I do not like guinea pigs. Or hamsters, or mice, or rats - really, anything with little grabby, claw-like hands. Yeah. They're quite gross. So the thought alone of a guinea pig rescue house is weird, but now I'm also visualizing it and it's creeping me out...

My distaste for their job makes me believe that Karen and Steve Oehlerts of This Little Piggy and Me are quite brave. TLP&M is a rescue and adoption house for guinea pigs, located in Forest Park, Ohio, near Cincinnati. It's a not-for-profit, run out of their actual home (bless their hearts, the place probably is starting to smell a bit ripe), and is dedicated to the rescue and adoption of the little animals into good homes. Such good homes, in fact, that adopting parents have to sign a contract starting they won't feed the guinea pigs to another animal or eat it themselves. And now I am thoroughly grossed out.

The Oehlerts bought a pregnant guinea pig back in 2003, and had to start giving away babies. Karen became known as Guinea Pig Lady, people began calling to have the guinea pigs taken in or to ask where they could find some, and the whole process was born. In 2006 alone, they had 193 adoptions. I am amazed that so many people want guinea pigs, but thank goodness the Oehlerts are there to help!

Seriously, I have made tonight's viewing of Miss America into an event! I made dip (so that way even if the girls on tv can't eat something good, I can), I am wearing comfortable pants with a brand-new top (so I look good too), and I have prepared to be entertained inadvertently.

Honestly, I am all for these girls, because, let's face it, I don't have the energy to have a talent and perform it! On stage, live and in person, in front of judges! My only talent is baking, and that's not really a talent - I can read a recipe and buy groceries, and somehow put the two together. But I certainly can't do it onstage!

Plus, I can't do anything with Mario Lopez staring at me.

But come on! Miss Ohio is on, and she's looking pretty! (She's a Cleveland girl, buddy. We can win stuff.)

FINAL RECAP: Well, Miss Ohio didn't even place! I am wildly disappointed. And there wasn't even a Midwestern representation after Miss Pennsylvania got booted out. Miss Georgia won the night, I am sorry to say - her interview answer was terrible, and I think the judges should be slapped for it.

Writing can be soul work. There is no where I've found in Ohio where this is truer than at Women Writing for (a) Change. This is an organization, a writing center of sorts, in Cincinnati. I met its founder, Mary Pierce Brosmer a few years ago upon the recommendation of a friend. Since then, I attended last year's spring writing retreat for women across the Ohio River in northern Kentucky. I'm signing up for this year's too. It's terrific to have time to develop my craft while nurturing my spirit and connecting to others.

Women Writing for (a )Change was initially started with the idea that, through writing and sharing their work, women might make systemic changes in their lives, and thus, the world. Over the past 15 plus years, it's grown beyond that. There are writing workshops for families and men as well. In the summer, there are writing camps for girls. The biggest focus remains women.

My only beef is that this terrific place is in Cincinnati. That's no one's fault. That's life. I'd love to sign up for a semester class or two. In the meantime, I'll keep telling people about it and look forward to that retreat weekend.

By the way, you don't have to see yourself as a writer to go to classes or on a retreat. The point is that you are interested in writing. A love of words is a bonus. If you don't have this love now, afterwards, you will. You will most certainly find yourself enjoying how you are in the company of women.

Women Writing for a Changes's motto says it best:

Bringing women to words and the words of women to the world.

Buying chocolate, flowers, or those little message heart candies are fine if there's no time to plan ahead for Valentine's Day, but consider some other options. If you use your senses to lead the way, you might come up with some interesting ways to celebrate love. Or a deep like. Or an "I kind of like you." Here are some starting places:

Sense of smell- With Ohio's botanical gardens' conservatories creating a haven against the freshly arrived winter's chill, head to one of them. Breathe in the fragrances of the jungles, orchid gardens and mountainous regions of the world. So, what if you can't go to a tropical island with your honey this year? At Krohn Conservatory, Franklin Park Conservatory, and Cleveland Botanical Garden you can pretend.

If eating is a way to your loved one's heart, head to a cooking school where you can spend time together--plus taste your efforts. Dorothy Lane Market Cooking School in Dayton has wonderful options. Many restaurants, like Handkes in Columbus also have classes. Here is a Shaw Guides website with links to several of them.

If the sense of sound is your fancy, head to a symphony concert. You can engage your sense of sight as well since many of Ohio's symphonies perform in the most beautiful buildings in the state. In February, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, the Akron Symphony , The Youngstown Symphony and the Toledo Symphony have concerts.

For the soothing sense of touch, get a couple's massage. The Marengo Institute, a mind body spa that originated in California but now has Cleveland and Columbus locations, has a Couples Delight Package.

