One Friday morning, our friend called us to ask if we wanted to see the butterflies. The last minute-ness of the request only added to our sense of adventure. About an hour later we were off for a short trip to Cincinnati to visit the Khron Conservatory.
For whatever reason my camera decided to skip out on me after just a few snaps, so allow me to create a mental image of that room. After we walked past the entrance of humongous succulents and cacti, through another green house of the hanging sea urchins shown above-- we stepped into a large glass room fluttering with movement wherever you turned. It was a controlled, warm and very humid space, filled with plants, trees and flowers for the butterflies to land on. There was something so otherworldly about standing there with these vastly unique and colorful creatures flitting around you. If you were lucky and (wearing light and bright clothing apparently) the butterflies would land on you. The first picture of Peter shows a butterfly sweetly on his shoulder of which Peter was oblivious. If I go again I'll be sure to wear something other than gray. The symbol of the butterfly is so incredible to me. How could a bug so low to the ground with hundreds of tiny little legs transform to a delicate and colorfully winged creature?
The last photo pictured is a butterfly I'd found whose wings were floppy and folded. My friend who'd come to the conservatory before informed me that this butterfly had just shed his cocoon, his wings still soft and new. I don't think I'll forget our afternoon of hundreds of butterflies very easily.
The rest of the day followed along our original spirit of adventure. We lunched at an old tavern, clearly original with the mahogany bar and tall backed wood booths. The menu was difficult to choose from and our orders were better than we'd hoped. I ordered sweet potato fries with my avocado club sandwich and I think I may go back just for those. They were large and flat with a crinkled cut and served with apple butter. Delicious. Peter's typical choice of mac and cheese was obviously an original recipe and baked. I'm making my mouth water with the memory.
After lunch we walked down the street for our original purpose in going to the area: Aglemesis Brothers Ice Cream Shop. This is where I wish my camera hadn't abandoned me. So I've taken the liberty of posting a couple of photos of the shop I found online.
This is exactly what an ice cream shop ought to be wouldn't you say? The pink details and stripes. The small-tiled floor and the marble counter. The 1920s Tiffany's lights and the uniform wire chairs. It's so refreshing when a good original design remains and stays true. It helps that the ice cream and treats were also exceptional. My scoop of banana chocolate chip ice cream served in a little silver dish tasted so real. No false banana or waxy chocolate. I'm grateful to Marissa for sharing a cherished place of memory with me. It made it all the better to know the charming personal history of the place for her. I love the magic that attaches to a place set up for good memories which continues to build with each experience.
Our day of fun did not end there. We took a trip down to the riverfront to enjoy a new park along the edge of the Ohio River. Though I'd love to share pictures of this, I may simply discipline myself to take my own and inspire a chance to go back. The park was a brilliant use of space. Every feature is clearly welcome to children, adolescents and adults alike. Water features and a large step organ. Life size checkers and chess. Long and wide slides. Stationary exercise equipment and bench swings. A wide bike trail right along the river. On and on. I'll go back. You'll see.
I'm grateful to my friend for thinking of us on their last minute adventure! It inspired me to do more. Step outside of routine and recognize the good efforts of the people and places around us. It was a good reminder. It reminded me that I love where I live. I love our little Lexington and it's proximity to bigger cities. It reminded me to explore. It reminded me to pay attention to special events and cool opportunities.
There's so much to appreciate in this life.
