This Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, several of my Lincoln family colleagues, historians, authors, and historical presentors are gathered in Springfield, Illinois to celebrate the life of Mary Todd who married Abraham Lincoln and would go on to serve as First Lady of the United States, just as she predicted at age ten years.
Since I could not attend the ceremony at the Lincoln Family Tomb in Oakridge Cemetery, I was represented with a “pat” on the section that supposedly fronts Mrs. Lincoln’s enclosed coffin.
LINCOLN’S TABLE: A PRESIDENT’S CULINARY JOURNEY FROM CABIN TO COMPOSITION
FASHIONABLE FIRST LADY: THE VICTORIAN WARDROBE OF MARY LINCOLN,
THE KENTUCKY TODDS IN LEXINGTON CEMETERY
I am grateful to my wonderful friends and colleagues for their continuing passion in celebrating the life of Mary Lincoln: 13 December 1818 – 16 July 1882.
It’s Saturday. Yesterday, which was Friday, felt like Saturday all day. House Managing a college graduation at Schuster Center, on Friday, did not help with Saturday from already lodging itself in my brain. Thus, today feels like Sunday.
The deck is much more comfortable than inside the house where heat feels trapped. At 3 AM, I thought one of the dogs was needing to go outside to potty. All five burst through the door and I followed them to spend a few minutes on the deck. It did not last as long as I hoped as the pooches were ready to return inside in under a minute.
Last night, I spent an hour Zooming with Lincoln History colleagues who have gathered in Springfield, Illinois to celebrate the life of Mary Lincoln. Historian and author Gerald Swick gave a fascinating presentation on Mrs. Lincoln’s young brother, George Rogers Clark Todd. GRC Todd was quite the character and served as a physician most his life.
Yesterday afternoon, I could feel the weather front adding pressure to my body. We are expecting rain later this morning and throughout the afternoon. Several friends from Central Indiana have posted photos of the rain that is moving through. My body’s radar has been nagging me and prohibited a good night’s sleep. Finding a comfortable position was impossible.
All night our room was outer-walled with rain. Drops fell and flattened on the tin roof, And rang like little disks of metal. Ping!—Ping!—and there was not a pin-point of silence between them. The rain rattled and clashed, And the slats of the shutters danced and glittered. But to me the darkness was red-gold and crocus-colored With your brightness, And the words you whispered to me Sprang up and flamed—orange torches against the rain. Torches against the wall of cool, silver rain!
It’s going to be a bright and sunny Monday morning with a promise of 83 degrees by midafternoon. Unless things change, we won’t see rain until Thursday and Friday. At some point, I will need to mow and I am dreading it.
Soon it will be time for the arrival of sweet corn and other delicious items brought in from farmers’ fields. About a mile away, near the corner of Stroop Road and Marshall Road, one of my favorite markets is set up and I am eager to visit them.
I am still recovering from the tightly packed but incredibly fun few days close to the Ohio River. I am still grateful for the seven others who assisted me along all the adventures.
July
By George Meredith (1828-1909)
Blue July, bright July, Month of storms and gorgeous blue; Violet lightnings o’er thy sky, Heavy falls of drenching dew; Summer crown! o’er glen and glade Shrinking hyacinths in their shade; I welcome thee with all thy pride, I love thee like an Eastern bride. Though all the singing days are done As in those climes that clasp the sun; Though the cuckoo in his throat Leaves to the dove his last twin note; Come to me with thy lustrous eye, Golden-dawning oriently, Come with all thy shining blooms, Thy rich red rose and rolling glooms. Though the cuckoo doth but sing ‘cuk, cuk,’ And the dove alone doth coo; Though the cushat spins her coo-r-roo, r-r-roo – To the cuckoo’s halting ‘cuk.’
Sweet July, warm July! Month when mosses near the stream, Soft green mosses thick and shy, Are a rapture and a dream. Summer Queen! whose foot the fern Fades beneath while chestnuts burn; I welcome thee with thy fierce love, Gloom below and gleam above. Though all the forest trees hang dumb, With dense leafiness o’ercome; Though the nightingale and thrush, Pipe not from the bough or bush; Come to me with thy lustrous eye, Azure-melting westerly, The raptures of thy face unfold, And welcome in thy robes of gold! Tho’ the nightingale broods—’sweet-chuck-sweet’ – And the ouzel flutes so chill, Tho’ the throstle gives but one shrilly trill To the nightingale’s ‘sweet-sweet.’
