Tis The Season......

This time of year means different things to each of us. While I try to understand the righteous indignation of some I can't help but feel like we should all respect each others beliefs, feeling and traditions.

For me this is a time of joy and remembrance. Joy was brought to the world by the birth of Christ. My family celebrates a fairly traditional Christmas with the religious meanings included.  I will not apologize for our traditions nor our religion.

In the hopes of honoring the birth of our Savior I also try to give more back to my fellow man- be it in the form of monetary donations, toy donations or donation of time.

Re-telling stories of Christmas memories is a way to connect my kids with my past. It's a way to share a part of me that as they get older will hopefully help them to understand where I came from and my why's.

It's also a time to remember the people that have helped us all to enjoy the freedoms we often take for granted. Many individuals have sacrificed and still sacrifice today so we all have the freedom to celebrate this magical season in our own way.Take a moment to say thank you silently or out loud doesn't matter how just express your gratitude.

 WISHING ALL A  MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR

Columbus is Changing the World!

Columbus is more than a great place to find foodie restaurants, museums, shows, shopping and The Buckeyes sports; Columbus is a community dedicated to changing the our little part of the world.

Over the past few weeks I have had the privilege to help out with multiple events, working side by side with a group of dedicated volunteers that show up year after year. They believe in what they are doing and they work hard to pull it off.

Yesterday, October 18^th, I participated in StandDown Central Ohio 2016. This event is held yearly to give a hand up to our Vet that struggle financially. It’s one day when these Vets know their service has not been forgotten. As they filed in they made their way to legal services, medical, veteran resources, cloths and cold weather gear, food, possibly a hair cut, a hot meal and their favorite – a new pair of boots courtesy of Rocky Boots.

These men and woman come with all sorts of baggage and health issues, they are appreciative of the what is being offered. Most take just what they need. They enjoy the hot meal and Dairy Queen blizzard with a side of  someone to talk to who is asking to hear their story.

Many of the volunteers come year after year and they recognize the Vets ask how their year has been and if they are ok. One volunteer I spoke with had been volunteering for 20 years at this event.

I moved here almost 2 years ago and as I explore things to do in Columbus I am happy to include volunteer opportunities!

A HUGE THANK YOU to Rocky Boots for the 100's of pairs of military grade boots once again given to our deserving Vets! And we can't forget the Ohio National Guard Troops that staffed the boot  department - I  so touched by how much patience and care they showed while fitting the Vets - I even overheard one say to a Vet that apologized for needing to try multiple sizes  - take your time today is your day and we want to get it right!

Thank you Hills Market!!

So I was told September was lobster roll month at Hills Market. I am a huge fan of lobster rolls and I don't mean the lobster like rolls, I mean LOBSTER - GET IN MY MOUTH- ROLLS!

So on a what looked to be a gloomy Saturday I headed down to Hills Market to get my September lobster roll. It was still a bit early so the line was not very long, they had a meal deal that included lemonade so I grabbed that and an ice coffee, headed to table for a delightful lobster roll!

The lobster was good quality,  nice sized chunks served on a simple roll that did not compete with the lobster. I could tell it was fresh made and the people at Hills are so friendly and you can tell they were enjoying lobster day as much as we were enjoying it!

I will admit I really wanted the pie slice that was part of the deal but I had no room left and wanted to make sure if I was going to eat those calories I was able to enjoy them. Don't miss the last Saturday of Lobster Rolls until next year!

Short North Does it Again!

When Short North throws a party you can expect the best! Sunday, September 18th a variety of homeowners opened their doors to the public. The Short North Tour of Homes & Gardens was well attended and as expected well worth the $15 ticket!

The variety of homes we toured was well rounded. The tour started with two apartments in the 55+ Westminister Thurber Community. It was a great way to be introduced to living options for older adults. Next we went off to see many homes that had been lovingly renovated, a new build and how it amazingly fit into the neighborhood vibe to a garage that had the owner's space and a private retreat in the back he rented out as an AirBnB.

I personally love seeing the creativity and getting decorating tips. It is amazing to have these homeowners allow us the privilege of coming into their personal spaces. A big thank you to all who participated!

It Ain't Over Until The Snow Flies!!

Wow! Labor Day Weekend has come and gone! The weather was glorious and the events many! I will share it pains me a bit to hear that Labor Day is the unofficial close of Summer. With so many sunny days still ahead and so many things to do I don't close the door to Summer until the snow flies.

