Blown Away and THANK YOU

The day before I ended my international assignment in Cincinnati, there was a farewell do. It was extremely emotional. I really didn't realise what a difference I made. I was blown away.

I can't put in words how thankful I am to a couple of individuals who gave me the opportunity to work in Cincinnati. It has had a big impact on me (work and personal). I will never forget the last 21 months.

Finally, I have to thank my wife and children who have accepted the way of life. We have grown as a family, learnt so much about each other. Thank you so so much.

Festival of Lights

Before heading home, I couldn't go without seeing the Festival of Lights at Cincinnati Zoo.

I took a colleague and her daughter this evening. We had a fab time, especially going for a ride on the minature railway!

Carols

This afternoon I went to Church to listen to John Rutter's Gloria and partake in some carols.

The quality of music was incredible. We listened to the Cathedral choir and Canterbury brass.

Ho Ho Ho... Merry Christmas

Saturday evening was spent downtown with very close friends at an English Pub. A very fitting way to spend precious time with friends before I head off home.

We counted over 20 Father Christmases (sp!) and 1 Mrs Christmas. I was brought up being told there was only 1 Father Christmas!! Anyway, very funny (especially as there were a couple smoking outside).

It was bitterly cold but did feel like Christmas was truly coming. There was even a horse and decorated cart taking people round downtown for a ride.

Not More Food!

This evening was the 4th consecutive night I went out for dinner. I've got another 5 to go!!!

In an attempt to spend quality time with friends before I head back home, I'm finding that I'm continously going out for meals/drinks. Having a fantastic time, but very concious that I need to do some exercise!!

Tonight it was Dewey's and Graeters. Tomorrow it's Allyn's, Saturday it's Nicholson's, Sunday Zips, Monday friend's friend's, Tuesday Fun at the Web...!!

Mason Illuminations

I have a feeling my father would be extremely jealous of the Christmas lights in my friend's neighbourhood.

Has anyone told America about global warming?!

Jungle Jim's

This evening I went shopping at Jungle Jim's. Had a really fun time. Goodness knows how many times we went round the shop looking for specific ingredient's for my friend's work buffet :).

I decided to educate my friend about crackers that go 'BANG' on Christmas Day :). I said I'd buy them as a pressie as long as she shared a photo of her wearing the paper hat.

Great fun.

Not Long Now

Earlier this week (Tuesday evening) it snowed, so I had to be careful driving back from a great evening with friends in my masculine looking white Dodge Charger!

The Christmas decorations are up, people are buying Christmas trees from the sides of the roads and frantically in and out of shops buying pressies.

Also, it's not long now until I return home to be with the family. On Thursday the company announced my new role. I was struck by the large number of people at MBC (some I haven't worked that closely with) saying that they wished I was not leaving. WOW, I must have made an impact. It's going to be very tough leaving, but as the family motto goes "just suck it up :)"!

Goodbye Acura TL

This morning I sold my car.

It's been an absolute joy to drive. I'm going to miss the extravagent engine (will never be able to afford to run such a beast in the UK).

This afternoon I had a rental car delivered at work and it was a Dodge Charger (aggressive looking car but 'wet as a lettuce'!).

Another Hearty Breakfast - Naughty but Nice

"We may doze, but never close," is Anchor Grill's famous motto.

I met friends for breakfast this morning (otherside of the river Ohio… Covington, Kentucky). This greasy spoon has been serving 24 hours daily for 65 years.

I went for the Western omelette with a side of goetta (a breakfast sausage primarily made of ground pork/beef & steel-cut oats, which was originally a peasant dish that is very popular in the greater Cincinnati area). YUM YUM!

There’s a hilarious iconic and unusual jukebox, which has marching figures (including a Barbie doll) keeping time with the ‘golden oldies’.

I had a great time. So much better than The Waffle House!!

Spooky!

I returned back to the US on 1st November (missing Halloween). However, residents at The Drexel at Oakley had obviously had a fun time as the spider's web and pumpkins were still outside reception!

I Did It!

The Columbus marathon started on Sunday morning at 7:30. I had a fantastic run, beating my previous Cincinnati time by 7 minutes.

Completed the marathon 3 hours 47 minutes 20 seconds. FANTASTIC :). Absolutely loved it.

Columbus, Ohio

After a leisurely 3 mile run Saturday morning, I drove up to Columbus to pick up my marathon chip.

As I'd never been to Columbus, I made the most of it and walked around the city and drove to the Ohio State College American Football stadium. The latter is huge, seating 105,000 people!!

Anyone for a Coney?

This evening I helped out friends prepare for Church Youth group dinner.

About 30-40 teenagers turned up and enjoyed a Coney (or hot dog with an all-meat beanless chili) along with other delights.

Had a really good evening. Made me feel old though!

