Before this adventure started, my favorite sister and I, along with Nephew JR3 headed to Knox County to get strawberries in Oaktown. Along the way we stopped at Asbury Chapel to put flowers on family grave sites. Our mother would have been 100 years old on May 17th. It boggles my mind to think of all the changes in the world she experienced in her 89 years. The roaring 20’s, the Great Depression, WWII, the space race, watching grand and great-grandkids grow up . . . .
Before we got to Blann’s Berries off US 41, we went past the Lays potato fields which were in bloom. Some were a pretty purple and others had white blooms. After loading the berries (we order ahead, getting too old to do U-Pick!), we went past the asparagus fields which were going to seed. They still had some for retail sale so we added fresh asparagus to our load. Too bad the melons weren’t ripe yet – that will be another adventure later this summer.
I spent the night at Windy Hill so JP and I could get an early start on the Old National Highway – US 40 Yard Sales. There’s absolutely nothing I need or want but, you never know what treasures you’ll find. The plan was to head West, stopping at sales on the Northside of the road then hit the Southside ones on the way back.
Our first stop netted a Tupperware cake taker for $1 – now that’s a total bargain! Onward – A few more uneventful stops then we got to a barn sale where I purchased a small bookcase that found a home in Grandson M’s room.
JP’s co-worker had been telling her that the ‘best’ fish sandwich was at a café in Reelsville. There’s not much in Reelsville, but we found the place; still not sure what it’s called: two different names on signs and two different names on the building itself. It was an old Texaco filling station and pretty much original. The hostess, Chris, gave us a running narrative on the history of the building as she cooked our food. She even had pictures from the town flood of 1913 and celebration dinners from the 40’s and 50’s. It’s nice when people keep historical records. Oh, BTW – it really was a good fish sandwich.
Congrats to Two Chicks and a Hammer!
As a Realtor, I have seen their rehab work and followed their business…imagine my surprise a couple of weeks ago while watching HGTV and seeing them and Indy with the pilot for their show! Apparently the world likes them too as they have been signed to a 10 episode deal!
For those unfamiliar, Two Chicks and a Hammer is a mother-daughter house renovation team based in Fountain Square. HGTV just signed them to a deal for a series that will follow Mina Starsiak and Karen E. Laine as they transform homes in Indianapolis.
A High Noon Entertainment talent scout found the team while searching for another company on Facebook, and after a long interview process, High Noon shot a pilot last fall. “Two Chicks and a Hammer,” debuted May 4 on HGTV. The first episode of the new series is scheduled to air in early 2016…read the Indianapolis Star article here: Two Chicks and a Hammer.
Congrats to these ladies for being recognized…we’re all rooting for you!
There’s lots of things to do in Indy during May that don’t involve an oval track!
Not everyone is into that event in Speedway where 33 cars & drivers turn left and go fast. Here’s some events to keep the rest of us busy:
– Now through Mother’s Day (Sun. May 10) you can visit the 54th Annual Decorator’s Show House Presented by St. Margaret’s Hospital Guild. Info link: http://www.showhouseindy.org/show-house
– Join a walking tour of Fountain Square on May 14th. The 90-minute tour will be led by Indiana Landmarks and a resident of the neighborhood. Featuring a 1- to 1.5-mile walk, tours cost $10 per person. Details at: http://www.discoverfountainsquare.com/
– Remember Ayres Department Store? The Indiana Historical Society has a wonderful exhibit titled “That Ayres Look”. There’s also Concerts on the Canal on Thursdays. Check out all the info at: http://www.indianahistory.org/indiana-experience/you-are-there
– Take a short drive North on Michigan Road and discover Conner Prairie – a living history museum. Find events at this link: http://www.connerprairie.org
– Explore the undead underbelly of Indiana’s most haunted places with Indiana’s most accomplished professional paranormal investigators! They visit Noblesville, Westfield and Chatham Arch plus others. Details at: http://www.unseenpress.com
– If you’d like to learn the historic background of funerals, Bona Thompson Memorial Center will host a historically accurate replica of President Lincoln’s casket, along with a Victorian funerary customs exhibit. It happens on May 22 through June 30 at 5350 University Ave
– Rather sip some wine and channel your inner artist? Visit Chateau Thomas on May 14th. For $20 you get all the materials, a light dinner and oh, did I mention wine? More info: http://www.chateauthomas.com
– Do you enjoy music? Then stop by the Arts Garden at Circle Centre on May 16 for Performathon showcasing the talent of local students of all ages, as well as a wide variety of solo music from faculty of the Music Academy. Details: http://www.indyarts.org
– Ready for some yummy, fresh veggies or get your green thumb on by buying plants to grow? Visit the City Market on Wednesdays from 9:30 – 2:00 for the Farmer’s Market. Don’t forget to pick up a bag of caramel corn!
