Bob Sights in Edinburgh

 

Bob Plaque, Cades Cove TN

 

Bobby's Burgers at Harrah's, Las Vegas NV

 

Bobby's Burger Palace, Atlanta GA

Bob's Bootery, Chillicothe OH

Our schedule on the first of several recent visits to Chillicothe, Ohio, didn't allow me the time to stop in to Bob's Bootery on Paint Street (if I recall correctly), but I did get to take a photo. I love the name and would probably love the boots. Bob's Boots have to be better than most other boots.

Bob's Furniture

Seen on I-80 westbound south of Chicago. Poor likeness. Looks nothing like me. 

Hostetter Road, San Jose CA

Bob Sighting in Big Bear Lake, CA

I spotted this scarecrow of Bob Ross (see the sign?) outside the Big Bear (CA) Chamber of Commerce. "Please do not mess with Bob" is always good advice.

Bob's Bar

Pay no attention to the fine print. I'm thrilled that the new home of the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company features "Bob's Bar." Thank you. Thank you very much.

Bob's Music World, Mt. Sterling KY

I visited Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, for the first time Friday for a wonderful live radio interview with Dan Manley (what a great on-air name, right?) on WMST-AM. Just down the block from the studio was this business: Bob's Music World. Another great name, right?

Good Reads on Our Cruise to Hawaii

A vacation--even a fifteen-day fortieth anniversary cruise to Hawai'i--wouldn't be a vacation if I couldn't spend some time reading. Happily, I absorbed some outstanding books on our trip.

I usually try to read thematically when I travel, so I chose books related to Hawai'i. I'd already read the James Michener tome, Hawaii, so my list took a little more effort to compile.

I started the cruise with one historical novel borrowed from the library (East Wind, Rain by Caroline Paul) and one audiobook I had downloaded through the Hoopla app on my iPhone (Letters From Hawaii by Mark Twain). Both were excellent. I also read Lost Kingdom: Hawaii’s Last Queen, the Sugar Kings, and America’s First Imperial Venture (nonfiction) by Julia Flynn Siler and The House of Pride by Jack London (short stories). Those were also excellent, and all of them together were a perfect blend of fiction, nonfiction, history, and culture, by two of my favorite authors and two I'd never read before. I couldn't have imagined anything better.

We also bought a picture book (to read to the grandkids) on one of the islands: A Coconut Named Bob (pictured). Because, well, it's about a coconut named Bob.

Snorkel Bob's on Maui

I know, you think the pretty girl above caught my eye but it was really the name on the magazine cover we saw in Makawao, Maui: Snorkel Bob's. It turns out Snorkel Bob has locations on Maui, Kauai, Oahu, and the big island.

We didn't use his services, but I'm sure Snorkel Bob would have given me a discount. We Bobs must stick together.

A Name? Or a Noun?

The lovely Robin made me buy a new pair of shoes last night. Cruel, yes. But I forgive her. 

At one point as I was trying on one pair, I heard her say, "Bob, these shoes have your name on them." I thought she was speaking metaphorically. She wasn't. I refused to buy them, however, since the possessive apostrophe is missing, which makes me think they didn't even intend the shoes for me. 

Bob's Red Mall Oatmeal

On the last morning of my recent sojourn in Minnesota, my hosts served me the most appropriate meal of the whole trip. It included Bob's Red Mall Gluten Free Blueberry and Hazelnut Oatmeal. Because it really is all about Bob.

Bob's Audio/Video and Appliances

On the way home from a lovely ministry weekend last Sunday, the lovely Robin forced me--er, encouraged me--to stop briefly at the Tanger Outlets near Washington Courthouse, Ohio. I did, without complaining (much), and my heart was strangely warmed by the sight of my name on the side of a truck in the parking lot. 

I waved but no one waved back. Still deciding whether to report them. 

Bucket Bob

You know you're at a classy joint when you can ask "Bucket Bob" about "bucket drinks." I think.

The Bard and the Bible Launch #2 at The Arts Center at Dunham

Yesterday afternoon the lovely Robin accompanied me to yet another Shakespeare in the Park perfomance--and Part 2 of the official book launch for The Bard and the Bible at The Arts Center at Dunham, in Westwood on the west side of Cincinnati. 

What hospitality they showed us! Thanks so much to all the volunteer staff at the Arts Center at Dunham, who made us feel so welcome and treated us like...well, gentles.

The free performance of Romeo and Juliet (maybe you've heard of it) was delightfully well acted, with charm and vigor, by young members of the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. 

While we approached the event with trepidation, since our hosts lost the central air conditioning a few weeks ago, the temperatures inside were comfortable, and more so as the afternoon progressed. The players had to be dehydrated by the afternoon's end, but we managed quite well (the Bard even fared well in his velvet attire). 

So many people stopped by our table in the lobby and learned more about The Bard and the Bible, and many folks even went home with a copy. Thanks to all who came and especially to Carrie and the staff at The Arts Center at Dunham. We'll definitely be back! 

The Bard and the Bible Launch #1 at Vinoklet

It would be tough to find a better venue for Shakespeare in the Park--and the official book launch for The Bard and the Bible--than Vinoklet Winery in Colerain Township, north of Cincinnati (except maybe The Arts Center at Dunham, which is hosting Part II of my book launch and a performance of Romeo and Juliet this afternoon!).

The Bard himself showed up for the event. Though we were expecting a hot and sweaty evening, it turned out to be quite pleasant, with gentle breezes blowing through the vineyard and cooling things off.

I met many new friends and had a great time (forsooth) spreading the word about my new book, a one-year devotional that pairs quotes from Shakespeare's works with verses from the King James Version of the Bible, both of which were created not only in the same period and same country and city, but within a few hundred yards of each other!

I was supported in my endeavors by my wife, the lovely Robin, and my daughter, the incredible Aubrey, who helped man the book table and guard the Smarties.

The Bard posed for a photo with one of the players (above), Aiden Sims, who played four roles in last night's performance of Macbeth and will appear as Juliet in this afternoon's performance.

The Bard even posed for a very sunny photo with two young admirers. Well, one of them only begrudgingly agreed to the photo with the creepy old man.

It was a wonderful evening in a spectacular venue. Though rain was in the forecast, it was only clear skies--and a few regicides--for the assembled crowd.

Hoss Road, Baby

Some street names are just better than others. Take, for example, Hoss Road in Knox County, Ohio. It intersects at both ends with US 62, as high-quality roads should do. I took a few moments to ponder the wisdom of the folks who would name a road after me. May their tribe increase.

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.