St. Mary's Cemetery in Marion, Ohio

Look at this beautiful sculpture of Jesus on the Cross.  It's taken in St. Mary's Cemetery in Marion, Ohio.  When I was a child we lived in Marion and would cut through this beautiful cemetery to get to The Park and to Harding's Memorial.  I don't think as a child I paid much attention to the beauty there.  Now, I enjoy traveling to cemeteries and find them interesting both for the artistic older stones, the history you can learn while there.  Sometimes the names you see will match those you see on street signs, sometimes other things jump out at me.

 Look at the dates here, born in 1844, Domenico Sansotta.  This jumped out at me for two reasons, the date and the name reminded me of what I thought I heard a woman I work with say was her maiden name.

 This jumped out, as it was nearby and is the same name, but look carefully...this is a Bronze Star Medal World War II Veteran.  I always love to honor our Veterans.  And certainly with the name of Dominic and the above Domenico there are related.

 Goodness this family truly served our country.  Joseph here was in The Navy, while above Dominic was in The Army; both in World War II.

And another beautiful Sansotta stone.  As it turns out, this is indeed family to my co=worker, so I was so pleased I had photographed these stones.  Makes me feel closer to her, honoring her family.  I was visiting this cemetery with a childhood friend who also remarked about how beautiful the cemetery was and how differently we feel about it now as adults vs a cut through when we were children.

When hubby and I travel, I almost always visit an interesting cemetery.  You learn so much about differently areas of the country, or other cultures if not in the U.S.

Did a little research and found Domenico immigrated here in September of 1921 on the San Giorgio ship from Naples Italy to the port in New York before settling in Marion, Ohio.  His parents were Diego and Pellonia (Pisane) Sansotta.  He was born in Cimina, Italy.  He lived to be 86.  I have his last address noted and hope to be able to photograph the house this interesting Italian Immigrant lived in.  He was an American Citizen.  I think I would like to have known this interesting man.

Related some of this to people who live in Marion, I also learned that Marion had a very strong and rich Italian history...I didn't know that before I took these photographs in St. Mary's Cemetery.

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One Room School House, Linn School

 The plague gives the dates of this one room school house, built in 1897, in operation until 1942, and restored in 2003.  Reading various articles I found a bit of conflicting information regarding this one room school house.  In some articles it says the building was restored to it's 1905 status, and others said 1912 status.  Not a big difference, though I don't know which is correct.

 Above the door you can see (click to make any and all pictures larger) Marion Twp. Sub District #8).  Funny name for a school.  Apparently though #8 was the "official" name of the school kids who attended called it The Linn School.  There were many from the Linn family who attended the school, Linn's lived right across the street, and down the road.

 There were approximately 130 such one room school houses in Marion County back in the day to serve the rural population.  The school house in located about 4 miles north of Marion on Route #4, in Ohio.  The school was built of brick, measures about 800 square feet and served students through the 8th grade.

 Though we weren't able to get inside, this is an attempt to photograph the inside, complete with desks and chalk board, and pot belly stove.  It's opened to the public on Sat and Sun from May to October the first and 3rd Sat and Sun of the month.  We were there on the first Sat of the month, but apparently too early in the day, as it's opened from 1-4 pm.

 After it's closing in 1942, it sat empty and was used as a corn crib.  The Hamilton Brothers, Merle and Oliver decided to purchase it and with the help of The Historical Society restored it.  Both brothers attended this one room school house.  Merle was born Sept 29th, 1907 and attended the school from 1913-1920; while his brother Oliver born Aug 24th, 1903, attended from 1909-1914.  Merle recalls the train tracks (interurban) running right in front of the school, and in fact took the train to school.

 The school's been placed on The National Register of Historic Places by the Department of the Interior.

 You can even see the school bell in the tower from across the street.

This is my happiness post for today.  The badge is link to the month long challenge for August to post what makes you happy.  Though I do love history, and to travel, the happiness I felt when photographing the above was due to spending the day with 3 of my childhood friends, Wendy, Debbie, and Pam.  It's been 50 years since we friends have gotten together.


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Cafe Terigo, Park City, Utah

Cafe Terigo, 424 Main Street, Park City Utah.  This restaurant is always our choice for our last night vacation dinner out in Park City.  Hubby, Darling Daughter and I all love it here.  The service is superb, the atmosphere is wonderful, and food is something we look forward to each and every year we vacation here.  In fact, we've even had the same waitress several years in a row.  Having the same waitresses work at an establishment year after year speaks very well, in my opinion, of the restaurant.

We've always chosen to eat outside on the patio that is nicely decorated and lite with white Christmas style lights.  We've been there 3 years in a row in July and while it might be in the high 80's during the day, it's quite comfortable having dinner outside in the evening.

 Darling Daughter had this beautiful dish.  Almond crusted Salmon and she said it was divine.  Beautiful presentation too!