A Hearty Breakfast

This morning I completed my last Saturday medium run (10 miles) with the Bob Roncker’s running group before the Columbus marathon next w/e. I ran faster than usual, trying to keep up with Annie who is doing the San Francisco marathon next week. After feeling really good with myself (pushing myself more than usual) I decided a hearty breakfast was required at Cracker Barrel.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores have both a retail store and a restaurant. I went straight to the restaurant and ordered the Cracker Barrel Country Boy Breakfast (three eggs scrambled served with fried apples, hashbrown casserole, grits, sawmill gravy and homemade scones)!!

The company was founded in 1969 and is based in Lebanon, Tennessee. In 2009, Cracker Barrel was ranked as the top "family dining" chain for the 19th consecutive year in Restaurants & Institutions magazine "Choice in Chains" annual consumer survey!

Halloween is Coming

Similar to last year, people in the US are getting into the swing of ghosts, ghouls and BIG pumpkins!

The Last Outside Swim & Jacuzzi for 2011

I have a feeling that the outside pool and jacuzzi will be "put to bed" this coming week, so I made the most of it and in typical 'English" style decided to go for a swim in October!!
Thank goodness the pool and jacuzzi were heated.

A Very Cold Morning For A Run

How the weather has changed. I started a run at 7am from Newport on the Levee, where it was 10C! Apparently, the UK were having an Indian Summer with temperatures of 25C+.

I was very pleased with my run, completing 14 miles in 2 hours. However, when I came back home I realised I should have done 18 miles (what a slacker!!).

A Lonely But Very Satisfying Run

As I'm flying back to the UK tomorrow and will miss the Bob Ronckers Saturday run, I decided that I should run the 20 miles this afternoon.
Weather was perfect, sunny but not too hot. Took me exactly 3 hours, which was satisfying.
Can't wait to have a couple of beers now!!

Dinner on the River Ohio

This evening I went with a friend and colleagues to Newport and boarded a boat to have dinner on the river.

Had a really good time, seeing the sun set and downtown Cincinnati in lights.

Another Long Run Under My Belt

This morning I completed a 15 mile run (starting at 6.45am).
I'm getting there. I ran 12 1/2 miles on Thursday, where two deer ran in front of me!
I have a few lovely blood blisters under my big toes, but they're not going to stop me. I'm determined to run another marathon :)

Celebrating 56 Years of the Waffle House

As today is a Bank Holiday (Labor Day), I had a lie in and then drove to Kentucky to experience my first waffle at the famous Waffle House.

Unknown to me, until coming back home and doing some research, the first Waffle House was opened on Labor Day in 1955. Happy Birthday.

It was an experience. I wouldn't say I'll be going back again, but at least I can say "I've been there and done it"!

35th WEBN Fireworks

This evening I went to Mount Adams to support the local Eagle Scout community and watch the Cincinnati fireworks.

Compared to last year, the weather was awful. Just before the start of the fireworks the heavens opened and it appeared that a mini Ohio river was forming in the carpark! Fortunately, the rain stopped just before the first firework (9.05pm to be precise).

Did I Really Do That?

I've been trying to get back into a regular running routine since the family left Cincinnati 10 days ago (building up from 3 miles to 12 miles).
Yesterday morning I decided to run with the Bob Roncker's running group (first time for a few months). It was a 6.30am start and a 19.5 mile course! I started off really well, but after 3 hours in extreme humidity I started to struggle. However, I finished the course (reckon I ran 19 miles) and decided to register for another marathon!!
So, I'm going to have to be focused for the next 6 weeks in preparation for the Columbus marathon. Scary, but another challenge to overcome :)

Taste of Blue Ash

On Sunday I went with friends to sample the delights of local restaurants in Blue Ash (a local neighbourhood).

In America many cities/town close a few streets and offer local food suppliers/shops the opportunity to set up their own stalls and sell samples of their meals. In Blue Ash, if you turned up between 1-3.30pm you could buy some portions for $1.

I went out with a friend on the Friday night and unfortunately missed Pat Benetar (one of my pin up pop stars from the 80s) perform at Blue Ash!!

Two Weeks in Florida

After enjoying our time in California we decided to have a holiday on the otherside of America (gulf side of Florida). We spent 2 fantastic weeks with friends.

The holiday home was very spacious with a large pool. Thank goodness for the mosquito net and air-conditioning. I thought Cincinnati was humid!!

We had so many memorable days out... day trip to the Everglades, many visits to different beaches, day at Busch Gardens (and YES we all did the Cheetah Hunt rollercoaster!), day at Adventure Island water park and water jet skiing.

Universal Studios LA

In addition to going to downtown Disney and to the West Coast, we spent a day at Universal Studios.