– Enjoy the historic surroundings of the 1890s Propylaeum Club during a relaxing lunch or afternoon tea with friends or business associates. Tuesday through Friday. Visit this link for details: http://www.thepropylaeum.org/
– At University High School on May 23, you are cordially invited to the fantastic, free Russian Festival with ethnic food, dances, kids’ corner and much more! ww.universityhighschool.org
– Has Mother Nature been calling your name? Then get to Garfield Park for the Plant Sale on May 16 from 9-12. Check here for types of plants available: http://www.garfieldgardensconservatory.org
– For a variety of events and classes, check out Indy Parks http://www.indy.gov/eGov/City/DPR/Pages/IndyParksHome.aspx
– Who doesn’t like Happy Hours? Show up on Georgia St. on Thursdays. At 5:00 to see live music, enjoy food and have a good time.
– After that, a walk around U of Indy to see the artwork on the campus sculpture walk. The free outdoor art exhibition features work by artists from around the country. Sculptures vary greatly in size, style and subject, Click here to get a map: http://www.uindy.edu
– If you’re totally bored, this should rev your engine (sorry!). On Thursday, May 7, at 9:00 a.m. it’s Government Information Day at the Indiana State Library to learn about online services and discuss the transformation of government information from the print to the digital age. Location: Indiana State Library, 315 West Ohio Street, Indianapolis, Marion County.
– Wow – Basketball is not over in Indy: Sat. May 9 the Indiana Blaze (semi-pro men’s BB team) will play the New Jersey Bullets. Game will be at Noblesville East Middle School, 625 Field Drive, Noblesville Info link: http://www.indyblazebasketball.com/
– Well, golleeee Andy!! It’s the Mayberry in the Midwest Festival, beginning May 15 at the Courthouse Square, Danville
http://www.mayberryinthemidwest.com/
Whew – that should keep you busy for awhile!
Breaking Away…
Yes everyone…it’s that time again…IU’s Little 500 is this weekend! An event that sparked a hollywood movie and a legacy for Dave Blase…the most famous IU Little 500 rider who almost didn’t race! Click here to read the Indy Star article about his story.
From the Indiana University Student Foundation page:
The Little 500 is the largest collegiate bike race in the United States. Modeled after the Indianapolis 500, riders compete in four-person teams around a quarter-mile cinder track at Bill Armstrong Stadium. The men’s race is 200 laps — 50 miles — and the women’s race is 100.
More than 25,000 fans flock to the campus in Bloomington, Indiana, each April to be a part of IU’s storied tradition. And who can blame them? The excitement, the competition, the pageantry — Little 500 is an experience like no other.
The race began in 1951 as a way to raise scholarship money for students working their way through college. Since that first race, IUSF has given away over $1 million to deserving undergrads.
Now about that Hollywood movie…do you remember it? Dennis Christopher played Dave and Dennis Quaid, Jackie Earl Haley and Daniel Stern rounded out the 4 man team. The synopsis is quite simple, Dave, nineteen, has just graduated high school, with his 3 friends, the comical Cyril, the warm hearted but short-tempered Moocher, and the athletic, spiteful but good-hearted Mike. Now, Dave enjoys racing bikes and hopes to race the Italians one day, and even takes up the Italian culture, much to his friends and parents annoyance. Meanwhile, the 4 friends try to break away from their townie, Indiana reputation while fighting with nearby college snobs.
I just love movies set in Indiana and about Indiana events…how about you?
What do you think I do to earn my paycheck?
Think you know? I know my friends understand that I’m busy A LOT, but reality is there is so much more to being a realtor than showing homes…this blog post by Andrew Fortune on his blog Great Colorado Homes puts it so perfectly, I wanted to share. Click this link to read the post: What Does a REALTOR® Do To Earn Their Commission?.
Now…want to become an Realtor?
SPRING (which I love) CLEANING (which I dislike)
Yes, it’s THAT time of year – spring cleaning. Or at least that’s what Clorox, Windex, P&G and Mr. Clean would like you to believe. Just turn on the TV and there’s someone telling you how to do it faster and better. The only way that would work for me is to have someone else do it.
