More Covington Exploration

Did you know that there is a troll that lives under the Roebling Bridge? We didn't either. But while walking around Roebling Pointe yesterday, we discovered all sorts of wonderful things!

Leah wanted to visit the Basilica for her birthday, but that adventure would have to wait since there is no visitation on Sundays. Instead, we headed down toward the River to look for a coffee and bookshop I'd read about online. Last Sunday when we ate at Molly Malone's for Father's Day (which was absolutely delicious!) we tried to find it, but got turned around on the one way streets.

Yesterday...success!

But only about 10 minutes before they closed. We'll definitely be back.

I asked if we could walk around a little more and headed under the bridge where I thought I had previously seen murals. The first thing we found though, was this ingenious place called The Gruff. Why The Gruff?

Because obviously that's where the 3 Billy Goats would hang out after getting past the aforementioned Troll! 

Whoever thought up this restaurant idea at the base of the bridge is genius. I have no idea what they serve (they are closed on Sundays), how much it costs or if it's any good...but I will without question support such amazing local creativity!

A little further on, and we found the murals...

they're sort of hard to miss.

What followed was a great history lesson for my girls about Covington's Riverfront district and how the Roebling Suspension Bridge was actually a prototype for the world-famous Brooklyn Bridge. Historically important...aesthetically beautiful...and all I know is, scary to drive on.[I'm sure it's just me, but I always feel like my tires are slipping on it...even the new tires.]

It was a gorgeous day and a good way to celebrate Leah. 12 years ago we set off on an adventure with this little girl who is always on the go. She loves people, she loves life and most of all, she loves Jesus. Her passion and zeal for adventure is unlike anyone else I know. It was entirely appropriate to have an unexpected adventure on her day.

Giuseppe's Neighborhood Pizzeria- Covington, KY

Maybe the best thing I can say to review this restaurant, is that we devoured the pizza too quickly to take a photo of it. It was that good.

Our family has always enjoyed finding local restaurants, not only to support our neighbors and keep money in our local economy, but usually, the "hole-in-the-wall" places are the best. Giuseppe's Neighborhood Pizzeria is no exception.

The server taking our order was very friendly and made a superb recommendation for the men (aka meat eaters) in our family. The Mainstrasse Monster did not disappoint with a plethora of Italian sausage, pepperoni, ham, bacon and gyro meat. The girls and I "just" had a cheese pizza. I say "just" because it was one of the most delicious cheese pizzas I've ever had.

Leah and I stopped in and ordered take out at about 5 p.m. on a Saturday night. There weren't many dine-in folks, but there was a steady stream of phone calls and carryout pick ups. Still...I was prepared for a long wait and I was surprised when after about 15 minutes we were told it was ready.

Our family will be frequenting Giuseppes' again. The price range for pizza is more than Pizza Hut, but less than Dewey's or Mellow Mushroom. I also feel great about supporting a local entrepreneur who invests in their community.

Too Anxious to Stay Inside

What do you do when life is changing soon and the anticipation of it is more than your passionate soul can bear? Do you stay inside and wade through hours of math, algebra and geometry with the kids? Or do you surprise them with a day of "going out", soaking up sun, eating tasty treats and contemplating how different your life will soon be?

The rhythms, the hums, the cadence of life is steady and sweet. The joy, the elation, the significance of what is about to happen is not lost on anyone. Friends and acquaintances almost cannot contain their excitement, so how can I?

God's plans are so much bigger, higher, deeper, wider and all-encompassing than I could ever ask or imagine. Every detail of what we thought we "wanted" and the things we didn't even think were askable are all on the table. Do you have an hour? Soon you can come sit on our front porch and I'll tell you how He did it. 

Come to think of it, an hour may not be long enough.

Sometimes what I thought I "needed" and what He wanted me to surrender to seemed vast, untameable and more complex than this hyper-analytical brain could comprehend. That's why He is God...and I am not. 

