Sumburger, Chillicothe, OH

On a whirlwind visit to Chillicothe, Ohio , yesterday (my wife, the lovely Robin's birthplace and childhood home) I drove up to Sumburger, a one-of-a-kind restaurant.

Sumburger is one of few original 1950s-style drive-ins left today. They still offer three options: drive-thru, carhop service, and dine-in (with phones at every booth for ordering!).

I didn't order the always juicy sumburger, but enjoyed my ham-and-cheese sandwich, fries, and chocolate malt.

Sumburger, first opened in 1953, on South Bridge Street (US 23) in a custom-made trailer. It was called Trailer Drive-in until 1954, when it was moved to its current location at 1487 N. Bridge Street and the name changed to Logan View Drive-in (with an additional trailer). In those days, it operated only during the warm months of the year, and only carhop and carryout service were available. Because the patrons referred to the sandwich as "some burger" the name officially changed to Sumburger Drive-in in 1974.

The Brau Haus, Oldenburg, Indiana

On our recent sojourn to The Springs, in Oldenburg, Indiana, the lovely Robin and I ventured from the retreat center into town for an early Saturday evening meal at the Brau Haus. It seemed quite the place to be on a Saturday evening, as the various rooms in the venerable  restaurant, like a rabbit warren, filled up around us as we ate. 

As is my wont, I tried the fried chicken, which was a tasty and crunchy recipe. Robin ordered pork chops, but was surprised when she was served something more like a ham steak. The food was all served steaming hot. It couldn't have been fresher, that's for sure.

Of course, this being a historically German community, the beer was probably something special--but we're not beer drinkers. And they seemed proud of their desserts, but we had no room left, so we missed out on that point, too.

The Brau Haus is located at 22170 Water Street, just a block off the main street through town in Oldenburg, Indiana.

Sabbath Walk, September 5, 2016

Last Saturday, during a lovely weekend sojourn at The Springs in Oldenburg, Indiana, I ventured out in the afternoon for a Sabbath walk, mixing prayer and perambulation, despite the 90+-degree heat.

Much of the walk was along a shaded forest path, which helped a bit.

I happened upon a fellow traveler, and we stopped and chatted awhile. He seemed a bit suspicious at first, but seemed to relax as we visited. 

It was a short walk and a thorough a blessing, one which I repeated the next day but in the company of the lovely Robin. She must have noticed how much good it did me. 

The Springs, Oldenburg, IN

The lovely Robin and I enjoyed a restful and restorative time this past weekend at The Springs, a 150-acre Christian retreat center serving people in ministry. They provide space for solo or couple retreats, group or staff retreats, family getaways, and more.

We were treated to four days and three nights of quiet and rest in luxurious accommodations, one of four guest houses that accommodate up to six people each in three bedrooms.

It was a time of welcome "disconnection" from electronics, as there is no cellphone service or wifi available at The springs, which adds to the appeal of the place.

In addition to an adorable book box by the walkway to the cabins (below), there are countless helpful reminders and resources in each guest house, including a booklet suggesting various ways to connect with God. 

A guest garden is provided for guests to pick or tend, as well as a stocked pond for fishing or paddleboating, trails for walking, a prayer labyrinth, a fire ring, numerous inviting places to sit and enjoy the scenery (though it was a hot weekend), and horseshoe pits, a volleyball court, cornhole sets, and a hot tub.

The Springs is located near Oldenburg, Indiana (not far from Batesville and I-74), northwest of Cincinnati. It is a wonderful ministry and a place we will return to often in the future. 

Coffee Cup Overflowing

I met with a friend yesterday morning at a new, independent coffee shop (my favorite kind) in the Bridgewater Falls area of Hamilton. It's called Coffee Cup Overflowing, and they've been open since February.

I had a cup of oatmeal and mug of coffee, and enjoyed both. They are connected to JoJo's Cupcakes, so their baked goods were appropriately tempting, though I survived. They seemed to be doing a good bit of business for a Thursday morning (I was there from about 8 a.m. to 9:40 or so), despite being a turn or two off the beaten path (they're sort of in front of Home Depot at Bridgewater, at 6544 Winford Avenue. I hope they thrive. Give them a try. 

Romeo and Juliet in the Park

Last Tuesday, the lovely Robin and I took in the free performance of Romeo and Juliet (ever heard of it?) at Oxford's uptown Martin Luther King Jr. park and amphitheater. The seven actors of the young company of the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company (which we have long loved and supported) presented the play in a contemporary setting (and a superhero theme for the costume ball scene). Their efforts were enthusiastic and entertaining, though the young leads (Kyle Brumley and Petrea Whittier) struggled at times, it seemed to me, to strike the right notes of gravitas and pathos (and probably several other Latin and Greek words, for all I know) for which their roles called. However, the weather and venue could not have been better--nor the company--and of course the guy who wrote the script did a darn good job. Whatever his name is (what's in a name, though...really?).

The Shakespeare in the Park performances of Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night's Dream continue through September 4. The schedule is here.

Family Retreat at Camp Wonderland (WI)

I had a marvelous time this past weekend at Camp Wonderland in Wisconsin, speaking at The Salvation Army Metro (Chicagoland) Division's Family Retreat. 

Upwards of five hundred wonderful people gathered for the event, which was extremely well-organized and well-executed by all who participated. My little contribution was far outshined by the enthusiastic worship, multi-lingual Scripture readings and prayers, testimonies, recognitions, presentation of new cadets, and a sacred dance piece on Sunday morning that just plain blessed my socks off. 

I got to reunite with several old (and boy, do I mean old!) friends like Major Joe Tamayo, from way back in the day, and make new friends that I hope and pray to see again often, and real soon.