We all had a fab time. I went on the Mummy rollercoaster ride, and we all went on the Jurassic Park ride, watched WaterWorld, went to a 4D Shrek show and thoroughly enjoyed behind the scenes tour including 3D King Kong.

Enjoying Ice Cream in Los Angeles

At the end of July the family flew from Cincinnati to spend quality time with my brother and his family.

One of our first visits was to Cold Stone Creamery to have a unique ice cream creation. The website says "nobody serves up the ultimate indulgence like Cold Stone". Well I have to agree. I've never been served an ice-cream which has been tossed up in the air like a pancake!

It's on par with Graeters from Cincinnati!!

Happy Birthday Graeter's

Today Graeter's ice cream was 141 years old. To celebrate, Graeter's was offering a cone of ice cream for $1.41.

I made sure I joined in the celebration!

Thank You America

As it's Independence Day and a Bank Holiday, it meant that I had an extra day with the family in England.

Just arrived back in Cincinnati and went to my local Kroger to discover that I could buy a celebratory recycled bag. Thought a couple of America beers would go down well too!

Doing it LARGE!

Last night I was invited for a BBQ round a retired colleague's home.

Oh my, talk about living up to the American dream :). Outside there was a "rolls royce" of a BBQ, lights on the patio and a rock as a music speaker.

After a wonderful steak (took up my entire plate), we went down to the basement to find a 100+ inch cinema screen, pool table, full gym and entire bar area.

I honestly thought I was in a Hollywood set. Quite breathtaking.

Jenga!

Last night I went out with a couple of friends downtown Cincinnati.

Hung out at a bar, went to a restaurant for dinner and then finished up at another bar!

Had a really fun time playing JENGA big style. Unfortunately, I let my team-mate down as I was responsible for causing the wooden block to fall!

Ault Park - Dances in the Park

Thursday evening I went to Ault Park to have a few beers and listen to some live music played by "The Remains". I had a really good time.

For one Thursday in June, July and August the Park has a different band, with a number of people dancing. There were over 500 people, all ages, either having picnics or just mingling. Profits from the beer and soft drinks go towards the Park.

9/11

After lunch we went to see the reconstruction of the Twin towers area.

I found it very moving (remembering watching the tragic events on English television).

Statue of Liberty

This morning we walked and walked. Went on the subway, walked over the Booklyn bridge and had a superb pizza at a famous Italian restaurant.

The views were incredible, and I could just see the Statue of Liberty.

More sites...

After walking around some of the local gardens, we went to a fantastic restaurant owned by Aussies.

Enroute I saw the NYPD car park attendant vehicle. I'm sure it originated as an English milkfloat!

After dinner, we went to an underground club to have a few drinks and play 'ping pong'. You could also play chess, pool and a game similar to shove ha'penny.

Madison Square Park and Other Parks

Late Saturday afternoon I met a friend who I hadn't seen for 10 years. I was so excited :).

She and her husband took me to some local gardens.

View from the Rooftop Garden in New York

Friday dinner was spent at the 230 Fifth Restaurant (on the "Rooftop" garden).

WOW! What a site of the Empire State building.

No King Kong though!!

Kentucky Horse Park

Yesterday we travelled down south towards Lexington, Kentucky.

Had a fantastic time at the horse park. It was the first time that I'd ever been on a horse! I was on "Captain", who decided to take control and be at the front of the group!!

How many TVs do you need in a restaurant?

Had dinner at Buffalo Wings with friends.

We all had a fun time, but the number of televisions in and outside of the restaurant was a bit over the top. It seemed that there were more televisions than customers!

High School Baseball

We went to see part of a baseball game in Madeira.

It was hillarious to hear the batting team make funny noises, trying to put the pitcher off their game.

Afternoon at the Zoo

Had a great time at Cincinnati zoo. Saw a baby giraffe and a bird show among many other things.

I was very impressed with the carpark! The zoo have built car park roofs, not only to keep the cars in the shade BUT more importantly to generate electricity from metres and metres of solar panels. Very environmental

Venetian Toes

The girls were pampered with a pedicure .

The Allstars

Had a great shop at Shoe Carnival.
We are now the ALLSTAR family in a variety of shades!

Camp Jim B

I revisited my youth on Wednesday evening at a Cub Scout hut.

I attended an "Eagle Scout Court of Honor" service for a friend who had earlier in the year become an Eagle Scout.

As always in America, the hut was at least 5 times larger than the English one that I attended many years ago!

Very moving service, very intimate. I felt honoured to have been invited.

Very Humbled

Yesterday I turned up to work with many balloons, cake, cards and gifts.

It was my Birthday. I feel very fortunate to be working with such a lovely group of people.

Very touching.

Beyond My Wildest Dreams!

Today I completed my first marathon. Yeah!

In fact, it was before my 40th and I smashed my "going in" time. I was hoping to do it in 4 hours 15 mins, but I actually completed it in 3 hour and 55 mins.

