Frank Lloyd Wright’s Westcott House in Springfield, Ohio

26 February 202020 September 2024

Updated September 13, 2024

Frank Lloyd Wright is credited with designing over four hundred homes, commercial buildings and other works to include The Westcott House located in Springfield, Ohio. An architect with a vision beyond his time, Mr. Wright’s designs and influence have made him one of the most famous architects in the world. The Prairie-style home was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for Burton and Orpha Westcott, completed in 1908. After many years of decline, the home was purchased by The Westcott House Foundation in 2000 and a $5.8 million dollar renovation ensued. From the restoration to the home’s structure and architecture, the foundation has also focused on bringing back the furniture and restoring the gardens during the time of the Westcotts. The masterpiece was opened to the public for tours beginning in 2005.

As visitors enter the museum through a side entrance from Greenmount Street, they will find a gift shop as well as a small cinema in the area of the home that was once the garage. The Visitor’s Center displays various items that showcase the architectural designs of Frank Lloyd Wright and are available for purchase. The tour was led by docent Mary Ellen who provided a thorough overview of The Westcott House, Frank Lloyd Wright as well as the Westcott family.

Having moved from Richmond, Indiana, Burton Westcott became a prominent resident of Springfield due to his successful career in the automobile industry. It would be his wife, Orpha, having come upon the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, who would commission him to design and build their home. Jeanne, the oldest of the two Westcott children, lived here until her marriage to Richard Rodgers. John, born in Springfield in 1903, would live in Italy to attend Montessori School for his education and return home until his parent’s passing in the 1920s. At the time of Orpha’s untimely, tragic death, Burton’s automobile business was in decline. His attempt to save the failing venture would be unsuccessful and lead to a decline in his health resulting in his death in 1926.

The Westcott House is considered one of Wright’s most significant homes as it was designed after Wright’s visit to Japan. There are various features in the residence from its furniture to the light fixtures that suggest this Japanese influence. With a total of sixteen rooms, the home was built to accommodate the Westcott’s love of entertaining. From its exceptional living room and fireplace to its exquisite dining area, the blueprint also included a reception space for receiving their guests.

Throughout the home, Wright’s emphasis on drawing one’s eye to a horizontal perspective is exhibited by the skylight and dining room. From the stonework to the fireplace to the chimney, there is beauty in Wright’s use of organic architecture referred to as Wright’s First Golden Age, a style which ran from around 1893 to 1910. Wright’s Prairie-style construction of the Walcott House is very similar to the Robie House in Chicago.

There are so many exciting aspects of The Westcott that one finds intriguing to include the use of cantilevered overhangs applied to the low-pitched roof of this home. From the French doors that lead to the pergola to the wrap around windows, Wright consistently incorporates the use of natural light and nature to the interior of his architecture and designs as seen in the earth tones and textures exhibited throughout the home.

Wright had a love for the dramatic. While the living spaces were more modest, it was the public, entertaining spaces that were the focal point of the home and the most fascinating. Built in bookcases, seating around the fireplace and a buffet are some of the features of The Westcott House that showcase his incredible talent. The design of the dining room table is also somewhat intriguing. At each corner, Wright included a tower-like lighting structure to increase illumination to the room.

The tour ended in the garden of the home where the metal works and awnings of the exterior could be explored. The gardens are beautiful in the spring and summer when the flowers are in bloom. It would have been a perfect outdoor space for the Westcott children.

A visit to The Westcott House includes a guided tour of the public spaces of the home such as the library, the family room and the dining room. The private living quarters include the kitchen and pantry, the maids’ rooms, Burton and Orpha’s bedrooms, closet space and powder rooms as well as the rooms of John and Jeanne, the Westcott Children.

The Westcott House is located in Springfield, Ohio on the corner of Greenmount Avenue and High Street. You can find the location on your GPS by entering 85 South Greenmount Avenue, Springfield, OH 45504. There is plenty of visitor parking on Greenmount.

Have you visited one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s properties? I would love to hear about your experience, so leave a message in the comments section below. Happy Travels!

If you would like more information about Frank Lloyd Wright, you can also check out artsy.net/artist/frank-lloyd-wright.

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

What to See and What to Do:

The Westcott House
85 S. Greenmount Ave.
Springfield, OH 45505
Telephone: 937 327 9291

Admission Fee: Adults: $18 and $15 for Seniors. Free for school groups and Westcott Members.
Hours: Museum: Tuesday through Saturday from 11AM to 5PM; Sunday from 1PM to 5PM. Closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Guided Tours: This Frank Lloyd Wright home requires a guided tour to explore the property: January – March: Tuesday to Friday at 11AM, 1PM and 3PM; Saturday at 11AM, 12PM, 1PM, 2PM, 3PM and 4PM; Sunday at 1PM, 2PM, 3PM and 4PM From April – December: Tuesday to Saturday at 11AM, 1PM and 3PM; Sunday at 1PM and 3PM
Amenities: Bookstore and gift shop, guided tours, video presentation
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Photography is NOT permitted inside of The Westcott House.

Where to Stay:

Courtyard Marriott Springfield
100 S. Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH 45502
Telephone: 937 322 3600

Where to Eat:

Heart of Country Gift Shoppe and Teaberries Cafe
1600 E. Leffel Lane
Springfield, OH 45505
Telephone: 937 325 3030

I could spend hours strolling the Heart of Country Shoppe, but when I visit, I can’t wait to have lunch at Teaberries. I always start my lunch with a piece of yummy, moist orange bread. Known for their wide varieties of chicken salad sandwiches, I always revert to the House Favorite, the Midwest Delight, served on a butter croissant. If you have room, try their homemade carrot cake or peanut butter pie.

More favorite Springfield eateries:

Schuler’s Donuts: Their chocolate cream-filled doughnut is their best seller…”home of homemade”. The bakery has several locations in Springfield.
Simon Kenton Inn: This historical home is an inn, restaurant and entertainment venue. With great food, I love the atmosphere of the Simon Kenton Inn.
Guerra’s Krazy Tacos: One of my favorite places to eat in Springfield, Guerra’s is known for their unique gourmet tacos.
Salato Deli: I love stopping by this deli for their charcuterie board
Le Torte Dolci Bakery; Located next to the Salato Deli, this European French bakery also serves amazing gelato.
Mike & Rosie’s Deli: This staple of Springfield is located near the Wittenberg campus and I am extremely fond of their Reuben sandwich.

