Playing in the Garden...

Sunday was such a beautiful day here in Ohio. Sunny with a little breeze and temperatures in the low 70s. Spending time soaking up some Vitamin D and working on my garden and with my flowers seemed like the perfect plan. 

My garden is 15' x 40'. This year I planted a few varieties of onions, peppers and tomatoes. Along with cucumbers, a zucchini plant, a couple rows of beans and peas and some Yukon gold potatoes. Things are starting to come in nicely.  Added some metal lattes for the cucumbers to cling to. Even though they are bush I want to keep them contained a little bit.

 

We have added some grape vines. My in-laws are from Croatia and grow beautiful grapes. And make delicious wine 😉 Super excited to see how they do.

Our house came with a built in fountain. The water to it still  works but time has done a number on the concrete. For a few years I have wanted to grow sunflowers in it. They are my favorite flower. I cleaned out the outer ring (thinking about some blue crystals with epoxy going in there), added some manure to the center and planted my seeds. 🌻 We have added a few chestnut and plum trees. 

 

These salmon and yellow flowers flanking my office are just beautiful. 

The hydrangea started as a gift from my Aunt and just thrive in this flower bed. They have tripled in size. I added a second one last year along with the hosta.

I think God was pleased with my efforts today and blessed me with this gorgeous evening sky.

 

Shawshank...

So how many of you have seen Shawshank Redemption? You know, the movie about a prison starring Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins. If you aren't familiar with it hop over here and take a peek.

The movie was filmed in Mansfield Ohio at The Ohio State Reformatory. The Reformatory has a fascinating history dating back to 1861. The grounds it would be built on, beginning in 1886, has been used as a training camp for Civil War Soldiers. In September of 1896 the doors were opened to the first 150 inmates. Who were put to work on the sewer system and completion of the 25-foot wall surrounding the complex. It remained fully operational until December of 1990 when it was closed via federal court order brought on my a class action suit citing overcrowding and inhumane conditions. 

   

In 1995 the prison was turned into a museum and The Mansfield Reformatory Preservation Society was formed to raise funds for restoration. One of the events held every year is The Shawshank Hustle. It's a 7k running/walking race that goes past 5 film locations from the movie.  Included in our race fee is a tour of the prison. I can tell you that those cells are soooo small and the cat-walks are scary. *note - not a fan of heights. 

The race is fun, full of all the fanfare you would expect. The medals are amazing, there are various photo props/opportunities and the race director dresses as the warden and runs the race in a full suit.