Outdoors

Long ago, skiing when I was young enough it hurt less when you feel. Hubby, me and DD. DD is now 27...does that tell you how long ago this picture was taken? Anyway, we're in Utah I believe, or maybe Colorado. Not sure which trip this was. Outdoors. Outdoor activities are good for the family. Now I currently don't want to think about snow, not after this long will it ever go away winter; but summer will be here and the kids will be out of school. People need to think about getting outdoors. Do family outdoor activities. Everyone doesn't need to be in their respective place with their laptop and or game boys. Go "Outside".
Another great outdoor activity. Hiking. Get out and see nature. This beautiful water fall was in Colorado, but there are hiking trails, state parks, metro parks everywhere. Find one and go explore. You might have a water fall too.
Another year, after a hike up to the top of a peak in The Great Smoky Mountains. Was beautiful up there. We rest a bit before hightailing it down the mountain, as it quickly got cold and stormy. Who wants to be up high with lightening and wind...not me. Quick stepping down the mountain with our poncho's on being careful not to slip. Rocks get slippery when wet.
A favorite place, Meeker Park in Colorado, in The Rockies. DD, hubby, and Me. This was our home away for home for 3 weeks. We used to take nice long vacations and camp our way all around. Our tent was small, a dome style with a vestibule; but we always stayed dry. Some of the larger lodge style tents just don't do as well.
Hubby and I backpacking here, I think this was also somewhere in Colorado, because DD I belief was taking the photo.
Now this one really goes back. We were camping at the race track in Mosport, Canada here. We were newly weds so believe this was the fall of 1972. Picture over time has faded, and it's one of those mat finishes which looks grannie but was the favorite style of processing back then. We had a very small pup tent, you had to lay down to pull your pants on. I'm changing socks and we're warming up before breakfast by the fire. We were there for The Grand Prix. Facilities were really lacking, but we had lots of fun there and went year after year for a long time.

Reviewing this pictures, hubby has no beard, has a beard, has lots of hair, has very little hair and it's getting gray, my hair style changed too throughout the years. And...um our weight...these pictures cover a wide span of years folks.

**This is my O post for Z-A challenge
post on this blog are:
V post here
U post Here
P post here
R 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.

Ryans Daughter, Baltimore Maryland

Ryan's Daughter. Known as a neighborhood restaurant this classic Irish Pub is one you must put on your list of places to visit, eat and enjoy while touring Baltimore, Maryland. It's located at 600 E. Belvedere Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21212. Hours are: Monday through Sat 11 am til 2 am. They serve Sunday Brunch startingf at 10:30 am, except for special Sundays like Mother's Day, Father's Day, etc. On those special days they open earlier and have a special menu.
Doesn't it look cozy, inviting? They have snug's, and open areas. Whatever is your preference.
We had been working, cleaning and moving when we had to stop for a late breakfast. It was tasty!
The menu is varied whether you're there for a quick lunch, a snack, happy hour, or dinner. Happy hour specials run from 3 pm to 6 pm daily and include both drinks and food. For traditional Irish Music don't miss Friday and Sat evenings from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm. This comfortable, fun Irish Pub also caters. This picture shows one of the sectioned areas which would work well for a group.

My daughter spent lots of time here during her 2 years in Baltimore and she always loved it. The music, and the food, and the service...all good. Put this on your list and enjoy!

**This is my R post for the Z-A Challenge
V = Vintage post Here
U= Urbana post Here

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**