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.