And please, stop showing those pictures of dust mites magnified thousands of times – they’re giving me nightmares. I’m sure my house is a much desired location for them, probably got 5 stars on Yelp. I was much happier thinking of dust bunnies.
Of course the big thing nowadays is making your own cleaning products. I have a niece that makes her own laundry soap. Sorry, I have better things to do than chop up soap bars and mix it with borax. I guess it’s a choice of convenience vs expense or the Little House on the Prairie syndrome. Just check the internet for recipes for cleaners:
Glass Cleaner: 2 Tblsp of lemon juice, 1 Tblsp white vinegar and 1 cup hot water, mix, put in spray bottle and start spritzing. But, do it on a cloudy day; if it’s sunshine-y your windows will streak (so I’ve heard).
The one thing I do make is drain cleaner – easy peasy:
1 C baking soda, 1 C salt and 1/2 C vinegar, pour into the drain, let sit for 5 min. then pour 2 C boiling water down the drain. Works great plus the foaming makes me think of jr. high science class.
I did purchase a spin mop and the grandkids love using it. Winner all around: happy grandkids and clean floors!
Indy Hosts the Final Four Next Weekend!
Despite the negative press we are currently receiving about the Religious Freedom bill we are still hosting this year’s Final Four and by tomorrow night we will know which 4 College Teams will be playing for the championship…being the host city brings so much more to our City! Let’s hope that the Bill doesn’t make this the last one…
So many things will happening next week, you will be seeing a lot of volunteers (me included!) toward the end of the week. There are always opportunities to volunteer, Final Four is closed for registration now, but there are other NCAA Events, click here to learn more about ongoing opportunities!
The Indianapolis Star published the time lapse video of creating the floor at Lucas Oil Stadium, click here to check it out!
Friday, Lucas Oil Stadium will be open and FREE to the public to watch the Final Four teams practice as well as the College All Star teams tipping off at 4:30, Fan Fest will also open at Noon on Friday.
Think this is just about the games? Check out the 3 day March Madness Music Festival, the Final Four Dribble, Youth Clinics, and let’s face it…people watching is free and a lot of fun! You can check out all the information at the Men’s Final Four Championship website.
I’ll be in the middle of the madness, say hello if you see me!
Adventures with JP, Episode 1
It was a dark and stormy day . . . isn’t that how Snoopy starts his great American novel? Well, this time it was true when we took off for niece JP’s annual birthday trip. We’ve been doing this for several years and never know what adventures lay ahead. This year she decided we’d go to SW Indiana, Sullivan to be exact. I picked up her and sister V. on Friday afternoon and we headed out.
We made it to The Front Porch in Worthington for lunch. We all thought they closed at 2:00 but they were open later since it was a Friday. We enjoyed some home cooking: tenderloin and fish sandwiches and onion rings. Then it was onward southwest through the rain.
I’d made reservations at the mobile home (they don’t like to call it a trailer) at the Sullivan County Park & Lake. JP had camped here a few years ago so I looked it up and found they had a few cabins and the MH for rent. JP knew there was a shortcut off the highway so we took off down the back roads. Maybe if it hadn’t been so rainy, she’d have remembered the landmarks but somehow we ended up on the opposite side of the lake. I called the Park Office and asked for directions. The lady said, “My, you’re making it difficult. Let me think about where you are and how to get you here.” She did talk us in and we got checked in. The MH probably has not earned a lot of stars on any rating site, but it suited us. It was clean, had hot water and appliances and three bedrooms (although JP’s was on the porch).
JP called Cousin M and asked if we could pick up dinner and come over and watch the IU game. We knew she’d be in front of the big screen since she’s a huge IU fan. So, a quick stop at the town market to pick up food and off we went. We yelled and coached from our chairs but it didn’t do any good, IU lost. We did get caught up on local family news and saw pictures of the newest grandbabies.
The rain stopped during the night and we had some sunshine as we headed out Saturday. We got a late start so thought we’d grab lunch in Sullivan. Well, most of their eateries DO close at 2 p.m.! We finally found the bar & grille at the bowling alley was open. As we were paying our check, we noticed a flyer for the local high school’s presentation of Mary Poppins. Wow – that would be fun! So we had to be back by 8:00.
We crossed into Illinois to find a winery – we always try to tour a winery on our adventures. We found an antique/flea market open in Palestine so took a look around. Since we gained an hour, we took our time strolling through the aisles. We asked about a winery and the proprietors said the closest one was at Vincennes. We were running out of time so that wasn’t an option; we headed back to Indiana.
