Shakespeare in The Park

The Scarlet Pimpernel, A MidSummer Night's Dream, and Oedipus Rex are the 3 plays being performed this summer in Schiller Park in German Village in Columbus Ohio by Actors Theatre. For 30 years Shakespeare's been performed in the is park. Through out the years we've enjoyed this wonderful free summer time entertainment. I've blogged several times about this marvelous park in German Village. I've discussed the history of the park, the wonderful flowers, the quotes, the statues. Truly it has something for everyone.

While we carried our cooler and lounge chairs to the stage area, we passed kids on bikes, kids on roller skates, people walking their dogs, people running for exercise, others just strolling. We saw people fishing in the pond, and guys playing basketball.

Summer travels don't have to require miles on your cars, heavy duty packing, or expensive airline tickets in order to have a good time. Have you taken advantage of the special summer time entertainment in your area? If not, why not?

What's more enjoyable then sitting in your lounge chair on a nice summer night, sipping wine, eating a picnic and then being entertained............for free! They do ask for donations during intermission, but still.......you really can't beat it. We missed seeing the performance of The Scarlet Pimpernel, really enjoyed A MidSummer Night's Dream, and are looking forward to Oedipus Rex.

Travel to your local Park

Isn't this a nice view? Wouldn't you like to be there right now? You could. If not here, perhaps in a similar spot in your own neck of the woods. This is Whetstone Park, which is 90 acre metro park in Columbus on the north side just off High Street (Route 23). There is much to see and do here. Plenty of places to run, to walk, to build a fire, to have a picnic, to fish...to just enjoy. Lots of big trees that provide plenty of shade. Take a book, on yarn and sit and enjoy. Listen to the sounds of birds chirping, children playing, people having fun. Every city or town, no matter how large or small has such a place. Green public places. Do you take time to enjoy them? I bet most people are saying no. As much as I like to outdoors, and as close as I am to this lovely park; have to say it's been years since we've gone. What a shame. It's lovely. There are places in the sun if you want to sun yourself, places in the shade, open areas to run with the kids and the pets, paths to walk or run with a stroller perhaps. There picnic tables both in and outside of the shelter houses. 90 acres............it's large, plenty of space. The Park of Roses is also here for those who want to stroll through beautiful gardens.

Walk across the bridge and see the casting ponds on both sides. Stop and enjoy the view.

Check with the community building for a schedule of events like lessons or little competitions for children at the casting ponds. Great entertainment. In the winter these same casting ponds freeze and make a wonderful, and safe place to iceskate. The shelter house has a fireplace to get warm during that season as well.

Look around your fair city, there's something almost in your backyard to explore. Take advantage of it and enjoy. If you're in my neck of the wood............come stroll Whetstone Park with me.

Low Mileage Travels

(pretty pink lillies in my backyard, notice the rain drops on the 2nd photo)

Gas isn't cheap, time can be tight, so can money. That doesn't mean you can't travel. It's summer, pack the kids up and head out for a day. Pack a picnic lunch, play in the park, see a lighthouse, visit a museum (always good to get in our of the rain or hot sun), go swimming on the shore, visit the zoo, visit and learn from one of the many historic areas, take a walk, go for a hike, sit by a water fall. All of that exists locally! Right here in Ohio.

Here are 28 adventures with Flat Stanley, something for everyone. Use his guidelines when you visit similar areas in your area. Kids can learn all summer long....so can you!

Check out adventure in the little town where I was born, Urbana, less than an hour from the center of the state.

Dance, watch a sunset, have a picnic, enjoy life music, visit historic parks or landmarks in the parks in the Capital of Columbus

Visit the state's first Capital, Chillicothe, see Log Cabins, fish, go swimming, smell the flowers, go hike, climb the hills, visit and or lunch in haunted areas.

The skies the limit. Ohio is the Mother of all Presidents, there are monuments.

Click on Ohio in the cloud there are 41 posts to give you lots of ideas of places to go, things to see. Enjoy!

General Eichelberger and I, Famous!

Rarely do I leave home without my camera, even when I'm not on vacation and doing "real traveling". Why? well, you just never know when something might present itself. I have a small easy, inexpensive for just that reason. I can put it in my purse. Remember you can always enlarge the pictures by clicking on them. While traveling to and from Urbana, Ohio to visit my elderly aunt in an assisted living center, I spotted this historic sign, right across from Mercy Hospital in a beautiful lush green park setting. Come to find out, I'm not the only famous person to have been born in Urbana, Ohio. Imagine that! General Robert Lawrence Eichelberger was born there too, so slightly before my time since he was born in 1886.

His list of accomplishments is huge and quite impressive. He graduated from West Point as a 2nd Lt. in the Infantry, married the daughter of a judge in North Carolina and served. Boy, did he serve our country. He served in Panama, on the Mexican Border, in Siberia as part of the American Expeditionary Forces. He was the Superintendent of West Point when Pearl Harbor was boomed. He trained flying Army Officers. He served in World War II in several locations; but is most remembered for his leadership in The Pacific. General MacArthur is known to have said, "Bob, I want you to take Buna, or not come back alive". He defeated the Japanese there and elsewhere. He became The Commander General of the entire 8th Army and lead the invasion of The Philippines, the occupation of and rebuilding of Japan. He was highly decorated earning The Distinquished Service Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Cluster, and The Navy Distinguished Service Medal among many others.
He retired in 1948, a few years before my important birth there in the same city, and is was buried with full military honors in 1961 at Arlington National Cemetery.
Keep your eyes open as you make your daily travels to and fro, you really never know when you'll see and learn something that's not ordinary. A great man, all have stories to tell. Was pleased to learn his story in my travels.

Other posts about Urbana
Historic courthouse and
Traveling is always an Adventure
Town Round About

Hocking Hills, Ohio

Hocking Hills State Park has much to offer anyone who enjoys outdoor beauty. This is NOT a place suitable for wearing flip flops unless you're taking one of the paved physically challenged trails. There are 6 area's to hike and picnic in: Old Man's Cave, Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, Conkle's Hollow, Cantewell Cliffs, and Rock House. Each are unique and interesting. Each are beautiful. You definitely want your camera. Some of the areas are more suited to adults, some are easy enough for children. Above I believe is Old Man's Cave. That space between the rocks...a rather tight squeeze.
This is very popular Ash Caves, a bit more opened. That's hubby going across to reach a waterfall on the other side. Ash Caves is generally very busy in summer months, but less so in early Spring and Fall.
Tall Hemlock Trees are beautiful and let light filter in; but many areas of the trails are slippery from moss covered rocks, and dampness from water falls.
The base area of Ash Caves is a sometimes spot for an outdoor wedding. Picture quality isn't good, but I stayed my distance wanting them to have their privacy.
Many of the trails are filled with interest plants, bugs, and other insects. I kept walking slowly to get a picture of this one.
Behind the water all at Cedar Falls here. Cedar Falls is also known for a large population of Snapping Turtles, another good reason to wear hiking boots.

Come and spend the day, picnic and hike there's much to see and enjoy. A large variety of rock formations, wild life, waterfalls, overlooks, visitor center, and naturalist cabin. Or spend more time and camp in the camp ground. Maybe you're not that "into" being outdoors and want more then a tent for the night; no problem. There are many cabins for rent both in the State Park and privately in the area.

Old Man's Cave is probably the most well known of the 6 areas and was named for Richard Rowe who lived in a cave there after the Civil War. Sadly, he killed himself; though historians say it was an accident involving his gun. It is said he was buried there in one of the caves by the local Native Tribes; but where...no one knows. There are 25 miles of hiking trails in the State Park, with a wide range of degree of difficulty; something for everyone.