Where to Drink:

Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company: Springfield’s only brewery, Mother Stewart’s showcases nine craft beers produced onsite.

What to Read:

The Book of Springfield, Ohio, 1906, by Springfield Commercial Club
Springfield, Ohio: A Summary of Two Centuries, by Tom Dunham
Ridgewood in the Country Club District, by Tamara K. Dallenbach
Still Standing: A life of pain, adversity and perseverance, by James Cooper
Hometown Killer, by Carol Rothgeb

Photo Guide for Springfield, Ohio:

Hartman Rock Garden
Westcott House, Frank Lloyd Wright House
Glen Helen Nature Preserve in nearby Yellow Springs
Heritage Center of Clark County
Tecumseh Land Trust in nearby Yellow Springs
Ohio Caverns in nearby Bellefontaine
Oakes Quarry Park in nearby Fairborn, Ohio

Packing Outside of the Box

19 February 202020 September 2024

Packing for vacation can be a daunting task. I have made countless checklists (by vacation type and temperature) and taken many precautions when it comes to my luggage. I am always on the lookout for ways to ease the packing process and ensuring that my belongings reach their final destination. Here are some of the tips I use to take the stress out of packing.

As baggage fees increase, it may be more economical to send clothes ahead of time using priority mail, especially if you think that you will go over the weight limit or will have an additional bag. You can also send things home through priority mail as well, but if you are returning from a trip outside of your country, make sure that you do not put valuables, medicine or items that you may need shortly after you have arrived to your destination or back home.

Have you ever thought of donating some of your items to charity? Check into local agencies that may take used clothing and toiletries that have not yet been used. This will lighten the load of your luggage coming back home, and you will be helping a good cause.

If traveling with a companion, you may be able to keep the weight of your luggage down by dividing items that you can share. These items can include toiletries, electronics, or less frequently used items, for example, first aid kits, shampoo/conditioner, or curling iron. Of course the extent of “sharing” may depend on how close you are to that person. Only you can make a decision whether or not to bring your own toothbrush.

Take photos of the your luggage, along with your passport and other important documentation. Although items may have shifted during travel and your luggage may have been inspected, you can be assured that what you packed remains in your possession.

Finally, consider buying items at your local destination rather than packing them on your trip. From clothes to toiletries to duty free liquor, you will have an opportunity not only to buy items that you need for the week, but a souvenir of your trip.

Undoubtedly there are a variety of great tips for packing whether traveling domestically or internationally. Putting them into practice will help reduce stress and start your vacation in the right direction.

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Grand Tetons: Mormon Row, Snake River and Jackson Hole

12 February 202020 September 2024

Heading north towards the Snake River Overlook, I had several places I wanted to visit along the way, starting with the Chapel of the Transfiguration. This small church, sitting at the base of the Grand Tetons, draws visitors with its beautiful views. From the window behind the altar, a picturesque scene provides an unobstructed panorama of the Grand Tetons. I imagine I would have been distracted by this picturesque scene while attending church here, but then again, it would always be a reminder of God’s beautiful creation.

Located in the park’s Moose area, the Chapel of the Transfiguration is an Episcopal Church located just inside of the South Entrance. Erected in 1925, this congregation an active community providing services for both Episcopalians as well as Eucharists during the summer season.

Traveling north, I found a short detour that led me to Mormon Row. During the summer months, this area is one of the best places to see bison and small herds of pronghorn antelope. It is the perfect backdrop for photographing the farm structures that were once home to Mormon settlers in the early 1900s.

At the last minute, I decided to take the one-mile gravel road to Lower Schwabacher Landing, once used as a starting point for rafting trips. Here, artists once painted some of the most familiar sites of the Teton Range and remains a perfect picnic spot to enjoy the view of the peaks.

I finally reached my afternoon destination. Made famous by world-renowned, photographer, Ansel Adams, the view of Snake River is spectacular. I can clearly see why photographing the overlook has become an obsession for photographers. I spent a few moments imagining myself as an early explorer, witnessing this view for the first time, but needed to start making my way towards Rendevous Mountain at Jackson Hole.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is more popular with skiers during the wintertime, but during the summer a gondola ride up to Rendezvous Mountain is irresistible. The Bridger Gondola provides breathtaking views of the resort below taking only 9 minutes to reach a climb of over 9,000 feet.

The gentle hum of the gondola is therapeutic as the climb continues upwards affording unobstructed sights of Teton Village below. Open only from 4:30PM to 9PM during off-season hours, there is a snack shop and restaurant for taking in the views. It is a perfect time to reflect on all that I experienced here in Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone. I am already looking forward to a future visit where I have promised myself to hike more, explore more and make it another trip to remember.

What are some of your most memorable visits to Grand Teton? What would you add to your itinerary on your next visit? I would love to hear about your adventure if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading about my adventure to Grand Tetons National Park! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Grand Teton National Park
PO Box 170
Moose, WY 83012
Telephone: 307 739 3399

Admission Fee: Each entrance fee covers 7 days of park entry. Private Vehicle: $35; Motorcycle: $30 and Hiker/Biker: $20 which only applies to visitors 16 years old and older entering the park by foot, bicycle, etc. An annual Pass for Grand Teton National Park is $70 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. The Grand Teton National Park accepts the America the Beautiful Pass which allows access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites for a cost of $80 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. Check out their website for more information: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
Hours: Open daily, 24 hours; Refer to the Grand Teton National Park website for the operating hours of the Visitor Centers.
Amenities: camping, hiking, boating, skiing, biking, bird watching, climbing and mountaineering, fishing, horseback riding, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, Visitor’s Centers which provide interpretive exhibits and park information and Ranger programs. Guided tours are also available in the park.
Scenic View: Scenic drives throughout the park include the Teton Park Road, Jenny Lake Scenic Drive and Signal Mountain Summit Road.
Length of Visit: To maximize your visit to Grand Teton National Park one would need at least a couple of days to experience all that the park provides.
Tips for Your Visit: The park is open year around, but winter time can be a challenging during snow and ice. If you are looking for animals, winter is the time that they hibernate. Spring is a wonderful time to visit because you can see newborn babies. When viewing wildlife, you must stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yard from all other animals in the park. For photographers, you may already know that dawn and dusk are the best times to photograph animals and you will want to bring a telephoto lens for capturing them from far distances. Signal Mountain is perfect for sunsets.

