More Holiday Traditions – Trains

Although it was only about 40 degrees, it was a nice Saturday with sunshine. This afternoon we went to see the Duke Energy train display.

Since 1946, more than nine million people have visited Duke Energy’s lobby at Fourth and Main streets to see one of the world’s largest model train displays.

The theme of this year’s display is Fantasy Forest. The centerpiece is a multi-colored forest of brightly lit trees. Surrounding the trees are children’s toys of all sorts and sizes and whimsical elves. The trains wind around magical villages with miniature cars, building and people.

I vividly remember visiting the trains as a little girl, and today I accompanied my youngest son, along with two of my grandchildren, to experience another year of wonder spying this marvelous display.

The Holiday Model Train Display has truly become an annual Cincinnati tradition for my familiy.

Sharon Woods

As our annual holiday traditions dictate, we packed up the van with family and blankets and headed for Sharonville.

This established annual Johnson holiday tradition includes the leisurely drive through Sharon Woods Park to view the outdoor display of thousands of animated and decorative lights from the comfort of our own vehicle.

Each year the display grows as does our enjoyment of spending precious time together as a family.

Holiday in Lights is a mile worth of festive light displays that wind through the trees in Sharon Woods.

Thanksgiving 2008

Since I was a little girl I have loved Thanksgiving. A holiday rooted in the gathering of family and friends with the one purpose of being together to celebrate and give thanks for all that we are and all that we have. The beauty of food, family, and the season were all the embellishments that were necessary for a happy gathering.

My mind seemed to quiz me, “Do you remember Thanksgiving just one year ago?” ... As we sat down to gorge ourselves on turkey, stuffing, yams, cranberries, mashed potatoes, green beans, dinner rolls and a multitude of pies and cakes… my mom was here, smiling.

Fast-forward one year.

Today is Thanksgiving, 2008. I have tried to recreate that same warm feeling of good smells and simplicity at my table that we have found in years past. Yet, the emptiness I felt was overwhelming.

This Thanksgiving marked the first significant holiday since the passing of my mom in May.

I glanced at the seat at the end of the table, the one where my mom would sit (not only on Thanksgiving) but the “place” assigned to her as our family member. Again, I felt the loss that she would not be there. Not today. Not ever again.

As I sat alone at the table, next to her chair, I laid my head on the table as my mind filled with past memories… The incredibly delicious fragrance of the roasting turkeys, listening to Perry Como’s recording of “There’s no place like home for the holidays,” helping set the table to include seating for all the family. The Thanksgiving outings to my sister’s house in the country. How my mom loved to play Trivial Pursuit as we digested our food.

For a moment or two, I felt as if my mom were still sitting at the table with me. She insisting that we must have cranberries and yams this Thanksgiving. To get a plate ready for my brother, Danny. How I had to acknowledge my blessings. To be thankful. And, as if she spoke one last thought to me –the memories of Thanksgivings past should be cherished but allow the ones of the future to be gladly anticipated. And to remember, that she was not far from us, smiling.

It was now time for dinner to be served. By the way, we did have cranberries and yams. I had a plate ready for Danny. And, I am thankful for this holiday where my family still gathers.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Presidential Election 2008 - A History Lesson

A Day in the McCain/Palin Campaign

Wednesday was a big night for Michael and I as we headed for Lunken Airport to see the Republican Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates – John McCain and Sarah Palin. We left right after school and drove straight to the airport on the east side of Cincinnati.

With tickets in hand we waited outside in line for a couple hours to get into the airplane hangar where the rally was to take place. While waiting along the terminal we watched several vendors selling everything from key chains, magnets to t-shirts and hats. Michael soon decided to buy a McCain shirt to wear to show his support.

It wasn’t until a little before 7:00 PM that John McCain and Sarah Palin came to the hangar full of several thousand wildly enthusiastic supporters.

Cindy McCain came on stage first. She pointed out that between the Palins and McCains, 3 children are in the armed forces and that both candidates stand for duty, honor, country…. The crowd frequently yelled out, "U-S-A.”

