Recent Photos Of The Grecian Mural

If you have been following the progress of Jason's Grecian mural, here are more photos.


A close-up shot of the arch.

Everything is painted except the light that is hanging from the ceiling. The rod that is extended and appears to be holding the light, is also an illusion.

More Flowers

This is another photo I took at the flower conservatory.

Keep Out!

When our grandson, Sawyer, gets tired of the rat race, he climbs this ladder and escapes into a world of his own. His uncle Devon from Louisville, Ky. made several trip to Cincinnati before the construction was completed. If a hurricane comes, I am going to head for this treehouse. It isn't going anywhere....no matter how hard the winds blow!

Meandering Through The Woods

These stone steps show years of wear. They take you to the top of Burnet Woods or to the bottom where playground equipment waits for little visitors to romp and play.

Getting Away From It All

If you were a student at the University of Cincinnati, it would only require crossing the street to get away from it all. Burnet Woods is an 83-acre park nestled in the heart of Clifton. Those who have been around longer than I tell me it was once much larger than it is today. Cincinnati is a city of seven hills, and Clifton is one of them. It houses most of the hospitals plus the university and Hebrew Union; a well-known Jewish college.

A Clever Way To Walk Your Dogs

The biker slowed down and offered a wave while I took a quick photo of him peddling along with his two dog trotting behind. All three seemed happy to have a sunny day to enjoy Burnet Woods.

Tribute To A Son

This is an interesting statue. The woman's entire body consist of architectural elements from the surrounding buildings. A set of parents presented it to Clifton in memory of their son. Burnet Woods is in the background.

A Walk In The Neighborhood

Last night, as I was leaving to take a walk in the neighborhood, I tucked my camera in my pocket in case I saw something interesting. When this old painted station wagon, with deer antlers mounted on the hood, came roaring up the street, I was glad I had my camera with me. The young driver was more than happy to pull over for a photo shoot. The next few photos were taken as I strolled along.

A Mural Of Days Gone By

This gentleman is taking a stroll up Ludlow (our Main Street). He is passing a new mural which depicts the meatpacking business back in the 1800's. At that time Cincinnati had sixty-eight pork and beef packers and twenty-five sausage makers. This city was settled by the Germans.

The Clifton House

The Clifton House is a block away from us. It is a delightful Bed and Breakfast. I past it on my way home last night. Howard and I have stayed here on occasion before moving to the city. The beds are nice, but the breakfasts are awesome!

The Coach House

This little coach house is tucked in the alley behind the B&B. Guests can rent it as well. It has an upstairs bedroom with a living room downstairs. So quaint!

A Memoir Of Two Men

Tonight I finished this book Same Kind OF Different As Me. It is a great and fast read. It is about two men, one homeless and the other a wealthy art dealer, who meet through an incredible woman. That's it....I won't tell you any more. I could not put it down.

My Little Girl Is Growing Up

This photo of Craig was not supposed to be out of focus. My camera might have been more perceptive than I. Craig was, no doubt, in a blur after walking his daughter, Crosley, to the door of her boyfriend and meeting his parents for the first time. He is seen here returning to the car.

Another PK

The young man's car was parked in the driveway with his license plate in full view. Perhaps this was the reason for the concern; more so than meeting the parents! After all, Craig was a PK (Preacher's Kid) as well, and he knows what that's all about.

A Portion Of A Grecian Mural

Jason is in the process of painting a client's home in a Grecian theme. This wall started out as a white surface. Everything you see, including the Greek key trim and marble window ledge, is painted on. There is no light shinning on the pot or fabric; just an illusion. This is part of a large mural; designed and painted to fool the eye.

Falcon Painting

This falcon is part of the mural. I posted the bird's portrait, rather than a full body, because I wanted you to see his eyes. He told the client he would be finished when the falcon flew off the wall. I think he's ready to go!

O'Hare Airport

I wanted to post this photo because, in our mad dash through the O'Hare airport, we seldom notice how beautiful it is.

A New And Fun Way Of Learning

Madeline is not singing from the music on her shirt nor is she tossing a ball for fun. This is homework, and she is taking it seriously (you don't bite your lip for nothing!) Believe it or not, they are studying their multiplication tables. When she tosses the ball, she calls out the question, "What's 9 times 5?"

9 X 5 Is........

Sawyer must catch the ball and say the answer at the same time. If he holds the ball before giving the answer, he looses points.

The wooden game beside him was made by our friend, Bill Venrick, from Lancaster, OH. The object is to move the seven pieces of wood to the peg at the far end. It might sound simple, but it requires 127 moves to accomplish it.

Needless to say, tossing a ball and coming up with the answer is much simplier. You can see which one Sawyer chose!

Meet A New Face On My Blog

Ellie Jackson is a newcomer to my blog. She is the youngest of three in the Troy & Amanda Jackson family. Troy is the minister at the University Christian Church (the church I wrote about earlier). Last summer he received his PhD on his studies of the life and works of Martin Luther King.