 Ravioli's with a light lemon sauce and fresh veggies.......perfect for a summer meal.  I wanted to lick the plate.  Now you don't know how significant that is.  I rarely, truly hardly ever eat the whole meal; as I hate to be full.  There wasn't anything left of this awesome dish.

Hubby had a fish special over paste that he thoroughly enjoyed.  We brought 2 bottles of A-Z Pinot Noir Wine that paired nicely with our meal.  They do serve wine you bring with a minimal corkage fee, and or you can purchase there.

There are known for their Bread Pudding with Rum Sauce which was yummy, though a large enough portion to share.  Hubby had Tiramisu and Darling Daughter had The Trio Gelato.  We're looking forward to our next meal there when we return to Park City.

Though Cafe Terigo's is celebrating it's 25th year, the building had previously been a newspaper operation.

The newspaper, The Park Record was owned and operated for 63 years by Samuel LePage Raddon son of Henry George and Judith LePage Raddon.  Sam was born in 1858 in Guernsey in Great Britain and immigrated at the age of 10 with his parents, who were converts to the Mormon Faith.  His family didn't remain with the Church.

He learned his trade working in a variety of jobs in both Salt Lake and Park City, until he became the owner of this establishment.   He out lived 2 severe depressions, 3 competitive newspapers, slumps in the mining industry which caused significant financial change in the community and a fire in 1898 that burned his plant.  Even with those difficulties he continued operations of the paper for 63 years, a remarkable record.   At one point he even operated his Paper from a tent!   He retired in 1948 and turned over the operations to his son, LePage.  Samuel lived to be 89 years old dying a short time after retiring.

It's note worthy that since his family left "The Fold" business was harder as they weren't supportive.  He later, as an adult was fairly outspoken about some of "their" practices and wrote openly about them in his paper.  For more interesting information on this man, click HERE.

I highly recommend this restaurant for a special night out,  particularly recommend it for adults.
Do make reservations, as it's quite popular.  Cafe Terigo serves lunch from 11:30-2:30, then closes to prepare for the dinner service which starts at 5:30 pm.


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Nicola Columbus Ohio

 Nicola's located agt 4740 Reed Road, Columbus, Ohio  43220.  Sorry for sorta self portrait here, with the sun we got a reflection, but you can see the hours this way.

 This is a very nice small, family owned Italian Restaurant in NW Columbus, Upper Arlington area.  My SIL and I had a nice lunch and really enjoyed the outdoor patio.  As you can see it's quite pretty, landscape nice and even though it's right off the parking lot, there is a wall and nice separation.

 The bar area looks most inviting and through the door you can see the private room where yo can have a private gathering.

 Moving up you see the bar area and get a glimpse at the nice wine selection.

 White table cloths, covered charis in the main dining room.  Quite pretty, well appointed and the tables aren't teeny tiny on top of each other.

 We enjoyed our wine and lunch salads and breads.  Giving you a glimpse of the enclosure and landscaping.  Say hi to my SIL, Jan.  She was working on final details of a book she's written.  She's a published child's author.  Check out her website.

I highly recommend Nicola's and look forward to returning.  I think it's better suited for adults given the menu, pricing, and atmosphere vs a family with children.

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Adena Mansion, Chillicothe Ohio

Adena, Thomas Worthington's home in Chillicothe Ohio.  This magnificent mansion was built back in 1806-1807.  A remarkable feat considering the stone mansion was built in the middle of a wilderness.  This was dense forest area, Ohio had only become a state in 1803, just 3-4 years earlier.  It's archietect, was Benjamin Henry Latrobe.  Adena is 1 of only 3 houses still standing in the United States that he designed.  He was the first American Professional Archietect.  Thomas Worthington's estate, Adena is located at 847 Adena Road, Chillicothe, Ohio  45601.

Tours can be arranged for groups, or during regular hours of operation which are April-October Wed. - Sat. 9 am til 5 pm, and Sunday 12 noon til 5pm.  Entrance fees are $8.00 for adults, less for children and seniors.  There's also the very affordable membership option of $30.00 annually for a family membership which provides other benefits.  Our tour guide was awesome, very knowledgeable. 

She explained how this marvelous colorful floor was made, in fact she says we could make it ourselves.  Well, that might be  a stretch.  She discussed how you could tell a private room vs a public room in such a wealthy home.  Flooring would be ornate, colorful and expensive looking in the public areas, and plain and without carpet in the private family rooms.  This floor is the first thing you see as you enter.

Followed by one of the original Worthington piece, the clock.  Which still works.  Wood areas in public places would be real vs faux painting in the more private areas.  The door you see would have been used by servants not quests and is therefore not real.  It's faux paint.  Hard to believe but there were many examples of faxu painting through out the mansion.  Faux painting is not new!

Speaking of faux painting....if we hadn't been told, we would not have known these stairs weren't real marble, they surely look it.

The main drawing room where quest would have been entertained, notice the carpet?  Story behind the carpet is, Thomas was on a trip, saw the carpet and didn't know how much to buy, you see he didn't have his cell phone fully charged to call home and ask the Mistress of the house, so he bought ALOT.  This carpet shows up in lots of rooms as a result.

