobblins?

Crosley The Cowgirl

Crosley dressed up like a cowgirl using the vest I made Craig many years ago.

The Gobblins Gather On Howell Avenue

Craig and Carol live around the corner from us on Howell Ave. They had a steady stream of guests. We didn't know if these girls were coming to get candy or to see Taylor!

BOO!!!!!!!!

The pumpkin was supposed to be a potrait of Howard. How did I do????

Happy Halloween

Howard plans on sharing his candy with the gobblins tonight; however, he is going to help himself to a few Almond bars before they arrive!

Some Friendships Last Forever

Pam (Platner) Hesse and Iwere college roommates by in the 60's. She brought her daughter and granddaughter to visit this week. We had a wonderful time going down memory lane. We are shown here looking at old black & white glossy prints of our college days. Pam lives in Florida with her husband, Jerry, who was also a graduate of Cincinnati Christian University.

The Framptons Visit Our Alma Mater

It is always a treat for us to take our friends back to the campus where Howard and I met (Cincinnati Christian University). Rachel and Tom Frampton stand in the chilly wind while I take their picture against the Cincinnati skyline.

A Norweigen Barn in Norway, Ill

As Howard drove through the Illinois countryside, I leaned out the window with my camera. Here are a few shots that were captured.

Lincoln & Douglas First Debated In Ottawa, Ill

Remembering Fallen Soilders In Ottawa, Ill

Quiet Memories Of Yesteryear

Simplicity

Jason's Art Show in Chicago

Howard and I enjoyed attending Jason's art show last week in Chicago. He moved several paintings and prints much to his delight. We did not make a purchase. We're hoping one will be under the Christmas tree!

Welcome To Logan Square

Jason is escorting Howard (and me with the camera) to their third-floor condo in Chicago at Logan Square. We went up last week to see him, his wife Erin, their two cats plus attend his art show.

Erin Welcomes Us

Erin is waiting for us outside their living room door. Two cats were out of view,
but were there checking us out!

Jason & Erin's Condo

Jason has faux finished almost all the walls in the condo. The lower part of the hallway is "chocolate & teal" with brown being the background. Large stenciled leaves in teal are on the surface.

Jason's Studio

A trip to Jason's studio was a highlight. He finished this piece the night before we arrived. It has a heavy texture with metalic gold accents. It is ready to hang in a local Asian restaurant.

The Last Rose Of Summer

Our neighbor's roses are reaching over the fence to tell all of us "good bye". Summer is over. We will look forward to seeing them bloom again next year.

Cincinnati Christian University Students

Yes, Hannah and Carl are CCU students, but more than that, they are our dear friends' kids from Traders Point Christian Church in Indianapolis. It is fun having them attending college here in Cincy.

We walked down Ludlow and had dinner at our favorite Indian restaurant...Ambar. They had not eaten Indian food before, but were good sports about trying. I think they were won over.