Another option for the sense of sight is an art museum. Here is the botanical garden and art museums page of Ohio Travelers.com to find one you may not have thought of before.

When my friend Charlene Fix, poet and author of Flowering Bruno, a book I have blogged about in the past, told me about a certain poet in her writing group, my interest was piqued. Jacquelin Smith communicates with animals. She's been doing it for years.

The communication is not the Dr. Doolittle variety, but a matter of honing into the things animals tell her through telepathy. Jacquelin's had tremendous success and gets referrals from people who also are tuned into animals. She has helped people locate missing animals, for example, and has helped people figure out what's up with the animals they live with. Often, it's not the animal at fault but the people. Some animal types and people types are not the best fit. A person who loves sitting on the couch doesn't need to a dog who needs a good run for exercise. A good deal of Jacquelin's work involves helping people deal with deciding when to put an animal to sleep and the feelings of grief this brings up.

For those interested in being more in tune with animals, Jacquelin's book, Animal Communication: Our Sacred Connection is part how-to and part anecdotal. Those who want to figure out just what's up with the dog who won't stop chewing, or the cat who won't use a liter box, or the household animals that just won't get along with each other, can contact Jacquelin for help. Besides information about work, her book and her workshops, Jacquelin's website has testimonials from people, some who I have talked with myself.

My friend, Ann has mentioned to me several times, "Let's go to a karaoke bar," and then talks about the fun we had several years ago when we did hit one. My husband belted out a fine rendition of "Danny Boy" that night. Me? I'm partial to "Proud Mary." I seem to manage to stay on tune with that song, sort of. Once, years ago, my husband pretended it was my birthday and got the people in the karaoke bar that we happened upon, to sing to me. My birthday was months away. I gamely smiled while I watched the ball bounce across the words.

Now, my friend is in a real band, Magic City. I wonder if one day someone will be singing one of her band's songs? If this happens, I wonder what the background video scenes will be? Will there be some obscure unrelated scenes like people rolling around in ocean waves?

I do hope Ann's not too busy with her band that she doesn't have time to karaoke anymore. I found a couple bars that look promising. Jilly's Saloon in Reynoldsburg, for example, has a secret song contest and Largest Little Bar In T has over 20,000 song options. I wonder if it has "Proud Mary?" If so, I'm there.

To find a karaoke bar near you, Ohiokaraoke.com has an extensive listing. Click on the map of Ohio where you live for names, addresses and details. For a clever look at karaoke bars and the people who go there, check out the documentary Karaoke Dreams by Robert Davidian. A fun clip is on You Tube.

There is something about Ohio after it's snowed and the sun has not appeared for a few days, particularly after road dirt has had some time to get splashed around. Today, I was explaining to non-native English speakers the term, "winter blues." Actually, since the snow has just come, it's still a bit of a novelty, but still, the flower section of a grocery store looks mighty good about now.

In some Ohioans' houses, the grocery store is trumped when it comes to plants. Sharon Holtzman has 2,000 African violets growing in her basement. Holtzman is a hybridizer who comes up with new African violet types by cross breeding. She sells plants, leaves and growing mixtures of soil and nutrients. I know this because in January I dabbled in the world of African violet growers for an article I wrote. There are many people across Ohio like Sharon who are wild about violets. They are stellar folks--truly delightful and most belong to a society. Columbus has an African violet society. So does about every major city in the state. Members share growing tips with each other, gear up for their society's show (most are in the late spring or early fall), head to national conventions and basically use African violets as a way to forge great friendships.

When I was a guest at the Columbus African Violet Society meeting at the Franklin Park Conservatory, members passed around birthday cards for people to sign, played leaf bingo, welcomed guests and created a sense of group belonging. Being part of a group helps people stay healthy, both mentally and physically. It was hard not to join up myself. I did leave with an African violet leaf to propagate and some growing tips. One tip to pass along. Although the grocery store varieties are pretty, unless the violet has a name, and not like Sally or Lucy or Elvira-but a species name, you can't enter it in a society show. Only officially named violets are contenders. Sharon's all have her town, Newtown, worked in. The one in the photo is Newtown Happenstance.

For a great African violet resource, check out African Violet Magazine. The website also has a link to the African violet societies around the world, including Ohio. Scroll down until you get to Ohio's socities.

I am so sorry, Blogging Ohio, but I have been involved with just a whirlwind of activity lately! This is what happens when you're a demi-wedding planner-assistant.

