Omni Netherlands Hilton, Cincinnati OH

John and I visited the Art Deco Wonder of the Midwest over Thanksgiving break this year. We stayed a night in the Omni Netherlands Plaza Hilton hotel, located in Cincinnati's historic Carew tower. The Carew tower was built in 1930 and is 48 stories tall. It was built in just 12 months!

The murals and gold and nickel plated fixtures are original to the building. They are so detailed and beautiful. Click on the picture above for a better look at the detail.

This is one of the orginal dining rooms that is still in use today : The Orchids at Palm Court. John and I got to eat our breakfast here.
The entry way to the hotel lobby is quite grand. The marble floors and walls were once covered up with wood paneling and linoleum in the 1960's as a "modernization" effort. Can you believe that?!

View of one of the murals from the second floor. The Brazilian Rosewood used here and throughout the dining room and lobby areas is very beautiful, and today is on the the endangered species list.

Our Honeymoon in Nachitoches, Louisiana

John and I stayed in a beautiful, historic bed and breakfast called the Queen Anne. Our room was on the left side of the home and overlooked the garden and gazebo. We were hoping that the home was haunted, but it unfortunately was not.

John in front of a small home made of bousillage, which is a mixture of Spanish moss, horse or deer hair, and clay.
The downtown area was very clean and pretty, and was situated on Cane River Lake. The weather was beautiful. Sunny and in the 70's.

John and I were able to tour some Pre-Civil War plantation complexes. These are the remnants of slave cabins from the Magnolia Plantation, which is now part of the Cane River Creole National Historical Park.
A horse-drawn hay baler from the 19th century.
This was the Melrose Plantation Home. Many writers and artists would visit this home in the late 1800's for inspiration and solitude.
Fort St. Jean Baptiste was a fun place to visit and learn about French colonial life. The fort included a chapel, barracks, a blacksmith shop, and officers quarters.
John and I hard at work, stoking the fire and getting supper ready for the little'ens.

A pretty view of the Cane River Lake.

Oakland Plantation was also part of the Cane River Creole Historical Park, and still had 17 of its original outbuildings still remaining, including 2 pigeonniers, and a carriage house.

Conner Prairie in Fishers, Indiana

John and I took his nephew, Jake, to Conner Prairie on Labor Day. Conner Prairie is a historical village that allows visitors to learn about Indiana history. The Conner house is original to the site, where as, most of the other buildings have been moved into the park.
Jake enjoyed the barn with the baby animals.

This calf was so calm and good-natured!
A tomahawk throwing contest. Jake hit the mark a number of times, and won some old-fashioned playing cards.
John and I gave it a try too. I didn't win any cards.

John displaying his talent of stilt-walking.

Summer Showers

My Mom held a really fun shower for me at her house in Cincinnati in August.
My aunt was telling stories that made my Mum crack up. When my Mum can't stop laughing, I can't help but laugh too.
My friend Christine who I love to be around. Everything she bought for me came from the dollar store.
Serving up some lemon and berry desserts with my cousin's daughter Alyssa.
A lingerie set from the dollar store. Actually pretty cute.

In celebration of our up-coming October wedding, John's Mom and sisters threw a great shower for me and John. It was really fun, and great to have John there to share in the gift opening.
John's family.
John with me, my Mom, and Sister-in-law, Tracy.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

John and I made a stop in the Old Town Plaza in Albuquerque during our visit to see his friend Gary. This beautiful and historic church is San Felipe de Neri Catholic Church.

The Sandia Peak Tramway was really fun. This tramway is the longest (4.5 km long, vertical rise of 1.2 km) and fastest (13.6 mph) in the world.
At the top of the peak, it was pretty windy and cold, but amazing to see.
During the winter time, a ski slope is operated here.

Arizona

John and I went to visit my friend April in Ajo, Arizona the first week of May. We had so much fun!

Ajo Historical Society Museum. I really like the Southwest architectural style. A pretty Catholic church in Ajo.
Horse Ranch in Tucson, Arizona.
The ranch was very scenic, located at the foot of the Tucson Mtns. and right at the edge of Saguaro National Park. John looking handsome, as always.
Horse-back riding in the desert was one of my favorite things, especially at such a pretty time of the year.
Many beautiful desert plants were in bloom during our visit.
Organ Pipe National Monument was a great place for a hike! We took a 4.5 mile hike to part of an old, abandoned mining operation.This was a snack shop we found during a quick trip down to Mexico for lunch.

Indiana Transportation Museum: Dinner on the Diner

Arriving at the Station.
One of the passenger cars in use.
John checking the arrival and departure schedules from an early 20th century caboose.
Enjoying a smoke in superior comfort and style.
A spacious, modern kitchen facility.
The adjoining diner car from 1958.
An old baggage car.

The restored 1930 diner car.

Dinner in the restored 1930's diner car was so much fun! John and I loved the side-to-side rocking departure and enjoyed great views on our ride from Noblesville to Tipton, Indiana.

The blue car is the 1930 Louisville and Nashville Diner Car that we enjoyed our ride in. The weather was slightly cooler, but very nice. Besides the train ride and dinner, getting to walk through the various, older train cars was my favorite thing, especially the passenger cars. John and I will definitely go back!