This Black and white postcard of Cimarosa Street in Naples, Italy was sent (postmarked) from the U.S.S. Bearss, a United States Navy destroyer on deployment to the Mediterranean in 1953. We have it listed for sale on our ebay store where we enjoy selling postcards, jewelry, antiques and other fun items.
retirement activity
Same brewery, same craft beer, different location
We were in Indianapolis a couple of days ago and went to a craft brewery to fill a growler with one of our favorite craft beers. A growler is a 64 ounce brown glass jug utilized by most craft beer breweries to allow patrons to have a carry-out on tap beer. Typically the brewery name/logo is on the bottle, and they will fill growlers other than their own. We brought our own with us.
The entrance
Seating, bar in back right
Craft beer taps and menu board
Anyway, we had recently visited the Bier Brewery establishment in Carmel, Indiana, about a half hour north of where we were. There Sher found a beer that we both really enjoyed. We had looked up other Indy Craft Pass members, and found another Bier Brewery location nearby.
Poster with our beer!
The 64 oz growler we got in Texas
The Bier Brewery was on the end of a strip mall, and was not very large at all. The small cozy space looked and felt like a great neighborhood bar. There were a handful of folks enjoying he place when we went in. The bartender was super, and even gave Sher a free Bier Brewing glass with the purchase of the growler fill. A short, but fun, beer buying stop.
Craft beer at Big Lug Canteen on Indy’s north side
The Big Lug Canteen is located on 86th Street, a very busy area of Indianapolis. We were in the area picking up items from an online auction and decided to try a couple of local craft beer breweries. Big Lug is a unique place offering both great beer and good food.
Helles Lager
Brew Menu Board
Busy Bar
Our tasty bar food
We were seated quickly, but the place was very busy, and more patrons came in while we were there. The beer menu, as expected, was quite extensive, and Sher and I both decided on the Helles Lager, ABV 5.3%, and IBU 18. (Our server recommended this selection.) A most delightful brew that tastes good and “goes down easy”.
Outside the Big Lug Canteen
Not wanting to drink on an empty stomach, we also picked some items from the food menus. Our son and Sher went with different versions of French Fries. I had the creamy potato soup. All were very tasty. It was easy to see why this establishment was so busy on a Saturday afternoon. Big Lug Canteen is part of the Indy Craft Pass, a group of over 50 breweries and wineries in (mostly) central Indiana.
Carmel Indiana’s Bier Brewery has great food and greater beer
Carmel, Indiana is just north of Indianapolis and is known for its many establishments for eating and drinking. Recently our son drove us to a craft brewery named, appropriately, Bier Brewery. It is part of the Indy Craft Pass list of over 50 breweries and wineries in mostly the Indianapolis area. You go, check in on a phone app and get points that you can cash for merchandise. A great incentive to check out reasonably close – by new places.
Main entrance, outdoor seating to left
Step up to the bar and place your order…
The Bier Brewery is located on the end of a nice strip mall. Getting there was something, as Carmel is known for all of the round abouts. It was too cold for outside seating, and the roll up windows were of course closed. The bar is where you place your orders, either for drinks or food. Our bartender was a delightful lady.
Basket of fires and pilsner glass
Blue cheese burger and homemade slaw
Sher ordered a pilsner, while I chose an IPA. We both really enjoyed our two choices. The menu for food was not very large, but anyone could find something to order. Our son ordered one of those huge fresh baked pretzels. Sher got a large basket of fries for all of us to share. The blue cheese burger and home made coleslaw sure went well with my IPA.
Maj’s IPA
We had a great time!
This establishment is quite an enjoyable place to have a beer and a light snack. There are comfortable chairs and sofas where we saw many enjoying quiet conversation with friends or working on phones or laptops. We enjoyed each others company, our drinks and the food. We also got free pint glasses as part of our Indy Craft Pass participation. Oh, and here is the link to the Bier Brewery website. Check it out sometime.
Craft beers at Sun King Brewery in Carmel Indiana
It was a foggy evening in Carmel, Indiana, an upscale city north of Indianapolis. Finishing our day out, we went to Sun King Brewery in the center of Carmel. They are part of the Indy Craft Pass, a group of over 50 breweries and wineries that offer a listing and directions. You check in and get points for visiting member establishments.
Outside seating, upper level balcony
Main entrance, love that face!
Sher and I and our son got to Sun King about 6 o’clock, checked in on the Craft Pass app, and were seated by Chase, our server. I told Chase that when choosing a beer, I prefer one with a lower number IBU (bitterness rating). Chase checked with the bartender who recommended the Keller Haze IPA. Sher ordered a margarita.
The bar
We thoroughly enjoyed just sitting, enjoying our drinks and the company. While were were here the place began to fill up with couples and groups of folks, who like us, enjoyed the ambience of the place. Food was available from walk up windows, and what we saw looked very good, worthy of a return visit to eat sometime. We did buy a growler of Maj’s IPA to take home.
Maj’s IPA and Sher’s Margarita
Chase filling our growler
This facility is set up for both inside and outside seating. Of course the rain and fog prevented using the outside seating but the huge outdoor TV was on! There is a second level, a trivia game was underway when we were there.
“Back of house” equipment
We had a wonderful time at the Carmel version of Sun King Brewery. (There are seven locations, including one in Sarasota Florida) We would recommend without hesitation a visit to this fine establishment. A marvelous number of beers and other drinks await you. Hats off to Chase, who took care of us while we were there. He was a part of our good time. Here is the link to Sun King Brewery.
