Ohio | D. Brent Miller

March 30, 2023

Great Day for a Ride on the Guzzi

What a great day for a ride. Sunny and in the lower 50s, I suited up and rolled my 2020 Moto Guzzi V7iii Rough out of the garage. Kissed my wife and reassured her I would ride safe.

I rolled out of the neighborhood and turned east along familiar roads. I always wanted to stop at the bridge over Todd’s Fork, but always seemed to be going in the other direction. Not today. This stream has some good fishing, but parking is not so easy to find.

Further down the road, and on Ohio SR 350, I stopped for a photo at Fort Ancient. This Hopewell Mound Community is one of the sites in Ohio that is under application as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Further on SR 350, where the highway crosses the Little Miami River, a popular river access site enables canoers and kayakers to enter the river. Morgan’s Canoe, sits next to this state access site, and offers canoes and kayaks for rent giving you a lazy meander down the river.

Crossing the river and winding up to the top of the bluff, I headed home to get ready for the opening day for baseball, Cincinnati Reds vs. Pittsburgh Pirates. It has always been a big rivalry. Go Reds.

See you on the highway.

Brent

March 22, 2023March 22, 2023

We Have an Eagle Hatch

Previously, I wrote about how mesmerizing it was to watch the eagles now that they are back in our area. And of course, a big thanks goes to the Little Miami Conservancy for the Eagle Cam.

The pair of eagles, named Baker and Bette, have been judiciously nesting a pair of eggs, and now, the first one has hatched. Of course, this happens on the first day of Spring. What could be a better sign of Spring than a new eagle chick. Small, still weak and uncoordinated, the chick depends upon the parents for food, and it comes quickly.

We are so fortunate to be able to watch the eagles. Yes, it is mesmerizing, and now everyone is waiting for chick #2. It is hard to see, but there appears to be a small crack in the egg from the inside out! Will we see #2 today? Tomorrow?

UPDATE: The second egg hatched today at 12:22 p.m. The screenshot is a little fuzzy, but here it is. The chick is climbing out of the egg just to the right of the first chick.

You can follow along at the Little Miami Conservancy Eagle Cam and watch for yourself.

A very big thank you goes to the Little Miami Conservancy for providing the eagle cam and sharing this remarkable event with all of us.

See you on the highway… or maybe as we gather ‘round the screen to watch a beautiful piece of nature.

Brent

March 16, 2023March 16, 2023

Ohio River Towns Project Revived

All things considered, I really want to finish this project. Accidentally, it began when I moved to the Cincinnati area and started photographing towns along the Ohio River. Eventually, I realized I had a project.

So, here we go. 2023 is the year. For more info, see the Ohio River Towns page.

See you on the highway…. somewhere along the Ohio River.

Brent

January 11, 2023

Donut Appreciation

Who doesn’t like a good donut or two, pastries included? In my opinion, there are two uses for donuts. First, they are a delightful treat often bringing joy as that doughy delight hits the tongue for a little self-satisfaction. Second, donuts and pastries can be a valuable relationship-building tool for the benefit of friendships. Stay with me on this one.

I occasionally buy a coffee and donut for friends. It is a simple gesture to show appreciation for the friendship. I have also been known to show up with donuts at places of business that I frequent—mostly motorcycle shops. Also, very much appreciated. To me, it is appreciation for their friendship and for the work they do. The apple fritters seem to go over the best. My wife calls this act schmoozing, something she claims I do very well.

We have contracted to build two homes during our 37-year marriage, and both times, I went the extra mile with showing appreciation to the builders. I would show up with a box of donuts while the house was being framed. Then the plumbers and electricians. The drywallers too. In all, I think I invested about $100 of donuts each for both houses, and I still claim those investments resulted in a better built house. Why? Because the craftsmen felt appreciated. They weren’t building just another house, they were building a home for the guy that shows up with donuts! The builder of our home in northern Indiana became my best friend, and I mean best friend that lasted until he passed several years ago, and I still miss him.

I am not the only one that thinks donuts have more capability than just a doughy delight. Donuts, like other food and beverage items, can be the focus for tourism. For example, take a look at what the shops in Butler County, Ohio did.

Want a donut? You have to have a coffee or tea with that, and that’s why Butler County in Southwest Ohio county created the Donut Trail. Visit all the shops, get them stamped on your “Donut Trail Passport” and you get a free t-shirt. Makes you want to wander through Ohio, doesn’t it.

So, the next time you think you want a donut, maybe you should think about buying a donut for a friend. Show a little appreciation. Don’t forget to use the tissues.

See you on the highway … or maybe at a donut shop.

Brent

October 20, 2021

The joy of getting on a bus

Every now and then, a scene—an observation–brings a big smile to my face. This morning was one of those as I drove through town to meet friends for coffee.

The school bus was coming towards me, and slowing down. I assumed it was going to stop to pick up a student. I slowed also with plenty of clearance to the bus. First the flashers came on, then the red flashers and stop sign extended out from the side. I rolled to a stop and looked for children.

Out of a car parked on the side street stepped a school girl, maybe 7-years old. Maybe 8. She had a pink backpack and was wearing a pink mask. She ran towards the bus, arms waving in the air as if to say “hi” to someone or everyone on the bus. She behaved absolutely joyful to be getting on the bus and seeing friends.

It brought a big smile to my face. The innocence of kids. The joy of seeing friends or going to school. Absolutely magical.

The bus flashing lights turned off. The stop sign rolled back to the side of the bus, and it began to roll. I waved to the bus driver. She waved back.

See you on the highway.

Brent