At 6:15 AM, there is no sunshine. By 7 AM, it’s promised to be very sunny and to remain so until 10 AM when clouds are expected to move in for the remainder of the day, probably to introduce the impending rain for Thursday.
I was in bed by 10:15 PM and fell asleep, waking only a few times throughout the night. My alarm was set fifteen minutes earlier than my typical day, and Col. Deeds understood this as he was up on the bed and sandwiched between my arm and body by 5:45 AM. I was alert but not moving, and I do wonder if he sensed me being awake.
July 12th is Oscar Hammerstein II’s birthday. He is one of my writing idols. Today is also the anniversary of Joshua Logan’s passing in 1988. Word reached me when I was on a tour of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. I always thought it was fitting that Mr. Logan died on his dear friend’s birthday.
Instead of a Wednesday morning poem about the month of July, I am offering my lyrics, penned by Oscar Hammerstein II in 1939 for the Broadway musical, A VERY WARM MAY, with composer Jerome Kern.
ALL THE THINGS YOU ARE
Time and again I’ve longed for adventure, Something to make my heart beat the faster. What did I long for? I never really knew. Finding your love I’ve found my adventure, Touching your hand, my heart beats the faster, All that I want in all of this world is you.
You are the promised kiss of springtime That makes the lonely winter seem long. You are the breathless hush of evening That trembles on the brink of a lovely song. You are the angel glow that lights a star, The dearest things I know are what you are. Some day my happy arms will hold you, And some day I’ll know that moment divine, When all the things you are, are mine!
It wasn’t a busy day with tons of things to do, but it was a productive day. I’ve never cared much about having a busy day, however, having a productive day os very important to me. I don’t need to pack in a ton of activities into a day but I’ve always needed the satisfaction of knowing things were accomplished.
During the morning hours, I accomplished feeding the dogs and propping open the back door so they could come and go from the backyard and inside. I fully intended to trim and mow the yard so that I’d be ready to hop into the shower by Noon so I could meet Mama Kay for lunch at approximately 12:30 PM. When I saw the clock hit at 11:30 AM, I knew the morning pursuit of yardwork had passed me by.
We launched for our regular taco Tuesday, and by the time I got home at 2:45 PM, I felt physically wasted. I started to nap after feeding the dogs and was abruptly awakened by the eight month old who landed on my chest, showering me with kisses and snuggles. After some time with each of the pooches, I managed to nap until 5:45 PM.
At 6:15 PM, I began trimming the grass and edging. I accomplished it, along with mowing both the front and backyard by 7:20 PM. I am quite satisfied with this effort.
Since 7:40 PM, I’ve been relaxing on the deck in my chaise lounge and a delicious, well deserved empty bowl of sugar-free vanilla ice cream is on the table beside me. The five pooches alternate from lounging on the deck to running over to the fence to greet passing dogs with their humans.
I hope to turn in early this evening as I’ve an early day starting at the Schuster Center by 8:15 AM. My goal is to be home by 1:15 PM so I can rest before going to dinner with two friends who are now former studio moms.
But, it was a fine productive day. The yard is mowed before the rain arrives Thursday.
It’s a beautiful overcast Sunday morning with still a bit of dampness in the air from yesterday’s heavy rain. A gentle breeze frequently passes over the deck, gently nudging the wind-chimes into a spontaneous chorus.
Although I feel a smidgen of energy, my body is still recovering from two event-filled days and the results of the storm fronts that moved through.
Joshua and David departed the US last night for their return to London. Several folks have said that I didn’t get to spend much time with them. Perhaps not, but I’m not situated for guests, even if they are staying at a hotel, and it is easier to pack it all in to a few days. With our modern capabilities in technology, meeting up with them in person is always a continuation of our conversations and jokes we share on Zoom. However, nothing can beat the physical presence, being able to reach over and hold their hand, or get a tight hug.
Beginning with this afternoon, I have three full days of teaching. Wednesday and Friday, I will find myself at the Schuster center to House manage a corporate event and a medical graduation ceremony.
This is, without a doubt, one of my favorite holidays. Memorial Day and Veterans Day, along with President Lincoln’s birthday and Presidents’ Day are the others. To me, Inauguration Day should be a federal holiday. But that is my opinion.
