31 July 2008

theme day: water

today's theme is water a sign asking for donations of 'H2O clothes' most certainly qualifies. I'm kind of perplexed as to what 'H2O clothes for kids' are - bathing suits? or is H2O some type of code for something else?

I wonder why the fire stations are involved with collecting these clothes? I really do need to investigate this further.

30 July 2008

mixed message

so are they open or closed? it's so hard to tell.

these signs are found on the door of the mission boutique - a store that I love walking by. one of these days I'll have to wander inside. the mission always has the best window displays. the mission claims that "fashion is our religion" so I guess I should have held off unto sunday to post this photo!

29 July 2008

castle keep

I love this apartment house located on the corner of edgewater drive and cove avenue. the ivy cover adds a certain english charm, but I've heard ivy cover it's not really good for the overall structure of buildings. if there is an unobstructed view from the upper windows on the turret one could see the lake! check out this old photo I found of the apartment, if you follow the link you will learn other information about apartment house from the lakewood historical society.

28 July 2008

wheels on the bus II

the fine print states that this bus is an assault vehicle in the 'fight against global warming' - and states that we can learn more about being a 'green patriot' by going to greenpatriotposters.org. the organization's mission as posted on it's website states:
During World War II, strong, action-oriented posters played a crucial role in energizing the American people behind conservation. Now a similar mobilization of America is required to face the ecological crisis posed by global climate change.

27 July 2008

church doors VII

grace presbyterian church is located on hillard near the intersection with madison. although it's official address is on rosewood. I always enjoy the reflection of the sky in the large glass panels and the play of color.

Grace Presbyterian Church was founded in 1920 as a mission church in the southwestern section of Lakewood. Beginning with a small white frame church, it grew to the present modern glass-fronted structure. Grace Church has always centered its emphasis on family at worship and in service to others. Leadership is given by its deacons as they offer a monthly community meal to those who are hungry, and the elders serve as assistants in all worship services and direct the mission of Grace Church. Among other programs, veterans attend and participate. Lenten dramatic services are led by members of the church and the pastor.

26 July 2008

the bars of madison avenue II

I live fairly close to mars, a street in lakewood that would be a neat address. although. I'm not a barfly, if I was, I expect I'd frequent the mars bar -- if only for the name!

the mars bar is open Mon-Sat 5pm-2:30am and Sunday 9:30pm-2:30am.
"Mars Bar is a half bar-half lounge located on the corner of Madison & Mars in Lakewood. The environment is fun & the beers are tall. Mars Bar also plays host to some of the hottest bartenders in town." -Cleveland Bar Tab

25 July 2008

everything must go!

summertime is tag sale season in lakewood. come to think of it, however, I don't know if they are called tag sales here, perhaps they are called yard sales, or is it garage sale? geez, I don't really know! I've lived in lots of different parts of the country and have found that different regions call these household sales by all sorts of different names. but no matter what one calls them the goal for the seller is that everything must go!

last weekend we visited one particularly eclectic sale which was taking place on the corner of hilliard and mars. yes, we do have a street here in lakewood named mars! the family hosting the sale are really nice. I understand that they will be having at least one more this summer - perhaps the first or second weekend in august.

you meet all sorts of lovely folks at tag sales. I particularly enjoyed talking with two gents featured above - I noticed that one guy was holding a world book for the year 1955. I asked him if he was born in 1955, he replied that he was. I chuckled. I told him not only was I also born in 1955 but that very day was my birthday. he offered me the world book he just purchased, which was quite kind. I told him to keep it as I didn't really need it although I appreciated the gesture and thought. didn't I just say you meet the such lovely folks at a tag sale!

24 July 2008

theme day: door

the theme for this thursday is door. this is a fairly unassuming door, but the flowery path that leads to the door is anything but unassuming. it's as there is a celebration going on whenever you approach this house. the woman who lives in this house defines what it means to have a green thumb, I love walking by her house in all the seasons and to see what is going on in the yard on that day. by the way she is a very nice person; I hope she still has that wonderful dog, I haven't seen him in a while!

did you notice even the flag has flowers on it! I feel that the choice of what flag one flies is an indication of what is near and dear to someone - we are safe to say, inside this home lives someone who loves nature!

