Columbus & Other Adventures

American gothic turned on its head at Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams

A couple weekends ago I visited Mike in Columbus.  The boys stayed with my parents, so we had a very nice weekend.  We enjoyed all the samples of ice cream at Jeni's and it was hard for me to choose one exotic flavor, so I picked two (vanilla mixed with lilac).

One of the more charming neighborhoods to visit is German Village.  There were pubs, cobblestone streets, parks, and lots of walking areas.  I especially enjoyed The Book Loft and could have spent hours in the many little nooks, crannies, and corners viewing those wonderful books. 

The whole downtown area is great.  Here's the beginning of Short North.  The Ohio State University is located between Short North and Old North. What a huge campus! 

Mike surprised me with a fun evening at the Cloak and Dagger murder mystery dinner theatre. I felt better about the move after visiting the city and found that sense of peace that I was searching for. Below are some photos that Mike took of different places we'll visit in Ohio once we move.

Hocking Falls

The past month and a half has been a little tough:  My mom was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer and soon will begin treatment once the results of the tests are released.  She had a lumpectomy almost three weeks ago and is doing real well.  It seems the cancer only spread to one of 16 lymph nodes removed, and according to my brother's friend who is a pathologist and who reviewed the report from my mom's surgeon, it was an aggressive cancer. Mom is determined to get through the treatments (radiation and/or chemo) to help us when we move to Columbus this summer, so as to exactly when we'll move remains to be seen. We'll cross that bridge when we get to it.
 

Mom doesn't slow down!  She and Dad took care of the boys when I was gone and she even cleaned my house (much to my embarrassment). She never worries about the future; her strength and good attitude have always helped her through any bump in the road. And she has lots of friends who give her support and that makes a difference. 

Downtown Columbus the night of the Big Moon

When I left for Columbus my parents told me to have an open mind.  I've been sick with worry all this time with the move, Mike's traveling, and now Mom that I was upset about leaving. Sometimes we want things to stay the same, but nothing is static.

Cincinnati

Mike's co-worker always reminds him that everything is temporary.

Let nothing trouble you,

let nothing frighten you.

All things are passing;

God never changes.

Patience obtains all things.

He who possesses God lacks nothing:

God alone suffices.

St. Teresa of Avila