Bob's Your Uncle

My niece, Elissa, sent me this photo (those are her fingers reflected in the window through which she took the photo). Because, yes, yes I am.

Ryder on a Train

This photo of my grandson Ryder was taken by his dad while riding on the North Pole Express this past December. Kevin is an excellent photographer, but this beautiful shot is extraordinary even for him. Of course, he couldn't have chosen a better subject, one that makes this one of my favorite travel photos ever.

CF Benefit Night (#2) at Grand Finale

For the second week in a row, the lovely Robin and I joined a wonderful bunch of friends for a gourmet meal to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation--on behalf of our grandchildren, Calleigh and Ryder. What a joy it was to reunite with the Thompsons and Ashcrafts for a festive, filling evening--in more ways than one! And the friends just kept coming! The food, too. 

Thank you so much to all who supported this special night. I didn't get photos of everyone, but I am grateful to all! And to the Grand Finale, who on this night fixed (just for me, I'm pretty sure) a lovely filet mignon brochette (below), while the lovely Robin had her usual (diver scallops, cooked to perfection). 

While Calleigh and Ryder couldn't be there (they left Sunday afternoon on a family vacation), they would have thanked everyone (or, in Ryder's case, stuck out a tongue) if they could have.

CF Benefit Night (#1) at Grand Finale

What a wonderful evening the lovely Robin and I had last Sunday in the first of two Cystic Fibrosis Benefits at the venerable Grand Finale restaurant in Glendale, a northern suburb of Cincinnati. We were joined by a great crowd of family and friends to benefit our family's fight to find a cure for cystic fibrosis (on behalf of our grandchildren, Calleigh and Ryder, pictured below, with their parents and sister Avery....and Mimi, of course).

I assure you, Ryder's gesture is a commentary not on the food or the company...but on the photographer. I think.

Such support from such great friends and family. And better food you won't find anywhere. Robin had one of her favorites, the ginormous scallops...

And I had the seafood pasta dish, perfectly prepared and seasoned and quickly devoured....

Thanks so much to all who turned out. And, in case you missed it: the "grand finale" (see what I did there?) of our CF Benefit is NEXT Sunday evening, March 22, from 4:30-9. Simply make your reservations for anytime in those hours by calling 513-771-5925 and BE SURE to mention that your reservation is for the "Cystic Fibrosis Benefit." The lovely Robin and I would love to see you there! 

Wesleyan Publishing House

I drove up to tony Fishers, Indiana, last Wednesday for some meetings with friends at Wesleyan Publishing House in the world (actually, galactic) headquarters of The Wesleyan Church. I had a delightful time discussing God and books and words and publishing and prayer and more with them. As you can see from my photo above, it was a foggy morning, but by the time I headed home (a mere two-hour drive), the sun was shining and my car windows were down (until I got on the interstate).

The Hilton Netherland Plaza

The lovely Robin and I enjoyed an elegant wedding reception last Saturday at Cincinnati's historic and venerable Hilton Netherland Plaza Hotel.

The Netherland is one of Cincinnati's many art deco masterpieces. Opened in 1931 and renovated not long ago, the registered National Historic Landmark boasts a beautiful lobby and restaurant (where a five-piece jazz ensemble played), rare Brazilian rosewood paneling, two-story ceiling murals, original German silver-nickel sconces, and breathtaking ballrooms.

Our gathering was held in the Hall of Mirrors (above). The meal was absolutely delicious and the service was attentive. It was a truly classy event, from beginning to end.

The Netherland is located at 35 W. Fifth Street in downtown Cincinnati.