IRIS DAY: September 28

 September Happenings 

Happy IRIS DAY!

First Iris Blooms

 Left: Hybrid Iris. Photo: I.T.V.

Center-Right: Bearded Irises. Photo: V.E.V. Columbus, Ohio: April 27, 2026

Today is a celebration of the iris. Yes, those classic garden blooms.

But more than that, of our own exquisite flower. 

Our Iris.

This one.

Our rainbow and messenger of the gods.

Here she is - elegant, magical, funny, someone who embodies hope, faith, and wisdom - in a spectrum of colors and moods.

Like they say it – ain’t over ‘til the fat guy swings. Cincinnati Reds game, June 2026

The quirky things that make you different are what make you beautiful.

Short hair because sometimes less is more.

Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first.

Left: Gulab Jamon. Cumin and Curry Indian Restaurant: Columbus, 2025

To me, “drink responsibly” means don’t spill it.

Center-Right: Cinco de Mayo, 2026 and Wine Tasting, Michigan, 2025

She knows that the smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention. We rise by lifting others.

Left: Pancake Breakfast. Stonybrook UMC, February 2026

Right: Orlando, Florida. July 2025

Left: Breakfast Treat for Columbus Blue. December 2023

Right: You don’t have to be a doctor to save lives; just donate blood. February 2021

She believes that the only way to have friends is to be one.

Left: Prom Day with Columbus Police friends, 2025

Right: Dive Team Christmas Party, 2025

Family and oh-so-delicious crispy and golden tilapia and fresh watermelon slush– a match made in heaven.

Hosting family and long-time Florida friend at dinner, September 2026

She's a thinker and a planner.

I think that I think too much, so...

... I think I’ll think about things less.

Top left and bottom: The Barn: May 2026

 Top right: Dimsum Bistro: May 2026

At the beginning of the schoolyear, Fav Grand/D’s teacher mentioned having to present a speech about a hero at the end of the school year. Guess which hero she honored?

Text of her presentation follows:

Some may say that heroes put themselves into harm’s way, do good deeds without asking for anything in return, or give back to the community.

Mother and daughter from the start. Best friends forever from the heart.

For me, I didn’t have a problem choosing my hero. I knew right away that it was going to be my mom. She’s hard working, helpful, confident and so much more, and she deserves this title more than anyone else in my life does.

My mom works in public health for the Columbus Police, and it’s always intriguing to hear about what she did at work that day. From teaching new recruits to working in her warehouse, I love listening to what she shares. Though, while hearing about how an officer got contaminated with someone else’s “yucky stuff” might not sound interesting, that is how my mom goes about fixing the problem at hand and helping the officer. This really expresses her quick-thinking and hard working character. Her hard work ethic has rubbed off on me all throughout my life. In school I get good grades, I practice piano consistently, and I give it my all in track and field. Because of my mom’s influence, I’m able to achieve goals and get better at my hobbies.

But, she’s not just helpful in her line of work. My mom has taught me how to do lots of things, whether that be from something as simple as cooking eggs, or as complicated as learning how to be strong. 

Don't be afraid to take whisks. Gold Cudgel Hot Pot Restaurant, Columbus, 2026

When I’m stuck on something – like when I’m doing homework or practicing piano – she always knows exactly how to help. Similarly, when I want advice or when I need to get something off my chest, she always knows exactly what to say. I strive to be just as good of a help in and out of school, as well as someone that gives good advice and undivided attention to those who need it.

My mom models how to keep my head held high, and how not to doubt myself. She’s helped me get through stressful situations, and she’s always told me that “If you keep you head held high, no one can touch you.” 

Keep your heels, head, and standards high. La Bohème Opera, Ballet Met. May 2026

But controlling my anxiety and putting confidence into practice didn’t come naturally. It came with time; and even now, I still get nervous. But now, I know how to deal with my emotions, accept challenges, and keep my head held high like my mom told me. I owe that confidence to my mom.

Everyone’s hero is different. For me, my mom reflects every aspect of a hero.

 She’s hard working, helpful, confident, smart, and so much more. I truly can’t express the impact you have on my life and how much you matter to me, your family, and your coworkers. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.

