New Year's Eve and Day

Rick and I had a very mellow New Year's Eve.  We bought a pound of large shrimp and 4 lobster tails at Jungle Jim's International Market.  This place is so HUGE that it's almost intimidating.  One can spend hours poking around this place.....

Discover a World of Food and More!

Jungle Jim’s International Market is more than a grocery store, it’s a destination! With more than 200,000 square feet of shopping space in each of our stores, there are over 150,000 products from which to choose.

In addition to all the grocery items, you’ll find store tours, food demonstrations and lots of fun and attractions for the whole family.

Our stores also offer more gift shops, boutiques, restaurants and conveniences than any other mega store in the region. Stop in for an hour or make a day of it. However you do it, shopping at Jungle Jim’s 

The 2 of us just sat in front of the television, sipping and nibbling.  Very enjoyable.

The BIG FUN started on New Year's Day.  Sadly, Tony had to work, so missed the fun.  He's an executive chef at BRAVO'S and works long hours.

Aunt Nan had her annual "Pig Tail Party" to get things rolling.  Baked until super crispy.... yummy.  Like meaty cracklins.  (probably something that you have to grow up with.... very German)  After about 4 pounds of tails, we moved on to dinner.

Center cut pork loin roast, Country pork ribs, Sauerkraut, Mashed Potatoes, Baked Apples, Limas and an Angel hair pasta with pork drippings.....decadent.  I had a Filipino client that turned me onto this.

We had a great day!

Toot's

This WAS always on the "MUST" list when I visit family.  Not anymore.  The past couple of visits showed a serious decline in their kitchen.  Last week was their third strike.

Cute place.  Fun place.  Food-  not so hot.

We ordered dry Buffalo Wings extra crispy.  They came out to the table far from what we had requested.

The server basically shrugged his shoulders.  I'll go back in for a cold beer or two but won't eat again.

Abuelo's With the Peeps

I had a whirlwind couple of weeks in the Cincinnati, Ohio area.  Just flew home yesterday.  Truly "the flight from hell", but more about that later.

I've got my brother, his 2 gals, their husbands, and 4 great nieces and nephews in Loveland, Ohio.... about 20 miles North of Cincinnati-Proper.

Nanette got to see SNOW for the first time in a year!

This is one of our MUSTS when I'm in town.

http://www.abuelos.com/

Great food, great margaritas, beautiful place, and our server, Jonathan was a real trooper!

A Visit From Amy

Amy and I grew up in Newbury, OH.  (suburb East of Cleveland).  Much to her delight, she and her husband bought her family home.

She drove down to Rick's, picked me up, and we ventured over to the Red Roof Inn, just a couple miles away, for 2 fun-filled nights.

To our delight, there was an adjacent restaurant/bar....  FLIPDADDY'S.  What great fun we had!

Spent two afternoons there.  Happy Hour from 2-7 pm!  $1.50 pint drafts.  Excellent food.

We were in heaven here.  Bartender, Cathy was a living doll.

This is one of our new favorite places....  Amy and I are going to try to make this an annual thing.

My Dear Nephews and their Families......

My brother was married to Dennis and Joe’s mother.

I grew up considering them “BLOOD”, as did the rest of my family.

I basically saw “my” boys grow up across the street at my parent’s house in Newbury, OH.  (suburb EAST of Cleveland).  Spent a lot of time taking them out.... the circus, the county fair, lunches, etc.

Eventually, the marriage broke up and my nephews ended up living with their father Richard in KY.

We’ve remained close over the years, and it was SO WONDERFUL to see them, their wives and children during my visit.

Joe and his family live in Danville, KY.  Dennis and his family are in Boulder, CO.

We spent a day with them at Jennifer’s home.  The “kids” had a big spread of food, and hilarity ensued.  Such a fun time!