Yesterday was a washout with varying temperatures and intermittent rain showers and thunderstorms…
…and morons plowing the fireworks loudly in our neighborhood. “But if they’re setting them off responsibly…” Is 11:45 PM responsible? No. It is not. Set off a few before 10 PM and be done. One responder to a Facebook comment from a lady who also has five dogs, said, “Well, if you didn’t get dogs, you wouldn’t need to worry about fireworks.” After looking through his profile, I could have offered the same sentiments about his reproductive rights as he’s obviously raising a litter with the same trained mentality.
Tomorrow will be a day of celebration but by evening, once the area fireworks conclude, the loud booms will continue for several more hours, several more days, and several+ weeks. It is impossible to sit on the deck as the dogs want to be with me but are terrified of the explosions.
At some point today, I shall watch the movie musical, 1776, an annual tradition. I first saw the musical with my parents in 1969 in New York City and still vividly recall its magic.
“When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary…”
The mid-80s is the temperature’s goal for today. It is still drearily overcast from the Canadian forest fires. Everything seems to be coated with this smokey effect.
It’s dreary, and raining, and I am preparing to head downtown to house-manage an event at Dayton Live’s PNC Annex. This is a morning I would prefer to snuggle with the pooches and watch documentaries.
Last evening, I spent time on the deck while Col. Deeds chased Bailey around the yard with several tackles. By 9:15 PM, my body was aching and limp from the impending rain, so I went to bed. Since the pooches didn’t get their 11 PM potty break, I let them out at 1 AM and as I stepped onto the deck, it was much more relaxed. I took up occupancy of the chaise lounge where I rested more comfortably. By 2 AM, I returned to my bed.
While preparing for my day, I listen to AERIAL AMERICAL, one of my favorite documentaries covering one state per episode. It’s very well done. This current episode is on Ohio, and I wish I could have edited the Wright Brothers’ segment as there were several items that were incorrect: Wilbur died before their Oakwood mansion, Hawthorn Hill, was completed. Ahhh… terribly picky, but…
Okay, it’s time to put the finishing touches on preparing for the day.
Monday was muggy primarily and sometimes dreary; however, it turned around with sunshine, less humidity, and a great breeze. By early evening, a rain shower arrived, and folks were posting lots of photos of rainbows.
It’s Tuesday and I am sensing rain with the dull grey sky, but none can be found in the forecast. My body is not predicting any rain, either.
I am hoping to dive more deeply into writing and research in the next few days.
Today, at 2:15 PM, it will officially be the 31st anniversary of my grandmother’s passing.
Donna Mae Clary Barmes was born in Boone Township, Madison County, Indiana, on May 8, 1924, and passed away of colon cancer in Indianapolis, Indiana on this date. Grandma Donna was an exceptional force in my first twenty-eight years and the impact is felt to this day. She came from a long line of pranksters and laughers, and I am proud of this component of my heritage.
Every year at 2:15 PM, I sit at the piano and play “Red River Valley,” one of Grandma’s favorite songs. In my study, Grandma Donna has her own little nook with her photo and the clock she gave me one Christmas. When I returned from Indianapolis a few hours after her death, the first thing I noticed was that the clock had stopped at 2:15 PM.
We’re moving into mid-June. The weather has been moderate, for the most part, but has had a string of days in the eighties. Yesterday, we did hit 80 degrees, and today we are expected to see 83 degrees. Tomorrow, Sunday, we are to receive rain and begin three days of temperatures in the seventies.
Friday seemed like it was Saturday to me and even as I could see the sun setting from the third floor of The Metropolitan Arts Building where I was house managing INDIGO (new musical), in The Human Race Theatre’s Loft Theatre, it still felt like Saturday. This morning feels like it’s Sunday. I hope I fall in sync with the day as it progresses.
Yesterday was productive but exhausting and when I crawled into my bed at 12:05 AM, after eighteen hours of research, writing, and house managing a show, I was dead to the world. This morning, I feel sluggish but ready to charge into my day.
This Sunday morning is dreary and muggy with dark grey skies as we await potential rainstorms.
Saturday felt like a wasted day as I read, listened to audiobooks, watched documentaries, and napped. The FabFive seemed to relish in me being home with them except for my brief respite for dinner with Mama Kay at Doubledays.
