Gelkote

When we moved in a few years ago Cherie discovered a loose baseboard in one of the bedroom closets. Behind it was a stash of cigarettes. This evening I found a much more elaborate hiding spot in the other bedroom complete with its own latch and bungee cord.

Front Bedroom Closet’s Secret Cubby – September 6th, 2008

But our closets contain other craziness such as a telephone directory and cartoon graffiti.

Front Bedroom Closet’s Telephone Directory – September 6th, 2008

Back Bedroom Closet’s Graffiti – September 6th, 2008

Did I mention we found porn above some ductwork in the basement during one of our showings? Ah, home sweet home…

When was the last time you walked around a cemetery? Funerals don’t count. I’m talking about a conscious effort to linger and observe. Look at the headstones, the names, dates, relationships and epitaphs. The stories are amazing. Here are two from the Union – Flick Cemetery outside of Benton Ridge, OH.

Robert E. Walter/Union – Flick (Tawa) Cemetery – September 6th, 2008
Today is the 9th anniversary of his passing as well as what would have been his 50th wedding anniversary. I can’t help but wonder where his wife Janet is today and what she is thinking.

Simon Cramer/Flick (Tawa) Cemetery – September 6th, 2008
Simon passed because of lighting over a 157 years ago at an age of 40. How bad was the storm and what was he doing? We probably will never know.

These are just two but there are so many more.  Cemeteries are places of great intrigue and reflection.  Go for a drive or check out Grave Addiction for a virtual sampling. Beth does outstanding work documenting the history of Ohio and neighboring state’s cemeteries. You know she is good when she has captured cemeteries both where I live now and those from my childhood town some 4.5 hours away.

Duke’s Cemetery – September 6th, 2008

One thing I’ve noticed being down with the crud is the amount of crap on TV. There are some redeeming gems like today’s episode of Saved from the Wrecking Ball on PBS which talked about the Farnsworth House Southwest of Chicago. This example of modern architecture had quite a story to tell.  It has survived a love/hate relationship between the original client and architect, a flood and a Sotherby’s auction.

In other house news, Roadside America reports the original Waffle House near Atlanta has been turned into a WH museum.

I now have two more destinations on my to do travel list. Who’s game for a road trip?

I’m currently in the runny nose sore throat phase with great hopes to nip this mother right here and now.

4 Oz of 1800 Anejo
2 Oz of Cointreau
Juice of One Lime

Nose has stopped running and throat feels about half better. Another plus, it will be easier to watch Palin and Giuliani speak this evening. Cheers to that!

Battling the Crud in my Kitchen – September 3rd, 2008

The cafeteria at work used to be a nice place to eat with appealing selections and tasty homemade deserts. It was quality food at a good price. I’m here to tell you those days are over! We are in the land of a breakfast bar for lunch and a thing called Chef’s choice every Friday. Are you kidding me? I escaped that crap in grade school. No more pineapple upside down cake and tatter tots for me thank you!

Don LaFontaine passed yesterday.