Tuesday, September 30, 2014

NYC and Supporting OSU!

Tribe update
Julia has her own separate post this week. I'm so glad she takes pictures and communicates frequently throughout the week--it totally makes empty nesting bearable.

We went to NYC Friday morning through Sunday and had beautiful weather. Friday night we went to a Korean restaurant, Cho Dang Gol. You know it is a good sign when it is full and they are all Korean.
Friday night

We stumbled upon the Iron Bar & Grill supporting the OSU v UC game! The custom menu, vibe, and television options were awesome! We had General Tso's calamari to start--delicious--then bacon pizza and brats and krout. Great service and the food was so good. One grilled classic brat and one wild boar brat--delicious. Sauerkraut and pickles tasted homemade and yummy. We had plenty of time to watch the game and get over to see Matilda. The show was incredible, of course. The cast was so talented and it is not just for kids! No trip to NYC would be complete without a visit to the M&M World and a souvenir for the child. Can't wait to see her on Friday!




Jeannette Walls, Bubble Tea, Shakes!

Tribe update
Julia is in the midst of midterms. All of the freshmen class were required to read, The Glass Castle, by Jeannette Walls. She came to OSU to meet students and discuss her book and her life. Thankfully, although busy, Julia squeezed in some yummy dinners with friends--sushi, Chinese food, and ice cream. Look how cute Julia and Stephanie are together. :)

Cannot wait to see the girl on Friday! YAY!










Monday, September 22, 2014

Old Europe and Buckeye Donuts

Tribe update
We booked a ticket for Julia to come home the first weekend in October--can't wait!

Julia went to Steak 'n Shake and Buckeye Donuts, among other places. On Saturday, she went to a cross-country meet with Matt and Clint. And, she attended her first Engineers without Borders meeting and was very excited to share about some of their upcoming projects. Classes are going well and keeping her busy, busy. Yay!


Steven and I went to Old Europe--a gem in our neighborhood. The inside is like stepping into Germany and slightly back in time. The food was delicious and the portions extremely generous. Steven enjoyed the bread basket and I loved the pork spread (lard) that came with it. It had some herbs (?) and bits of pork--so good. You have to get the Bavarian pretzel (according to Steven); it is unlike any other pretzel he's had and he loved it. Also enjoyed the Caesar salad, sauerkraut, cucumber salad, mixed vegetables, Lachsschnitte (broiled salmon), minced pork meatloaf with fried egg (Sunday special), German potato salad. Even though we were stuffed and had half of our meals boxed up, Steven tried the bread pudding for dessert. It had a generous portion of whipped cream on top and came with a pitcher of Bavarian cream (? or something extra delicious) and he devoured it all, except the fresh fruit. :) We went to dinner early (5pm), but it was packed by the time we left, always a good sign. We would highly recommend this restaurant and plan to go back with Julia. Hey, Jules--you should have stopped in Old Europe for a summer gig playing the piano!












Sermon summary
Dr. Renwick spoke on, "Good Grief," and the story of Lazarus, John 11:17-28, 32-44; Amos 6:4-7.

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Nida's Thai on High and Taste of Georgetown

Tribe update
Julia bought a new bike! Now she (and Stephanie) will be tooling all around Columbus. Last night, she went out to dinner at Nida's for some Thai cuisine (basil rice, gluten free pad Thai, and Thai iced tea). This past week she also ate at Buffalo Wild Wings and Melt Bar--two places we almost went to back in August. She is just starting to get over her cold. Busy, busy with school. No time for watching TV; any down time or breaks are spent with friends. Julia looks great and is doing well. Thank goodness for Google Hangouts--love seeing her smiling face.

OSU crushed Kent State, 66-0 on Saturday!

Steven and I went to Taste of Georgetown. I was determined to "taste" 1789; however, they had the most unappealing option: watermelon w/lime and candied jalapeno. Degrees was my second choice, but they were out of the short ribs. Third choice and always yummy, Thunder Burger's roasted pork slider. Steven had Paul Bakery's turkey and cheese sandwich with two tartlets. There was a country band playing on the stage, which felt a bit out of place for Georgetown.







Sermon summary update
The sermon was titled, "Poor Me." Dr. Renwick continued the series on the Beatitudes, "Happy are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God" (Mathew 5:3). When you are poor in spirit, you know you are too weak to do it on your own and that you need help. Humble yourself and take action--ask God for help. Happiness comes from giving. When we're too empty to give to others, God can fill you up so you can give to others. Dr. Renwick gave the example of Alcoholics Anonymous and the first three steps: (1) Admit you're powerless; (2) Recognize that there is a power great than yourself; and (3) Turn your life over to God.

Sunday, September 7, 2014

OSU Football and Ri Ra Irish Pub in Georgetown


Tribe update
Many more firsts for Julia this week: first OSU home football game, first concert in Columbus, first ice skating at OSU rink, and first laundry marathon. LeBron James was at the OSU game. (Update: After washing and vacuuming everything due to sBoston bed bugs, she met up with the Boston group and found out it was poison ivy from the community service project they did!! Better safe than sorry.) It has only been two weeks, but it sounds like she has really grown-up in this short time. She's keeping busy with her classes, studying, and getting to know other great Buckeyes!

We went to Ri Ra Irish Pub in Georgetown. I had the Ri Ra salad with Irish cold smoked salmon, rasher (bacon), pickled onions, capers, and lemon dressing. Steven had the fish and chips (server recommended). The service was fantastic--the food came quick and the manager came over and introduced herself and offered to get us more drinks. The photographs do not do the place justice. Inside, it is decorated with restored items from Dublin. Most importantly, the food was delicious. You can't see from the picture, but unbelievable amounts of salmon and rasher on the bottom of the salad, so yummy. Highly recommend--check it out, 3125 M Street NW.

We went to Rhino's Bar to check out the OSU football crowd Saturday night. OSU downstairs, Penn State upstairs. Well, a few observations. We are old. You have to wear red. There are two options: beer and wings.







Sunday sermon summary
The sermon was titled, "The Pursuit of Happiness." Dr. Renwick talked about the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12) and the role of our choices and decisions in controlling our happiness. Different people find happiness through different means, i.e., adventures, peace and quiet, books, achievements, relationships, meals, etc. Pay attention to God and He will lead you in the pursuit and to that end. Read the book, Unbroken.