Sometimes I dragged my feet and buried my head because it was just all too good for me to take in. If I had just let You be God and gone along for the ride, how much more could I have learned, experienced and absorbed? But my failings, You don't hold against me.

When friends and total strangers tell me they see me "come alive" in the gifts You have given me, I need no more affirmation of what You've been speaking to my heart. I hear Rafiki from the Lion King say, "It is time."

And so it is.

We'll be leaving this home soon. It has been a place of healing, a place of immense growth. It has been a respite from a world that dug its claws into us and threatened to defeat us.

"But our God is greater. Our God is stronger. Our God is higher than any other." We sing those words in R3volution...but I have lived them.

Now, because of His faithfulness, not ours...we begin a new chapter. In this leg of the Journey, we not only continue to grow, but are granted the absolute privilege of pouring our lives out so that others can know that they are loved.

Follow us here. Check out my new gardening blog (coming soon). Come sit on our front porch, sip sweet tea, visit the garden, or stay for a spell and pour out your life too. I can promise you nothing...except the ride of a lifetime!

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Note about these photos:  I love this River...and we're moving nearer to it. We'll be only a 10-15 minute drive from downtown Cincy, or a 25 minute bus ride...which will be our new (highly anticipated!) way of getting there!

Smale Riverfront Park- Downtown Cincinnati

Cincinnati finally has a riverfront that surpasses Newport on the Levee

In just the 7+ years that we have lived here, Cincinnati's waterfront has gone from good to spectacular. With the addition of The Banks and Smale Riverfront Park, there are a lot of interesting sites, delicious restaurants and free fun things to do.

One day in July, the kids and I headed out for water, walking and warm summer breezes by the Ohio River. 

Leah & her friend, Seth, playing in the water

Plenty of shade and seating for adults too.

There are two water spray pads within just a few blocks of each other. No one should feel strange dressing their kids in swimsuits, because we saw plenty of people there doing the same. These are very kid-friendly fountains, made for play. Both areas also have plenty of seating and shade for parents too.

Make sure you take towels!

But there is also history at Smale Park. A memorial to the Black Brigade of the Civil War is beautiful and commemorates a mostly unknown group of men who served our country well.

There is a meditative labryinth (which my kids used for play instead)...

beautiful views of Covington and the River...

The Cincinnati-Covington Roebling Bridge

and the swings!

These swings were the entire reason why we went down to Smale Park to begin with. 

I kept seeing pictures of these swings in tourism and promotional photos and I absolutely had to find them. I know it's silly, but big front-porch type swings along a meandering river in the "near" South. 

Yes, I have always believed that I should have been born further South. I am a southern girl at heart!

You could actually sit on these swings and listen to a Reds game. That is Great American Ballpark in the background.

Regardless of why you go down to The Banks...food, fun, football (yes, it's almost here) or family time, don't forget to stop along the way at Smale Riverfront Park. 

Cincinnati...you did good.

You did good.

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End note:  I can't wait for the trolley car system that will connect the riverfront to everything between it and Findlay Market. We will definitely experience the "spend-a-day-wandering-around-Cincinnati" that I've always wanted to do when that opens up.

Fairhaven Rescue Mission

In my ongoing effort to Publicize What God is Doing, today's highlighted ministry is Fairhaven Rescue Mission of Covington, Kentucky. Fairhaven's website is fairly basic, and they would like for people to either call or e-mail them if there is interest in volunteering.

Opportunities to serve include:

• Chapel speaker/Bible study
• Meal service
• General assistance
• Field trips
• Special events/projects
• Light maintenance
• Donation pick-up
• Thrift store

Every month, Fairhaven serves thousands of meals, provides housing to homeless men each night, offers clothing, transportation to appointments, family emergency assistance and teaches living skills. There are also nightly chapel services for men, a weekly Bible study for women and home and hospital visits to those whom they serve.

I will continue to reiterate...do your own research and if this is a place you feel the Holy Spirit leading you to give or to serve...don't question the feeling...or the wisdom...or even the practicality of it...just do it, and you will be blessed!