23 July 2008

lawnmower man

yesterday while on my daily constitutional I met this gentleman mowing his yard - I had to stop to thank him for doing his part to help the planet by using a hand lawnmower. we had a lovely chat about the pros and cons of different types of mowers and other yard care equipment. we agreed that leaf blowers should be outlawed and that it is really rude when folks start working on their yards with noisy equipment early in the morning - particularly on saturdays and sundays.

22 July 2008

mysterious ways

at the other side of the block from yesterday's mystery building sits another monumental building. unlike the yesterday's building, this building makes it clear as to who are the current occupants of the building. but what remains mysterious, at least to me, as to what exactly takes place inside a masonic temple when masons gather for their mysterious rites and passages.

unlike masonic temples in some cities the lakewood masonic temple still very much in operation. the mysterious ways of the masons, are a bit less mysterious today than they were before since even the lakewood masonic temple has a website!

speaking of the internet, I used the internet to solve yesterday's mystery. turns out the building is the world headquarters of some company called the maxxum group. aren't you glad I cleared up that mystery! now to search and see if there is indeed any sign on the outside of the building indicating the current occupants!

21 July 2008

mystery building


I haven't a clue as to what takes place inside this monumental building which is right across the street from lakewood's main library. I've walked by in thousands of times since it's on one of my usual routes, however there is no sign outside giving any indication about the building's current purpose.

the building is used. the grounds are well maintained (there is actually one sign on the grounds stating that skateboarding is forbidden, there is activity inside, I've seen deliveries and I have seen people go into the building (not often, but a couple times in the thousands of times I've walked by). my mission before july ends I would like to unearth the mystery! I'll keep you posted, in the meantime, any one know? or would anyone like to hazard a guess?

20 July 2008

church doors VI

lakewood presbyterian church is a large church building located at 14502 detroit avenue quite near lakewood hospital. the history of this church from lakewood's city faith website states:
In 1905, a group of people living in Lakewood were members of Old Stone Church and decided a neighborhood church was needed. The Reverend Alfred J. Wright, assistant pastor of Old Stone was put in charge of the group. He started church services in a tent at the corner of Robinwood and Detroit Avenues in May 1905. On January 5, 1908, our first church building was dedicated at this site, at 14502 Detroit Avenue. The first addition, Wright Parlor, was added in 1913. The present sanctuary was built and dedicated in 1918. Our education wing was completed in 1951. As we grew, we sponsored two daughter churches: Grace Presbyterian Church in 1920 and Rocky River Presbyterian Church in 1955.

19 July 2008

the bars of madison avenue I

to recognize lakewood's many pubs and bars, the daily snap will begin posting a picture of these establishments on saturdays. a nice counterpoint to the sunday church door series, don't you think?

perhaps our personal favorite watering hole is also a great place to get a bite to eat - sullivan's irish pub and restaurant located on the corner of madison avenue and chesterland. guinness is always on tap and the fish and chips are to dream of.

by the way, this weekend is the 26th annual cleveland irish cultural festival. sullivan's is one of the vendors for the festival. if you are in cleveland this weekend and looking for a good time head on over to the berea fairgrounds - you won't be disappointed!

18 July 2008

downtown: I

one of the main retail areas in lakewood is detroit avenue. right across from lakewood city center, a relatively modern shopping center which is home to marcs, a joann fabric, a pet supply store, a chipotle restaurant, and several other businesses is this building. I've been in rozi's wine house a few times and have found they have a very friendly staff and a nice selection of wines. I've never had need to get a gift basket, but I hear tell they they put together some mighty fine gourmet gift baskets. rozi's is located at 14900 detroit avenue.

this building is also home to the lakewood observer. one of these day's I really need to check out the t-shirt museum. sounds intriguing!

17 July 2008

home sweet home

I snapped a picture of this home on summit avenue, primarily because of it's somewhat unique architectural style - would you call this a revival of georgian or italianate or perhaps something else?

at the time that I took this picture I didn't realize something funky was going on with my camera lens - the result is a weird type of blurring. I like as the effect, it looks like I've captured some activity from 'the other world.' now, I don't want to start any rumors, I doubt whether this attractive home is haunted - the effect is simply a result of improperly cleaning the camera's protective lens filter!

theme thursday for 17 july: home

16 July 2008

walking 4 health

I enjoy living in a community where people actually WALK. only thing I really don't like are the people driving cars who fail to give pedestrians the right of way, or they are so busy talking on their friggin' cell phones they don't notice people in crosswalks, strollers, bicycles, animals crossing the street, etc. etc. in these situations I'm often seized by the desire to chase the car down, face the driver and holler 'hang up and pay attention!'.....if only!