Today, I will join Mama Kay and Laura to celebrate Laura’s birthday. We are exactly three months apart in birth.
In a few minutes, my Walmart grocery delivery should arrive. Tonight is a fairly light night of teaching with five students traveling.
The rain held off yesterday and from 6 PM to 7:10 PM I was able to mow on both sides of the house. The backyard, not touched in over three weeks, was a challenge but doable. It is done and I am glad.
Thursday morning, I spent over four hours at Schuster Center with two other house managers to steer our fantastic volunteers/ushers through an easy event. I was stationed in the loge and loved having the opportunity to spend time with Susan Cutler, the mom of a former student, Lily.
We were done earlier than expected and I hopped on The Flyer (bus), aimed toward the edge of The Oregon District where I feasted at my favorite Chinese buffet. I caught the No. 2 from the buffet to the Wright Stop Plaza where I took No. 17 for home. When I reached The Haasienda, I let the dogs out, changed out of my clothes, and napped for several hours, hoping to capture the two hours I lost with an early awakening.
Upon finishing the mowing, I grabbed a few items to relax in the recliner on my deck… drop… drop… drop… and it was back inside to my study as a short rain shower moved through. I sat down at the desk in my study to begin responding to personal emails, and I got two completed and was exhausted. My limbs were also showing signs of atmospheric pressures changing. The remainder of the evening was spent listening to an audio book, BUYING DISNEY’S WORLD, the history behind Walt Disney World. It’s very interesting.
I am back down to Schuster this morning to manage an educational event. This is my first event in the PNC Annex, so I will be working with a fellow house manager to learn this station. Rain is moving in and my body is in high revolt; even my hands are stiff and aching as I type. Arghh…
Today will be more like a nice Spring day with the low at 61 degrees and the high only climbing to 71 degrees.
In about 45 minutes I will head down to The Schuster to house manage a corporate meeting. I was awakened at 4 AM by Bailey hopping onto the bed to snuggle with me. Within minutes, Col. Deeds was nestled on the other side. Needless to say, I did not return to satisfactory sleep.
It is time to ready myself for the first half of the day, downtown. I desperately need to mow my grass, which will be completed today or tomorrow. The backyard is in a nasty way of growth but the front side looks decent and not too shaggy.
O Thou who passest thro’ our vallies in Thy strength, curb thy fierce steeds, allay the heat That flames from their large nostrils! thou, O Summer, Oft pitched’st here thy golden tent, and oft Beneath our oaks hast slept, while we beheld With joy, thy ruddy limbs and flourishing hair.
Beneath our thickest shades we oft have heard Thy voice, when noon upon his fervid car Rode o’er the deep of heaven; beside our springs Sit down, and in our mossy vallies, on Some bank beside a river clear, throw thy Silk draperies off, and rush into the stream: Our vallies love the Summer in his pride.
Our bards are fam’d who strike the silver wire: Our youth are bolder than the southern swains: Our maidens fairer in the sprightly dance: We lack not songs, nor instruments of joy, Nor echoes sweet, nor waters clear as heaven, Nor laurel wreaths against the sultry heat.
Yesterday’s weather was gloomy, and the threat of rain was with us all day. We didn’t receive any rain in Kettering, but the temperature did cool down to something comfortable. Today, we are already feeling humidity and we’re expected to climb six more degrees from our current 74 degrees.
This photo popped up in my Facebook memories. In 2003, I took the first two sons to Washington DC for Spring Break. My favorite part of the trip was when we visited The White House for The Garden Tour. I have been on the interior tours many times, but this garden tour was something new.
We got to see the two mounds installed by President Jefferson, two hundred years before, the First Lady’s vegetable garden, and the back of The Oval Office. It was excellent.
On the South Portico was my favorite band, The Marine Band, popularly known as “The President’s Own.” As I stood listening to the music, the band began the suite from one of my favorite musicals, RAGTIME. There I was, standing before my favorite house, in my favorite city, and listening to my favorite band. It doesn’t get much better than that.
I took many photos throughout the trip, but it was this photo that gained a great amount of attention after I posted it on MySpace. I received a dozen requests from tour magazines to reprint it for their publications. It is still one of my favorites.
I called Mama Kay to see if she had lunch plans and she turned it into a Father’s Day meal at La Pinata.
I spent the remainder of the day lounging and listening to historical podcasts until time to teach.