Chapel of the Transfiguration
Grand Teton National Park
Chapel of the Transfiguration Road
Moose, Wyoming 83001
Telephone: 307 733 2603

Admission Fee: Free
Hours: Besides the church services, the hours of operation are not posted. I arrived at 9AM during the weekday and it was unlocked.
Scenic View: Gorgeous view of the Grand Tetons from the large picture window
Length of Time to Spend Here: Less than an hour.
Tips for Your Visit: The Chapel of the Transfiguration is an active congregation and church services are offered on Sundays at 8AM and 10PM during the summer season. The church played a major role in the movie, Spencer’s Mountain, featuring Henry Fonda and Maureen O’Hara.

Mormon Row
Grand Teton National Park
Located outside of Moose Junction
Moose, Wyoming 83001

Lower Schwabacher Landing
Grand Teton National Park
Moose, Wyoming 83001

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Tram Address:
3265 West Village Drive
Teton Village, Wyoming 83025
Telephone: 307 733 2292

Admission Fee: Free; Additional charge for tram tickets ($35 for round trip access; $84 to ride all summer)
Hours: Open daily from 9 – 5; Refer to the website for winter/ski hours
Amenities: Tram/Lift tickets, Grand Adventure Pass, Bike Rentals, Paragliding, Kids Summer Camps, Daycare, Lodging, Spa, Vacation Rentals, Restaurant (at the base of the mountain and at the top). Great for hiking, biking and skiing!
Scenic View: Gorgeous view of the Grand Tetons and the surrounding area from the top of the lift
Length of Time to Spend Here: Varies depending on activities
Tips for Your Visit: Tram/Lift tickets are free after 5PM. Be prepared for the elevation as it may cause some shortness of breath. Some shops and restaurants at the top of the lift close at 5, but there are restaurants at the base of the resort as well. Piste was opened until 9PM during the summer.

Note: The information I have provided does not include the winter season as I visited during the summer. Visit the resort’s website for more information regarding ski packages, etc. https://www.jacksonhole.com/

Where to Stay:

Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa
3385 Cody Lane
Teton Village, WY 83025
Telephone: 307 201 6066

Where to Eat:

The Deck @ Piste
Rendezvous Mountain
Jackson Hole, Wyoming 83025
Telephone: 307 732 3177

I ordered the Southern Belle made from White Wine with Orange and Passion Fruit. In addition, I had a glass of Henry Estate Pinot Noir to accompany my House Meatballs and Fries.

For more information about Grand Teton National Park, visit the park’s website at https://www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm.

Cody, Wyoming: More Than a Gateway to Yellowstone

5 February 202020 September 2024

Arriving in Cody, I made plans to spend the night and allowed only enough time for a quick stop on my schedule. Having entered the town so late, I wanted to find a place for a quick dinner and settle down for a restful night of sleep. I planned to wake early for the complimentary breakfast and start my journey towards Yellowstone.

I had expected fast food restaurants and steakhouses before finding Juniper: Bar + Market + Bistro. I ordered the Columbus Tapas Plate and a glass of wine. The small plate was the perfect size with samples of manchego cheese, chorizo sausage, camembert cheese honey drizzle served with pickled vegetables and garlic crostini.

I woke earlier than I had expected, so with a couple of extra hours, I set out to explore the charming cowboy town of Cody before heading west towards Yellowstone.

Cody is the eastern gateway into Yellowstone National Park. It is named after William Frederick Cody, famously known as Buffalo Bill. At first glance, Cody looks like your typical western town with its mountains in the distance and sparse surroundings, but its historic roots run deep.

The Buffalo Bill Center of the West Museum is comprised of five museums and an extensive research library that preserves the exciting history of America’s Wild Wild West. Starting towards the back, I located the Buffalo Bill Museum to learn more about this interesting icon of the American Old West.

Born in 1846 in the town of Le Claire, Iowa Territory of the United States, William Frederick Cody would later earn the nickname “Buffalo Bill” by the age of 21 while supplying buffalo meat to the railroad workers out west. He fought in the Civil War alongside the Union soldiers and battled the Indians in sixteen of the American Indian Wars. Known for his sharpshooting skills, Cody was featured in a story by writer Ned Buntline of the New York Weekly based on Cody’s wild adventures. Buntline invited Buffalo Bill to perform in The Scouts of the Prairie, the original Wild West show and Cody would eventually produce his own show, Buffalo Bill’s Wild West, which would make him world-famous.

Exiting the Buffalo Bill display, I entered the Plains Indian Museum for the opportunity to study the culture and history of an Indian tribe that had created some of the most beautiful artwork. What began as a collection of Cheyenne and Lakota costumes from the Buffalo Wild West show, has expanded with donations from private collections covering two hundred years of history. The museum houses one of the country’s “largest and finest collections of Plains Indian art and artifacts” with over 6,000 items.

The annual Plains Indian Museum Powwow is sponsored by the museum where dancers from all over North America take part in this celebration of Native American culture. A competitive dance competition includes several dance categories where various age groups compete to win prizes. North American Indian tribes sell arts and crafts such as authentic beadwork, pottery, paintings and sculptures.

In addition to the Buffalo Bill and Plains Indian Museums, the Center of the West features the Whitney Western Art Museum, Cody Firearms Museum, the Draper Natural History Museum and the McCracken Research Library.

I found The Station in Cody for a lovely cappuccino before strolling through the Old Trail Town, a restored Wild Wild West settlement on the original town site of Cody, Wyoming. With nearly 25 buildings to explore, many of these authentic structures were carefully disassembled from their remote locations in Montana and Wyoming and reassembled at Old Trail Town to create a town reminiscent to a small village on the old frontier. On display are a total of eleven cabins, two stores, a schoolhouse, post office, livery barn, blacksmith shop, museum, carpenter shop, granary, commissary and saloon.

