Old Worthington Market Day and Quarter Beer Festival

Finally, more pics from nearly two Saturdays ago. (Yeeps! Time flies!)

We were surprised at just how big the festival was upon arrival. At first it was cloudy and cool, but it quickly became gloriously sunny and warm.

A band and balloons in front of the Mason's Lodge. 

The antique and vintage quad of the green.

Things that I passed on that I wouldn't have minded taking home included this loverly old Christmas tree stand. So much better than the clunky modern plastic ones. No skirt required. Couldn't justify it as we haven't had a real tree (or any other kind of tree) the last couple of years and don't know when we'll be having one again as we are never home for Christmas.

And this old aluminum milk delivery crate complete with bottles. Wouldn't it be fantastic for flowers at a rustic-y wedding or (insert special event)? So many possibilities in that context. An ombré arrangement, something like here, would be gorgeous.

Looking pretty fall-ish.

Appreciating Worthinton's cupolas atop St. John's Episcopal Church (above) and the Worthington Hardware Co.(below).

We dropped into the beer festival for a bit right when we got there, then while Greg got his haircut I did my looking about, then we rendezvoused back for some more yummy midwest craft beer.

All proceeds benefited the Worthington Food Pantry, so we were drinking for a good cause. (Or a better one than usual I should say. Hehehe.)

This chap was in the spirit. It was also Columbus Oktoberfest at the state fairgrounds that weekend.

Cheers! *Clink!* (Or rather the plastic cup equivalent.)

Last weekend we went back to Champaign for University of Illinois homecoming (we are both alums). Festivities included skipping around downtown Champaign Friday night, followed by tailgating and an (exciting!) football game bright and early Saturday morning. Alas, we had to drive back shortly after the game as Greg had to fly away to the other side of the world Sunday afternoon (literally, to Tokyo). And he won't be home till next week. Boo. But I'm not too gloomy as I am getting away to Florida tomorrow to meet our new niece and celebrate the other's third birthday. Hooray for hot sunshine, a pool, palm trees, and birthday cake!

Antlers and an Afghan

Saturday was Old Worthington Market Day downtown. The normal farmers market was replaced with oodles of craft and food vendors with a splash of antiques and vintage thrown in, stretching down High St. and spilling on to three out of the four quads of the village green. Simultaneously, House Wine and the other Old Worthington Quarter (as the l-shaped building on High St. downtown is apparently known) merchants hosted the Old Worthington Quarter Beer Festival in their lot. Pictures of the festivities to come.

The Worthington Historical Society had a flea/antique market set up alongside a couple of other antique/vintage vendors on one of the quads as a fundraiser. That's where I spotted this pair. At first I wasn't too sure. And I walked on. And then I couldn't stop thinking about them. So I went back and asked what the best price was. Hmmmm. Back to the beer festival. Still couldn't stop thinking about them. Had to have them, but Greg had to get home for the football game. Dropped him off and back I went. Still there. Whew. Made an offer. Did the deal. Mine. Hooray! 

I know bits from dead animals aren't everybody's cuppa. I love animals alive and I am certainly do not support their killing just for the sake of trophies. But I'd rather see more of an animal utilized than less, even if in part for a decorative purpose. Anywho, I don't mean to offend by my description of having obsessively coveted these and I understand if anyone out there just wants to move on to the afghan. 

I love that they are proudly autographed by Ron. I'm really not sure how old these actually are. When I Googled Ron's Taxidermy, it popped up on Google Maps, so he very well might still be in business, and if so, Ron, if you're out there, well done.

Now that I have them I am currently thinking that I will be keeping both. I am totally in love with these painted antlers by Cassandra Smith on Etsy. They are naturally shed, so no animals are harmed in the creation of her art. Isn't this one especially gorgeous? (They go very fast from her shop, so move quickly if you happen to be interested, and keep an eye out for new designs and colors.) I may very well come up with a scheme and paint one of my pair for hanging in the (more feminine) living room and keep the other au naturel for the basement room when it's all put back together (in a masculine manner).

And my other recent find. There just happens to be a thrift store next to my fav grocery, Weilands, so the other day before going to get the necessaries, I popped in and had a quick look around and found this crocheted afghan in the brightest orange with cream trim, perfect for a cheery fall pop of color.

It's in really perfect shape, but as I was photoing it this afternoon, I noticed it is quite a bit longer at one parallel end than the other. Perhaps that's why it was cast off. But I don't mind one bit, I love it just the way it is. I think it's a keeper too.

♡,

Erin

Sunday Funday

We kicked our day of r and r off with an absolutely delicious brunch at Third and Hollywood in Grandview (mentioned before here). The eternal debate: will it be a bloody mary or a mimosa? How about one of each?

Greg had the steak and eggs, which had it going on and them some. Lucky for me he was game to share a bit.

I had the pesto omelet with arugula salad. The omelet was cheesy and yummy. Lucky for Greg, I was game to share a bit.

Another mimosa? Why not.

