SYRUPY FRIEND

A while back, my hubby decided he was in the mood for  pancakes. Since I usually prefer French Toast instead,  it was unusual that I wanted pancakes too. Rather than rustle some up…  we opted to go out to get them. Our favorite diner was open so that’s where we went. When we were situated at a table we ordered a couple stacks of pancakes. In no time at all the order was ready. Needless to say, we devoured them, our tummies bulging with satisfaction. But... before we could leave to pay the check, we noted a visitor to the table. He was dipping a foot in the syrup that was leftover. Done eating, at that point... thank goodness... we spent the next 10 minutes or so, trying to photograph our new entertaining friend... who seemed GLUED to the spot. Have you ever been disturbed by a pesky fly?

NOT YOUR MOTHERS PIZZA PIE

My husband and I don’t often get to explore new restaurants because our area just doesn’t have any. We’re hopelessly lost in an avalanche of cookie cutter places that have formula food and no creativity for the palate to enjoy. To get something out of the ordinary we usually have to travel at least 60 miles or more to find it. Ridiculous I know. But those are the breaks when you live where we do. However not long ago a new pizza place came to town and it created quite a buzz. Though it’s a franchise, it’s different. We decided to try it out. It is called Mellow Mushroom. It has a hip, cool vibe to it. You can dine in a yellow submarine car or inside a glowing mushroom room. There are cool and unusual decorations from the tables to the light fixtures. And you can make a pizza pie your way with some neat ingredients. Or order one of their specialty pies. (their SHITAKE pie is to die for) They also serve craft beers. Definitely an interesting place if you’re looking for a unique dining experience. But don’t be in a hurry. Pizza pies of this caliber take time to make.

(the menu)

(the bar)

(mushroom room)

(assembly area)

(submarine room)

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NO APOLOGIES I LOVE WATER

I make no apologies for the fact I love water and being around the ocean or a lake really floats my boat. I hate being landlocked. I will go out of my way to find a new beach or body of water to explore whenever the opportunity presents itself. Recently it did. We went on a mini vacation to the Heartland to a lake we’ve never been to before. It was in quite a nice Ohio State Park. We heard about it because every July they have a big country western concert there featuring popular stars, like Blake Shelton and Little Big Town. It is a hit with the local yokels and out-of-towners flock from miles around to attend.  Though there was no music playing the weekend we went, a fun time was had by my hubby and myself. I saw a baby heron. That made my day. Unfortunately couldn’t get a picture, try as I might. We love seeing all the wildlife, campers, boats and people… out and about. But mostly we love the boats. Nothing like being in a pontoon boat out in the middle of a nice lake to explore the sights. Have you ever been boating? Do you like it?

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CARNIVAL TIME

When I was a small child... my parents and grandparents wanted me to go on a double Ferris Wheel at the state fair. I loudly screamed and protested my disinterest.  They couldn’t understand what was wrong with me. But it stemmed from fear, pure and simple. I was scared of heights. Ferris Wheels are pretty tall. I still get a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach when I see carnival rides. Especially the ones that fly high. Merry- go - Rounds are more my speed. They are down to earth. And so is the cotton candy readily available at such venues. This week a carnival came to town and I caught this picture of the Ferris Wheel being put together. Notice the missing cars haven’t been attached yet. In my mind they are better left undone, to disable them. Are you scared of something that is seemingly innocent?