gardens, boats and berries

Like many others I started my summer with a mental list of all the things I wanted to do. Luckily it is only 3 weeks in and I have begun to cross things off my list. I contracted pink eye over Memorial Day weekend and was in tears when I thought it would ruin all my plans for seeing family, picnic-ing and boating. Although I looked terrible with yellow goo streaming out of my fuchsia shaded eyes, as soon as I was no longer contagious I hit the ground running.

Sunday Morning before Memorial Day, Dave and I planted flower pots, made a delish lunch on the grill and relaxed in the shade of our front yard. Late afternoon I decided it was time to get out, so we headed to downtown Columbus to the Old Deaf School Park to see the topiary gardens. I loved visiting this Columbus attraction because it is where my grandparents went to school and met one another. Much later, after the school moved locations, a Columbus artist created topiaries to resemble the painting, Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. After our jaunt in the park we drove to German Village to eat dinner at The Olde Mohawk. We both had delicious signature meals from the 70 year old restaurant. Mine meal consisted of turtle soup and a Mother Mohawk. After dinner we took a stroll down the cobble stone streets admiring the architecture and gardens of the old houses. We ended up at The Book Loft, a historic home transformed into a ten room book store where books line the walls from floor to ceiling in every nook and cranny of the old building.

On Monday (Memorial Day) we were able to get to the lake for some quality boating time. Although I don’t have any pictures, it was a wonderful afternoon lounging, drinking and eating with my family.

The next Saturday I hit the Columbus Arts festival with Jen. We met each other downtown and explored the little booths of overpriced art. I wanted to walk away with something from the fair so I bargained for a knit stuffed owl, which was the best I could do with $5 cash. Jen splurged on me and treated me to my first Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream. It was delish! The Columbus Museum of Art was also open to fair go-ers this weekend so we took a break from the heat to admire the changes that are happening at the museum. They are renovating their typical exhibits for something more hands on and interactive. They had opportunities for people to make their own art at different stations. Jen and I created pieces using twist ties to display along with the rest of the artwork.

On Sunday Dave and I drove down to the Hocking Hills for some more boating with the Herrings. We packed up our cooler and spent the afternoon lazily canoeing on the Hocking River. We took many breaks to chat or jump into the cool water from a rope swing (unfortunately we had nothing to reach the rope which was dangling over the water so we just jumped off the wooden ledge built for the swing).

Today I spent the morning picking strawberries at Circle S farms just west of Grove City near the Big Darby Creek. My mom and I sloshed through the mud in search of the biggest, reddest berries. We snacked on a few in the bright sun before heading home to try our hand at strawberry salsa. Like I said, 3 weekends into the summer and I’m already diving into all my favorite summer activities. Next weekend bachelorette party and in two weeks I’ll be married. I think this will be a summer to remember!

World Famous Greenville

Last week was my spring break. I had no plans of visiting Cancun or Panama City Beach, instead I traveled to Greenville, Ohio. My aunt Carol and I ventured to Greenville in search of a KitchenAid Mixer because Greenville is the home of the KitchenAid factory and experience. Little did I know that this is also the home of Annie Oakley AND is where the treaty of Greenville was signed in 1795, that makes it a pretty famous place. We began our visit in the basement  of the KitchenAid store, which is also the history museum of KitchenAid Mixers. I learned that the mixer was first introduced in the 1920's and it hasn't changed much as of today. Here are some pictures of the vintage mixers....

After we explored the museum we headed upstairs to choose my new KitchenAid Mixer, which is wedding gift from my Aunt Carol and my Grandma (thanks!) After leaving the KitchenAid experience, we explored the little shops of downtown Greenville. On our way out of town we stopped at the poplular Maid-Rite burger joint. The whole shop is as big as my living room and the booths and bar stools are straight from the 1970's. The walls of the building are brick and covered in decades worth of chewed bubble gum. It is a right of passage to stick your gum to the sides of the brick as you enter! Once inside I ordered a Maid-Rite burger with cheese and a peanut butter milkshake. Everthing was delicious. The burgers are made with ground beef cooked in onions and sugar and I'm sure the milkshake had over 1,000 calories.

We ended our day trip with a visit to the tractor and supply store. Many of you are already aware that I one day I dream of owning chickens, so my Aunt took me to check them out. We held various kinds of chicks and ducks. I fell in love with a little black chick and even though the sign cautioned me against it,for fear of salmonella poisoning,I nuzzled and kissed its little beak before we got kicked out of the fenced in area. All in all it was a great adventure to Greenville, Ohio.