One of the most popular sites at Old Trail Town is the “original cabins used by Old West outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and a Wyoming saloon frequented by Cassidy’s Hole-in-the-Wall Gang.” Butch Cassidy (Robert Leroy Parker), a notorious Wild West outlaw known for committing train and bank robberies. His sidekick Sundance Kid (Harry Alonzo Longabaugh), Harry’s wife Etta Place and Cassidy decided to flee the United States to Argentina to escape the pressure of law enforcement. Although Cassidy’s death is documented as November 7, 1908, several acquaintances of Butch Cassidy claim that he returned back to the United States. The search continues for the remains of Butch Cassidy when a recent DNA test was conducted in 2017 on human remains in Goodsprings, Nevada.

In addition to the homesteads erected within the Old Trail Town are graves which were also relocated to this site. The most recognized gravesite is that of Jeremiah “Liver Eating” Johnston, who was portrayed by Robert Redford in the 1972 film Jeremiah Johnson. Johnson’s nickname, based on legend, states that Johnson was married to a woman from the Flathead American Indian tribe who was killed by a young Crow Indian. To avenge her death, Johnson claimed to have scalped 300 Crow Indians and then ate their livers. From that point forward, the name stuck and Johnson was feared by all.

By afternoon, I was ready to begin my drive to Yellowstone National Park and realized that I would have missed the great hidden gems of Cody had I not decided to stay for the morning to visit the museums.

The drive out of Cody was absolutely gorgeous, surrounded by Rattlesnake and Cedar mountains. It was no doubt that I was in cowboy country when I passed by the Cody Stampede Park.

The city of Cody sponsors a weekly rodeo over the summer months and I had just missed the last performance of the year. The most famous of all rodeos taking place in Cody is the Cody Stampede. I learned from the front desk associate that some of the top cowboys in the country come to compete during the Stampede.

Cody is appropriately known as the “Rodeo Capital of the World”, which has been hosting the annual rodeo for nearly 100 years and is known as the longest running professional rodeo.

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in Cody and felt that my experience gave me a clear understanding about the early Western years and life during the Gold Rush. For now, I am eager to make my way into Yellowstone after a couple of days of long drives, but I am happy that I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the history of Cody and cowboys.

Have you had the privilege of staying in Cody, Wyoming? Do you have any recommendations for my future stay? If so, I would love to hear about them if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for your suggestions and I wish you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Buffalo Bill Center of the West
720 Sheridan Avenue
Cody, WY 82414
Telephone: 307 587 4771

Admission Fee: $19.50 per adult, Children 6 – 17: $13, Children 5 and under: Free, Students (18 & older with valid student ID): $18, Senior Rate (65 and older): $18.50; Free admission for active duty military personnel and their families. Save 50 cents per ticket by ordering online at www.centerofthewest.org . Admission price includes entry to the museum for two consecutive days. Members of the Center enjoy free admission. Group rates are available for commercial motor coach tours and other organized groups by calling 307 578 4114.
Hours: Open daily from 8AM to 6PM from May 1 – September 15; 8AM to 5PM from September 16 – October 31; 10AM to 5PM in November; 10AM to 5PM from December to February (Thursday – Sunday only); 10AM to 5PM from March to April; Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day
Amenities: Small gift shop, research library, cafeteria, outdoor playground
Entrance Locations: The Main Entrance is located in the center of the building which leads to the Admissions Desk. A South Entrance leads into the Draper Natural History Museum
Length of the Tour: To explore all of the exhibits, I recommend 4 to 5 hours.
Tips for Your Visit: Each museum is well done and informative. Ensure you have plenty of time to visit as much of the museums as possible so you will not be disappointed. I wished I would have spent more time here.

Old Trail Town
1831 Demaris Drive
Cody, WY 82414
Telephone 307 587 5302

Admission Fee: $9 per adult, Children 6 – 12: $5, Children 5 and under: Free, Senior Rate (65 and older): $8.00; Admission price for self-guided tour. Group rates are available for parties of 10 or more by calling 307 587 5302.
Hours: Open daily from 8AM to 7PM from May 15 – September 30
Amenities: Small gift shop
Length of the Tour: 1 – 2 hours

Cody Stampede Rodeo
519 West Yellowstone Avenue
Cody, WY 82414
Telephone: 307 587 5155

Admission Fee: Cody Night Rodeo: $20 per adult, Children 7 – 12: $10, Children 6 and under: Free; Group rates are available by contacting the Ticket Office at 307 587 5155. Stampede: $20 for the first three nights; $25 for the fourth night; Xtreme Bulls tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under.
Hours: Gates open at 7PM, while the rodeo starts at 8PM.
Transportation: Cody Stampede offers visitors the opportunity to ride the Cody Nite Rodeo bus. Contact Mike Smith at Cody Cowboy Stages by phone at 307 272 5573 or by email at codytransportation@yahoo.com.
Amenities: Concession stands that serve hot dogs, BBQ sandwiches, nachos, etc., No outside food or drinks permitted. Small gift shop
Length of the Rodeo: 1.5 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: The rodeo will continue as scheduled, rain or shine. You may need to bring a raincoat.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Always check with the venue or the site’s website for the most up-to-date information.

Where to Stay:

Comfort Inn at Buffalo Bill Village
1601 Sheridan Avenue
Cody, WY
Phone: 307.587.5556

Where to Eat:

Juniper: Bar + Market + Bistro
1128 12^th Street
Cody, WY 82414
Phone: 307.587.4472

I am a superfan of wine bars and charcuterie plates, so when I noticed Juniper: Bar + Market + Bistro, I knew this is where I was going to stop for a quick bite to eat and a glass of wine. I ordered the “Columbus” small plate, befitting as I am from Columbus, Ohio and love manchego cheese! The plate included manchego cheese, camembert cheese honey drizzle, chorizo sausage (yum!) served with pickled vegetables and garlic crostini!

The Station
919 16th Street
Cody, WY 82414
Telephone: 307 578 6661
Website: https://www.codycoffee.com/the-station

I ordered a mocha with an extra shot of espresso.