Saturday, I spent a “double header” at Schuster Center to house manage the matinee of AIN’T TO PROUD, as well as the evening performance. Dayton Live provided pizza and drinks for those working the double shift. Overall, it was quite easy to do and on Sunday, I did not feel any aftershocks in my body.
This weekend I got to see Andy Linegang, Michael Linegang, Jim Beard, Nancy Wilkinson, Candy Clark, Susan Cutler, and so many more. Susan Cutler’s daughter, Lily, is a former student, and it has been several years since I have seen Susan or her husband, Jared. It was so great to catch up with her but there were still so many more questions I wanted to ask. Next time…
I would at 3 AM with muscles aching in my legs and arms. I checked my weather radar app to see we had rain coming in by 7:30 AM. Ahhh… Of course, I was hoping to mow the yard which is now on its third week of needing attention.
Thursday was a bust as far as accomplishing anything worthwhile. By 9 AM, I had returned to bed with leg cramps and full body aches that mimicked an impending weather front. However, according to my weather app earlier in the morning, no rain was showing up.
I was scheduled to house manage at the Schuster Center in the Winter Garden area for tickets and arrivals which meant an early release at 8 PM instead of the regular 11 PM. A friend had offered me a ride home since we would be leaving the Schuster Center much earlier, but she ended up rescheduling. By the time I was to leave for downtown on No. 17, my body was stiff, and my legs were spasming. I contacted Mama Kay, and she rescued me at 8:15 PM following her swim class that let out at 8 PM. I was grateful to not have to wait until 10 PM for the No. 17.
At the Schuster the past two evenings, I got to see so many friends, colleagues, studio families, former studio families, and work with so many incredible Volunteers. Several Volunteers had seen The Temptations in concert, and one lady recounted their visit to her school for a dance!
I was home, dressed for bed, and relaxing on the deck by 8:40 PM, turning in by 10 PM. A little before 1 AM, I was awakened by pounding rain. I checked the radar to see a thin but powerful band moving down from the northwest. I settled back into a quick sleep and sat up in my bed at 1:13 AM when I thought there had been an explosion. That one bit of thunder was the only one I heard but it was enough to shake the house and in my semi-conscious state, I wondered if it was an earthquake. Bailey, Harrigan, and Deeds were immediately beside me while The Seniors, Chief and Erma, moved to the side of my bed where they were within arm’s reach for reassurance. Sleep returned quickly.
This morning is damp and chilly.
Other than that, there is precious little to report. Tomorrow, Saturday, I will be at the Schuster for AIN’T TOO PROUD’s matinee and evening show, twelve hours in all.
The weather has been damp and cloudy since Sunday and today will provide more rain by the early afternoon.
3:50 AM begged me for a bathroom break.
4:00 AM begged me to return to sleep.
4:30 AM begged me to return to sleep.
4:45 AM begged me to return to sleep.
5:05 AM found me falling into a fast deep sleep with an hour to go before my alarm sounded.
5:10 AM found me yelling out my window, “SHUT UP, YOUR RUDE WOMEN!” to some very loud women who were running and yelling to one another. One of the women said, “Oh…”
“Oh?” Geesh! If they put as much effort into their exercise as they do their inconsiderate behavior, they should be in the shape of any young Olympian vying for the gold.
6:10 AM found me cussing and groaning as I rose from my bed with two+ hours of no sleep.
The Temptations’ show, AIN’T TOO PROUD, is starting its run at The Schuster Center and I will be house managing five of the eight shows. I think it will be a swell time to revisit hit songs I grew up with. I have comp tickets to see the show this evening, but with the lost sleep, I just don’t think it will stay on the agenda.
I would rather return to my bed, but I need to stay on schedule. Erma has finished off my cereal milk, and the other four are still hanging on the deck waiting to return inside.
I loathe shopping. It does not increase any anxiety, but it does set my guard up for impending frustrations and dealing with occasional utter stupidity.
I needed a few things from the grocery store and got my determination set to “fierce” mode so that I could mentally ready myself for the brief excursion. Common courtesy, awareness of one’s surroundings, and simple kindness seem to be lost on certain individuals. Today was no exception.
“Stay to the right.”