We made it to the high school just in time. It was a typical amateur production. The sound was bad, the audience noise was distracting but somehow we were transported into the story of the Banks family and Bert & Mary. The students did a good job of singing and even made their English accents believable.
Sunday morning was even brighter and warmer. We’d noticed a couple of trash to treasures shops in town so off we went. Well, everything was closed on Sundays; we forgot we were in small town America.
So, time to head back North. When we stopped for gas, JP ran into some folks she knew so caught up with them. Lunch was back at Worthington again at the 67 Grille & Ice Cream Shop. This time, JP ran into someone she went to school with so more catching up. Back to Morgan County and home, sweet home.
Lessons learned:
– There’s more than one way to get to your destination
– You never know who you’ll run into on an adventure
– You’ll always find an IU fan
– Check county parks for rentals – cheaper than hotels
– Remember what time zone you’re in
– Go to a high school musical – always enjoyable
– Take wine with you just in case
Well, I never . . . . . . . .
I never would drive a pink car no matter how much Mary Kay I sold.
I never (at least try not to) step in spit on the sidewalk. That’s just nasty. Although, I do have contests with my kids/grandkids when we walk across a bridge on how long of a spit string we can get hanging over the side!
I never keep more than one day’s worth of history on my pc. It’s no one’s business.
I never understood why a driver has to go speeding around me, switching lanes and I end up at the next stop light at the same time as they do.
I never get tired of hearing “That was fun Grandma!”
I never get tired of quoting favorite movies with friends & family. Especially Blazing Saddles, Monty Python & the Holy Grail, Star Wars, Christmas Story . . . .
I never enjoyed having to move in the winter.
I never buy name-brand food, generic is just fine. Although, it’s almost as expensive as name brand nowadays.
I never figured out why someone stays married ‘for the sake of the kids.’ Wouldn’t living with a happier parent(s) be better than living in a miserable environment?
I never figured out why they have to put a person’s age with their name in a magazine/newspaper article. If I want to know how old someone is, I’ll check Wikipedia.
I never stopped putting two spaces after a period.
I never forget to put things back where I got them in case I need it again and forgot where I put it.
I never miss a chance to give/get a hug.
I never expect a Thank You card for a gift; it’s a thing of the past. You’re lucky if you get a thanks in FB or email.
I never figured out why the commercials on Hulu stream just fine but the program I’m watching slows down halfway through.
I never like to look up and see anyone (thin, thick, whatever shape) wearing leggings and a short shirt! They were meant to wear UNDER a long shirt/sweater or short skirt. Cover up those bums! And please don’t let it be a wild color or pattern – that’s even worse.
I never had a bad pregnancy; sure I threw up for 9 months and still carry the 50+ extra pounds, but they all ended with a beautiful baby boy that grew into a wonderful man.
I never pass up a chance for a road trip. Call me, I’ll go!
I never pass up a chance to use the bathroom; this depends on your age.
I never try to take anything for granted. Everyone serves a purpose and I’m thankful they’re in my life.
Indy Drivers…it’s time to talk…
…when you are in a left turn lane…turn left! Do not go straight and run the drivers going straight off the road!
…when you are turning right and there are 2 lanes of traffic turning left that have the light…don’t try to “beat” the first one coming at you! It just ticks us off!
…when it is evening, but not quite dark, but there is no sun…turn your lights on! Last night at about 4:30 on my way home, I needed to change lanes on a city street and thankfully caught a glimpse of a car to my right just before I would have pulled into him…dark gray day…dark gray car…no lights…really thankful I didn’t hit him!
…it snowed a bit last night, city streets weren’t horrible this morning, but they weren’t dry…drive accordingly. Even the interstates weren’t in great shape, hence the huge backups around town.
…the “slow” or right lane on the city streets or the interstate is not the passing lane – if we are in that lane and driving the speed limit or slower if the road conditions warrant it, GET OFF MY A**! Your lack of planning to have enough time to arrive at your destination is not my problem, but it could get you injured or killed if you don’t slow down!
…Emerson Avenue runs North/South through the city and from 10th street to Kessler is a 4 lane road…THE SPEED LIMIT IS 40 MPH and there are a couple of SCHOOL ZONES…please at least drive the speed limit and slow down for the school zones!
Rant over and “let’s be careful out there” everyone, remember, getting somewhere quickly is not worth your life!
Living in Indy 