Indiana has the most Carnegie libraries of any state
Industrialist millionaire Andrew Carnegie gave over 40 million dollars to build over 1650 libraries in large and small towns across America. The State of Indiana received a total of over $2.6 million from the Carnegie Corporation. This led to a total of 164 library built in the Hoosier State from 1901 to 1922, more than any other state in the Union.
Front steps of the original structure, the plaque in the center of steps was a later add
Shelbyville is in the central part of the state, and its Carnegie Library was constructed early in the building program and held its grand opening on June 2, 1902. Like most all of the Carnegie structures, it included massive columns over the front entrance and an impressive large ceiling/roof dome. The columns were made with Indiana limestone.
The dome of the original structure is visible, with later additions in the foreground.
Over the years the Shelbyville Library has seen several additions and renovations. One addition more than doubled the size of the original library. Most recently an adjacent former furniture store was obtained and after remodeling it now houses the library’s Genealogy and History Departments, instruction rooms and computer labs. This library and branches have been a valuable part of Shelbyville and Shelby County’s community since 1902.
Menopause: the Musical at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre
Menopause: The Musical, the hilarious and fun celebration of women and “the change,” has returned to Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre as the first offering in the beloved Indy theater’s 51st season.
Four new friends who meet at Bloomingdales in New York City and share their struggles with menopause sing “Stayin’ Awake” to the tune of “Stayin’ Alive”
Written by Jeanie Linders, Menopause, The Musical is set in a large multi floor department store, where four women from different backgrounds meet by chance at the lingerie counter. Throughout the show the cast continues to poke fun at their collective hot flashes, forgetfulness, mood swings, wrinkles, night sweats and chocolate binges.
The Earth Mother (Melanie Souza) performs her best rock star moves during “Thank You, Doctor” sung to the tune of “Help Me Rhonda”
The Professional Woman (Enga Davis), center, does her best Tina Turner impression as she sings “What’s Love Got To Do With It”
As the production progresses the gals develop a sisterhood by means of a series of parodies from the music of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. A remarkable and hilarious use of famous, well known songs, new lyrics and marvelous choreography treat the audience to non-stop laughter and smiles.
The Iowa Housewife (Nancy Slusser), who had hoped to improve her sex life, sings “Only You” upon discovering a new pleasure
The Soap Star (Kimberly Vanbiesbrouck) sings “Please Make Me Over” to the tune of “Don’t Make Me Over”
The all female cast is making its Beef & Boards debut. It includes Enga Davis as a Professional Woman, Nancy Slusser as a Iowa Housewife, Melanie Souza as a hippie Earth Mother, and Kimberly Vanbiesbrouck plays a tv Soap Star.
Ultimately four new friends have “A New Attitude” about their changing bodies and lives.
Menopause: The Musical is now on stage through Feb. 4 in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. To see the complete performance schedule and to purchase tickets online, visit B&B website. This production is rated PG-13 for some adult content.
Turning Texas trees into Texas art
There are some impressive trees along the banks of Cypress Creek in Wimberley Texas that we saw during our trip there a few days ago. Some very talented people have turned some tree trunks into quite remarkable carvings in a popular picnic area just behind one of the buildings housing restaurants and shops.
Quite the signature…
Now that’s a stare!
Pointing skyward..
For UT Longhorn football fans
By the creek bank
It is impressive to see that a chainsaw was utilized to create such detailed works of art like these.
Wimberley, Texas beautiful bald cypress trees on Cypress Creek
Wimberley, Texas is in the Hill Country outside of Austin in the central part of the state. It is a small town that is hugely popular for its many shops and restaurants and the natural beauty of the area. There are some famous swimming holes close by too!
The Preserve entrance
A worthy project
Cypress Creek runs right through the town, and the banks and surrounds have become popular recreational locations for locals and visitors alike. Sher and I went with our son and his family to see the town, the creek side trail and the huge bald cypress trees.
I was told this a favorite place for weddings
The cypress trees along the banks live for hundreds of years and are massive in size. One nearby tree has been dated to be from at least as far back as the year 1426. You can stand inside one tree whose base was blown out decades ago by a lightning strike We had to get our picture in that one!
Note the creek in the background
Close up detail of photo to the left
The roots of these trees run shallow and nearly parallel the ground surface both above and below. These exposed roots are fascinating to observe.
Typical shape of the cypress at the waterline
Shadows and reflections on the water
The size of these trees is impressive!
One shop owner explained to me that yes, these are the same bald cypress trees you see in Florida in the swamps. He pointed out that in Texas they don’t do as well or are as prolific because there is not enough water in the Texas Hill Country to support massive groves of the trees. They are still fascinating to see. Wimberley is fortunate to have such a lovely attraction as the Cypress Creek Nature Trail & Preserve .
No glasses but still saw the eclipse
Nope, did not have the glasses. Every store was out. However, we did see several pin hole camera type effects. One was a light ray through the curtain onto a rug.
Ok, maybe a stretch, but still look at the center and you can make out that crescent: that’s the sun partially blocked. We were at Austin, so not full eclipse. That was down at San Antonio.
Here’s another one, this was on the front sidewalk with a bunch of “pin hole camera” effects through the leaves.
See the greenish image that looks like a pin-hole type of view.
Finally, this one with the iPhone. I was holding the phone in front of my face kind of blindly snapping a couple just to see what I’d get. The above mini-green thing showed up.
Oh well, that’s what we saw at the so-called “Peak” of the eclipse at Austin, Texas.
Roadtirement 