The Mural Is Finished!

We had a hard time figuring out which of the cables were real.  Don't let the shadows fool you: some of them are also real and some are painted.  The guy on the right is definitely real.  His name is Jason Brammer.  We're proud to claim him as our son!!!

Developing The Sketch For Brutopia's Mural

Jason and Erin work together in developing the concept for the mural that's going on Brutopia Coffee Co.'s wall.  Craig is watching knowing whatever they come up with is going to be good.  This is how we spent the afternoon on Christmas Day.  You'll see what Howard is doing in the next post!

Howard's Contribution To The Project!

Jason is busy painting, Craig is glazing woodwork, I am the official photographer, and what is Howard doing? Hanging the restroom door...scrubbing the toilet & sink....mopping the floor.  I think he deserves a big round of applause.  There is no glory in cleaning a public restroom! Yeah for HRB!

The Mural Begins....

A mural is appearing on the coffee shop wall while Jason wears his mask and guides the airbrush.  The water below is waiting for a giant sea creature to come to life and splash in!

No Help From St. Francis

Saint Francis is stone still while Craig glazes the entry post.  He looks away hoping not to be asked to help while Craig works up a sweat on his project.  The good saint's job is to wait for a bird to rest on his shoulder or a rabbit to set at his feet.

Opening Gifts On Christmas Eve

Jason standing on the right, his wife Erin, Carol (foreground), Taylor, Howard, Crosley (standing on left), Madeline, Craig and Sawyer.

A Lily In Full Bloom @ Christmas

No it isn't a poinsettia, but it's beautiful just the same.

Happy Birthday Madeline!

Madeline turns 15 Saturday, but we celebrated tonight.  Crosley is giving her a birthday hug not realizing Madeline is holding a knife covered with icing!

Sawyer Is Making Ginger Cookies @ Mimi's House

Yummmmm!

He had to make do with the shape of the Gingerbread man since we didn't have a cookie cutter. He decided to eat the guy with the suspenders!

Christmas At The Brammers

I got into the Christmas spirit this afternoon and  decorated the house. I enjoy setting by the fireplace and reading whether it's decorated or not.  It a cozy spot any time of the year.

Our Christmas Tree Went Up Today

Yeah, I got it!! Thanks for all your help!

Taylor Brammer behind the Counter @ Brutopia

Taylor is our oldest grandchild.  He turned 18 back in the fall.  He does not lack for friends, and a lot of them gather after school at Brutopia where he puts in a couple afternoons a week.  He is a great kid.  I go down and help him close the shop sometimes.  We have fun chatting as we work.

Crosley & Papaw Enjoying a Mocha

Crosley is our oldest granddaughter.  She turns 17 January 13 (we share the same birthday.)  She was working at Brutopia Coffee Shop when Howard and I stopped in yesterday.  She made a mocha for Papaw and one for herself!

Shaw's Restaurant & Inn - Lancaster, Ohio

 Howard & I had a wonderful stay in Lancaster, Ohio the last couple of days.  In many respects, it is like "going home." We lived there eleven years ('72-'83.)  It will always be my favorite place to live.  Craig was four years old when we arrived.  Jason was born there in '74.

The town was small (35,000); however. if we wanted something Lancaster didn't offer, it was only a 30-minute drive to Columbus.

I took this photo last night in Shaw's restaurant.  The Inn is beautifully decorated in keeping with its original style.  If you are going through or get near Lancaster, I recommend you stop off at Shaw's and spend the night and enjoy the hearty breakfasts that go with the room. You'll be glad you did. 

Who Is Richard Outcault Anyway???

Did you ever wonder where cartoons came from?  Someone had to have drawn the first one!  Well, that person was from Lancaster, Ohio.  There is a large sign on Wheeling Street downtown letting everyone know that the town was home to   Richard Outcault, the first cartoonist!

General Sherman's Home

Lancaster's most famous son is General Sherman.  He was born in this home which is located on Main Street in the historical district of town.

If I remember correctly, he was born here, but was reared up the street a few houses by the Ewings. When I lived here, I had his story down pat and would always take friends & relatives through the museum.  I found it fascinating to see his early photos, uniforms, etc.

The three-story mural on the side of a downtown building shows him in his famous stance with his hand in his vest.  He never smiled for the camera!

The Georgian & St. John's Episcipal Church

The old St. John's Episcipal Church is one of the oldest congregations in Lancaster. It is located in the downtown historical district.

The Georgian is across the street from the church.  It was once the home of a prominent family, but it now serves as a elegant setting for receptions, concerts and art shows.  When we lived there, we enjoyed setting in the parlor while listening to chamber orchestras.  It gave you that "Gone With a Wind" feeling.

Brutopia Coffee Shop's New Look!

The Cincinnati Christian University Christmas Musical

Each year the students @ Cincinnati Christian University present a Christmas musical written by Professor Paul Friskney. The programs are always outstanding, and tonight's was no exception! 

The students came out of character long enough to serve several hundred of us a delicious meal with all the trimmings.  It was also a night to remember because we were guests of Tracy & Beth Wright from Beavercreek. We sat with the whole Beavercreek gang.

A Visit From The Catlins

We were delighted when the Catlins called last week saying they were driving from New York to Evansville, IN and would be coming through Cincinnati .  They lead the most interesting "retired" lives. They live in a fifth-wheeler which takes them all over the country ministering to people in need. Their most recent venture was in a poor area in Eastern Kentucky that had gotten flooded. They could write an inspiring book....a real page-turner!  Judy was Howard's secretary for several years back @ Traders Point Christian Church in Indianapolis.