My H post for the Z-A Challenge

Hocking Hills in Winter Post Here

Picnic with the Pops, Columbus Ohio

Picnic with the Pops. A wonderful summer time activity suitable for young and old alike. Our symphony performs outdoors several times in the summer, it's casual, it's fun. Truly a great summer tradition in Columbus, Ohio. Here's a general view of he stage area. You see people in chairs, on blankets, at tables. Some get dressed up, others come casual. Some bring feasts, others bring snacks. Truly it's your choice.
There's always a patriotic concert that's quite popular. We ladies dressed appropriately. Pictured left to right: Karen, Jane, and yours truly-Sandy. This years Patriotic Concert will be July 2, Sat evening.

Hubby and I. You can see coolers and people behind us. Everyone claims a spot and settles in.

People come and picnic before the concert. Gates open at 6 pm, and the concerts begin at 8:15 pm. Price for adults is $20.00 and $8.00 for children, with kids under 2 being free. Concerts are held on the lawn at Chemical Abstracts, 2540 Olentangy River Road in Columbus. Tickets can be purchased ahead or at the gate. Discounts available for groups and early purchases. Coupon books for $160.00 hold 10 no date tickets. The series Picnic with the Pops runs from June 18th through July 30th this coming year.

Sometimes there's dancing! Ernie and I cutting a rug as they say. He always dances better after wine, lol. Entertainment varies. This coming season will host the music of Michael Jackson which I'll make a point not to go to. Didn't like him when he was alive, no reason to pretend I do now that he's gone. Always a favorite though is The Ohio State Marching Band they pull in quite a crowd. Others listed are: The Spinners, Chris Botti, Daryl Stuermer and Phil Collins.

And who doesn't enjoy a pretty sunset while sipping wine and enjoying friends and music!

Do you have outdoor family appropriate concerts in your area? If so, I encourage you to turn off the tv and go. Celebrate the season, get outdoors.

More information available about tickets, tables, and kids concerts by clicking on the link at the beginning of this post.

**This is my P post for Z-A challenge.

Urbana, Ohio

This is the sign you see welcoming you to Urbana, Ohio. The road ahead is Scioto Street, a main drag. Initially you'll see some businesses, then some fabulous older homes with great front porches, leaded glass windows, welcoming doors. I've often wanted to tour those beautiful old homes. Urbana, as you can see from the sign was founded way back in 1805, just 2 years after Ohio became a state. Urbana is county seat of Champagne County. Urbana was for a period of time the headquarters of The NorthWest Army in 1812. The city was named after a town in Virginia called Urbanna. It's also the burial location for famous Simon Kenton, The Indian Fighter.

I snapped this photo through glass and thus have a bit of a glare. This is an 1874 etching of the Courthouse which shows J.M. Fitzpatric and John H. Runyon as County Auditors, and F.F. Woods and A.T. McBeth as Commissioners at the time. These names are prevalent in early Urbana history.

My Uncle, who's long since gone built this log cabin and many others. Until a little over a year ago my Aunt still lived in this log cabin. There are a few of his log cabins still around. Near here is Urbana University which has the distinction of being the 2nd college in Ohio to admit Women into the classes with men. The University was founded by The Swedensorgian Church on land set aside by John James at teh urging of Swedenborgian John Chapman, better known as "Johnny Appleseed".

Urbana is a quaint little town with a rich history. This is my U post for the Z-A challenge.

**V post is HERE**

Topiary Gardens, Deaf School Park

Flat Stanley here on another fun filled Friday Adventure. Click to enlarge the picture to read the full sign for The Topiary Gardens. It was started in 1989. Hey kids get your pencils out and subtract from our current year and tell me how long ago that was. Do you know what the word Topiary means?

.	topiary - a garden having shrubs clipped or trimmed into decorative shapes especially of animals garden - a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
	2.	topiary - making decorative shapes by trimming shrubs or trees

Did you know that? Isn't it interesting what you can find out looking things up in the dictionary, even the on line dictionary.
This painting comes to life in the form of shrubs. You see people, dogs, umbrellas, and children in the photo. Sorry the picture of the picture isn't very good. There was a lot of glass to shoot the picture through and that caused lots of reflection. People enjoying the shade of the trees, fishing in the pond. Such a peaceful and fun piece of art. This very famous painting is by French Artist George Seurat and is titled, "A Sunday Afternoon on The Ile De La Grande Jatte". Have you ever seen this painting before?
Look closely here. Look where Flat Stanley is. A woman with a bustle wearing a hat is right behind him, and further behind you see two other shapes, two other people! Scroll back to the painting, can you find the lady with the bustle in the painting?