Mothers are like superheroes, but with less time to change into a cape. - Unknown

Toronto, July 2024

This year's celebration of IRIS DAY started a week early.

SURPRISE! (Umm... not really. Opening gifts from her Amazon wish list.)

Then, it was time for Happy Hour.

If you’re looking for a sign to drink tonight, this is it.

BrewDog is a 8,600 square foot bar with 24 taps. They have shuffleboard, pinball machine games, and an outdoor terrace to cozy up for an evening by the firepits. 

Beer: now cheaper than gas. Drink… don’t drive.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

This is the youngest you'll ever be.

DOODLE DAY: September 26

 September Happenings 

Make an empty space in any corner of your mind, and creativity will instantly fill it. – Dee Hock

Release that inner artist – and have loads of fun doing it – on NATIONAL DOODLE DAY, a celebration of all those idle sketches that people tend to make while on the phone or when they're just bored.

Drawing to make a difference is the key focus.

On this day, selected famous people from the art, sports, and entertainment world are encouraged to pick up writing instruments and create doodles, which are then auctioned off to the highest bidders online. The proceeds go to support those affected by epilepsy and increase research in this area.

How do you doodle?

Just pick up a standard pen or pencil with a notebook or even some scraps of paper and get started. It’s not about perfect lines and shapes.

Squiggly lines, flowers, circles, diamonds, hearts and even faces will often make their way from pen to paper, many times without your even thinking about it.

In lieu of doodling concrete objects, you can opt to do what is called a Zentangle, a method that reportedly promotes relaxation and creativity.

Zentangle is a meditative drawing that involves creating abstract patterns using structured, repetitive strokes. 

The project is created on a small square of paper (or tile), typically 3.5 inches by 3.5 inches.

Here’s one that I created.

Why not free that creative spirit?

Right now.

Doodle already!

Bowling Green and a Grand Day!

When the fog rolls in, the world slows down to breathe.

Us? We decided it was a good time for an excursion to Bowling Green.

 

Bowling Green is a city in, and the county seat of, Wood County, Ohio, United States. The population was 30,808 at the 2020 census. Located 20 miles southwest of Toledo, it is part of the Toledo metropolitan area. Bowling Green is the home of Bowling Green State University.

First, to Simpson Garden Park, a welcoming space with themed areas, a Japanese garden, and a walking trail.

Then, for the main attraction, the free Black Swamp Arts Festival featuring blues, psychedelic art, and the usual kettle corn and lemonade-slush street food.

Shopping is my cardio.

Let's go!

Souvenirs and gifts galore were plentiful – baskets, home decor, ceramics, various handicrafts, beads, jewelry, and more.

Come time for snack. It will never break your heart.

Keep calm and eat on.

I’m into fitness. Hotdog in my mouth! Want some?

Back home, a delightful treat! What do you know? It’s our day. GRANDPARENTS’ DAY!

 Phones down, forks up. It’s dinner time.

 Happiness is… a Cap City dinner waiting on the table courtesy of Second Daughter and Fav Grand/D

It wasn’t a bad day at all.

In fact, it was a good day to have a GRAND DAY.

Hoping that yours was, too, filled with good thoughts, loving family, and happy moments!

FRIED RICE DAY: September 20

September Happenings 

Rice, meet joy, in this delicious fried rice. - Anonymous

                                   

On FRIED RICE DAY, opt to make this tasty carb dish, or better still, delve into dishing out Bagoong Fried Rice– in my mind and palette, a work of art, the perfect harmony of ingredients.

I first tasted and got obsessed with this culinary concoction in Thailand. At first taste, it hit the spot with me. 

Truly mesme-rice-ing!

Unlike the well-known Chinese version, Bagoong Rice makes use of shrimp paste or bagoong. The recipe is simple enough.

Stir-fry pre-cooked rice with shrimp paste. The secret, according to one chef, is to let the bagoong “dance” with the rice.

Only then are other ingredients added - toasted garlic, spring onions, shallots, and optionally chilis, cucumbers, jicama, carrots, scrambled eggs, chicharon, and tomatoes.

