Amish country

We went on a tour of Middlefield and Mesopotamia as a family today and barely had to leave Geauga County. Our route was SR 306 to SR 87 through Burton to Middlefield and on to Mesopotamia in Trumball County. We then looped back to Bundysburg Rd. north to Nauvoo Road, back to Middlefield and home.

Here are our stops:

ASM International in Novelty to walk under the geodesic dome at their Materials Park. We saw over 60 samples of mineral ore all nestled in gorgeous landscaping. My son was in awe over the massive dome and loved climbing on the minerals/"big rocks". Things we liked: free, peaceful, fountains, the big dome.

Ridgeview Farms- on Rt. 87 just after the Trumball County line in Mesopotamia.

Perfect size for a quick tour of a farm, farm stand in front where we bought delicious corn, and pick your own strawberries (too late for them). They were visited by Rachael Ray and promote it on their website.

Things we liked: petting barn with a cow, sheep, goats, and bunny, sit in an Amish buggy

End of the Commons General Store- also off of Rt. 87

This place is very "Little House on the Prairie" and set up like an old general store.

Things we liked: player piano, Nehi peach soda, penny candy, hitch with real horse and buggy, soft pretzel mix

Middlefield Flea Market- on Nauvoo Road which runs parallel to Rt. 87

We didn't get there until 2PM so things were closing down for the day. I'd love to go back for an auction- check their website for events.

Things we liked: Antique store next door where I found and bought Anchor Hocking snack trays and cups from the '50s to use for my daughter's first birthday party, there were many treasures at this antique mall

Middlefield Cheese- also on Nauvoo Rd. about 1/2 mile from downtown Middlefield

They make cheese here and are famous for the Swiss. I noticed that pretty much everybody working was Amish. The museum is entertaining for the wee ones. We bought roast beef and smoked cheddar sandwiches which were delicious and inexpensive- less than $3. each.

Things we liked: Cheese SAMPLES!

Overall, we all had a good time on our 3 hour tour. The kids were wiped out and slept the whole way home.

doodle bread

Perfect for a rainy day and perfect for picky eaters...it's Doodle Bread!

(can't take credit for this loaf. it was on doodle bread's gallery- well done, oscar and toby!)

a bicycle built for two or three or four...

Where can I get this bike? Imagine pedaling the kids to the lake and fetching corn at the market with plenty of room to spare. The nearest dealer is in NY but the bike is just so lovely that I would consider buying before I try and having it shipped.

Riverside Park with cousins

Picnic and playground with cousins today at Riverside Park in Chagrin Falls. It's a comfortable park in that you can set up a blanket as a base while the kids come and go from playground to duck pond to drinking fountain.

Here are the mini pizzas I made for the picnic. While shopping at Marc's, we found mini pepperoni. This was very exciting to a three year old. (OK- exciting to me, too.) What is more perfect for mini pepperoni than mini pizzas? I used dough from Alesci's which is one of the best deals in town- 3 dough balls for $1. The dough empowers me to make a delicious "homemade" pizza.

My only dilemma is that the pepperoni is made by one of the major national meat companies. After watching the movie "Food Inc." I am trying to be more aware of how and where our food is produced. This doesn't mean that I only shop at farmer's markets and buy only organic. It isn't possible due to my financial constraints right now. It does mean that I try to shop local and buy organic as much as possible and as much as I can afford. I could go on and on about "Food, Inc." Just go and see it. Here's an incentive: Fire on Shaker Square will discount your ticket price from an entree if your keep your ticket. How about a date night?

Today would have been my first day back to school, back to teaching Biology, back to a predictable schedule. Instead, it is the first day of an extended maternity leave of absence. I have chosen to stay home with a one year old daughter and a three year old son. I will return to teaching next year but right now I am going to make it count with my kids. That's the purpose of these posts- to share what I do with and for my very young kids.

So, rather than follow the yellow school buses, I packed the kids up and headed to the pool for swimming and outside fun.

Oh yes, it's going to be a great year!