As move into cooler sometimes fickle weather there are so many festivals( a don't' miss the Columbus Italian Festival)  to attend, art shows, Charity Running/Biking events, the list goes on and on! Many of these events are free or almost free - love the idea of a charity run but not much of a runner? Many have a mile or so walk you can participate in or just come out and line the road cheering on the runners! Keep checking out the Farmer's Markets - many of vendors will share their favorite recipes. The public park system is a jewel to enjoy the waning days, especially when the leaves turn and the trees are dressed in their fall colors!

Considering a few winter projects? Builders and remodeling companies  often have tours showcasing their accomplishments. Or check out home tours in Columbus neighborhoods, such as the Short North Home Tour. These tours cost minimally and they are a great way to get new ideas or see what is available out there to buy!

With school back in and the days growing shorter Summer may be giving way to Fall but don't head indoors yet!

A Little Something For Everyone!

Worthington Farmers Market is one the most anticipated markets in the area.  I can’t tell if it’s the charm of High Street in Worthington or the festival like atmosphere or the great selection of stands! Despite the heat and humidity, it was a picture perfect day to visit the vendors and get some deals!

This market offers a nice mix of Mom and Pop operations, medium size operations and seasonal operators. There are a good amount of stands selling bouquets of flowers, the bright colors and creative displays take me back a bit to the market in Florence Italy! I am especially fond of all the big and beautiful Sunflowers this time of year – what a happy flower!

I was able to pick up some really fresh vegetables, including an interesting squash. What I really appreciate is most of the vendors will give you ideas and tips on prep so if you are familiar with certain items ask!  The bread and pastry vendors were out in full force and to nicely compliment them there is coffee and juice vendors. This market also has a few meat vendors and fish vendors. You really could do a weeks worth of perishable shopping there and judging by the number of carts, many people do! They even have gourmet treats for pets!

Some of my favorite vendors are Kingdom Fish for some of the freshest Tilapia around – great recipes too! It’s hard to narrow down a vegetable vendor for me it depends on what I am looking to purchase. I am really smitten with The Lucky Cat Bakery – my downfall is fresh, pure ingredient bread! Not to miss is Ohio City Pasta – they are a longtime favorite of mine back from my Westside Market shopping days when I lived in Northeast Ohio – it’s a taste of home. The difference in fresh, small batch pasta verses mass produced stuff will bring you back to eating pasta! There are so many things to experience there you really have to make a trip. A lot of people take advantage of the restaurants that line the street of the market. They grab a table on the patio, enjoy breakfast or early lunch then enjoy some street level shopping. We all have to shop for food so why not make it enjoyable!

The Dog Days of Summer!!

The last few days have produced brutal heat and humidity. I love a hot summer, I prefer a fan over air conditioning, summer is my season; however, 100% humidity with a heat index of over 100 even this heat lover is seeking a cool retreat!

Determined to not be stuck inside I headed out to The Topiary Garden in Olde Town East. With my granddaughter and daughter in tow we took advantage of the cooler morning and got there about 10am. There was plenty of parking along side E Towne Road so we easily parked and fed the meter. Strolling along the pathways we had a chance to enjoy the topiaries as well as the beautiful gardens. The pond offers much needed refreshment for birds, squirrels and the other wild life. One of my favorite topiaries is the small boat with the person in it  fishing. This whimsical garden offered the cool retreat we were seeking! Grass, trees, well placed park benches and the cement tables and benches all seem to bounce the heat away leaving a cool spot to enjoy the creativity of the people who planned and keep the gardens.

Next we drove the short mile to the Scioto Fountains. Getting there around 11:30 the crowds were not too bad! There is a lot of metered parking around the area, so we were able to park on Front St and walk the short distance to the fountains. I really appreciate the way the parks monitor the activity and keep the area so clean. The bathroom building makes it especially easy when you have little ones with you. My granddaughter joyfully splashed through the water trying to anticipate the next move of each nozzle. it is really enjoyable to watch all ages of kids splashing, laughing and moving around without the aid of electronics! Nice to see whole families taking advantage of this FREE activity offered by Columbus Parks. Today more than ever it is so important for families to spend time together playing and enjoying each others company! So pack a bag of snacks, grab the bathing suites and don't let this summer experience get away!