Amanda works part-time at Christ Hospital in Social Services. She was recently voted employee of the month which included a nice amount sent to her credit card. She decided to use it on herself at the spa (Yeah!!! Amanda) Ellie stayed with me. She is seen here with Madeline.

A Little Helper

Howard and I are on a nutritional journey which does not include sugar. I am doing okay with it; however, I discovered that making cookies was more fun than eating them. I used our family around the corner as an excuse to make some old-fashioned ginger snaps this afternoon. They are leaving for a Florida camping trip in a few days. I thought a bag of home-made cookies might taste good as they watch the tide come in. (Ellie wanted to help. She did a great job!)

The Elders Meet

The elders from the Beaver Creek Christian Church near Dayton drove to Indianapolis Saturday to meet with the elders at Traders Point. Howard enjoyed having them come together to share information regarding BCC's search for a new minister.

The Block

Jason painted this mural on the wall of the teen center which is on the second floor of the church (Traders Point). He chose buildings from various parts of the country and put them together as one city. The staff who work with the teens wanted an urban theme. This little gal, who was in the room at the time, was willing to pose for me.

The Third Place

A book was written a while back entitled The Third Place. It explains how each of us have three places we go on a regular basis. The first place is home. Another is work, and the third is a tavern to some, the mall to others, or perhaps Starbucks. This third place could be anywhere we go to relax and unwind besides home.

When the Traders Point Church was being planned, one thing we wanted to do was provide a "third place" for members as well as anyone in the community.

A huge play room was incorporated into the plans. It has a two-story slide for the children to come down if they don't want to use the door. One end of the room is filled with climbing gyms, rope swings, rings to cling to and almost anything a child could imagine! This room is open all week for anyone to use. The parent cannot drop their little ones off, however, they must stay with them.

That brings me to the next phase of this plan. It was decided that there would be a cafe where parents could pick up a latte or coffee and take it with them to the playroom. Others could use the area for meeting, visiting or reading a book. If they need reading material, the library is next door.

Lorrie & Ken Julian, who own two coffee shops (one in Zionsville and the other at Ft. Harrison) manage this one. Lorrie treated me to a cup of Chai Saturday while telling me she was a regular reader of my blog. Thanks Lorrie!

Look For The Tire Swing

We are often asked, "Do you and Howard live close to your son and his family?" The answer is, "Yes....three doors away!" We cannot see them because they are around the corner. When directing people to our house, we tell them to look for the tire swing. We are three doors up and around the corner.

The Pirates Of Penzance

Our granddaughter, Crosley, had a supporting role in the musical, The Pirates Of Penzance, which opened tonight. She is in the center of this trio singing her first solo on stage. We were very proud of her. (The photo looks a bit fuzzy because we were thirteen rows back without a flash. The fact that it turned out at all was a surprise.)

I Finally Found It!!!

In the beginning of my blog, I wrote about my sister, Margaret, living here in Cincinnati while her husband, Pete Kennedy, was a student at the University of Cincinnati. When her first child was born, she asked mom if one of us kids could come up for the summer and help her. I was selected.

I fell in love with the area. I liked living near all the action, especially the corner drugstore where they sold lime sherbet. That was a new taste for me and one I never got over.

Since moving here, I have driven all over the area looking for the house. I could not locate it. After calling my sister this week, I knew why; I was on the wrong street. It was Clifton Ave. not Ludlow. Today I went down and took this picture. The house is 55 years older than it was then. The back and side yard has been paved into a parking lot. The exterior cries for help. Otherwise, it is the same. I only live a few blocks away. I have come full circle.

When I Go, Will You Come?

Before leaving Indianapolis in June, Howard and I stopped by to say "Good bye" to our dear friend Aletha Hutchinson. We sat on her soft brocade couch as she took us on a speed trip down Memory Lane. Her life began in the middle of Kansas just like the little gal with the red slippers.

She would hardly take a breath for fear she would waste a moment in telling her story. We were fascinated by her interesting life which had brought her to Indianapolis in the 30's. This is where she met her first husband who died only thirty-three years later. Her girlfriend also passed, which left her and her friend's husband, Jerry Hutchinson. They consoled each other through the months, and, after a while ended up marrying. He was a wonderful and devoted husband. We had the privilege of knowing him.

Aletha reminded us, as we were visiting, that she was getting older. Since she was so young at heart, it was difficult to think of her as approaching her late 90's. She never sat still. Nothing happened in the retirement home that she was not apart of. She reminded you of a hummingbird......darting from one flower to another.

She wanted to turn over every stone before we left. That meant talking about her "arrangements". We all knew what that meant. She wanted to know if, when the time came that she was to go, would Howard be willing to come? The answer was, "Yes...I would be honored", he said.

