Magazine

The older we get, the more our roots keep us grounded. That’s why “Roots” is the theme of this issue. I’m not sure younger people have had time to fully appreciate the importance of roots. Let me explain…

The roots on the top of my head is an ongoing concern that I turn over to my hairdresser every four weeks. In a desperate attempt to seem current, I floated the idea of a short, natural look. She said I have “bad gray; not the good kind.” We haven’t discussed it again.

Then there’s gardening and the roots that I cultivate throughout the summer and into fall. A botanical smorgasbord, my plants are always on the move. I shift established perennials a few inches to suit my vision. Others get relocated to the compost pile to serve penance for poor performance. Like my hair, their roots have an appealing impermanence.

I’m wary of the roots that are measured through DNA tests (page 34.) Lots of people have harmless fun finding that they’re more Irish than German, and vice versa. That may account for the popularity of lederhosen on Amazon.

I also know people who discovered first cousins and unexpected grandparents because of long-ago liaisons by now-elderly relatives. No thanks. I’ll keep the family I know — or think I know.

It’s All Relative

That brings me to my recent “Grateful You’re Not Dead” tour. Excuse the irreverence; it’s a family trait that usually gets a laugh from relatives but rarely from outsiders.

I have only a few aunts and an uncle still with us from the original full set. It had been two years since I saw Aunt Connie, my late mother’s only sister. She’s 89, in good health and living in Arizona. I owed her a visit.

By Diane Rock, MyOhioFun.com

Looking for the perfect weekend getaway or a well-deserved escape?  Tucked away in the farthest northeast corner of Ohio is Ashtabula County. For many, when they think Ashtabula County, visions of large amounts of snow and wineries come to mind. But what many people don’t know, is the “un-wine” part of Ashtabula County; the part that doesn’t include the Grand River Valley which grows more grapes than anywhere else in Ohio. 

Over the past few months, I had the opportunity to explore Ashtabula County and I not only found a county filled with wineries and vineyards, but a county that has many unique museums, historical sites, festivals, markets, 19 covered bridges and a historical reenactment like no other in the state. On top of all this, Ashtabula County has an abundance of delicious and fun foods to try. One place that I enjoyed visiting was Bridge Street, located in Historic Ashtabula Harbor.

ASHTABULA HARBOR

Once one of the busiest ports in the world, Ashtabula Harbor has seen a resurgence of its waterfront. Recreational boats, fishing charters, vessels and kayakers have found their way back to the largest private dock on the Great Lakes.

This historic harbor is home to the Bascule Cantilever Lift Bridge, that lifts every half hour to allow for boat traffic. History of the bridge and harbor can be found at the top of the hill at the Ashtabula Maritime and Surface Transportation Museum, where you will also find the largest piece of beach glass ever found in the world. (Open seasonally.)

You won’t go hungry on Bridge Street

Once a butcher shop, Rennick’s Meat Market has now become one of the area’s favorite restaurants. Dishes include filet, braised rabbit, homemade pasta and more. 

For the palate that is looking for a little creativity, there is the Bascule Bridge Grille; seasonal and American cuisine with a spin.