When I started 7th grade at Elwood Junior High School, once the former Wendell L. Willkie High School, Mother took me to the building for a tour with the lovely secretary, Jeanette Fortson, a family favorite. We walked the main floor hallway and as we began our ascent to the second floor, Mother stopped me, “When you go up any of these stairs, always, always stay to the right. It’s the same as driving. Stay to the right. Just stay to the right.”
Mrs. Fortson said the principal would be addressing that issue, as would our homeroom teachers. When school began that next week, there were signs at the entrances to “Stay to the Right.”
This isn’t something that seems lost on just young people, but also a lot of adults, as well. Several unnecessary aisle blockages could be avoided if folks simply stayed to the right when shopping.
Mother always kept her cart on the right side of the aisle if she needed to cross over to look at something. To me, that has always made perfect sense as it eliminates any cart clusters. This morning, one lady simply pushed her cart to the left side as though she owned that aisle. When her cart met my cart head-on, I just stood in my place and gave her a moment or two to figure out her next option. With a disgruntled sigh, she moved around me only to face someone else that wasn’t going to put up with her discourtesy. The lady behind me snapped, “You would make things so much easier for yourself and everyone else if you would simply stay to the right.“
That lady became my newest hero. Had I the time, I would have escorted her over to Starbucks at the front of the store to buy her the drink of the day.
When I am exiting, an aisle, I always slowly nudge my card out so that I can see if anybody is coming. Today, as I carefully inched my cart into a main aisle, the cart was slammed twice by people coming the other direction but who were staying to the left. I could not see them rounding the corner, staying close to the end cap rather than making a wide sweep into the main aisle.
“Don’t you give me that look!” I snarled at this one mid-40s hipster who showed his agitation. “Learn how to steer your cart responsibly.” He did release his facial glare and apologized when it seemed to occur to him that I was not the speed demon rushing through the store as he had been.
Stay to the right.
The sidewalks, at times, are no better. Downtown Dayton. The Oregon District. Kettering. Wherever. And driving! When turning onto a two-lane road, STAY TO THE RIGHT. I notice this, especially at the intersection of Shroyer and Stroop Roads. Folks will be in the left turn lane and remain so after turning rather than moving directly to the right lane.
If I should ever decide to have a grave marker, besides “Let music never die in, forever let my spirit be…” I should have engraved in the stone STAY TO THE RIGHT!
Sunday was hot and dry, but sticky. At 6:30 PM, a thunderstorm moved through the Miami Valley and the cool air it left was generously welcomed. Today, we are expecting humidity and rain but milder temperatures in the mid-70s.
Today, Col. Deed is eight months old and it’s the five-month anniversary of The Colonel joining us at The Haasienda. It has been a typical puppy journey, but extraordinary in other ways. Col. Deeds is affectionate, intelligent, and already showing leadership skills. I do have to give the older four pooches credit for steering some of his intellect and governance as he observes Chief, Erma, Bailey, and Harrigan at their finest.
We’re still dealing with potty training and chewing. It’s to be expected, but I do get frustrated with the process not moving faster.
The Colonel loves his older siblings and shows them much affection in so many ways. He is especially fond of Chief and hangs by his side. The chemistry between Bailey and Deeds is precious.
This coming week offers nothing new, but I am looking forward to it, just the same.
It is difficult to determine today’s forecast as so little is set in stone except for the fact that there will be scattered showers and our high will be 84 degrees. My hands and legs are in agreement that a front is moving in.
It’s Thursday but it still feels like it’s the beginning of the week. Yesterday, Wednesday, felt like Monday. Hopefully, my days will begin matching up.
Yesterday, I had several meetings and then I joined Laura for dinner at Cheddars. Back at home, I relaxed on the deck with the pooches before turning in at 9 PM. I was physically done but my mind was alert for a number of hours later.
Friday morning began with waking long before the birds began sounding. Rita and Mike Bomholt picked me up at 4 AM with three of their four sons following in a second vehicle. We headed toward the Cincinnati airport to retrieve Joshua and David who would arrive from Los Angeles. Rita and Mike were a part of Josh’s God Parent Team with several other couples and individuals.
We grabbed The Boys and headed back to Cincy for a very fun, animated breakfast that produced lots of laughter. After breakfast, we moved on to Auburn Avenue to visit President William Howard Taft’s birthplace. It was a very nice tour and I always love seeing what has been accomplished with continuing the exploration of Taft’s life and family.
I felt up to the task of hiking and while the heat and threat of sporadic rain held off, we explored the top of Mount Adams before grabbing lunch at a nice bar and grill.