Some of the pictures are a bit dark.  Though they don't mind if you photograph (which pleased me, as some historic homes don't permit it), you're not allowed to use your flash, thus some darkened grainy pictures result.  Left corner...the bathtub, a priced possession and one of the other original Worthington Family piences.

There are several of these marvelous turn style shelving units in the mansion.  The whole unit pivots on a center point and can move from the kitchen or private areas into the entertainment areas where many great people visited.  Thomas Worthington was teh 6th governor of the state, and one of the states first United States Senators.  Much business was transacted at his estate.  Many important and influential leaders were welcomed here at Adena including President James Monroe, and the great American Indian Leader, Tecumseh.

The little antique mirror on the dressing table is another of the original Worthington Family possessions.  This beautiful home has been restored twice by the Ohio Historical Society, once in 1953 and again in 2001.  It currently is renovated as close to it's appearance during Worthington's time as possible. 

One of the beautiful canopy beds.

Long riffles above the door to Thomas's office are original pieces.

As is this little rocker.

Off the kitchen in what would have been a storage area is a locked herb cabinet.  Herbs were important for medicinal purposes, as well as for cooking.  Herbs weren't cheap and therefore the cabinet was kept locked.  Documents tell us that there was unrest between the women in the household with regards to whom held the keys to the all important cabinet.  Apparently that privilege fell to the oldest daughter when Mrs. Worthington wasn't around.

This beautiful estate comprises 2,000 acres of land, several out buildings, and the mansion.  It is available for private functions such as weddings and special fundraising evenings.  The next special event will be in September of 2013, a murder mystery.

I highly encourage you to tour Adena.  It's a fascinating and well preserved historic landmark.  I've toured the house 3 or 4 times from childhood to now and am always amazed at what additional information has been learned from historic documents.  There's a large garden area you can also tour.  That however is another post.


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Vacation Ravioli's

It's time for another Menu Monday.  No I'm not telling you about a restaurant we liked during our travels, rather a good meal you can prepare..........perfect for when you have a kitchen in your travels.  We don't eat every meal out when we travel, we like to eat in; but we don't like to prepare things that take a lot of time, use a lot of ingredients.  We like to travel light.  The bulk of the time we travel we stay in villa/condo that has a kitchen.  Not only is it comfortable, but you save money in the end.  Eating out all the time is expensive!

Store bought ravioli's (these were 3 cheese), and a few fresh veggies, and you've got a yummy meal with minimal prep and cost.  Prepare the ravioli's per instructions on the package (except I've learned that it's best not to bring to a hard boil, a soft rolling boil is best, and I turn them off just before done and let them sit 30-45 seconds in the hot water before carefully removing.

Saute onions in a skillet with olive oil, add several hand fulls of spinach leaves, and once the spinach leaves reduce (about the same amount time your pasta is setting in the water), add sliced tomatoes (Roma's worked best, but any type will do)...stir lightly and add  ravioli's to mix...again softly.  Plate it, add pepper (fresh ground best), shaved walnuts or almonds or pine nuts, and serve with your favorite wine.  Pretty, tasty, and easy.

Enjoy, this is a favorite traveling meal.

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I Long to Visit Italy

The Italian countryside.  I'd love to be riding along on the back roads, stopping at various villages along the way to sample wine.  Today's blog prompt- blog about somewhere you'ld like to visit and or move too.  We'd like to visit Italy, and have begun a wee bit of travel planning with that in mind.

Join us at Paula's for the June Blog Challenge.  Click the badge to join in.

We hope to see plenty of the things other tourists see, but....we also hope to see a side of Italy those who tour quickly don't get to see.  Our hope is to be there for 3 weeks or more and really explore.

Certainly seeing the historic sites is a must, as long as plenty of time if left for food and wine!  We want to do some on our own and some with a tour group.  We may plan this trip for after retirement, we may not wait.

We've been saving our Marriott Rewards Points for years to make this all happen.

In the meantime, we'll enjoy traveling about the U.S., please use the search this blog area to find locations your interested in.  In addition to enjoying the U.S., we've have made multiple trips to Aruba, a real favorite so check that out too.

Currently we're planning trips to Park City, Utah (were we've been a number of times, Aruba again in the fall, Hilton Head in January (awesome time to go to get out of the snow in Ohio), and Spain in the Spring.

Come back often, I'm sure there's something here for everyone.  Menu Monday was postponed this week in favor of this fun blog challenge.  Do come back next week, if not before.

INVITING YOU ALL TO MEMORY MONDAYS, JOIN IN ON THE FUN AND GET SOME LINKY LOVE.  MAKE MONDAYS MORE FUN.  CLICK HERE.


Pop in Often, remember Menu Mondays for dining tips, Traveling Tips on Thursday, and any day for vacation destinations.
(BL21, JC4)