L&O

bison trax

It's bison season in central Ohio!

This weekend Columbus Metro Parks became home to six female bison, also known as, the American buffalo. My parents and I braved the cold, ice and wind this afternoon on our trek to see the new additions. I was not prepared for the adventure when I showed up to my parents house for Sunday brunch in my boat shoes and no socks, but I didn't let that stop me. We drove out to Prairie Oaks park only to find out the bison were not located there, but about ten minutes down the road at Darby Creek Metro Park. When we were finally at the right place we donned our winter accessories, me in my boat shoes and mom in her yaktrax, and headed up the mile trail to the bison lookout. The paved trail was iced over the whole way which slowed us down quite a bit. When we reached the top we were somewhat disappointed with how far the bison were from the lookout. Luckily they had binoculars, a fire and a giant buffalo skull waiting to keep me entertained. We talked for several minutes with our fellow travelers and the park rangers before starting the journey back to the car. We ended our afternoon with free small coffees from McDonald's while letting our feet defrost by the fire. All in all a great afternoon with the 'rents!

six buffalo just below the trees

attempting to warm up

check out my buffalo sticker

chocolate bacon

   This weekend has been amazing. It started Friday after work when I sat down with a glass of wine and Jersey Shore. During my Jersey fix I got a call from my good friend Toni, who was looking for a unique way to spend her 6th wedding anniversary. After much discussion we decided on heading to The Pub at Polaris for English pub food and draughts. We sampled their eclectic beers and appetizers before ending the evening checking out the highly talked about Tilted Kilt aka "Hooters for hot girls".
   The next morning I woke up with plans to road trip to south to see Ashley with Jen. We drove down and immediately headed to the caves for some winter hiking. The trails were slippery to say the least. Jen and Ashley took several spills, but we were lucky to find a nice gentleman to help! The waterfalls were frozen at Old Mans Cave, giving us gorgeous views. It was nice to get out of the house and enjoy the winter weather.

Jen attempting her way down the hill 

Icicles

Old Mans Cave

   After shedding our snow suits we drove the 30 minute stretch to Athens, Ohio, Ashley and my Alma Mater. I haven't been back since graduation in 2008 and was excited to see if there were any major changes. We ate at one of my favorite lunch spots, Bagel Street Deli. I ordered The Kevorkian which consisted of roast beef, tomato, swiss cheese and ranch. It was so good that it was sad to see it end. I love the atmosphere of Bagel Street. The menu is written in colored chalk on a chalkboard and every spring a pickle eating contest is held where the winner gets to create a new bagel sandwich creation to feature for the year. The brick walls are covered in chalk drawings and foil that is curled up into shapes, letters and designs. A true campus original!

    We finished the evening in Athens with a trip to the movie theater to see No Strings Attached. I wasn't sure what to expect, I was just happy to be out with girls to see a chick flick which is something I haven't done in awhile. I loved the movie, I thought it was cute and hilarious and Natalie Portman was awesome. A great way to spend a Saturday with the girls.
   It didn't end there because Sunday was a perfect day with my husband to be. Dave made a delicious brunch of omelets and bacon before we headed out to Men's Warehouse to choose his tux for the wedding. The boys will be wearing a classic black tux with a black textured vest and Dave will be wearing the same with a white vest. I had heard a lot of good things about the new Giant Eagle Market Place so while we were in Upper Arlington we decided to go. It was amazing! We ate our way down the aisles trying chips, salsa, burgers, cheese, crab cakes, pizza and breads. During our pit stop at the candy shop I decided it was finally time to try gelato. We tasted chocolate and tiramisu before deciding on peanut butter. It was delicious! I usually prefer sherbet to ice cream so this was a perfect in-between. On our way in we had heard that if we wanted to taste anything to just ask because it is Giant Eagles policy that if you ask, they will open anything for you. I hadn't planned on needing/using this service, that is, until we were offered! While paying for our gelato Dave pointed out a bacon chocolate bar. We must have looked intrigued because the gelato woman asked us if we'd like to try it. I felt my eyes light up, so we took her up on her offer. Not the most delicious dessert ever, but now I can officially say that I have tried chocolate covered bacon! We finally made it to the beer and wine section where we partook in a wine tasting. I loved mine so much that we left with a bottle of red wine, pepperoni bread and canoli's for dessert. It was definitely the best trip to the grocery store I have ever taken. We are about to sit back and enjoy our purchases with a little netflix. A perfect end to a perfect weekend.