And here's Flat Stanley with a couple taking a walk through the park under the protection of an umbrella. Look around. Do you see other people walking, do you see some sitting under a tree? Do you see a dog on the right side. Look carefully and click to make the photo's larger so you can the details.
Here's a bronze plaque showing this same famous French Painting. Look at all the shapes, they show up perhaps a little better here then they do in the painting.

This fabulous display of art is located 10 acres of land on East Town Street and Washington in Columbus, Ohio; the former site of The Deaf School.

This is a historic area. The Deaf School was started in 1829, enlarge in 1845, one building replaced in 1868, another building added on 1899. In 1908 it added a hospital, and in 1953 The Deaf School was moved to a much larger campus on Morse Road in northern Columbus on 235 acres that had been a golf course. There weren't many schools for The Deaf and this was ground breaking on so many levels, changing the way The Deaf are educated, and live forever.

All parks are peaceful, have places to sit and contemplate, and space to run and romp and explore. This is unique because here you can do all that, and learn about Art at the same time. I encourage you to take the kids and let them stand beside one of the figures, take their photo, and see if they can find where they were in the photo. It's great fun and a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. As always you can teach some math, some history, some geography all the while you're playing with the kids at the park.

See you next Friday for another Fun filled adventure with Flat Stanley.

Franklin Park, Asians and The Civil War

Flat Stanley spending more time in Franklin Park, 1777 East Broad Street Columbus, Ohio. This sign doesn't mark something specific happening on this spot, as many historic plaques do. It calls attention to a little known fact. We all know The American Civil War was fought by The Union trying to preserve The United States against The Confederacy. We know one cause of the war was deemed to be states rights, and one cause was to free Black Americans that were living in bondage in The South. But, did you know Asians fought in that war? Asians fought on both sides, despite not being US Citizens. Statistically it's believed more fought on the side of The Union.

The Civil War was fought between 1861-1865. As the sign indicates The Naturalization Act and The Chinese Exclustion Act blocked some who fought to preserve this country from being able to become citizens of this country. Those restriction continued until 1965, when finally all restrictions based on race, and origin were lifted. In 2003 those who fought were posthumously proclaimed to be US Citizens in an effort to recognize their service to this country. 142 years after the start of The Civil War, they were honored by House Joint Resolution 45.

The flip side of this sign lists names of those supposed to be Asian who fought from Ohio. Due to anti-Asian sentiment, many changed their names, changed the spelling of their names and much controversy surrounds this premise. Historians have not been able to document the names listed as really being Asian. In fact, in several cases the names have been found to be German and other nationalities, not Asian. Most aren't listed on muster lists, most weren't given pensions, and therefore the names listed are speculation based on the feeling of some in The Asian Community that the names sounded Asian. A great deal of research has been done by Terry Foenander and others that disproves the list as being accurate.

I found some documentation that indicates a man that went by the name of John Tommy was Chinese and that he fought and died at Gettysburg. Perhaps as time goes on with the help of more research and maybe DNA testing, more information on this topic can be found.

I don't know which group of researchers has the most correct story; but am never the less glad those who fought to preserve this country have finally been given the honor of being United States Citizens.

Flat Stanley plans to return this park another time to see what else he can learn. Until then, he hopes to see you all again next Friday for more Fun on the 25th.

This perhaps is a deep/heavy topic; but I believe you can still make this a family appropriate outing. Discuss with the kids why knowing who fought for the country is important. Do they known someone who is Asian? Can they find Asia on a globe or map? Make a word list, a spelling list. There's always something that can be age appropriate as the kids explore with
Flat Stanley.