Today at 2:00 pm, he kept that promise. The service was short and sweet just like Aletha. She only measured a little over five feet and was one of the sweetest people we had ever met.

This photo was taken when she was 23 years old. She was 97 in the next one!

Another View Of The Golden Bridge

The photo I posted earlier was approaching the bridge from the San Francisco side. This shot was taken once we got across. The sun was going down as fast as I could take the picture.

The Most Often Asked Question

"Did Madeline ride a cable car?" The answer is, "Yes!" She not only rode it during the day, but also at night. We wanted her to see how beautiful it was to ride high upon a hill and look down into the valley of lights.

Traders Point Christian Academy Auction

The Traders Point Christian Academy is having its annual auction March 15. I am sending six 5X7 watercolors. Three of them are shown here.

While Cincinnati was experiencing a shut down, I stayed inside and painted. There was no reason to go anywhere even if I could.

Most of the area churches were closed today. Howard did not drive to Beaver Creek (near Dayton). They called last night saying there would be no services.

Entering Eden Park

One of the delightful features of Cincinnati is its beautiful architecture. This gazebo greets you as you enter Eden park.

Another Show Stopper

This little beauty was clinging to the side of a tree inside the flower conservatory. It was waiting for me to come along with my camera. She was a show stopper!

A Nice Surprise

This morning when our phone rang, I did not recognize the number; however, as soon as I heard the voice, I knew who it was. It was our dear friend Loretta Alexander from the Traders Point Church in Indianapolis. Loretta is an amazing person. She is the only person I know who refuses to age.

After retirement she took six or seven organ lessons, and then decided she could do the rest on her own! You should hear her play! It is amazing.

She lives in one of the cottages at the Zionsville Meadows which is located behind the "Big House"....the nursing home. She delights in going over and playing the organ while the "old folks" eat dinner. For years she manicured the lady resident's nails (and may continue still). She worked in cosmotology most of her life, and now donates her skills as a volunteer.

Loretta would not want me to tell her age even if I knew, but I am here to tell you she is no "Spring Chicken".

Her call made my day. After chatting for a while, she said she had a surprise for me. Sure enough she did. She played two beautiful hymns on the organ while I sat by the fireplace and listened. Snow was falling past the window.

Friends come in all shapes and sizes, but there will NEVER be anothe Loretta!

No Classes Today

Almost everything was closed today including the University of Cincinnati. We spotted this lone student walking along Burnet Woods. She may be on her way to Brutopia. The coffee shop Craig, Carol and their friends own. It's less than a block beyond her on Ludlow Ave.

Our Bungalow In A Snow Storm

If you have followed along with my blog, you have seen our house last summer when we moved in. Well, here it is in today's snow storm. We are supposed to have more snow by morning.

Home Sweet Home

If this fireplace could talk, I'm sure it would have many stories to tell. It came with the house which was built in the 20's. We have been told these are glacier stones quarried from the area. I took this photo this afternoon while snow was falling outside. Nothing like a warm fire and a cup of tea on a cold day.

Looking For Your Heart?

If you misplaced your heart, perhaps you left it in San Francisco. Madeline found this one downtown on the square.

Growing Under Stress

The Bonsai exhibit was fascinating. How can anyone have the patience to twist wire around tiny tree limbs and watch the poor thing's growth being stunted? Some of these trees grow in unique shapes that seem completely unnatural. It happens because they grow under stress.

Sawyer was taken with this cluster of midgets whose roots crawled above the moss. He said he felt like a giant peeking into their woods. He looked like one next to them. No one is holding back his growth....or the growth of his hair, for that matter!!!

More Spring Beauties

I thought this orchid was beautiful. The salmon color was unusual. God's palette of colors is unlimited.

Old Murals Found A New Home

When I was a student at the Cincinnati Christian University, I went back home to Southern Indiana by railway. This was in the early 60's. It was an awsome sight to see the huge mosiac murals in the rotunda at the railway station. It was a pleasure to wait on a train while studying the details and color in these masterful pieces of art.

When the new airport was built in Northern Kentucky some years go, it was decided to remove the murals and mount them on the airport walls. I know there was a lot of controversary around this decision, but since we did not live here, I knew nothing more about it.

Being at the airport recently was my first opportunity to see them since days gone by. They are impressive with their giant size and bright colors. They should be where the most people have access to their beauty. It looks like the airport is that place.

Madeline is here sipping a drink from Starbucks as we wait to board our plane for San Francisco.

Having Fun With My Camera

All of these florals were taken at the Cincinnati Flower Conservatory. They are a reminder that Spring is just around the corner.

The Golden Gate Bridge

The sun was sinking as we arrived at the Golden Gate bridge.

Since parking was limited in San Francisco, we did not rent a car. We depended upon local transportation.

A taxi came to our rescue on this evening when we were racing against time to get to the bridge before dark.