Cbus Bloggers Lunch at Cafe Istanbul - Bexley

This past weekend I was able to grab lunch at Cafe Istanbul in Bexley with some of my fellow Columbus bloggers! A few of the lovely ladies I met in February at the Explorer's Club brunch, others were new faces. This blogging get together was organized by Lauren of A Few of My Favorite Things. We had a very long table in the cafe, which was decorated with golden vases, pink flowers and pink and gold placemats - very pretty!

Short North Murals + Public Art in Pictures

Short North Window Shopping in Pictures

Highbanks

Highbanks Metro Park is where I recently had my favorite bird watching moment (to date). Kenneth and I got a really close up look at a Pileated Woodpecker. The bird was about thirty feet from the path. We stood and watched the woodpecker for about ten minutes while I frantically snapped photos (which Google+ turned into a GIF!) and pointed the bird out to other hikers. Some of my other favorite birding moments have been seeing Sandhill Cranes for the first time, getting a really close look at a Northern Saw-whet Owl, watching Carolina Wrens on our apartment balcony and correctly identifying Blue-Winged Warblers the first time I encountered them on a hike. What made seeing the Pileated Woodpecker so special was how long we were able to observe the bird, and how close it was to the pathway. We didn't even need binoculars!

I really enjoy birdwatching - it's a fun and relatively inexpensive hobby. All you need is a bird book, a pair of binoculars and a place to watch birds. This could be a metro park, or your backyard - just throw out some bird seed (or set up a feeder). You might be surprised by what birds show up!

Ohio Pocket

I love my new t-shirt from Ohio Pocket! I got five compliments on it yesterday in the short period of time I was out and about (Kenneth and I are still in the middle of packing!). 

Final Photo of my 365 Day Photo Challenge

This is my last photo of the day for my 365 Day Photo Challenge. I didn't manage to take all 365 photos in 365 consecutive days as I had planned, but that's ok. I was definitely challenged by this project! I love taking photos, but I just didn't feel like doing it some days. The hardest part of the challenge was coming up with a good photo idea when I hadn't done anything interesting or very different that day - I'm glad I had my three cute furballs to help me on those days!

Furry Family

Looks like Elliot is singing "Lalala" like Babe!

While visiting my family for Mother's Day today, I spent some time with my furry family too. These are my parents' cats. Toby is the yellow tabby, Elliot is black and white cat and Henry is white with some pale orange. Nora (not pictured) is my sister's little gray Russian Blue, but she's not very photogenic. 

Elliot is sick right now, so he got a little extra love from Kenneth, whom he snuggled. He's such a sweet boy!

GF Review: Rudi's Spinach Tortillas + Multigrain Bread

Rudi's Gluten-Free Bakery* is a gluten-free food company with a nice selection of products: sandwich bread, tortillas and wraps, ciabatta rolls, cherry almond bars, pizza crust, buns, rolls and stuffing! I recently received two coupons from Rudi's in order to review their products for my blog. I chose the Spinach Tortillas and Multigrain Bread to review (I'm still waiting for our local grocery store to carry the ciabatta rolls - they look delicious!). 

Ohioana Book Festival in Pictures

Emma's New Chair

This was my chair at work. I say 'was' because as soon as I brought it home, Emma claimed it. I'm positive that she has sat in this chair every day for the past week. I like having her company while I'm on the computer, but I wish she'd let me have the more comfortable chair! I can't kick her out of it though, could you? 

Rainy Day

Bravo! Cucina Italiana - Grandview Heights

I think a lot of gluten-free diners miss pasta. I'm not saying I miss it as much as I miss regular pizza, but it's up there. Pasta is such a comforting, filling food that seems to find its way into a lot of special events. My Grandma's macaroni and cheese is a staple at Hill family gatherings. I also remember how excited I used to be when my high school cross country team would have pasta nights two days before a race, or when we'd stop at Fazoli's on our way home from a race. One of my favorite meals my mom would make when I was a kid was spaghetti. When I was a vegetarian in high school and college she switched from using a meat based sauce to a vegetable sauce so I could enjoy the pasta too. Now she makes my own batch of macaroni and cheese or lasagna with gluten-free noodles for family gatherings. Pasta is wonderful and it was definitely one of the top foods I missed when going gluten-free. I'm really glad that there are restaurants offering gluten-free pasta!

Prior to eating at Bravo! for the first time a few weeks ago, I'd only had gluten-free pasta at two restaurants: Rusty Bucket and Olive Garden. Both have great gluten-free options and their pasta is pretty tasty. A fellow gluten-free friend of mine, Sarai McCulley, suggested I eat at Bravo! for their gluten-free pasta, which she prefers over Olive Garden. I couldn't wait to try it out!

Photobomb Cat

Amelia just couldn't resist!

We're Moving!

Remember when I said I had news to share concerning Kenneth (AKA Dr. Brunson) graduating from OSU's College of Veterinary Medicine? The big news is that Kenneth has accepted a position as a veterinarian in Bright, Indiana! We will be moving to the Cincinnati area in a few weeks!

Spring Bouquet

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

I had tacos at Whole Foods today in Upper Arlington - they were delicious! Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Make a Wish!

Doctor in 2014

Today is the Oath and Hooding Ceremony for the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2014. Kenneth and 138 of his classmates will officially become doctors in a a few hours!

This evening is the culmination of years and years of hard work, lots of studying and many hours spent learning and practicing new skills. All of this hard work is about to pay off! I'm so happy that Kenneth has found a career that makes him happy and that he is good (amazing, actually) at. It's a wonderful thing when you get to spend your days doing something you love doing! For me, the fact that he will have a secure job and will be helping animals are just added bonuses. I am most happy that he has found his dream job! 

With Kenneth's graduation comes more news - which I will be sharing with you, on the blog, shortly! Today is about Kenneth getting to shed the stress and worries of being a student and enjoy the reality of becoming Dr. Kenneth Brunson, DVM. 

Congratulations to Kenneth and all of his classmates, especially those who have become our good friends these past four years and have helped support Kenneth! You made it!!!

A Rose for a Rainy Day

For Nicole

So long as I have internet, Nicole, I will be posting cat photos. This one of Amelia is for you!

Veterinary School Senior Sendoff

Last night was Kenneth's Senior Sendoff Celebration for Veterinary School. He graduates in two days! Congratulations Class of 2014!