Next Sarah Palin, accompanied by her husband, came on stage. There was an unbelievable response as the crowd in the hangar went crazy. Palin highlighted how close the race was in Ohio.

Palin explained why she thought McCain would be the best president. The 44-year-old Governor also took several swipes at Barack Obama. Palin hit hard on Obama’s spread the wealth comments stating that Obama will take your money and give it to others. “Our tax plan–you get to keep your own money.”

She professes that America is the land of possibilities. Everyone who doesn’t want their dream dashed by Obama’s tax plan is Joe the Plumber.

About 7:15 John McCain took the mike. Apparently Lee Greenwood and Gretchen Williams were there as McCain thanked them.

McCain talked first about Obama and his idea of  redistribution of wealth. He asked -how do you cut income taxes for 95% of Americans when 40% of Americans don’t pay taxes? They will get a tax credit which will be funded by taxing “you.” Obama’s plan will result either in massive deficits or increased taxes.

McCain wants to bring troops home in honor and victory. Again the crowd chanted, "U-S-A!”

McCain supports domestic energy production. Obama will consider offshore drilling, but John McCain says he WILL drill offshore. (For me, that’s enough to elect him.) The crowd yells, “Drill, Baby Drill!” and “U-S-A!”

McCain mentioned Biden’s gaffe on someone testing Obama. He says we can’t afford for Obama to be tested. John McCain pointed out that he was on a carrier during the October Crisis with Cuba.

It was about at this point that I heard someone yelling at the top of their lungs, “John McCain, you are a HERO! John McCain, I want to shake your hand!!!” I turned and smiled as I found Michael displaying his admiration for a real American war hero.

At the end of the rally McCain questioned, “Will we continue to be the best economy, the best military?” John McCain implored the crowd to fight for what’s right for America amd that America is worth fighting for.

At 7:35 McCain and Palin left the stage.

Michael and I hung around for about 15-20 minutes after the candidates left the stage to take one last look at the candidates while they boarded their private jets.

Yes, it was a memorable night and a lessson in history for the both of us. Yes, America is worth the fight.

A Special Connection

I have often read that twins have some mysterious “special connection" with each other. Sometimes they know what the other twin is thinking. Sometimes twins can complete each other’s sentences. Often they can actually “feel” how the other is feeling. They have the ability to share in the other’s joy and happiness, or sadness and heartache. And, some claim that they can sense when their twin is in trouble. And sometimes, they actually need each other to feel whole or complete.

Wondering if whether the connection they share is genetic or perhaps the result of spending nine months together in the womb, this close “relationship” has always intrigued me. Secretly, as a young girl, I often wished that I had a special “twin” connection that I could share with someone.

It was today that I realized the power of that special connection.

Along these many years, only my mother understood my tears. Without speaking she felt my fears. She could truly sense when I was in trouble. When I was sick she was the only one that knew how to doctor me. She always knew how to pray for me. She actually could feel my sadness. She truly could feel all my joys. She knew that I needed her to feel whole and complete.

As I grew older, we could complete each other’s sentences. I could sense what she was thinking. Without speaking I felt her fears. I understood her tears. I could sense when she was in trouble. I knew how to doctor her. I knew how to pray for her. I truly could feel all her joys, her sadness, her strengths, her weaknesses. I knew that she needed me to feel complete.

You see, I have finally come to an understanding about the mysterious “special connection” among twins or sometimes, just between two human beings. Perhaps there is some genetic connection. And, perhaps bonding while in the womb has something to do with it. But most importantly I believe that LOVE is the key to “connecting.” Simply, we connect through LOVE.

Today is my birthday. The day marked in time that I intimately share with one other human being, my mother. Sadly, this is the first birthday that I did not get to be with her. My mother died in May.

Yet through LOVE, across space and time, my mom and I, we are still connecting.

Rosemary Clooney Festival 2008

10th Annual Rosemary Clooney Festival

As has become our tradition, Amy and I attended another Rosemary Clooney Festival. Tonight we brought a friend, Jennifer, with us to the festival. The three of us, all decked out in our “festival” attire headed for Maysville this afternoon and arrived at the little river town of Maysville, KY, that was once again bustling with excitement. Fortunate again this year, we had beautiful weather, we had perfect “Rosie Weather.”