L&O

Warm Thoughts

   It is days like this that I like to daydream about all the warm places I've been and places I want to go. About a year ago I received the best Christmas gift ever, a trip to Mexico. Dave had asked me months before while sitting at the bar in El Vaquero, drinking margaritas if I would just up and go to the beach with him. I of course said yes and within days he was at the travel agent planning my surprise vacation. The date was set for late February of 2010, just hours before a snowstorm would hit Cleveland and Philly which is where we were scheduled to fly from. Luckily we made it out of the states safely and into warm, sunshiny Cancun. We had been up since 4 am and still had a 3 hour trip to Tulum Mexico, where we were staying at Bahia Principe. The taxi ride there just the beginning of an amazing journey. Apparently the president of Mexico was on the same route we were on because the whole way there we were followed by armed tanks and machine gun yielding men. I also wasn't aware that drinking in the taxi is allowed and encouraged!

   Once we stepped out of the taxi and into the beautiful resort of Bahia Principe we were greeted with welcome cocktails and immediately taken via golf cart to our upgraded room. We immediately hit the first bar we could walk to and finished our night drinking and talking to other travelers and staff.

   The next day we woke up to rain. This might discourage most vacationers, but not us. This was one of the most memorable days in Tulum. We found secluded hammocks under a shelter next to the ocean. We rested the entire morning in and out of sleep listening to the rain hit the roof and the low waves rolling in. When the rain stopped we managed to roll our bodies out of the hammock to explore the rain soaked beach. We found tide pools filled with sea life and coral washed upon the sand.We spent the afternoon under one of many community shelters where we played various versions of bingo, the resorts favorite game!

   The next evening would be the most memorable of the trip. We spent the day by the pool playing games and listening to music while soaking up the rays at the swim up bar (one of my favorite activities at Bahia Principe!) We went in early to prepare for our first 'fancy' dinner out. I dresses in a hot pink sun dress from Target and black t-strap sandals from Bakers. I even attempted to curl my hair, but the humid air immediately destroyed it. That night was a seafood dinner, I don't remember what I ate, I just remember that I felt sick all evening from days and nights of drinking alcohol and Mexican water. All I wanted to do was go back to the room and rest but Dave had other plans. During our cappuccino dessert I saw him begin to reach into his pocket and I knew precisely what he was doing. I even blurted out, "Are you going to ask me to marry you?!" I might have thrown him for a second but he still got on his knee and I said yes before I even heard the words. I was nervous and shaky and I didn't know what to do. Luckily there was another couple watching who asked to take our picture for us.

seconds after saying YES!

   Armed with new enthusiasm we were ready for our excursions the next morning. We snorkeled in underground caves called Cenotes, zip lined into the warm waters of above ground Cenotes and ate authentic Mayan chicken and rice on a Mayan farm. After, we headed to a salt water lagoon to snorkel where we spotted several sea turtles and many colorful fish.

   The next few days we spent lounging between the beach and the pool where we people watched and worked on our tan. We roamed up and down the beach visiting the different beach side bars and talking to people from around the world. My favorite bar that we discovered was the swing bar. It was a round hunt with swings instead of chairs. Here they would fill up my newly found drink holder the 'bubba keg'. This thing saved my life from many trips on the hot sand to the bar for refills. We snorkeled in the water off the beach, waded into the clear water and even met a friendly pelican.

   We ended our Mexican vacation with a day trip to see the Mayan ruins. If you are in the Riviera Maya you must take a tour to see these ancient ruins. We learned about life in ancient Mayan culture, the logic and science they used to building their village and as well as see many gorgeous views of the ocean. The whole area was magical and enchanting with lush grounds and secluded nature walks to rocky cliff ledges. Our trip ended just as amazing as it had started. On our very last night we got to hear the musical styling of Miguel Jackson.... 

L&O

Tropical Oasis

This past weekend I got to spend some much needed quality time with my husband to be while exploring the Franklin Park Conservatory. I bought our tickets half price on Groupon and was very excited to use them to see the Orchid exhibit. Dave had never been to the Conservatory so I was also excited to show him around this Columbus attraction. I researched their website and read their description of stepping out of cold, snowy Ohio and into a colorful tropical oasis. It wasn't quite that but it was warm and smelled delicious and if you closed your eyes and imagined really hard you could trick yourself into thinking it was at least Florida. We walked through the Himalayan mountains, the desert and tropics discovering the regional plants of each. Finally we got to the exhibit room filled with colorful orchids of all shapes and sizes. They were gorgeous! I even mentioned to Dave that an orchid would be the perfect valentines gift, we'll see if that hint was blatant enough!