Krohn’s Conservqtory–Butterflies

This month our Day Trip was a fun one to Krohn’s Conservatory to see the Butterflies of the Philippines and have a great dining experience at Buca di Beppo in Cincinnati. 21 of our people and our driver made the trek. This month, I was away at the Moody Pastor’s Conference in Chicago, so it was managed by Lisa and Nancy. Alright! I heard that. But, I admit the ladies do a very good job and I could never do this without their help and guiding hands.

Of course, there is always more to see at the conservatory than just butterflies. There are plants of all types and many bright colors.

NOTE: Click on any photo for a larger view

As you can see, the evidence shows that they arrived a little after 10AM

Inside there are plants of all varieties. Some of these are decked out in beautiful color, and others are exotic! There is even a waterfall!

I can hear the questions, asking “where are the butterflies?”  Actually, they’re often camouflaged and hide in among plants or flowers of blending colors. But, other times they can be coaxed into the open.

Do you see them above? There are several but you can see how they manage to blend in with their environment. The next photos below are much more obvious. I always like to feature our people and also children,

There is so much more to see around the conservatory in Eden Park. Check it out sometime. This is the Elsinore Tower.

Looks a bit like a castle, doesn’t it!

I know some of our people were more excited about our choice of place to eat than the butterflies. This time we went back to Buca di Beppo. Where there is always some very good family style dining in a very unique environment.

There’s always a comic in every crowd

May 12, 2015 Luncheon–The Spoon Man

This month we were excited to introduce another new program. As you know, I’ve been trying new people and groups for our entertainment. This was another unusual one and it was fun. I think everyone enjoyed the comedy, music and audience interaction. I know that I did and I received a number of favorable comment requesting that we bring this one back.

We started with more great music by Grace Averitt at the piano, for our Early Bird Prelude time. Following the mini piano concert, we introduced several first timers and our trips that are coming up. Incidentally, it appears that our Fall Trip to Niagara Falls and Toronto, Canada will be cancelled for lack of interest. After this, I introduced our special guest from Michigan, Jim Cruise, The Spoon Man.

As you all know we work hard to get good entertainment; but there is always a risk when using people from outside our church circle. Sometimes, I go purely by word of mouth that the entertainer is good and has a clean act. Jim assured us that he has a totally clean act, no dirty silverware is ever used! Jim has been playing the spoons (and knives and forks) for over 35 years and he actually supports a family doing it! He has performed worldwide and his audience included former President Gerald Ford and Russian President Mikhail Gorbochev.

One thing that I like about Jim Cruise is that he involves the audience. He was always playing to the audience but he also had our audience join him on stage to help entertain! First, he brought up one of our men, Glen, to help him.

Next, he asked for three special helpers. I fooled him by including another Spoon Pro, Jean Prather, and we also added Gene Morrison and Maurine Palmer. They were a Hillbilly Spoon group. So, they got costumed up a bit!   See the right photo below.

Gene and Jean both played with the spoons but Maurine was chosen to play a washboard. I guess this means that she is “washed up”! I think from the photos above, you can tell that Jean is the pro of this bunch, but I am pleased to report that all three of them did an awesome job and may be asked to go on the road, soon! Well, maybe I AM stretching the truth a little.

Fortunately, everyone can learn to play the spoons. Jim even has a DVD and book that he offers on his Internet website. Check it out, if you are interested in this or would like to give a nice gift to a grandchild. Perhaps one who is currently too active with DRUMS! Spoons are certainly a good alternative and not nearly as nerve wracking!

Next month, we will have a very special musical duo! Charlie Pagnard and his trumpet will be joined by Leslie Stratton with her Harp. This is a combination that we should all HARP on! Don’t miss our June Young@Heart Program!