In the evening I went to Arnies (a sports bar), in Newport, with my parents to celebrate my achievement with others from the Bob Roncker's running group.

What a WONDERFUL day. I loved it.

Two Days Before The Marathon

On Friday 30th April, I went to the Duke Energy Centre to attend the Flying Pig Expo.

I picked up my running bib and electronic shoe chip. There were lots of goodies. P&G was very well advertise with the Charmin bears!

As you can see, there were 39 hours and 19 minutes until the start of the marathon.

Sharing the Royal British Biscuits

Today we had a Royal wedding.

I brought a celebratory tin of biscuits into work to mark the occassion. They were enjoyed by many!

Embracing Diversity

So I'm an Englishman in the US.

Although not a Royalist, I have made sure that everyone knows I'm from the other side of the pond and that we have a Royal Wedding in 24 hours.

Rule Britannia!

Bring it On!

Last night I ran 21 miles on my own! I needed to do this for two reasons: 1) I didn't think my family would be too impressed if I spent 3+ hours running after just arriving back in the UK and 2) mentally I wanted to achieve the maximum run that the running group were going to do this coming Saturday. Now need to keep my shape and focus on the smaller runs until the BIG day.

Dig the Lights - Only in America

Last night I had dinner with a friend at a local burger joint "Terry's Turf Club".

Although the outside decorations were truly tacky, the quality of the food and choice of UK beer (yes, they have St Peters) was very impressive.

Great evening out. I ate a burger as I needed the energy the night before I run 21 miles!

Oh My!

This morning I completed a 14 mile run with the Bob Roncker's group. Doesn't sound long, but it feels it when you have to run a long steep hill (never thought it was going to end!). Everything was going well until a runner and I got lost, so had to improvise! Managed to see quite a lot of the Kentucky side of the river Ohio. Next milestone is 21 miles!

Bring it On!

This morning I ran with the Bob Roncker's running group. Started at 7.15am and finished just after 10am. Yes, I ran 18 miles and felt really good.

I can now see why the running schedule week after week is worth sticking too. The hills are getting better and it's really good running with 1-2 others to keep you going.

Love it!

Eating Cookies For Charity

After talking to my niece over the week-end I felt obliged to buy a box of Girl Scouts cookies.

Apparently this is an annual event. Two commercial bakers are licensed by the national Girl Scout organisation to produce the cookies. Girl Scouts sell them during a limited period of time, with about 70% of the proceeds going to the local Girl Scout council to help with their resources.

As I've given up chocolate for Lent, I bought a box of shortbread!

The Furthest I've Run!

This morning, at 7am, I continued my marathon running with the Bob Roncker's running spot group.

A lovely morning for a run (no rain or snow that we've been having earlier in the week thank goodness). There were a number of different groups running (I reckon there were over 300) in different directions! There were a number of water/Gatorade/GU energy stations (only in America would it be so organised) which really helped.

Well, I ran 15 1/2 miles and am still walking (even though I have one big juicy blister on my right foot). I just hope my shin splints go away soon!!

Cleopatra Exhibit

Yesterday afternoon I went to the Cincinnati Museum Center with friends to see "Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt". The exhibition featured nearly 150 artifacts from Cleopatra’s time and explained the current search being undertaken to further understand the elusive queen (from the sands of Egypt to the depths of the Bay of Aboukir near Alexandria).

We topped the visit off by going to the OMNIMAX presentation "Secrets of the Pharaohson Mummies".

Then went onto The Rookwood at Mount Adams for dinner, overlooking downtown Cincinnati. Apparently the building was used to make art pottery, explaining why you could eat/drink in one of the kilns!

10K Run in Cincinnati

Yesterday morning at 9am, when it was raining, I ran my first official race in Cincinnati.

As part of the running programme that I have joined through Bob Ronckers, I was entered into the Food on the Run 10K (money raised to help prevent childhood obesity in the Greater Cincinnati area, sponsored by the Benefits Nutrition Council).

I obviously didn't push myself too hard early on, as I seemed to have a lot of energy in the last 1-2 miles and began over-taking everyone (Paula Radcliffe watch out, NOT!). I don't know my official time, but I was running well under 9 minute miles.

Breaking news.... I came 163rd out of 614, running 10K in 53min 18sec (average 8.36/mile)!

Once An Eagle, Always An Eagle

This afternoon I went to the Cincinnati Masonic Temple (no dodgy handshakes I promise!), to see a friend receive his Eagle Scout badge.

Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America boy scouting programme (it was introduced in 1911). A Scout who attains this rank is called an Eagle Scout or Eagle. The title of Eagle Scout is held for life, thus giving rise to the phrase "Once an Eagle, always an Eagle".

It was an honour to be invited to the ceremony.