Enjoyed an amazing two-day "getaway" adventure, with John, earlier in the week.
So much living in so short a time.
Still recuperating...lol!
Started at The Grand Casino in the early morning (...while it was relatively quiet, dimly lit and calm...) Later in the day it becomes loud, bright and boisterous...and presumably totally beyond my capabilities by evening.
I had not been to a Casino since my Iowa Adventure...John showed me the ropes and it was great fun (and even a little profitable!)
Perhaps the most exciting part for me was the horse track. It has literally been over a decade (California) since I have "played the ponies"
And, it showed...lol!
But we had outstanding track-side seats...a beautiful view of the finish line...and even got to enjoy the starting gate on the 4th race.
Which is very exciting! Nothing quite like seven thundering thoroughbreds passing by just out of the gate.
Our wagering and winning vastly improved after taking the advice of the track hanicapper: Rachel.
"Honey, I think your horse has laid down on the track...maybe it is time to listen to Rachel."
Had brunch at the Sidewalk Cafe and picked up matching casino mugs at Shelby's Gift Shop.
Then headed up 74 to Greenfield. Destination- J. Evelyn's Confections.
She is this incredible, real, warm, artist-with-chocolate. She truly loves what she does, and it it wonderful to watch her animatedly talking about her latest creation or new arrival of chocolate.
Two flavors, of which, she let us sample. The first oval disk was a French dark chocolate with a whisper of mint. The second was a Swiss milk chocolate disk with a subtle banana background. Can't wait to see (and taste) what she crafts from them!
We left with an assorted box hand-picked by Jayne
I have tried chocolates from a variety of local hand-dipped shops...also internationally. France, London, Ireland, Portugal.
These are hands-down the best chocolates I have ever tried.
In you are in or near Greenfield...stop in. You'll be glad you did!
Whisked back to our Beech Grove Inn (home-away-from-home) unloaded and still made it by (or close to) our reservation time at Napoli Villa.
Napoli Villa used to be just that tiny limestone front (without the awning and such) Just this hole-in-the-wall Italian joint. It was family owned. Had 5 or 6 tables crammed in the minuscule space...had the requisite red and while checkered tableclothes, drippy candles over wine bottles and large clusters of faux glass purple and green grapes. And GREAT food.
It was within walking distance of my grandparent's house...and I spent a lot of time there in the late 1970's.
A cool four decades ago.
Imagine my surprise to see not only the way both it (and Beech Grove in general) has upscaled. More surprising yet...the fact Napoli bought up all the businesses (including a long favorite Cantonese restaurant) and now owns the entire block!!!! It is huge! The decor has changed to something more upscale and possibly less ethnically stereotypical, as well.
The food is STILL incredible.
Tiramisu so light and good...well...they probably serve it with morning coffee to the angels...
Just sayin'
Started the next morning at Garfield Park's Sunken Gardens and Conservatory.
It is one of the most relaxing, centering, Zen places I know.
Picked up a potted bunch of Spider babies on the way out they were selling.
We made a stop for curb-service at a local favorite drive-in. Yes...car hop and all...for a root beer float while listening to the best soft instrumental jazz.
And stopped on the way back...toward the end of our adventure for these...
Some of which I am half-cooking and freezing so we can enjoy morels later in the season.
Had such a great time, guy!
And this week's political news...it's STILL a dumpster fire.
We're working on it.
Voted in Indiana's Primary Election.
Looking forward to November's Midterms!
The real NEWS much stranger.
Remember when we were kids and we played "...the floor is lava..." game.
Only on Hawaii's Big Island right now
Holy Shit!
Unbelievable.
"Idgy" will be here in only
Can't wait!!!!!
Our Spring Adventure.
and Mother's Day, tomorrow.
Looking forward to seeing (hearing from in Lennon's case) my boys!
Chris has found a way to circumvent the Linux/Printer compatibility issue and James will be over to restore my dryer (heating element) and install a dimmer switch so I can use the overhead light (which is much too bright for me now)
So glad...Lennon's grandma was made it back home (with in-home PT) from her break and subsequent surgery...and Jill (his bio-Mom) will be staying there to help out for an extra month.
Hoping for the rain, here.
No hauling water today!
More Anon...
