Air Force Museum

Do you like airplanes? History? War-time related artifacts, stories, movies? Here is just the place for you.



We had been talking about this place for a while, this place being the National Museum of the United States Air Force. It's got a great reputation. It's open everyday of the year except for a few (Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's). And... it's free!



With the grandies visiting, one of them being a Korean War veteran, it was a no-brainer that we should just jump in the car, drive an hour or so West (of Columbus) on I-70 (so easy and straight that I almost fell asleep driving), and visit the impressively large and information-packed museum.



We could have spent a few days in there and only scratch the surface. Maybe we will bring a tent next time.



From the Wright brother's stories and replicas to the fighters in both World Wars, to the beginning of the US Air Force, Korean and Vietnam wars. Fascinating in every possible way.



From 7 years old, to 77 (and some in between), we all found something to enjoy, reminisce and take away from. It's worth the trip!

National Museum of the USAF
Museum Hours
Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day
FREE admission!

Museum Location
1100 Spaatz Street
Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433
(937) 255-3286

Wexner Center, a portrait

The Wexner Center deserves a real, long, detailed post. I had but a short visit there today, just long enough to try their new eatery, Heirloom.

The day was so beautiful (must we say goodbye to this for many months?), I had to take a quick shot at the front of the building (graced with the current exhibition on landscape).

I will return to the Wexner, and do it justice, I promise.

Sunny Meadows Flower Farm, Revisited

A year ago, when we had just moved to Columbus, I looked for a small farm to find that sense of belonging one yearns for when they are feeling 'out of place'. Sure I had just transplanted myself from a different time zone, a different landscape and culture (yes, California has its own culture), but I knew that all farms share the same common denominator: earth with things growing out of it. And from my experience thus far, I have liked all the farmers I have met (regardless of where they are from), especially the small-organic-sustainable-farm-type farmers. It's easy for me to connect with them: it's easy for me to feel comfortable in their presence, and on their land. It makes me feel at home.




Sunny Meadows Flower Farm was the first farm I visited, and it gave me what I was looking for. The small farm reminded me of my friend's farm in Massachusetts, and Gretel and Steve felt like old friends with whom I could reconnect. I loved seeing their fields of flowers with so many different colors and shapes and sizes. Walking through the rows of towering sunflowers felt like living in an impressionist painting, only better.



Hard to believe that it has been a year since I was introduced to this hard working couple and their magical flower fields. Life got busy, and it was not until recently that I returned to the farm.



Steve and Gretel had expanded their growing space, renting a part of their neighbor's land for the season, to produce more flowers to meet their demand. They are still focusing on flowers, creating the most beautiful bouquets and wedding arrangements. On an impromptu tour, they showed me the different ways they tend their flowers; some need more TLC, some like to be under cover, and some just need more sunny days.



They also told me about their flower CSA which is quite a neat concept. Instead of getting produce weekly, you get bouquets of flowers. How cool is that? Imagine a house filled with beautiful flowers grown right around here. I'd say it's a swell idea.



A wise man named E.E. Cummings once said: Earth Smiles with Flowers. I could not agree more.

Sunny Meadows Flower Farm

(614) 361-5102
(614) 296-1637

SunnyMeadowsFlowerFarm@gmail.com

3555 Watkins Road, Columbus, OH 43232