Of course no brunch is worth its salt with out a little dessert. We wandered over to Jeni's for a couple scoops (pistachio and honey, my tried and true fav, with sweet corn and black rasperries, my seasonal fav) and a french press for me, as I was feeling a little nap-y after a big meal and that second oj+.

We then headed downtown to do a little wandering around and taking in of architecture and what not.

The Scioto River runs right alongside downtown and across the way (the side we're on above) is an area of the city known as Franklinton. Established in 1797, Franklinton was the site of the first settlement in the vicinity of what is now Columbus.

We walked along the river and under the bridge. See here for what the boats filled with firewood are all about.

And took in the view from the front steps of the COSI, Columbus's science and industry museum.

Though it's been expanded upon, the building that the COSI inhabits was once Columbus's Central High School. 

We then tracked back to the downtown side and commenced our stroll along the newly-opened Scioto Mile Riverfront Park.

The pergolas on the left cover porch-like swings, park benches, and chairs and tables with boards for checkers/chess.

A super enthusiastic and nice lady out with her daughter whom we passed offered to take our pic. It saved from having to attempt the awkward arms length thing that always turns out badly. 

About a mile later, we were pretty thirsty, so into Milestone 229, the new restaurant at Bicentennial Park at the south end of the Mile.

We sat out on the patio and took in the fountain, which was full of frolicking kiddies. Beyond is a performance pavilion. Not too shabby. Neither was 229's margarita, and we saw tons of really good looking food go by, although we were still too stuffed from brunch to try anything ourselves.

On the way back we caught some wildlife.

And stopped for a swing.

Hooray for Sunday funday and exploring in one's own backyard!

♡,

Erin

What Was for Dinner: Tomato Sauce With Onion and Butter

Greg's birthday was earlier this week and in lieu of going out, I cooked up a little something, we split a bottle of wine, and discussed upcoming fun activities to further celebrate (birthday and recently past anniversary).

Labor Day weekend our friends arrived bearing a heaping load of tomatoes from their gardens. So after finding this ridiculously simple sounding recipe so highly touted on both of my go-tos, Smitten Kitchen and Orangette (links straight to the how-tos), I settled on it for the occasion, but decided to sub what was left of these fresh lovelies (plus a couple from csa and a couple from the grocery store to measure up) for the canned as called for. I cored and peeled and then smushed and squeezed them to a pulp by hand and I probably ended up with right around the two cups as called for. It probably took me seven or eight tomatoes to get there, but they were all sizes and shapes. I'd say five or six big ones would do the job. And I used several smaller yellow onions vs. one medium. Otherwise I followed the recipe(s) exactly.

We couldn't believe so much yum could come from four ingredients (tomatoes, onions, butter, salt,). This tastes incredibly comforting, but yet it's sophisticated in its simplicity. It will definitely be making multiple encores this fall and winter. It has a bone-warming quality. 

I couldn't bear to discard the onion. Too yummy. And added fresh basil and parm to make it a little more special, but they certainly weren't necessary. 

I'm currently in Lansing, MI, preparing to geek out at an archaeology conference but will be home late tomorrow today(!) and am sooooo looking forward to a Sunday funday with the better half.

Bedtime!

♡,

Erin

Golden Highlights

This weekend we were back at the basement, this time with help from Greg's Mom and Dad. But there was an escape from the dungeon (as I'm sort of starting to think of it) by Greg's Mom and I long enough to take in the Farmer's Market (as per the usual for me, as you already know).

I've wanted to try one of Sassafras Bakery's (super cute website) lovely goodies for awhile. As by the time we were ready to pack it in and return home, it was nearly 11:00 and I was still sans breakfast, I finally just couldn't resist any longer, and upon being told it was the last chance, brought home this gorgeous peach basil scone. (Last chance because Ohio peaches are nearly gone till next year. Boo.) And oh boy, it was as good as it looks! 

Also on offer at the market was the new fall edition of Edible Columbus, published quarterly and devoted to covering the wonderful producers and purveyors in the region.

So before getting back to work, I brewed up a cup and took a load off. (I swear the sweet fall palette of this assemblage is a happy coincidence!) 

So happy to see Honeyrun Farm featured! (See previous Farmer's Market tribute.)

(At risk of it seeming like this blog is completely devoted to farmers markets and dahlias) later in the afternoon I plucked these lovelies from my own front garden!...

and jammed them into a few little arrangements for around the house. I've been hooked on fresh flowers on the dining table for quite awhile now, and after sticking some in the office and spare bedroom for the benefit of our Labor Day weekend guests, I've now gotten used to peeking into these rooms and having cheery bouquets sitting there staring back at me. So for now, while they're abundantly free for the cutting, I think I'm going to keep indulging.

Anywho, progress was made in the basement; optimistic projection is that we'll be watching college bowl games down there. Pessimistic, the Super Bowl.

Back soon.

♡,

Erin

8 Years, 1 Day Ago...

the better half and I were married! 
We started dating in high school. We've become adults together. And to be all corny, like that wine there, it just keeps getting better with age.
Greg, I love you now more than ever. Mwah! 


♡,


Erin