HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Brooklyn Heights was a buzz with little ghosts and gobblins. A wonderful little candy hander-outer even gave me two mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. My favorite, how did you know?! Willow Street wins the decoration award! Next year I must decorate the apartment and hand out candy!

Sunday in South Ohio

So what did Matt and I find to do in southwestern Ohio all day long?

First was a drive back to Oxford to walk around Miami of Ohio's campus. Having gone to an urban university, I guess I don't really know what a university looks like, but M of O's fit's the gorgeous brick college campus stereotype. Campus was quiet because of fall break, but we could still sense the cool vibe. Not only are there a ton of frat houses, we also thought it was funny to spot the funny names that were given to some of the other houses. Apparently that is a thing in Oxford.















Next it was off to the Trader's World Flea Market. We didn't know what we were getting ourselves into, but it 's a flea market, you never know what kind of treasures awaited us. But we realized we were in trouble when fake jungle animals making noises greeted us at the front gate. I did consider purchasing my very own Corn Hole set, but beyond that we didn't find anything remarkable...some might say down right yucky. Just past the flea market as you go North on I-75 we were also amazed (read shocked) to see a GIANT Jesus coming out of the ground in front of a GIANT church. And I thought the giant Jesus sign on I-75 in Michigan was impressive!

We were heading north on a mission...not to go the airport, but to Graeter's Ice Cream. Graeters was featured on the Food Network a few weeks back. It's ice cream is super creamy and contains special chips of chocolate because they use a "french pot process." I knew I couldn't go to Ohio without giving it a try. We both agreed that it didn't disappoint! My Buckeye Blitz (chocolate ice cream with peanut butter) was decadent. Matt's green mint ice cream with chips of chocolate was fantastically refreshing. There are stores all over Ohio but we went to Oakwood, a suburb of Dayton. We didn't see the whole town but what we did see was very nice-- lots of turn of the century bungalows.

Our trip ended with an airport delay but we had lots of fun memories and a few trash magazines to keep us occupied. The New York skyline and a harvest moon welcomed us back to the city.

New Cart in the Nabe

On my way home tonight I noticed that the fruit cart periodically located at Henry and Clark has been replaced by a gyro/halal meat stand. The chef was even wearing a white hat. Any veggie options? Doubtful, but I plan to check:-) There were 4 or 5 college kids waiting in line...could be a prime location. Developing...

222 Pow Wow

16 Taylors (plus Matt) gathered in the woods of southwest Ohio for a most auspicious event this weekend-- The 222 Pow Wow. The what? The celebration of Granny's 80th birthday, Grandpa's 82nd birthday and their 60th wedding anniversary!! Pow WOW indeed!

We stayed at the lodge in Hueston Woods state park, which looks like a giant teepee. The park is just five miles away from the bucolic town of Oxford, OH home to Miami of Ohio University.

Arrivals were fun on Friday. G&G were there first, followed by mom, dad and Katie and then Matt and me. We all then greeted the rest of the gang from MI, TN and MN throughout the afternoon. After check in, we all gathered in G&G's room "at 6 for 7." (A British term I'm told-- drinks at 6 for a 7pm meal:-)) And what was the post-dinner entertainment? A press conference with Matt. Yes, I'm serious! After a flip comment Matt made many months ago that he should hold a press conference to avoid a barrage of questions all weekend, my (silly and wonderful) cousin Corey decided to make the comment a surprise reality. "Matt, if you were a cereal, what kind of cereal would you be?" "MSU or U of M?" And from my 12 year old cousin, "hi my name is Ellie. I am Erin's favorite cousin. Matt, as a life long greater New York City resident I am curious to know what you think will be the effect of the federal bailout as it relates to the existing over burden of the New York taxpayer and the need to reduce the capital gains tax?" He handled the surprise like a pro:-)



Saturday morning found us taking a family picture and then 7 of us headed for the golf course for 9 holes. Dad, Matt and I were a team and can I just say that it was one of the most enjoyable rounds of golf I've played. I had two of my favorite guys driving me in a cart, spotting my drives and finding my ball when I hit it into the woods. Lovely:-)



Unfortunately the afternoon turned ugly when MSU lost to OU. Better luck next week against U of M!!

We gathered once again "at 6 for 7" for the big celebration. What fun! Granny and Grandpa, boards of family pictures and tasty appetizers greeted us when we entered our private dining room. What followed was a great dinner and a wonderful evening of laughs and toasting Granny and Grandpa. In 60 years they have formed and led a family that owes so much of its success, happiness and closeness to them. They are our inspiration!! Happy Anniversary!!

Goodbyes were sad on Sunday morning, but we had had a fantastic weekend. Matt and I were the last to leave the lodge and weren't scheduled to leave from Dayton until 7pm. What ever did we find to do? Find out tomorrow...

More pictures when mom sends me what she took (hint hint:-))

Adventures after grieving

New York Adventures has been on hold due to the death of my Grandma Trisha. It's been a hard couple weeks, but more Adventures are coming soon.

Check back on Monday.

Snaggle Tooth and Wild Frye

Awesome article about Brooklyn Heights in the NYT this morning. Who knew that the Wild Frye Topless Bar used to be across the street or that Clark Kent's home was supposedly in Brooklyn Heights (in the city of Metropolis.)

Click here to read the whole thing.

More Tunnel to Towers

Almost there!!!


Can you spot our legs? We did it!