Something Wicked This Way Came

The lovely Robin and I journeyed to Cincinnati's Eden Park for our date night tonight to enjoy the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company production of Macbeth in Seasongood Pavilion, next to the art museum.


The pavilion is a wonderful setting for such a production (we've seen many there), and we couldn't have asked for a lovelier night. Mild temperatures, good seats, and Shakespeare in the park. Sweetness.


The play was ably performed by the same six actors who presented The Tempest, which we saw a few weeks ago. Kudos especially to Jessie Wray Goodman, who (among other parts) deftly portrayed all three witches.

Thank you, CSC, for another great night of Shakespeare under the stars.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A Church Staircase

This photo of a twisting staircase in the Sainte Marie Madeleine Church of St.-Marie-Aux-Mines, France, is among my favorite travel pics. The only lighting was early evening light coming through the window.

Worship, Family, Friends at Camp Swoneky

The lovely Robin and I worshipped this morning with old and good friends at The Salvation Army's Camp Swoneky.

A perfect day, weather-wise and worship-wise, in Chamberlain Hall (a site which holds many fond memories for us), under the leadership of divisional leaders Majors Hugh and Kathy Steele (whom we knew when they weren't nearly so impressive).

The divisional band sounded excellent (as usual, I'm sure; we just don't often get to hear it). We tried to focus on their stylings, but also spent some time nudging each other and whispering the names of old friends--or their children--we recognized as they played.

Lt. Col. Mark Tillsley gave a fine message drawn from Luke 5:1-11. Robin and I both scribbled furiously in our iPads, anxious to note as much of it as possible.

After church we were so graciously hosted by the Steeles and Tillsleys for lunch. Alas, however, even though we got to see and talk briefly with many, as we headed off, we lamented that there were still so many we missed talking to.

Still, it was (as always) wonderful worship and fine fellowship.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Pinch Me Places: The Grand Canyon

The idea of this occasional series of "pinch me places" on this blog is to catalog places I have visited that were awe-inspiring enough that they made me almost want to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming. The Grand Canyon is that kind of place.

I've seen it at least twice--when I was ten years old, with my grandparents, and a few years ago with the lovely Robin. She had never been there before, so it was a real joy to share it with her. We stayed a night at El Tovar Lodge on the south rim (pretty much a pinch-me kind of experience in its own right), and then walked the rim the next day. It was cold (note the coats!) and windy. But the scenery more than the brisk wind took our breath away.

If you've never visited the Grand Canyon, you must understand: photos cannot--will NEVER--do it justice. It must be seen to be believed. You won't be sorry.

GABP Baby

What a great day at Great American Ballpark! Weather: Great. Our seats: Great. The results: Great.

It was such a good day to take my oldest brother to the Reds' game. He had not yet been to Great American Ballpark, which is ten years old this season, I think. And he hadn't seen Johnny Cueto or Aroldis Chapman in person. So we got to do all the above and more before he and his wife head back home.

After a rocky first inning, in which he gave up a two-run home run to Alfonso Soriano, Johnny Cueto was outstanding, earning his sixteenth win. And homers by Paul, Frazier, and Cairo propelled the Reds into the lead, with a sac fly by Frazier (scoring Bruce) completing the scoring. Aroldis Chapman came in to pitch the ninth, and though three runners reached base (and one scored), he earned his twenty-ninth save of the season.

Great day, great game, great memory, great ballpark.

Shakespeare in the Vineyard

After dinner tonight, the lovely Robin and I headed out with my brother Don and his wife Arvilla for Vinoklet Winery on Colerain Avenue in Hamilton County, just a few miles south of home.

Vinoklet is a picturesque vineyard, winery, and restaurant. Located on thirty acres of rolling hills and ponds, it is the only working winery with a vineyard in Hamilton County.

We headed through the arbor of vines to the outdoor amphitheater, flanked by vineyards.

The vines are bearing grapes, and the amphitheater was all set up for the main event of the evening: a Cincinnati Shakespeare Company performance of The Tempest.

The cast of six young performers did a marvelous job, each actor playing multiple roles and keeping the crowd engaged throughout. Though the setting sun was strong for most of the first act, forcing us to shield our eyes, the evening was thoroughly comfortable and enjoyable.

The Tempest is one of two "Shakespeare in the Park" offerings that continue through mid-September (the other is Macbeth). I hope to make Macbeth in Eden Park in two weeks.

Montgomery Inn

I did my duty tonight, correcting an unthinkable oversight of my oldest brother Don and his wife Arvilla, who are visiting from New York State.

Don, a Cincinnati native, had never eaten at Montgomery Inn. In my opinion, for a Cincinnatian, this is akin to someone from Hershey PA who has never tasted chocolate. Inexcusable.

No more. That terrible state of affairs has been rectified. The Montgomery Inn's signature ribs did what they do best: disappeared into diners' bellies. And I also knew my brother would enjoy the vast collection of sports memorabilia throughout the restaurant.

In addition to Pete Rose (above) and Davey Concepcion (below) items, the restaurant's collection includes signed balls, bats, helmets, photos, and more.

It is a great place, and I'm glad to get to share it with my wife, daughter, brother, and sister-in-law.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone