Jungle Jim’s – Day Eleven

We hadn’t really planned much for the final day so after Mass and hospital visits, etc., we headed out to Mason to a couple of scrapbook stores and then on to Jungle Jim’s in Fairfield for some food shopping. Jungle Jim’s is a food shopping experience that can’t be described. But here are a few photos to try to show the atmosphere of the place.

After Jungle Jim’s, we went for our final chili meal. This time I had the Coney Bowl which is like eating three coneys without the bun. Delish! I sure will miss my Cincinnati chili.

My flight leaves Greater Cincinnati airport at 3:30 PM on Monday. Looking forward to an easy trip across country and a restful night’s sleep in my own bed. I’m sure I’ll be blogging from Denver again so don’t begin to think you’ve heard the last of me.

Sonic Mess in Seymour

On the trip back from French Lick, we decided we needed a sweet treat so we stopped in Seymour, hometown of John Mellencamp. The "Small Town" that he sings about is Seymour, Indiana. Three of us were able to devour our ice cream treats without much mess. Chrissie, however, had a little bit of a problem. Once again, I nearly wet my pants laughing.

More Courthouses of Indiana

On our trips to and from French Lick, Indiana, we took in some more County Courthouses.

The Orange County Courthouse in Paoli is one of the two oldest courthouses in Indiana that have been used continuously and was built 1847-1850. It is a good example of the Greek Revival style of architecture. The court house is distinguished by a Doric portico with six fluted columns.

The Lawrence County Courthouse in Bedford is of Italianate Classic Revival style. Indiana Limestone or Bedford Limestone is a common term for Salem limestone, a geological formation primarily quarried in south central Indiana between Bloomington and Bedford. Bloomington Indiana has been noted to have the highest quality quarried limestone in the United States.

Jackson County Courthouse in Brownstown was built in 1910-1911 in a Classic style using Ionic capitals (whatever that means).

Sunday Morning at Starbucks - Newport

Yes, Virginia, there is a Starbucks in Newport.

Sitting here alone while Chrissie visits Matt’s Dad in ICU and Mom attends 11AM Mass at Holy Spirit, listening to Paul McCartney over the Starbucks speakers although I’m wishing I had brought my headphones with me. This is the loudest Starbucks I’ve ever seen. And it’s the employees (baristas?) making all the racket. Jeesh, people are trying to type here…..

Camp Washington Chili – Day Ten

Our fourth chili parlour on our Coney Crawl took us to Camp Washington Chili, restaurant Roy visited many times in his youth. This one I rated as the spiciest.

I chatted with the owner, John Johnson, who took over the family business in 1951 when he moved here from Greece. Nearly all of the Cincinnati chili parlours are owned by Greek immigrant families. Johnson’s birth name was Ioannis Ioannou. Thus, John Johnson when he obtained his citizenship. He graciously posed for a photo to see if Roy could still recognize him.

St. Therese Mustangs

The softball team that Chrissie helps my cousin Kelly coach had a game on Saturday so Mom and I went along to cheer (and photograph) the St. Therese Mustangs. A couple of photographs show the action. The star of most of these photos is my third cousin  Brianna, who is really a great little player.

 

Many a New Day

On Friday evening, we went to watch Lexi’s recital on the Clermont College campus. Lex performed to Many a New Day from Oklahoma, Nine to Five from the movie of the same name and one other song which escapes me at the moment. Lexi has really improved since my last visit and I was much impressed with her talent and discipline in dance. Lexi’s performances included tap, ballet and jazz dance.

Flying Flowers – Day Nine

Mom, Chrissie and I made our traditional trek to Krohn Conservatory to see the Butterflies of India.

 

 

This last one took a liking to Mom’s hair.

Goetta for Breakfast

You haven’t eaten until you’ve had Goetta for breakfast.

For over half a century, the enticing scent of
Glier's Goetta browning on the stove, mingled
with the rich aroma of fresh coffee, signaled a
leisurely weekend breakfast for many Greater
Cincinnatians...a time to relax with the family,
talk, and enjoy a delicious meal.

Goetta was created in Greater Cincinnati's
German immigrant community in the late 1800's. 
It is a delicious blend of pork, beef, and whole
grain, steel cut oats, or pinhead oatmeal.

This delicious batch was served up by Mom.

Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge

We spotted bluebirds, Canada geese, cardinals, sparrows, squirrels and one lone doe.

West Baden Springs Hotel – Day Eight

Even grander than French Lick Hotel is this National Historic Landmark once known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Originally built in 1902, it has recently reopened as a luxury hotel since being closed in 1932. Following the stock market crash of 1929, the owner sold the property to the Jesuits for $1. It was operated as a seminary college for thirty years. Of course, they eliminated many of the property’s elegant appointments which have now been lovingly restored. The highlight is a six-story free-spanned domed atrium but the beautiful landscaping and gardens are a close second.

These grounds reminded me of a Thomas Kincaid painting.

Chrissie photographing the dome in the center of the HUGE atrium.

The Richard Girls at West Baden Springs

Two sets of sisters, two generations: Dorothy Richard Rodgers, Chrissie Rodgers, Marian Richard and Jennifer Rodgers (left to right)

 

French Lick Springs – Day Seven

Mom, Aunt Sis, Chrissie and I took an overnight road trip to French Lick Springs, home of two grand old hotels built in the early 1900’s. Of course, a casino is now attached to one of them which is the draw for Mom and Sis.

We spent the night at French Lick Springs Hotel, originally built in 1901. It has overgone a top-to-bottom restoration, renewing more than 5,000 square feet of gold leafing which can be seen in some of these photos. Hard to believe such grandeur is hidden in the heart of little ole Indiana.