Back to the lower level of Cincinnati, we all appreciated the Claude Monet Immersive Experience. I had wanted to attend the Van Gogh exhibit when it was in Columbus (I think), and thoroughly loved Monet’s work. It is impressive how legendary art and current technology can come together.
Dinner at the Hofbrau House is always a fun event. Over at The Levee of Newport, we took a brief walk, as were so many others who were dining and strolling.
It was a beautiful day, and while I wished it could have lasted longer, my body could take no more. I may have nodded off on the ride home and was in bed by 11 PM. Since Jacob, a former Canine Crew member, was home for the weekend, he offered to stay with the dogs. Although they love Jacob, they were thrilled to see me.
When I was younger, and not all that many years ago, I never saw anyone drinking coffee or water in church, not even bringing a cup of coffee into the sanctuary before or after the service. Movie theaters, of course, allowed eating and drinking in the auditorium, but bringing beverages or munchies into a live stage productions in non-arena settings was forbidden.
When I was director of music at Normandy United Methodist Church in South Dayton, I seldom saw one of my favorite gentlemen and choir singers, Ron Thie and Bob Koogler, without a cup of coffee in their hands. It was unique.
The trend for needing drink and food for everything has changed. Drastically. It’s been flipped. You can worship in churches with a drink in one hand and a donut in the other. The worship centers that promote lots of hand raising seem to be well choreographed so that parishioners are not speaking in tongues when they’ve actually been scalded by flying coffee.
I’m old fashioned. I cannot drink a beverage or eat a snack during a church service or theatre production. At one church I attended with my sons, there was one gentleman who brought donuts to church. As parishioners gathered, Mike would walk to the end of each pew with the open box of donuts, and silently thrust it forward. The Sons were hesitant at first, but I could not deprive them of delicious donuts despite the fact we had weekly communion with pretty good tasting bread.
I could not eat a donut in church. Some invisible chain kept me bound to the pew. I might take a bottle of water into a theatrical event but it must be one made of harder plastic so it doesn’t crinkle out loud.
Now, outdoor concerts or theatrical events are just not the same. I’ve generally packed a cooler and I’m in grazing mode the remainder of the evening.
Seldom do we see others without a cup, plastic water bottle, soda or juice bottle, or reusable water bottles in their hands wherever we go. It’s now a part of our culture, which is a culturally healthy thing.
A cell phone in one hand and a cup or bottle in the other.
The only true highlight of my day was eating lunch at a Noon cookout because the hamburger was delicious.
I spent most of the afternoon watching documentaries and napping, trying to wrestle the tiredness of not sleeping well the previous night. Col. Deeds was all about the day naps but he was so doggone hot on my arm. His fur was wet from me sweating.
I hopped on No. 17 for downtown and grabbed the No. 12 which dropped me off a hundred feet or so from my favorite Chobese buffet dive. It was closed. I walked back toward downtown and am now seated in Arby’s. The AC is out and it’s sweltering. Their ice machine is down and my Coke Zero is warm. However, the service has been super and I feel for the employees who are suffering in the heat.
Downtown Dayton is readying for the annual fireworks I will hopefully be returned back to The Haasienda before any professional fireworks begin so that I can soothe the pooches, Erma, especially, who is greatly terrified by the explosions.
Tomorrow, I have several meetings and then dinner with Laura. I’ve not heard back from Mama Kay to see if she will be joining us.
Hopefully, my Arby’s will be ready, soon. It’s been fourteen minutes and long enough for me to complete this blog post.
I detest camping and I’m not fond of fire pits or bonfires. I feel like I’m camping!
This morning’s air is thick with smoke and haze from the Canadian forest fires. Last night, I went downtown for supper in the Oregon District, and tried to spend about 90 minutes taking photographs of architecture; however, my eyes were burning so much that I abandoned, my photography time to only 15 minutes.
I am spending the day, relaxing, researching, writing, and later going to see a movie with Mama Kay. I had hoped to spend my day on the deck since it is currently 63° with an arrival of 71° by 11 AM. I’m betting the smoke will keep me confined inside which is aggravating for such a beautiful day.
Chief and Erma are lounging by my bed while The Colonel, Bailey, and Harrigan are romping, racing, and chancing around the backyard.
The Haasienda on Shroyer... 