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.