After parking a few blocks away we decided to have drinks at a popular local restaurant in anticipation of the gates being open to tonight’s event. As we finished our last cocktail, we made our way to the door when Amy noticed a friend of ours (from Newport) coming into the restaurant. It is normal to feel at home while at the Rosemary Clooney Festival, and seeing our friend solidified our feeling of being among good friends.

We noticed that it was 5:30 and time to enter on Market Street. We quickly found our way to our reserved table and waited to meet tonight’s dinner companions. As more and more people were arriving, we had a very nice couple join us that were celebrating their anniversary. Next, three lovely ladies joined our group.

Within a short amount of time dinner was served. The salads were wonderful, however the entrée was unrecognizable. As a matter of fact, one of the ladies at our table was in culinary school in Lexington and she did not have a clue as to what was being served. After several attempts to try this mystery food, our table of guests simple stopped eating although we all complained we were ravenous.

It didn’t take long for the creative juices to flow tonight. And of course, the wine flowed freely as well. This table of dinner partners was not to be excluded from enjoying dinner. No. One gal picked up her cell phone and ordered pizzas to be delivered - to our table! Within the promised delivery time the boxes were stacked on our table. Out of nowhere we spied a man with a white uniform walking our direction. He was a very handsome Italian man that did not seem to be concerned with our Domino boxes. He simply walked over to say hello to the girl at our table that he worked with in Lexington, in culinary school. Yes, it was the chef.




After dinner the opening performance was by comedian Rich Little, known for impersonations of celebrities. That is when things at our table got a little loud. The group of three women seemed nice enough, and resourceful with the pizza delivery, however, one of them, Wilma, was a little rambunctious. My guess was that she, like us, had stopped for drinks before the gates opened. Yet, I had the feeling that she may have started around noon with drinks. And then, add a bottle or two of wine, and she was totally uninhibited. Wilma was seated next to me and began yelling for “MICHAEL!” So loud, that Rich Little shot her a look that seemed to say BEHAVE.

This continued for quite some time until Amy called my cell, from across the table, and asked if we could take a walk. Amy, Jennifer and I walked up to the stage. It was then that we all knowingly looked at each other. We could still hear Wilma screaming for MICHAEL!!!

Michael Bolton finally came on stage. He was much more handsome than I had ever realized. His voice was extremely powerful and full of emotion as he sang the legendary aria Nessun Dorma. Bravo, I applauded with tears. He was absolutely fabulous!

Somehow, I could feel a chill in the air as he stole many a heart while singing his signature song, "When a Man Loves a Woman." Next thing I know, Amy is standing next to the stage directly in front of Michael Bolton. She could not take her eyes off of him, and strangely, as I looked at Michael Bolton, he seemed fixated on Amy. The next song he seemed to sing to her alone.

He even put the microphone down to Amy as if he wanted Amy to sing along with him.

The concert ended too quickly for me, I could have listened to Michael Bolton sing all night. But the night did not end so quickly. Can I just say that we ended up at Capronis for the next couple hours while Amy got to socialize with Michael Bolton.

Sorry George –Amy has a new obsession.

Touch-a-Truck

Yep, it is Saturday and we made our usual stop to Frisch’s for lunch. Afterwards we were going to take a quick drive through Tower Park in Fort Thomas to look for soft drink cans (we are collecting for the environment and will cash in the proceeds to a Catholic charity).

As we drove through the park we saw about a dozen trucks with kids all around them. Ft. Thomas Recreation Department was holding their annual “TOUCH-A-TRUCK” program. This program is designed to introduce kids and their families to different trucks and equipment. Many adults and children are able to see and explore trucks up close.

Brandon and his cousin, Larry, always play “army guys” at home. They both have all the military camouflage clothes and even dog tags. Well, wouldn’t you know it, Larry was there admiring the army trucks, too.