15 July 2008

city of historical houses II

another gorgeous home on arthur avenue. I spoke a bit with the man who lives in this house, a very charming gentleman and thanked him for making my rambling around lakewood ever so much nicer with his beautifully tended house and garden.

14 July 2008

city of historical houses

lakewood was recently recognized by 'this old house' (a home improvement magazine) as a place with historical value and as a great place to purchase a home. they gave kudos to lakewood for it's many locally owned businesses and all the restaurants and vintage storefronts that make up the community.

photo: just one of the many beautiful homes along arthur avenue

13 July 2008

church doors V


leafy view of the main doors to st. clement roman catholic church. st. clement is located on the corner of madison avenue and lincoln avenue. there are six roman catholic churches currently in lakewood. according to the city's lakewood faith website:

St. Clement Parish was established in 1922 to serve Lakewood’s growing population from Detroit Avenue south to Fischer Road. The official dedication of the church was on September 16, 1923 with Father Joseph J. Schmit as pastor. By 1931, the parish had tripled in size, so the need to enlarge and improve the church became imperative. The decor embodies many features of the ancient church of San Clemente in Rome. The church has a distinct devotional atmosphere and a quiet earnestness which seems to lull and soothe the spirit with promise of peace and benediction. In 1982, the church hall was renovated providing new kitchen facilities, additional meeting rooms, and a new church entrance to enable the elderly and handicapped access to the church without climbing steps.

12 July 2008

fancy ride

keep an eye out for this glittering bicycle zipping around lakewood. talk about a fancy ride - it sparkles as it's adorned with jewels and toys! I wonder if this is the beginning of a new craze for customized bikes? this picture was taken outside of the lakewood public library.

11 July 2008

priorities

robin for peace and health!

10 July 2008

theme day: birthday

if you are throwing a party and are in need of supplies that help make a party a PARTY!, all you need to do is wander over to 15649 madison avenue and visit scott and robert vilnuve's shop.

the shop was once located a little further east on madison and named Lakewood Tavern Supply. however, after a party shop on detroit closed up and left lakewood, the vilnuve brothers seized the opportunity to expand and ensure that lakewooders weren't left high and dry. in early spring scott and robert packed everything up it relocated to a larger and more attractive location. along with a new location, the shop also is sporting new name - Ultimate Party and Bar Supply .

the lakewood daily snap is a proud participant of theme thursday!

09 July 2008

market day

wednesday is (farmers) market day in lakewood! today was exciting because the farms are bringing in more different types of produce. a couple weeks ago the pickings was pretty sparse.

in these time of global warming, high fuel costs, and food quality issues, it is increasingly important to be mindful of where our food comes. shopping at farmers' markets is one good way to support local farmers, healthy foods and build community.

I came home with a cart full of delights - among which are these 'red thumb' fingerling potatoes from arbor hill farm. I plan on roasting them with some olive oil, garlic, salt and fresh herbs from my garden.

08 July 2008

high flyers

detail from an apartment house along lake avenue.

07 July 2008

walk 'n roll

in addition to single and double family homes along lake and clifton avenues there are quite a few sizable apartment buildings. architecturally many of these apartments are very interesting. undoubtedly these apartments add to the overall density of the town. I wonder how many folks know the following interesting factoid which I found:
As of the census of 2000, there were 56,646 people, 26,693 households, and 12,545 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,940.7/km² (10,208.5/sq mi), making it more densely populated than both Los Angeles, California and Toronto, Ontario (It is, in fact, the most densely populated city between New York and Chicago). There were 28,416 housing units at an average density of 5,121.0/sq mi (1,976.8/km²).
living in a community which is densely populated is not necessarily a bad thing when people are good neighbors. being a good neighbor is a valued in the city of lakewood and part of being a part of a community is being out in the community.

this summer there are many things happening that encourage folks to get out and be part of the community. one of these events is the walk+ roll cleveland - lakewood is participating in this areawide event promoting alternatives to driving. for lakewood this is happening to " celebrate Lakewood’s walkability and its finest assets: a vibrant downtown, historic architecture and a spectacular Lake Erie park." read more about walk+roll lakewood here

