I wrote something for today but it has disappeared. Quite literally. It didn’t publish but it’s not in the Drafts, Scheduled or Trash folders. Thanks WordPress. It’s just gone.
While I’m irked that the positively brilliant piece I wrote for today (and ya’ll know it was brilliant. Ha!)) I’ll seize this opportunity to show you this random photo of the opera house in Cedarville, Ohio. It was built in 1888 and is a gorgeous fixture in this village’s downtown.
Honestly friends, every day this week has felt like a series of ordeals. At one particular low point, I unloaded the back seat of my car in a Bob Evans parking lot to rearrange and make room for a large rug that I had just learned was waiting for me at the post office. It wouldn’t fit in my mail carrier’s vehicle. Could I come get it? This was while the employees of said Bob Evans were inside actively forgetting to bring out my curbside delivery after I called to let them know I was there.
Incidentally, this was after they had forgotten to pack it up in the first place and the food was terrible. Oh, and I had ice cream beside me in a cold bag on a hot Ohio day. But yes, the almost seven foot long rolled up rug did fit neatly in my car and the ice cream was still ok when I got home. So, aside from the food, it all turned out just fine.
Did I mention that it was on this day I also accidentally photobombed my company’s HR Director while she was in a Zoom call? Can you say mortified?
Given this auspicious start, I suspect this day isn’t going to be any better. Then again, it could be the best day of my life. Who knows?
But that’s life. And what is life if not an opportunity to learn?
These small hiccups and bumps in the road teach us how to cope, how to regroup or how to roll with the punches when the stakes are higher.
Missing blog posts, bad take-out, and an idiotic company that thinks sending big items via a rural mail carrier’s car is a good idea – these are first world frustrations that we shouldn’t let ruin our day.
Here’s to a good day for us all. And if things aren’t going your way, just think of me in a dress, pulling folding tables out of my car in a restaurant parking lot while passersby tried to figure out what on earth was going on.
At least you can get a laugh out of it all.
Like water off a duck’s back, friends. Just go with it.
Happiness is blue skies, a fabulous old plane and the knowledge that it’s finally Friday. There’s no sense in wishing your life away to get to the weekend but, now that it’s nearly here, there’s nothing wrong with celebrating.
Seasonal allergies have left me sedentary for a lot of this year. While everyone else is clamoring to get outside, I have largely avoided the great outdoors as allergies have been causing my ears to fill with fluid and my head to feel like it may explode.
I encountered this young couple a few times. They looked so peaceful here I had to sneak a quick picture.
Yesterday I told you about my quest to Hillbilly Hotdogs in West Virginia. Since we were driving all that way, I suggested we visit the Heritage Farm Museum just twenty minutes down the road.
There are seven museums that tell the story of life in Appalachia through the years. Technology, transportation, toys and West Virginia industry are among the topics discussed in these museums. They also have a petting zoo and a tractor-pulled wagon train ride tour that are part of your admission ticket.
There’s plenty for kids to do and more adventurous souls might enjoy some of their adventure activities like the zip line tour or rock climbing wall which are offered for an additional price.
Once in the treehouse, you have great views of the village and there are a few other fun things to do from up there.
They do serve food on site and have clean restrooms. This is the kind of place where you could spend a few hours like we did or pass an entire day. I have camera photos and a few more stories to share from here another day so stay tuned. Meanwhile, visit 
If you’re looking for a slice of Americana and a unique dining experience, look no further than Hillbilly Hotdogs at Lesage, West Virginia. It’s between Gallipolis, Ohio and Huntington, West Virginia on Route 2.
Let’s stop here for a moment. First, it’s more than hot dogs. They have sandwiches, salads, deserts and even a vegan menu so I was able to have a cool gourmet hot dog too.
Anyway….. the place dates to the late nineties. From the road, it looks like a shack with some picnic tables amidst a sea of motorcycles and cars of all make and model.
I ventured down on Friday with a friend. They have outdoor dining space but I wanted to eat in one of the school buses so that’s what we did.
This place has received a ton of press over the years but none more influential than a feature on the tv show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. This show practically turned this unusual roadside hot dog stand into a household name.
Want to learn more?