We didn't come across one aluminum can there, but were happy to come across some unexpected fun.

Rachel should have been in M*A*S*H!

Brandon in a police cruiser!

Ambulance...

An Uninvited Visitor - IKE

I have never seen such a wind storm in all my life. I was certainly not ready for this unexpected visitor - Ike.

The effects of Hurricane Ike are reaching the Midwest. It is by no means wreaking the same havoc it did in the Texas gulf areas, but it is still quite a strong storm.

Amy and I felt like “storm chasers” as we scouted the neighborhood to photograph the damage during the midst of this storm. The wind sounded much like a tornado as it forcibly whistled up the hill through all the trees. We found strong gusts of wind ripping off shingles, gutters and siding from neighbors’ homes. Against the street curb we found several tomatoes, apparently blown there from someone’s garden. Around the corner we saw walnuts piling up in the street. Limbs and branches seemed to be hanging on by a thread.

Wind gives Amy's hair a new look...

The storm has finally seemed to move on. Yes, trees are down, power is out in several places, and people are scrambling to retrieve items from neighbor's yards.

Not unlike any unwelcome guest, this one took too long to leave… and has left behind some unexpected remembrance of its visit…

And, by the way, we don’t like Ike!

Tree blocking street

Looking south on York Street between Eighth & Ninth Street

Rembering Seven Years Ago

Today is the seventh anniversary of the day the terrorists attacked. The World Trade Center destroyed, the Pentagon devastated, the plane crash in Pennsylvania. This video is a tribute to those whose lives were lost.

Not since Pearl Harbor has such a terrible thing been visited upon us. We must never forget the horrible destruction, the thousands who died needlessly.

It is difficult for me to think of that day. I remember my disbelief as I watched television that morning. I called my mother and asked her to make sense of what was happening - she could not.

Then, to see the US Congress stand strongly united, side by side, as Americans, while fires still burned at the Pentagon. My pride as an American soared as they sang, "God Bless America." I stood and sang along with them with my hand on my heart, as tears rolled down my cheeks.

These are things we cannot forget.

God Bless America, My Home Sweet Home.

WEBN Fireworks 2008

I have a lot of great memories of the Labor Day fireworks celebration. In Northern Kentucky, Biehl Street (Newport) has one of the best views of the Cincinnati skyline around.

Some of my earliest WEBN firework memories go back to when my brother lived on Biehl Street. The whole family would show up early in the afternoon to have a cook out. We would socialize and eat until dark and then the much anticipated firework show would begin… My mom being there, John and Robbie, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends… The hospitality, the music, the fireworks, and spending time with my family fill my mind with many wonderful memories.

Although, as I remember back, it was also a bittersweet time. The fireworks meant the end of summer. School would start after Labor Day and that meant less time with my children. It meant no more swimming, no more sleeping late and that cold weather and winter was just around the corner...

This year, we didn’t do much in preparation for the fireworks, as in years past. Philip had decided to go to a friend’s house (on Biehl Street) where he could watch the fireworks. Katie decided she would stay down at the Levee all day and watch from the river with some of her friends.

We still had a small cookout at my house for Amy and her family. After finishing hamburgers and hot dogs, we waited until 8:30 PM and drove down to Biehl Street to scope out a spot to watch the fireworks. Jeff, (being the knowledgeable neighborhood mailman), told us that the vacant house, the one with the yard with the wonderful view of downtown Cincinnati, might be a good place to stop at. So, we parked the stroller and parked ourselves in the yard, like we owned it.

Next, Jeff’s mom and dad called on the cell. They were looking for a good place to watch the fireworks so Jeff told them where to meet us… There was plenty of room in this newly adopted yard of ours.

Then, Philip called my cell and asked where we were… as it turned out we were only a few houses down the street from his friend’s house. His friend graciously invited us up to his house to sit on their deck. Not knowing if we would get booted from the vacant lot, we all opted to join Philip and his friend.

It was a good decision. They had the most perfect view of the fireworks! They even shared their drinks and snacks with us. We sat on the deck and enjoyed every minute of the fireworks!

