the places I visit on the island paradise where I live


Aug 31, 2013

Cincinnati Visit Part I

Me in Cincinnati
Now home almost a week, I can finally clear the cobwebs of my brain and begin to tackle all the emotions a trip back to Ohio brings. It had been seven years since my last visit. I feel like I am reciting how long since my last confession. It is almost the same process. Each visit back brings the ghosts I think I have finally put to rest running about again.

Good points of my visit ... seeing family and friends, visiting my parents' graves, staying at a wonderful place (Mariemont Inn) ... more to come about that on my Gargoyles & Graffiti blog. Great food and beautiful architecture. I forgot how gorgeous Cincinnati is.

Bad points of my visit ... feeling the void of my aunt's passing, worrying about the health of one of my favorite relatives, seeing how old everybody is ... when I don't see them, they don't age ... and just having too little time. Always too little time.

Gorgeous lobby of the Mariemont Inn


My cousin Julie & her three children


And of course the theme of the trip ... puppies, puppies and more puppies. My brother now has twelve dogs, of which four are to be sold. The rest are Bella, Worley, Paisley, Chocy, Churchy, Tinkerbell, Rocket and not to be forgotten Baby Ruth. The four puppies entertained my cousins' kids for most of an afternoon. We had a great time last Sunday with everybody.

Patrick with one of the puppies


I am always amazed and awed by the friendships my brother has that have endured more than thirty years. Two of his good friends have also become my good friends as well.

Friends Liz and Tom with my niece Emma


My brother Tim with one of his puppies


Last but not least, there is my brother and his two daughters. My niece, Sarah, was visiting from England so that was the main reason I went to Cincinnati. Her little sister, Emma, flew in with her new husband and my brother, Tim was there too. A wonderful time was had by all! And, wow, boy can my brother cook.

My niece Sarah visiting from England enjoying a Margarita


Aug 15, 2013

New Ashley Sleep Mattresses at The Magic of Design

Memory foam mattresses from Ashley Sleep 
Memory foam mattresses are now in stock at The Magic of Design. We are stocking the Augusta series, but there are many other options including plusher memory foam, gel and latex mattresses. The firmest, the Augusta, is set up in the store and it feels Heavenly to me, not firm at all, but supportive. The full article on the new mattresses is available here. These are US sizes and there are two options for boxsprings ... one with feet like we have in Mexico and the other a standard foundation.

Remember, we post news every month. So if you want to keep current with what is going on in the store, like our Facebook page and you will know when the news is available and any sales or specials are running. 

Our 20% to 70% off sale started on July 15th on all in-stock merchandise. Come on by while supplies last.