Mosaic Monday #86: The Icing on the Cake

Postcard for my brother in Utah

In my last two posts (June 14 and June 21), I wrote about my trip to Ohio to visit my Mom.  At the end of my time there, I strategically planned to see my children; if there was any COVID to be transmitted, it wouldn't be to my Mom!  It had been over 5 months since I had seen the kids in person(Christmas in Montana), and I was over the moon with anticipation.  It was all I hoped it would be!

After leaving my Mom, I drove to Columbus; #1 Son is a newly minted graduate of The Ohio State University!  (Do you know what an odd time this is to look for a job?  As a former HR professional, I have been assisting with his job search, and responses are S-L-O-W on the 30+ active applications that he has in process.)  We chose to focus on fun during our visit, starting with outdoor activity.  He located a gorgeous site for a hike, the Natural Bridge Loop Trail near Hocking Hills.  As we pulled into the narrow country lane, it was obvious many others had the same idea - it was lined with parked cars.  And yet, once we entered the trail, it was easy to find solitude.  I was entranced with the honeysuckle that inserted its wandering vines into every available crevice, from barbed wire fences to the abundant trees.

Soon enough, we arrived at the Natural Bridge, which is more than 100 feet long and 10 to 20 feet wide.  Gracefully arching 50 feet across a ravine, it is considered the largest natural bridge in the state of Ohio.  It originated millions of years ago, when Ohio lay under a warm inland sea.  You can read more about its origin here.  I did feel a little nervous standing in the middle of it - my wild imagination surmises that one day it will collapse, the result of ongoing wind and water erosion!

As you might expect, there are other rock features in the area, created by the same forces that sculpted the Bridge.  The Rock Shelter, shown below, is another hallmark of erosion through softer stone, revealing the strata of harder stone beneath.

As we returned to the parking lot, #1 Son remarked on the beauty of the meadow to the right of the trail.  The pictures don't do it justice - you'll have to trust us that wildflowers of all varieties waved in the soft wind, vying for the sun and the rain that threatened to fall from the gathering clouds.

Having worked up an appetite, we treated ourselves to a Southern Ohio favorite and institution, Skyline Chili.

And the goodies just kept coming.  #1 Son escorted me to the Columbus Park of Roses.  Yes, he knows me well - a park, flowers - heaven!  After we had thoroughly explored the flower beds, we amused ourselves with a few hands of Touring, the card game that I described in my May 3 post.  It was the first time he played it, and like me, he loves it!!  I could not have asked for a more fulfilling day!

The Park of Roses opened to the public in June 1953.  

The next day, having driven back to Cincinnati the night before, I savored a breakfast at the Half Day Café with my sister, #1 Daughter and her boyfriend.  From there, I traveled south with #1D to help her move from one apartment to another.  It is so joyful to lend a hand in a concrete way!

The quaint, leafy Mount Lookout area takes its name from the landmark 1800s Cincinnati Observatory, which offers tours and stargazing nights.  It is a significant improvement over her former neighborhood in Cincinnati.  Within walking distance is Mount Lookout Square, with restaurants, taverns, a coffee shop, ice cream parlor and the art deco theater The Redmoor, which hosts live jazz and soul.

We climbed from the square to Ault Park, which features elaborate gardens, picnic shelters and nature trails.  Along the way, we passed many historic homes, and entertained ourselves by discussing our preferred architectural styles.  Clearly, this is a hot topic, since we saw many signs promoting Mount Lookout.

Upper right: the Heekin Overlook was dedicated in 1998 in memory

of James and Mary Molloy Heekin and their 13 children, whose farm

is now part of Ault Park.

One of the benefits of hanging out with "locals" is knowing where to eat, such as Eli's BBQ, our next destination.  A low-key BBQ joint, it features outside seating, a valuable feature in these days of social distancing.  And the BBQ is pretty tasty, too.

A short distance away is Alms Park, known for dramatic views over the Little Miami and Ohio Rivers.

The three of us returned to the apartment and played games, including Touring (notice a theme?)  (The Boyfriend fits well in our family since he shares our love of games.)  Later, it was so delightful to stroll up the street and get ice cream. It was the cherry on top, the icing on the cake to my visit to Ohio.

I could almost pretend that it was the good old days, when the kids were small.  A Mom's heart never forgets, now matter how tall or mature they may get!!

Mosaic Monday

Welcome to Mosaic Monday, a weekly meme where we get together to share our photo mosaics and collages.
Please include at least one photo mosaic/collage in your post.
The link will be open from 1 p.m. Sunday until 11 p.m. Monday (U.S. Mountain time).
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Thank you for joining in today and sharing your mosaics with us. 

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