Louisville Slugger Museum

Though work has run me rugged (I got sick when the proposed, quant, intimate gathering of 4 blew up to a rambunctious group of 14.  My body wasn’t prepared for that kind of shock. When there was 4 people you sit there for an hour not 2.5 hours with 14.  My body shut down giving me a massive headache and upsetting my digestive track!). Once it subsided a day later, I made my way to the Louisville Slugger Museum. I pay $11 for the tour and it doesn’t disappoint because we get to see the actual Major League Baseball players being made. The guide tells us that many MLB players sign contracts. Also it is an added bonus as a Clevelander to see Jim Thome’s and Grady Sizemore’s bats! Finally, there is a new guide who has been working for 3 days.  The crowd applauds at the end then we receive our mini-bats. The guide tells us that if we are flying out at the airport we must either check the bats in our luggage or ship them. I decide to ship mine because I don’t have any more space in my bag. After buying my postcard, I leave knowing that my bat is safe and I’ve made the right decision.

Louisville Slugger Museum

A Tree's Journey

Jackie Robinson

Joe DiMaggio

Hank Aaron's bat

'Reading' a Bat

Ted Williams

Lou Brock

Jackie Robinson Signing with Louisville Slugger

Henry Aaron Signing with Louisville Slugger

Louisville View from the Ohio River

            As an Ohioan and a native Clevelander, I’ve never seen the Ohio River.  I’ve been living off of Lake Erie. When my job takes me to Louisville, I get the chance to see it while dining at Joe’s Crab Shack.  Where the city is situated, I can see Jeffersonville, Indiana, from across the river.

Ohio River View from Louisville Joe's Crab Shack

Jeffersonville, Indiana across from the Ohio River

Joe's Crab Shack Louisville Cherry Limeade

Joe's Crab Shack Louisville Crabmeat on top of Shrimp with Dirty Rice and Vegetables

Tonight I used my Palm Steakhouse's complimentary 3-lb. lobster coupon for my birthday.  I decided that this would be a great time to use since tomorrow I am out of town until Friday.  I might not have the energy when I return.  Besides this has been a very good time for me.  This year I've received my promotion and gotten accepted into my second leadership development program.  Along with the potato au gratin, the original bill was $94.  I was unfazed because this year I could afford it.  Last year I was struggling; and, next year I will receive another promotion.  With everything going my way, I am very happy right now!

3-Lb. Lobster with Lemon and Butter plus Potato Au Gratin

My Vanilla Ice Cream with Raspberries and Raspberry Sauce

Sea Catch Restaurant

I have tried this Georgetown seafood eatery because as much as I love the Four Seasons, I need a change of pace. The restaurant and scenery haven't disappointed.  This being restaurant week, I can sample the fare without denting my budget.  I enjoy the Caesar salad, mussels and lemon mousse cake.  Furthermore, I enjoy the Georgetown canal.  The Sea Catch restaurant borders it.  Seeing the fish swimming past me, calms me down.  This has been a hectic past week and relaxing outside eating great food are the remedies!

Sea Catch Restaurant Awning

Sea Catch Menu

Mussels with Lemon and Butter

Lemon Mousse Cake with Strawberries

Georgetown Canal

Celebrating my Birthday in Cleveland

            I returned to my hometown Cleveland for my birthday.  I truly needed a break from DC’s breakneck pace and dangerously hot weather.  Off of Lake Erie, the temperature was 75 degrees.  When I returned to Baltimore Washington Airport it was 93 degrees! In between the Wednesday when I landed and this Monday when I returned, I managed to reconnect with family, visit Cleveland State University, my alma mater, celebrate my birthday and 10^th year Master of Business Administration anniversary at Mortons Cleveland Steakhouse (after telling the waiter my story, he told another couple who paid for my chocolate mousse dessert!), relax at the Doubletree Cleveland hotel and eat at Mallorca and John Q. Steakhouse.  Enjoy my photos!

Lake Erie and Cleveland coastline 

Celebrating my birthday at Mortons Cleveland Steakhouse

Filet of Salmon with Crabmeat, Asparagus, 2 Shrimps Topped with Crabmeat and 3 Baked Shrimp

Chocolate Mousse with Whipped Cream, Raspberry, Mint Leaf and Birthday Candle

Happy Birthday Greeting on the Menu

Waterfront Line, Great lakes Science Center (Dome) and Rock N Roll Hall of Fame (right)

Cleveland skyscrapers

Cleveland State University Student Center

Cleveland State University Student Center

Cleveland State Campus District

Euclid Commons

Shubbery

Cleveland State University banner

Cleveland State University Art Campus off of East 13th Street

Mallorca Lobster Ravioli and Vegetables and Potato Chips

John Q. Steakhouse Sirloin Steak with Bleu Cheese and Broccoli Au Gratin