12.25.10 – Christmas Fireworks, Cincinnati, Ohio

Technically this footage was shot last week, but I thought I'd save it for Christmas. Christmas used to be a far simpler affair -- Bing Crosby movies, carols, lots of food, and upset family members (and me skulking away to the TV). Now everything is a production. Here in Cincinnati, the downtown Macy's store has a repelling Santa (thankfully I missed that; not sure I'm ready for Santa as action hero) and fireworks.

As beautiful as the fireworks are/were, I'm not sure that's really what the Christmas spirit is all about.

Happy Holidays.

12.11.10 – Mt. Adams Reindog Parade (Cincinnati, Ohio)

What I’ve found from living in the Cincinnati area for a long time is that Cincinnatians need sanctioned events in order to cut loose, party, and act ridiculous. Parades are of particular fondness to the area citizens, and, this time of year, there is a penchant for dressing up your dog to add more frivolity. Yes, today was Reindog in Mt. Adams, a now relatively affluent neighborhood (not originally, of course), where I used to work, with a terrific view of the river and downtown. Somehow I had always missed, if not plain avoided, such events, but a friend suggested we go, and the weather cooperated enough for us to venture out.

There were a fair number of pugs, as would expected for the neighborhood, but also many golden retrievers and every other variety imaginable. There were more weimaraners than in a William Wegman book. My friend noticed the antlers on the dogs seemed to always be pointing down, but then I was surprised the dogs even stood for them on their heads to begin with. It's also surprising there wasn't more mayhem what with the mail men, Santa, bagpipes, carolers, and all the kids.

The weather has been uncooperative for a travel blog (bad timing), and it looks like tomorrow brings more snow (ugh), so there may be a brief hiatus with future posts.