....when Johnny Cash’s song, “Rings of Fire” played, the whole crowd on the deck sang along with Johnny… while John Mellencamp’s “When the Wall Comes Tumbling Down” played, I changed the words and sang, “When the DECK comes tumbling down!!” Trust me, it was funny, there were a whole lot of people rocking on that deck!

Actually, the whole night rocked!

California Nature Preserve

After lunch today we took a detour off the beaten path and went to California Woods Nature Preserve. We have driven past that sign many times, but never turned in. Today would be different. After entering the park, first of all, I really hoped there wasn't someone leaving, as the road was only wide enough for one car...

Yet, it wasn't long before we discovered that California Woods Nature Preserve is one of the hidden jewels of the City of Cincinnati Parks. The preserve plays host to over 200 species of wildflowers blooming in a wide variety of habitats, right in the middle of the city.

You can also find over 50 different species of trees at the preserve including beech, red oak, hickory, black walnut and yellow buckeye. Today, the beautiful old sycamore trees blocked the late August sunshine, and patches of leaves and sky sent sprays of light through the hiking trails.

We found a creek that gracefully runs through the nature preserve providing a suitable habitat for snapping turtles and small fish.

However, one thing to note, what you won't find here are any playgrounds. There aren't any tennis courts. No camping facilities or grills either. There are a few comfortable park benches beckoning, and bridge rails invite a lean or two, but the lure of this park is an appreciation of nature and a love for what is beautiful.

It is simply - a big patch of beautiful forest.

Rabbit Hash

As we do on most Sunday’s, we took a drive. Michael likes to head down to Rabbit Hash, at least once a year, to get a Sarsaparilla. So, that is where we went.

If you are not familiar with Rabbit Hash, you need to be. Rabbit Hash consists of a handful of historic properties located on the Ohio River (Boone County, KY) that has been described as “frozen in time.”

The General Store is the heart and soul of this little river village. Rabbit Hash General Store has been in continuous operation since it opened its doors in 1831, and with very little change. It has survived floods, mud and ice over the many generations it has seen.

To visit Rabbit Hash, is to take a big step back in time. As many others have discovered, this place is therapeutic. Time slows down in Rabbit Hash, as does your blood pressure. You are greeted by smiles and howdy’s in Rabbit Hash.

Although you no longer see anyone riding horses as in days of old, you will see a lot of motorcycles. The beautiful scenery along the Ohio River and the winding roads that lead to Rabbit Hash naturally draw bikers to Rabbit Hash. Rabbit Hash is a destination to meet friends whether on bike or car.

As for today, after browsing the store and making our purchases, we sat on the log bench on the front porch to enjoy a cool drink. We soon learned the sad news that the mayor of Rabbit Hash had died recently. Many will miss scratching the mayor’s ears and watching him beg for scraps. Oh, by the way, the mayor was a dog named, Junior. Course, there's already politicking going on in Rabbit Hash. The sign on the store read, “Vote for Lucie, she is the only B@#$% in town you can trust!” I am pretty sure Lucie is a dog, too!


Rabbit Hash... The name is contagious. Someone once commented that Rabbit Hash is not just a little river town, it’s a state of mind.

Looking for Treasure

Today we went driving along the 127 Corridor Sale. This sale is billed as the “World's Longest Yardsale,” averaging 654 miles long, starting in West Unity, Ohio and continuing southward to Gadsden, Alabama. Today we were hoping to have a shot at finding some undiscovered treasure, of course at a giveaway price. I could envision myself on The Antiques Roadshow describing how I bought my treasure at this sale... and how little I paid for such a valuable item...

We started in Covington, KY at Main Strasse and drove about 40 miles south trying to locate that hidden “treasure.” It was rather interesting to see all the stuff lined up on tables for sale. Yes, junk to costume jewelry, used shoes to colored glass, postcards to beautiful antiques, and everything in between. The sale had something that could appeal to every taste. Whether collector, a person searching for nostalgia or a first-time treasure hunter, you could find something to pique your interest at the sale.