What to Eat:

Buffalo
Chicken Fried Steak
Chuck wagon-style meal cooked over a flame
Elk
Fry Bread – puffy taco base usually used for taco salads
Old Fashioned Soda from Annie’s Soda Saloon and Cafe in Cody
Pig Candy – sweet spiced bacon
Prime Rib
Rocky Mountain Oysters – calf testicles
Soda Bread discovered by the American Indians which is a mix of soda and flour
Wyomatoes – gourmet tomatoes with a sweet taste
Wyoming Whiskey

What to Read:

Cody (Then and Now), by Lynn Johnson Houze
A River Runs Through It, by Norman Maclean
Colter’s Run, by Stephen Gough

Photo Guide for Cody, WY:

Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark
Castle Gardens near Riverton, WY
Old Trail Town
Yellowstone National Park

The Canyons at Park City, Utah

29 January 202020 September 2024

It has been close to fifteen years since the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. I remembered watching the events and seeing the majestic mountains in the background as talented competitors vied for gold medals. When my best friend Melissa called to invite me for a weekend ski vacation to Park City, I couldn’t turn down the opportunity.

Melissa met me at the airport late at night and we made the drive to a friend’s house in Heber City. It was my first visit to the area so I was looking forward to morning to check out my surroundings. We drove back to the house and enjoyed dinner before sitting around the fire to catch up with dear friends and introduce ourselves to new ones.

Waking early the next morning, I headed upstairs towards the living area and porch where we spent the evening. The back of the house was nothing but windows and the gorgeous landscape was untouched from last night’s snowfall. When the sun shone, the snow on the trees sparkled like a glittering wonderland.

Plows had cleared the additional snow fall and all of us were super excited to hit the slopes. After breakfast, we dressed up in our ski gear and headed into the four-wheel drive to head down the mountain. Making our descent, I could not believe the sprawling views of the blue mountains and intermittent glimpses of town.

On our first day in Park City, we skied Canyons Resort. This ski resort originally opened in 1968 under the name Park City West and was one of three alpine resorts located in Park City. During our visit, Canyons was considered the largest ski and snowboarding center in the state of Utah.

We had over 4,000 acres available to us for skiing and just under 20 chairlifts for reaching the trails. With close to 200 ski runs, there were plenty of novice trails that I could enjoy while meeting up with my friends later at the bottom for some hot chocolate or a couple of drinks.

I started out skiing the Meadows and the Upper Mainline until I felt comfortable graduating to the green runs. It was so much fun watching some of the children taking lessons and I have to admit I heard a couple of tips or two! I spent most of my time on the Dreamcatcher lift while my friends went off to try more challenging trails.

What a great day to be skiing with friends!

I was finally feeling comfortable enough to hit some of the easier blue runs, so I headed over to Copper Head, White Pine, Pinecone, Panorama and Backstreet. By the end of the day, I was pretty exhausted, but it was a great feeling!

I later learned from my friends, that the slopes at Canyons were a bit icy, so everyone felt the runs were somewhat challenging. I have never skied out west and was told that the snow conditions were usually more powder than ice. I was just happy to be there!

The Canyons are now Canyons Village at Park City located at 4000 Canyons Resort Drive, Park City, Utah 84098. Check out their website for up-to-date lift and trail conditions as well as lift tickets, ski and snowboarding lessons and vacation deals at http://www.parkcitymountain.com/.

Are you an avid skier or a novice? Have you skied the Canyons in Park City? I would love to hear about your experience in the comments section below! Happy Travels!

More Beautiful Ski Photos!

On the Ski Lift

A More Difficult Slope

Skiers on the Ski Lift

A Tour of Salt Lake City Before Heading Back Home

22 January 202020 September 2024

I had such an amazing ski vacation in Park City and was sad to be leaving Utah. Heading out early in the morning, I had a late afternoon flight which left me with a couple of hours to explore Salt Lake City.

It would have been the perfect weather for another day of skiing.

The scenery took on a whole new vantage point when driving through the base of the mountains. The height of the surrounding mountains shaded me from the brightness of the sun as I continued my journey towards Salt Lake City.

The winding roads added to the interesting dimension of our travels as I slithered quietly at the base of the mountains, careful of oncoming traffic.

As I approached the outskirts of Salt Lake and entered the city proper, I noticed that the view had a strong industrial foreshadow with the majestic mountains towering in the distance. The sun was out warming me up in the cold until I exited the car and felt the bitterness of the January freeze.

As I crossed over several railroad tracks and train stops, the city’s public transportation seemed to add to the industrial aura of the town. The environment seemed as cold as the weather as empty streets enhanced the feeling of driving through an abandoned town. I was curious to explore some of the area attractions, yet knew that I have a limited amount of time before driving to the airport.

On the western side of Salt Lake City was the Union Pacific Railroad Depot. It was built in the early 1900s and was once a working train station. The tracks serviced various train transportation companies up until 1999 when it was moved to the Salt Lake City International Hub. In 2006, the location reopened as an entertainment venue, called The Depot and was available for restaurants and office space. It is located at South Temple at 400 West one the western side of Salt Lake City.

It was not long until I decided to escape from the cold to see the city’s Grand America Hotel, one of the Salt Lake’s historic spas and hotels in the downtown area. The courtyard was absent of visitors as a thick layer of ice covers the water feature and had transformed the fountain into a frozen popsicle.

The gorgeous floral arrangement displayed the opulence and grandeur of the hotel.

The beautiful chandeliers hung magically from the ceiling providing a secondary light source to the sun’s natural brilliance from the outdoors.

Salt Lake City’s Courthouse was located at 450 South State Street. It is open from 8AM to 5PM Monday through Friday. For more information about the courthouse, contact their website at www,utcourts.gov.

The Salt Lake City and County Building was topped with a statue of Columbia. It rose over 250 feet from the ground. The statue of Justice stood in the foreground.

The Mormon Temple commands attention as one of the most sought out attractions in Salt Lake City, Sitting upon ten acres known as the Temple Square, the temple was open to the public on April 5^th, 1893. Its famous design has become an icon of the Mormon faith with its beautiful spires and symbolic statues.

Salt Lake City’s Mormon Temple is the largest in the United States (most square feet) and is located at 50 West North Temple Street. From the east side there is a spectacular view of the three towers with the Angel Moroni in the center.

