This Saturday was the Vertical “Mix”, an annual fundraising party for The Arts Commission held this year at the top of the O-I/Fifth Third Bank building. Each year this party gets better and better, with amazing food and cocktails, live entertainment, and the best art auction in the city. As we arrived we were given complimentary binoculars so we could enjoy the amazing view to the fullest which included a “super moon”! The party was packed all night long with Toledoans in fancy attire. A big congrats to all the event chairs, volunteers, and to The Arts Commission!

The Arts Commission of Greater Toledo | 1838 Parkwood Avenue | (419) 254-ARTS

J., N., D. and I went to see some “monster trucks” at the Huntington Arena! It was really loud so we wore earplugs and it was stinky exhaust-filled air so I put my scarf over my face to breath. But man, was it crazy. I had never been to this sort of event. The people watching was pretty epic but nothing compared to the over-the-top vehicle mayhem. I’m at a loss for words.

Huntington Center | 500 Jefferson Ave. | (419) 255-3300

I’m a big fan of  Glass City Cafe. I’m also a fan of Old West End Records providing some really great music during their “OWE’ver Easy with Jason Quick & Ben Langlois” brunches! Delicious food + fantastic live music + running into all of our Old West End friends = best brunch ever. In closing, my cheeseburger was perfect.

Glass City Cafe | 1107 Jackson Street | Uptown Toledo | (419) 241-4519

A few weeks ago, on a wonderfully sunny day we took a walk through the Old West End for a visit to the Toledo Museum of Art. I was so happy to get a break from crappy weather that we’ve had and it was nice to see neighbors out and about. We walked through a mix of snow and freshly shoveled sidewalks. At the Museum D. and I enjoyed some great art, including the “Egypt Experience” show which is up for a limited time. While touring the other galleries we caught an impromptu performance by one of the docents on a piano. Later we walked across the street to the Glass Pavilion. Living in the Old West End certainly has some perks but you can enjoy them too. Go visit YOUR museum. It’s free!

Toledo Museum of Art | 2445 Monroe Street | (419) 255-8000

Going through old video from the Flip camera and found some fun footage D. took of last year’s Halloween party thrown by M., N., and B. at their huge Downtown loft. He managed to capture most of the revelers in costume as they entered the party. Despite wearing what will from this day on be called “the shoes that beat me”, I managed to have a totally amazing time. My costume? Think Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds”.