06 July 2008

church doors IV

these are the doors of lakewood united methodist church (lumc) located at 15700 detroit avenue. the building of lumc is very large - there are three methodist churches in lakewood, lumc is the oldest of the three and the building is the largest perhaps it also has the largest congregation.
Lakewood United Methodist Church was organized in 1876, as an outgrowth of an 1865 revival in Berea. Dorcas Hutchins and Hattie Webb each persuaded their husbands to borrow $500 to “have a church of our own.” The first building was erected on this site in 1876 -- the lot and building costing $5,005. A second building was constructed in 1904. The congregation grew rapidly as did the Lakewood suburb, replacing farmland and orchards with streets and houses. Through the decades, the congregation has sought to share in the development of the community. The Westerly was initially a dream of the LUMC Women’s Society of Christian Service. The Meals on Wheels was initially a project of our Social Concerns Committee. The Lakewood Golden Agers Club was founded here. Today, we seek to continue a strong heritage of service and worship in the Christian Faith.

05 July 2008

citywide party!

the lakewood party planners couldn't have been happier yesterday. the weather for the annual 4th of july bash in the park was perfect! the park was packed with people at play, cookouts, music, and once night fell a firework spectacular.

the lakewood project, lakewood high school's youth rock orchestra kept the crowd entertained until darkness fell and a different type of music began - the sounds of fireworks bursting in air!

04 July 2008

happy 4th of july!!

homes and businesses in lakewood are bedecked in patriotic regalia for the united states birthday celebration.
the firework schedule for lakewood is: july 4 - dusk @ lakewood park

Lakewood Park: This 31 acre lakefront park, the crown jewel of the Lakewood Parks system, is located at the intersection of Belle and Lake Avenues. The Park offers a multitude of activities, including:
•Foster Pool: open during the summer months, various programs offered including open swims, learn to swim classes, senior swims etc. For program information call the Community Recreation & Education Department at 529-4081.
•Construction of a new zero entry children's wading pool was completed in 2002.
•Eight tennis courts
•Three sand volleyball courts, open to the public (unless permits for league play have been issued by The Community Recreation & Education Department). Call 529-4081 for league or permit information.
•Kids Cove Playground area (new in 2001).
•The Lakewood Park Bandshell, offers free concerts on Sunday evenings, and free movies for children during the summer months. Refer to the City News and Events link for a list of dates and further information.
•The Woman’s Club Pavilion, an enclosed year round facility available to the public for Meetings, wedding receptions or special get-togethers. For more information call the Public Works Office at 216-529-6800.
•The Kiwanis Open Pavilion, which is reserved during the summer months. This facility offers four separate sections that can be reserved either individually or together. Each section seats fifty people. For more information call the Public Works Office at 216-529-6800.
•Picnic areas located throughout the park, with grills and tables.
•Two softball fields, available to the public, unless a permit from the Board of Recreation has reserved the field. Call 529-4081 for permit information.
•Old Stone House: Lakewood’s oldest stone house, now a museum, call 221-7343 for hours and tour information.

03 July 2008

working shoes

it's theme thursday! I'm celebrating the work boots of the men who are hard at work fixing the streets around lakewood. this week my street is being worked on and it's almost done. boy, these guys are fast. not only are they fast they are good and they are friendly!

the other day I was talking with one of the men who is working on the street - don't worry it was at the end of the workday and I wasn't interrupting anything. he confirmed my impression that my street was the worst street in lakewood in terms the condition of the road. in fact I believe his exact words were: "in all my years of doing this, I've never seen a street as bad as this."

you can be assured that this mouse is putting on her dancing shoes and doing the happy dance now that my street is all nice and smooth. let's hope car drivers remember the speed limit and don't do their own 'happy dance' by racing down the street!

02 July 2008

no wrong turns

with the rising cost of gas the gardener living in this house might have regrets about turning their bike into this adorable flower planter - or I expect they just decided to upgrade their bike and employed some sensible environmental thinking! reduce, reuse, recycle!

01 July 2008

monthly theme day - NO!

signs at the entrance of lakewood's kauffman. despite the signs it is an inviting little park. however, I'm confused, can one skateboard, blade, or bike?

this month city daily blog has signs which say NO as it's monthly theme. over 170 folks signed up, to see this month's participants click here.