It is obvious that the Mormon faith is a central figure to the city of Salt Lake. There is so much history about the settlement of Salt Lake City, the life of Joseph Smith and the founding of the Mormon religion.

Have you had the opportunity to spend time in Salt Lake City, Utah? What did you do? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my short visit to Salt Lake! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

A Statue of Joseph Smith outside of the Church of the Latter Day Saints/Mormon Temple.

The Angel Moroni acts as both the “messenger of the restoration of the gospel and a herald of the Second Coming.”

Another view of the fountain and courtyard

A view of the Courtyard and Fountain from inside on a higher level

A beautiful mural in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah

Ski Trip to Utah! An Evening on Main Street, Park City

19 January 202020 September 2024

After a day of skiing, we decided to visit Park City’s Main Street. Our first stop was the No Name Saloon & Grill, which was the town’s oldest and most popular hangout, having first opened in 1903.

As we walked into the warm, cozy restaurant, it was a great reprieve from the cold outdoors. It felt as if we had just entered a remote cabin in the wilderness. A variety of backwoods memorabilia was hanging from the ceiling and posted to the walls. From the antler chandeliers to the pulley controlled ceiling fan, it was definitely a relaxing way to enjoy our evening.

After kicking back a few beers and some spicy chicken wings, we decided to take a quick ride on the Park City shuttle. Park City offers a free trolley for public transit that transports visitors and residents to the ski resorts as well as other districts in the vicinity. It was a welcome attraction for getting around and reduced the stress of trying to find a parking spot in this popular location.

The No Name Saloon & Grill is located at 447 Main Street, Park City, Utah 84060 and is open daily from 10AM to 2AM. Visit their website at www.nonamesaloon.net.

For more information about the Park City Transit System and additional things to do while visiting Park City, check out the Park City website at www.visitparkcity.com.

Do you have a favorite ski location? What are some of the added attractions that you enjoy after a day of skiing? I would love to hear about your ski adventures in the comments below! Happy Travels!

Snow shoes hanging up in the No Name Saloon

More No Name Saloon Memorabilia

Ski Trip to Utah: Park City Mountain Resort

12 January 202020 September 2024

Another beautiful day to ski with overcast skis that will soon clear up for a sunny day. While I am a little sore from skiing yesterday, I am more excited to ski Park City Mountain Resort, which hosted the 2002 Olympic Games. I am also excited to meet up with a high school friend whose husband works at the resort and I am looking forward to meeting her two boys.

Leaving the house in Heber City, the view was absolutely spectacular. The snow-capped mountains with their bluish grey highlights seemed at eye’s level as we descended down into town towards the slopes.

This is four-wheel drive weather and we were setting out on steep terrain with lots of hills. The roads were cleared early this morning, so we managed to stay within the tracks of vehicles that had previously made their way down the mountain.

Several majestic homes were set into the side of the mountain where their large picture windows offered spectacular views of peaks which could have been seen for miles.

As we continued on towards Park City, we passed a large lake that had frozen over for the winter. The stillness and solitude of the scenery was soothing as we prepared for another full day of skiing.

We entered the park, picked up our skis and headed towards the slopes. I decided only to ski for a couple of hours, realizing how sore I was from the previous day. My muscles needed a little rest since we were planning on sledding event later that the evening.

Park City Mountain Resort is about a half an hour, 45 minutes from Salt Lake City. The resort opened in 1963 under the name “Treasure Mountain” as it was once an active mining town.

There are shops and restaurants where we rented our skis and a skating rink in the center. We arrived early so it felt as if we had the park all to ourselves. The sun was out as we took a seat on one of the benches to put on our boots.

There are over 3,000 acres of skiing with sixteen chairlifts. It was exciting to think that there were several events that took place in this very spot during the 2002 Olympic Games. Park City Mountain Resort hosted the giant slalom events as well as the snowboarding competition.

I managed to ski the beginner slopes (blue circles) a couple of times to warm up. While skiing, there were other beginners as well as snowboarders, but I knew if I was going to ski the green slopes today, I would need to do it earlier in the day when I was not as tired.

Making my way to the end of the slope, I imagined what it would have been like to have close to 100,000 spectators for the Olympic Games. I am most certain that none of the events were using the blues and greens that I’m skiing, but nonetheless, it was fascinating to think that the best talent in skiing and snowboarding were once here competing.

After skiing the morning hours, I made it to the bottom of my last run and I was ready for lunch. With over 314 trails here at Park City Mountain Resort, I skied only four. I had a few minutes to check out the shops to see if I could find a hat or souvenir of my trip before making my way to the restaurant.

The restaurant was lovely with outdoor seating where we could catch up over a glass of wine. Surrounded by mountains and ski lifts, this picturesque scene also included large bear statues.

After lunch, I joined Dawn’s son for a ride on the alpine roller coaster. Bodi competes on a ski team and is quite talented, ranking high in the polls. He has a great future ahead of him should he choose to continue in his training.

I hated to leave Dawn and the boys but it was time to take the shuttle to a neighboring slope to prepare for our evening of tubing and sledding. I look forward to hearing about Bodi’s success and skiing and hope to visit Park City again.

Where is your favorite place to ski? Have you been to Park City Mountain Resort? I would love to hear about your experience, so leave your comments below! Happy Travels!

Park City Mountain Resort is located at 1345 Lowell Avenue, Park City, Utah 84060. During the ski season, the slopes and ski lifts are open from 9AM to 4PM. Some of the trails are open later for night skiing. For more information about the resort, ski lift tickets and rentals, ski instruction, etc., visit their website at www.parkcitymountain.com.

My friend, Dawn, and her two boys

The Amazing View of Park City from the Slopes

Painted Moose on Skis

PNC Festival of Lights, Cincinnati, OH

22 December 201919 September 2024

As the year comes to a close, the spirit of Christmas continues into the New Year with the PNC Festival of Lights. From November 19^th, 2016 to January 4^th, 2017, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden displays close to 2 million lights during the holiday season.

For over 30 years, the Cincinnati Zoo’s lights have grown to become the largest holiday display in the city. There are several themed areas created for the event that include Frozen Wonderland, the Gingerbread Village, the Candy Cane Forest as well as Fairyland.