After several hours on the road, and the laying of hands on over a hundred items, we found nothing that met our requirements for undiscovered treasure. Then, at the last stop along our trek, I spied something interesting… An overlooked treasure just laying there, unnoticed. "Hold on a minute," I whispered to myself. The price was right… one dollar...

Slowly shaking my head yes, and biting my lip, I decided to buy it. I didn’t even try to haggle on the price. It may not qualify as a treasure to anyone else, and you probably won't see it on The Antiques Roadshow, but I knew Amy would love it.

Anything to do with Elvis is always a treasure to Amy!

Ready, Set, Go-Karts!

Today we went to Eastgate to ride the go-karts. Michael is a seasoned go-kart driver while Rachel has never been in a go-kart before. Michael, with experience under his belt, sped out of the starting line each time. However, Rachel was a little more reserved in accelerating and liked to get a feel for things before she really got going. By the end of the day, they both were running laps around me.

Afterwards they relaxed next to the lake and fed the ducks, or fish…

Starlite Drive-In – And a Nostalgic Look Back

Again, I felt the need to pack some extra fun into the last days of summer. With little else to do on a Wednesday night, we decided to drive out to the Starlite Drive-In. Before we left, Katie filled up the cooler with ice and lots of soft drinks and grabbed several snacks. Michael threw a couple lawn chairs into the back of the van along with some blankets and pillows.

Tonight it took us about a half hour to drive to Starlite which is located in Amelia, OH. We have been making this drive and enjoying the movies at the Starlite Drive-In for at least a dozen years. Occasionally throughout the years we have heard rumors that they may be closing. Fortunately for us, they have only been rumors, as we all love going to this family oriented drive-in.

So, are you old enough to remember going to the drive-in theater? When I was a kid everybody went to the drive-in movies all summer long. I fondly remember as my family would take us to the Pike 27 Drive-In Theater in Cold Spring, KY. There was a playground at the base of the screen and we spent more time playing and eating the snacks that my mom packed than watching the movie.

I remember the scratchy sounding speakers barely hanging on the car window, hiding my head behind the back seat of my mom during scary parts, and families setting up lawn chair and blankets outside their cars as the image flickered on the looming screen.

My parents always made a bed for us in the back, pillows and blankets piled on the floor, so we could sleep during the late second movie. It was wonderful.

Drive-ins saw their peak in the late 1950s when there were more than 4,000 across the country. Back in the '50's, the drive-in sound system comprised of speaker polls with bulky speakers lined up across an open field below the big screen. Now, only the speaker poles remain of the old sound system, which has given way to stereo sound broadcast through the car's radio. Today, only 383 drive-ins are left, according to the United Drive-In Theatre Owners Association.

Tonight at the Starlite we stayed for the double feature, Space Chimps and The Mummy. It really didn’t even matter to us what was playing, we just wanted to do something together. Some activities may seem like relics from another time, but sometimes that's what makes them fun. And, we did have fun.

Katie has always liked the dancing hot dog during intermission!

Buca di Beppo

With school almost ready to start back up, I figured today provided a good opportunity to try a new place for a leisurely lunch - Buca di Beppo at Rookwood Commons in Norwood. Buca di Beppo is an American restaurant chain specializing in immigrant Southern Italian food. The name roughly translates as "Joe's Basement."

As soon as we arrived, the hostess took us for a quick tour of the restaurant. We toured the kitchen, down the decorated hallway, and then past the “Pope” dining room.


We were then seated in a room with a shrine to Frank Sinatra. Our table was situated under a photo of five debutantes eating spaghetti...without using their hands. The walls everywhere had interesting photos of famous people while other photos were just “regular” people. The music was familiar as I remembered a lot of the tunes were songs my mom and dad used to listen to.

After a short wait, our meal consisted of huge portions of food along with delicious garlic bread with Mozzarella cheese. It was fun to sit, talk about nothing important, admire silly photographs and enjoy a delicious lunch.


After lunch, Michael seemed amused by the photographs in the men’s restroom. Not sure what they were of, but they gave him a chuckle.