Indian Food, But No Book Store...This Time

I am back from visiting my family. As the title already told you, I didn't make it to the Book Loft this trip, but I am definitely going back when we have more time to explore that place. All 32 rooms! I did get my Indian food, from Udipi Cafe. I have to say that although it was good it didn't live up to Nawab in Huntington, the place I usually go. I had a nice visit with my sister and her daughters and then my mom, Violet and I drove back to her house in southern Ohio so I could visit the rest of my family.

I have been home since Wednesday but I have been busy painting my living room. Good lord, if you need a work out that is where it's at! I think I lost five pounds and I'm still sore. Also, I finally got my new couch! I haven't taken a picture of it yet to show you, and right now I am sitting on it folding laundry (well, I was until I grabbed this here laptop and decided to update you finally). I will take a picture as soon as the laundry is cleared off. I love it.

Here are some pictures from the road home.

Sunset behind my sister's house the night before we left there.

The best part of road trips: gas station food. The only time it is acceptable!

This photo was taken in the same lot the gas station was on. Someone thought it was a good idea to start a huge fire 30 feet from gas pumps.

Some cows lounging before the sun comes all the way up.

Right before this sign was one that said "We have salt!" I don't know what's going on there.

What you see above is just part of the huge complex that is Rod Parsley's World Harvest church. It is like a stadium and an airplane hangar annexed to a compound, but it is a church. They have credit card swipes at the end of each pew, no lie. This photo was taken almost half a mile down the road because I didn't have my camera ready.

Apparently this gun show is a big deal.

I had to get a picture of these guys moving this old couch. It reminds me of a smaller cleaner version of the old beast we just replaced.

These pics aren't too shabby seeing that they were taken while speeding down the highway, through the passenger side window. You can definitely tell which ones were taken after the sun was fully up.

Finally at Mamaw and Pop-pop's house!

The Cinci Zoo! (Also, I Suck at Blogging, and Therefore Life)

Hello all. I see it has been weeks since my last post. (I'm getting really good at slacking!) So I thought it was time to post the zoo pictures I took the day after Halloween.

Other than that I have just been busy with school, Violet and such- not necessarily in that order. Nothing much to report on, oh- except that so far I have gotten A's in all my classes! That is noteworthy I think.

Here you go. You can enjoy the zoo without having to drive through Cincinnati!

Violet, giggling at lunch.

She thought it was funny that this squirrel joined us.

Bongo!

Violet was brave and pet not only a python but also an alligator.

This is a Takin. He is a cool guy.

Lynx with a cool hair do.

Sumatran Rhino

Pallas's Cat

Small world! Turns out that this guy and I share a common ancestor. I can see the resemblance.

When I sent these pictures to my Mom & Dad, my Mom said, "Oh my god! You let her next to a rhino!" Bwahahaha! Why YES I did. I also let her ride a puma, as seen below.

Silly Geese By The Gaggle

Violet's Sleepover

Here's Violet hanging out with her friend Brianna.

(In case you're new here- Violet has the pink slippers, no pants and the disgruntled look.)

In this next one it's pretty obvious that the children stayed up way too late. Look at the vacant stare on Violet. I promise she's eating cereal, not magic mushrooms.

There. That's better. (Yes, my kid even wears hats to breakfast.)

Violet's Awesome Photography

Here are some cool photos Violet took recently. I'm going to get her a little digital camera that she can carry around. I really don't want her to drop mine.

"The Babies Are Groaning!"

That is what Violet exclaimed when she saw that the seedlings she helped me plant a few days ago had went from this:

To this:

Feed me, Seymour!

Although I am sure she meant "growing."

I don't even know what half of these plants are. I keep seeds from different things and then plant them. Surprise! I know there are red sunflowers, cantaloupes, pumpkins, and... that's all I know. I really should label them, huh? Oh well.

Some People See Jesus in Clouds...

I see weird mythological creatures and seahorses.

Suessifying the Landscape

Spring is approaching, which means that it's time to start planning your landscape... if you have one, and you're into that kind of thing. I've already ordered some perrenials from the good old Michigan Bulb Company and thought I'd share with you, Innernets.

The following two photos are known as "Pampas Grass," and what would be more suitable for a Pompous Ass like myself than that, I ask you.

Plus, they are the closest thing I could find to a truffula tree from Dr. Suess's The Lorax.

I'm going to have to order one of these things, too. They speak for the trees, and hopefully ornamental grasses, too. That way a bunch of Once-lers won't come and steal all my Pampas Grass.

Another little shrub I've ordered, pictured below, is called Purple Love Grass. What's love got to do with it? I have no idea, but I thought it looked cool.

This next one is called a Money Plant. I was expecting five dollar bills but instead it has these little purple blooms. Ah well.

Sugar Zombie

Yesterday I made this scrumdillyumptious (vegan) chocolate cake. Today, Violet and I ate the last of it. (Hey- it only makes eight servings, folks. Three of us ate it, which evens out to: you're right. Too much. But it was sooo good.)

Even picky definitely-not-vegan Jeremy liked it.

One warning, though- you may want to reduce the amount of sugar just a tad. That picture is Violet directly after eating her first piece. Look at the glazed eyes, distant stare, zombie stagger, unbrushed hair- oh wait, that one's my fault. You get the idea though.