We stopped by the Frozen Wonderland exhibit to see Elsa and the rest of Walt Disney’s Frozen Characters then on to Gingerbread Village. Here we took in the various themes of each home and searched for the hidden mouse.

We strolled through the Candy Cane Forest and ventured out to Fairyland to find the five hidden fairies.

Although the focus for most visitors was the holiday lights, there were a small number of animal exhibits that remained open. We were so excited to see the giraffes.

A favorite stop for many of the children (and adults alike) is to catch a glimpse of Santa’s reindeer.

We enjoyed the new Wild Lights show that took place on Swan Lake. as they flickered to the tunes of ET, Harry Potter and Rocky. We couldn’t take our eyes off of the beautifully decorated 21-foot tree with its multitude of lights, putting us in the Christmas spirit.

We experienced the Winter Wonders for the Madcap Puppet’s Black Light Show, watched carolers sing familiar holiday tunes and attempted the PNC Festival of Lights Scavenger Hunt.

With so many activities, we worked up an appetite and ordered a hot dog and chips. The Cincinnati Zoo has over ten eateries, including stalls with options that are only available during the Christmas season. At S’Mores N More, we purchased the prepackaged ingredients for s’mores and roasted our marshmallows over the open fire pit.

Each year, Santa stops by for a visit and his last day to take toy orders is December 23^rd. If you happen to miss him, you can drop off your wish list at the Holiday Post office or put in a good word with Mrs. Claus.

Visiting the Cincinnati Zoo’s Festival of Lights was a wonderful way for us to enjoy the holiday season. We agreed that it was such a great experience, we decided to make it a part of our family’s holiday tradition.

Have you visited the Cincinnati Zoo during the Festival of Lights? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to the Cincinnati Zoo and wishing you and your family a Happy Zoo Year!

What to See and What to Do:

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
3400 Vine Street
Cincinnati, OH 45220
Telephone: 513 281 4700

Admission Fee: Basic package: $18 per adult, $12 for children; Unlimited ride package: $25 per adult, $19 for children; Ultimate holiday adventure package includes unlimited rides as well as the Holiday Polar Bear Express 4-D experience for $27 per adult, $21 for children. By purchasing your tickets ahead of time online, you can save a couple of dollars per ticket.
Hours: For the PNC Festival of Lights, the zoo is open from 10AM to 9PM (Sundays through Thursdays) 10AM – 10PM on Friday and Saturday. Visit the zoo’s website for hours at other times throughout the year.
Amenities: Gift shop, café and eateries, special events, wheelchair and stroller rentals, wheelchair accessible, animal encounters and experiences, rides and theater and educational programs
Length of the Tour: 2 – 3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Check the zoo’s website for special events such as the Animal Encounters opportunities.

Where to Stay:

Graduate Cincinnati
151 Goodman Street
Cincinnati, OH 45219
Telephone: 513 487 3800

Where to Eat:

The Grove is the zoo’s food truck experience with four mobile options. Choose from Taco Caja, The Coop, Wild Burger and Sweet Retreat.
Base Camp Cafe
LaRosa’s Pizza
Tusker’s
The Outpost
Skyline Chili
Graeter’s Ice Cream
Dippin’ Dots
Savannah Soft Serve

What to Eat:

Skyline Chili: My go-to meal at Skyline is the 4-way chili with onion served with oyster crackers and hot sauce. I always pick up two York peppermint patties after cashing out. Cincinnati chili is a beef based sauce served over spaghetti noodles and cheese. Additional toppings include onions and beans.
LaRosa’s Pizza: A local chain pizzeria, this Sicilian style pie is made with a sweet crust and sauce. My favorite menu item is the Caprese pesto Flatbread Pizza.
Graeter’s Ice Cream: It’s the French Pot process that makes Graeter’s Ice Cream so decadent and rich. Towards the end of the process, they pour chocolate into the mix creating large chunks of yummy goodness.
Montgomery Inn BBQ: Visiting the original Montgomery Inn BBQ at the boathouse is a culinary and scenic experience. Their ribs are served with a sweet and tangy sauce that has since made them the “Ribs King” and a favorite among locals. Load up on their amazing BBQ flavored Saratoga chips,
Glier’s Goetta: While it looks like a slab of corn beef hash, this breakfast staple is made of sausage and oats, cooked until crispy. Most breakfast restaurants carry it as a side, especially the local cafes and diners.
BonBonerie: One of the most decadent pastry shops in Cincinnati, their rich confections are absolutely amazing.

Where to Drink:

Moerlein Lager House
115 Joe Nuxhall Way
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 421 2337

Books to Read:

Eligible: A Modern Retelling of Pride & Prejudice, by Curtis Sittenfeld
Running, by J.T. Cooper
Dead Witch Walking, by Kim Harrison
Beloved, by Toni Morrison
Double Dutch, by Sharon M. Draper
Romiette and Julio, by Sharon M. Draper

Photo Guide for Cincinnati (as provided by Chris Thompson on FourSquare):