Garnish with  julienned sour green mangoes.

Life is short. Eat BAGOONG RICE.

Good mood. Good food. Always.

Have a rice day! 

Sixty and Fabulous!

A Milestone Birthday Celebration

Maestro M had a startling realization that he was turning 60.

 He asked some friends to help him celebrate (and recuperate from the bleak truth of aging) at his birthday party

 On September 6, 2026 at 6 pm

 At Wolf’s Ridge at Worthington Inn

The Wolf’s Ridge at Worthington Inn marks the return of refined dining to a building that has served the community in various ways since 1831.

It has been a mansion, a ten-cent diner, a post-fire Victorian showpiece, and a fine dining institution that had held its ground for decades.

Here are a few pics of his especial day.

Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, What! You too? I thought I was the only one!

If you can’t sing, just pretend you’re a backup singer for the birthday star.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SONG FUN FACT:

It was the first song sung in outer space.

It is the most recognizable song.

It was originally Good Morning to You written by Sisters who were teachers.

The gift of oneself from friends

 who came from far and near

are the best gifts of all.

                                                         Sticky Toffee Pudding

You are what you eat, so eat something sweet.

Behind you, all your memories

Before you, all your dreams

Around you, all who love you

Within you, all you need.

 

Happy birthday, dearest friend!

You’re not old. 

You’re 6 perfect 10’s.

TELEPHONE DAY: September 2

 September Happenings 

It is okay to own a technology, what is not okay is to be owned by technology.- Abhijit Naskar

Even though September doesn't officially kick off a new year, the month feels like a fresh start, given that kids go back to school and fall arrives mid-month, bringing a season full of autumn delights like pumpkin spice, falling leaves and sweater weather.

It’s also a month chock full of lesser-known observances that could be fun, but also make us ponder.

Consider TELEPHONE DAY.

Mobile phones have truly evolved. I remember the girls’ mobile phone from several years ago.

Then, we became the proud owner of a high-tech chunky cell device. 

Now, there’s the sleek smartphone with powerful capabilities.

My phone’s smarter than me, but I’m cuter.

But I don’t want to talk about that. I’m going rogue, featuring the classic tin-can-and-a-string phone system.

It’s a device that doesn’t need electricity to work and could completely be a DIY project. All you need are a hammer, three small nails, heavy-duty thread about twelve feet long, and two tin cans.

First, punch a small hole in the center of the bottom of each can. Push the ends of the thread through the holes, from the outside to the inside, of each can.

Tie each end of the thread to a nail. Pull the thread until the nail touches the bottom of the can.

Your ”telephone” is ready to use. 

Give a friend one of the cans. Stand far enough apart to stretch the thread tightly.

Talk softly into your end of the ”telephone” while your friend holds the other can to one ear. Then have your friend talk while you listen.

Try it!

Technology is awesome, yet it sometimes complicates our life. I’ve finally realized that people are prisoners of their phone. That’s why it’s called a “cell” phone.

 How about we all put our smart phone down?

Click Less, Live More.

Make TELEPHONE DAY a PEOPLE DAY.

No one is more important than the person right beside or in front of you.

My Perfect Summer

Hot Mess

Summer’s lease hath all too short a date. – William Shakespeare

Three words: Jackets. Are. Back.

Alas, summer sun can’t last forever. The days will grow cooler and shorter. August is slipping away like a bottle of wine. 

But, as a poet says, when summer gathers up her robes of glory and like a dream of beauty, glides away, I relish memories of all those who have made my summer perfect.

Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?

Thou art more lovely and more temperate:

Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,

And summer’s lease hath all too short a date;

Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,

And often is his gold complexion dimmed.

Left: Kitty Undercover. Not stalking you. Just watching you. Always.

Right: Life is ruff when you’re this cute.

And every fair from fair sometime declines,

By chance or nature’s changing course untrimm'd;

But thy eternal summer shall not fade,

Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow’st;

Nor shall death brag thou wander’st in his shade,

When in eternal lines to time thou grow’st:

  

So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,

So long lives this,

and this gives life to thee.   

Nothing but these compare to the beauty and perfection

of my perfect summer day.