The John A Roebling Suspension Bridge
- Pick a spot near the Covington pier and shoot north toward the Cincinnati skyline. Shoot at sunset and underexpose by a few stops to get the lights just right.
- The new lights on the bridge create excellent stars when you photograph them using a narrow aperture (~f/16 and above) on your camera. That means you’ll need a longer exposure (and thus a tripod).
General James Taylor Park
- Shoot from the top of the flag pole mound to get more building reflections in your shot. Shoot at sunset or sunrise for great lighting.
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
- Arrive first thing in the morning when the sun is coming up
The Fountain at Fountain Square
- For great photos of the fountain: set your camera on a tripod and use a long exposure (2-5 seconds) to capture the running water. Get Carew or the colored lights above Rock Bottom in the background.
Fountain Square (look for reflections in puddles)
Celestial Restaurant in Mount Adams – The restaurant is now closed, but you may still be able to use the parking lot.
Carew Tower Observation Deck
- Provides some neat photos of the highways snaking around the city. Set your camera on a tripod and use a long exposure to get moving car trails. It’s only open at sunset a few days each year.
Engine Company 46, 2733 Erie Avenue (at Michigan), Cincinnati
- One of the most beautiful historic firehouses in all of Cincinnati. The firefighters here are used to having their photo taken while they work. Ask nicely and you can get some cool shots.
Cincinnati Observatory Center
Krohn Conservatory
Great American Ball Park
- Shoot the front of the stadium around sunset to get a nice color blue in the sky. Get one of the player statues in your shot for extra effect.
Devou Park
- The overlook next to the Drees pavilion affords a great view of the Cincinnati skyline. Shoot at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting. Underexpose slightly to get the city lights just right.
Newport Central Catholic for fireworks
- Shoot the Riverfest fireworks from this location. Bring a long lens and a tripod. You’ll want a long-ish exposure (5-10 seconds) to capture the bursts, but make sure the skyline isn’t overexposed.
Riverfront Park
- The colorful fountains make a great subject, but you need to use a relatively fast shutter speed (>1/20 or so) to catch the lights before they change color, leaving your pic with plain white lights.
American Sign Museum
- Be sure to bring a tripod to capture all the signs. Manual white balance is the way to go, because there are so many crazy colors of lights that your camera won’t know how to react.

A Rainbow Tunnel of Lights

The Gingerbread House

Believe

Christmas Train

The Christmas Tree at Night

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10 Hidden Cruise Ship Costs

15 December 201919 September 2024

Have you ever booked a discounted cruise and realized that there were additional charges that you did not anticipate? Here are some of those added costs that may take you by surprise:

Cruise Ship Taxes: The base rate of the cruise is usually listed on advertisements and websites, but it is important to know that this is not the final total that you will be paying for the cruise part of your vacation. There are those little additional fees called taxes. These include tax on the cruise as well as taxes that are charged by the Port Authority of the various ports that you will be visiting on your trip. These fees are not controlled by the cruise lines, but rather the government agencies or states that govern the port.
Drinks: Many cruise travelers are surprised to learn that soda is not included in the drinks that are available on the ship. Of course alcohol is an additional charge and this includes wine unless you happen on a European cruise where wine and well drinks may be included.
Coffee Shop Drinks: One of the best services now available on cruise ships are the specialty coffee shops. Various stands set up around the ship offer cappuccinos, macchiatos, frappuccinos, etc. and may be available 24 hours or at posted times. Specialty coffee drinks require the services of a barista, which is why there is an additional charge for an afternoon caffeine boost. Don’t be surprised when you receive a bill for the service and you may want to check to see if a tip was already included as well.
Water in your room: Just as in hotels, the bottled water provided to you in your stateroom is not free (unless otherwise indicated). There is usually a fee for drinking this water and a receipt for the bottled water will be provided to you at some point on your cruise.
Wine Corkage Fee: So you have decided to order a bottle of wine and notice that when the bar service representative presents you with the receipt that there is a “wine corkage fee”, your first instinct may be to ask why you are paying an additional fee on top of the wine that you had purchased for your meal. What could this possibly cover? Interestingly enough, this fee is included for the service of opening the wine as well as providing wine glasses and chilling or storing the wine depending on the type that you have purchased. I consider it a small token for the additional service that is offered to you by the bar staff.
Room Service Fee: Room service can be very convenient, especially during the one or two hours where a buffet is not available. Many cruises will offer a 24 hour pizza delivery service, but of course, there is a fee for them to deliver the pizza. It’s a small price to pay for the luxury of having food delivered to your room, but again, it is available and you need to know that there is an additional charge added to your bill. The information will be outlined in the daily schedules that are provided to you during your cruise.
Gratuities (bar, room attendant, waiter, busboy): In the good old days, before computers and technology, tips to service staff included an envelope in each passenger’s stateroom. It was the passenger’s responsibility to tip each of the service staff for their work over the number of days that they cruised. Of course, the cruise director would provide the standard tipping rates and passengers could provide more (or less) as they saw fit for tipping. Today, the tips are already included in the total cost at the close of the ship’s journey. You can choose to keep the charges on your credit card, pay cash or challenge the amount that was predetermined at the front desk. Just remember, the service staff work very hard to make your vacation as enjoyable as possible, so even if you decide to forego the dining hall and eat at the snack shop, keep in mind, that the minimal charge that is added to your bill may be a big help to the service staff, as they depend on these tips for their livelihood.
Shore Excursions: Most people know by now, that if the ship offers shore excursions, there will be a fee for signing up. These outings are optional, but depending on the port of call, you may decide that you want to see your destination with the assistance of a tour guide, most of whom are local residents. The ship usually provides a wide range of port options ranging from a day at the beach to a full day of port exploration. When using the internet, you can select which trips you want to take while you are in port and you can determine which ports you may want to adventure on your own. Just note that if you purchase excursions apart from the ship’s offerings, you will want to ensure that you board the ship at the designated time or the ship will depart without you. Please be aware that the tour guides welcome tips, so be prepared to have an amount of cash as you see appropriate.
Laundry service: Did you know that some ships offer laundry service for its customers? Most likely you will find this service available on “world cruises”, but you may want to check into this service if you plan on taking an extended cruise. This helps you plan accordingly for packing and can also save you luggage fees for flights if you travel light. You can leave your laundry in a bag, the room steward will pick up the laundry and you will receive you cleaned belongings ironed and folded in perfect condition. This of course will incur a fee and you may feel obliged to tip your room steward as well.
Exercise Classes/Gym Use: On most of the ships I have traveled, there is a gym as well as a spa on board. There may or may not be a gym fee, but spa services are not included in the cruise rate and an additional fee will be charged according to the spa menu. You may also note in your daily itinerary the various workout classes that are being offered on the ship and something may peak your interest. Read the fine print to see if there is an additional charge for attending the class and again, if you find the service to your liking, you can opt to tip the instructor as well.

Additional activities where one could spend money on a cruise ship include gambling, internet use, purchases from the gift shop, bingo and raffles. But if you plan accordingly, these additional fees and charges will not come as a surprise. This will allow you to enjoy your vacation without stressing about the final bill, which will appear in your room the night before departure. When in doubt, contact the front desk to keep your charges in check or if you have any questions about the status of your charges, they will be happy to help.

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