This past weekend, I accompanied my aunt on yet another bridal journey, this time, to Pat Catan's. Or, should I say, to Catan Fashions, the bridal gown, prom dress, special occasion dress, and mother of the bride outfit store that used to be part of Pat Catan's! Since we live near the Strongsville location, that's the one we went to, and it is enormous. The store used to be the entire Pat Catan's craft store, and now it is nothing but dresses. It is a sight to be seen! And we saw it all.

And I'm sad to say, this is the first time that I will deliver a slightly-less-than-glowing review. I have to got to say, the organization at Catan Fashions is not all it could be. Now, it was a Saturday, so we expected some busyness, but this was crazy. My aunt, my mom and I waited for almost an hour before a very pleasant young lady managed to help us. But because my aunt, my mom and I are ingenious individuals, we went about this a different way. Instead of waiting for the little bridal dress person to help us - we helped ourselves. We grabbed whatever dresses looked good to us, and tried them on! Quite a few wedding gowns, as well as some white prom dresses. Now, I don't want to diss Catan's too much, because they were quite helpful, and they had a huge selection. But, I've got to say, we were less than thrilled with the wait, and also less than thrilled with finding out that for an April wedding, we could get almost no dresses! Did you know that? Most wedding dresses take well over three months to be ordered. Terrible. But we muddled through, and Catan Fashions was a help.

Yes, it's finally snowed to the point that it looks like it counts. Sledding, cross-country skiing, down-hill skiing, the possibilities for outdoor winter fun have arrived. If it lasts, here are some places for some good sled riding if you get the chance. One possibility is to head to a metro park. At Columbus Metro Parks, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, Blacklick Woods, Highbanks and Sharon Woods have sledding hills.

In Cleveland, check out The Chalet in Mill Stream Run Reservation for tobogganing, and for sledding there are several possibilities that range from Hinkley to Rocky River to Chagrin Falls. Within the options there are some places that have lights for night sledding.

For any of you who live in other parts of Ohio, here is a website: Ohio Sled Riding Locations. It lists 64 sled riding hills across the state. There are comments, as well as details,about a hill's steepness and location. If you have your own sled hill favorite and want to share, submit it to the website and let us know here as well.

When I threw it out to my writing group, "So, who here is a blogger?" Carol Nowlin didn't hesitate. Her blog, "carol's blog-o-rama" is proof she's a blogger with a brain--and a fine writer besides. Unlike most folks I know, Carol lives in Plain City. With her roots in smaller town Ohio she has an off -the-beaten-track take on things to do. If you're passing through her part of Ohio some day, slow down and look for the landmarks she mentions--and definitely plan on a meal and picking up some baked goods for the trip home.

1) You and your town: a marriage of love, convenience, or necessity? Me and Plain City. I'd say it's a marriage of necessity, since I moved (back) here to rent and mooch off my parents for a while. I'm growing to love it too, though, but mostly in secret. I love the weathered brick buildings of uptown, and the plain-talking locals who wouldn't know how to put on airs even if they wanted to. I love the clock tower, and the new coffee shop, and the quiet, leafy homes on Chillicothe Street.

2) A mysterious benefactor gives you $75, with the condition that you must do nothing productive. Where in town do you go, and what do you do? Spending seventy-five dollars in Plain City would take a while. First thing in the morning, I would stop at Der Dutchman to fuel up on the breakfast buffet, being sure to get there early for fried mush, home fries, bacon, and long john donuts. With tax and tip, that would be about ten bucks. Then I would head next door to the Plain City Lanes for a couple games of bowling, using the bumper lanes of course, because I stink at bowling. That would be another ten bucks. Then I guess I'd saunter over to the Country Closet, an MCC Thrift Shop, and pick up a lemonade pitcher or denim skirt. Five bucks. Then I'd hope in my car and head a couple miles out of town to pick up provisions at Yutzy's Farm Market. They've got bulk foods, fresh produce, and best of all, deli meats and cheeses that are cheap, cheap, cheap. If I tried really hard, I could spend twenty bucks. I'd take my booty to Pastime Park and enjoy a late picnic lunch, and then head over to the Pioneer Coffee Company to wash it all down with some fair trade coffee ($1.45). If it was the second or fourth Friday of the month, I'd finish my day by heading over to the Plain City Auction to spend my remaining twenty-odd dollars. People from near and far crowd into this red-brick building on Main Street to munch popcorn and bid on everything from retro sectionals to old farming journals.

3) You are your town's tour guide, on a tight schedule. What is the one place you show visitors? Okay. Two places. For better or worse, Der Dutchman is our town's biggest attraction. So I would have to head over for a meal in the buggy, knick-knack browsing in the Gift Barn, and consumption of some oversized pastries from the bakery. In the summertime, Ralph Miller offers free carriage rides to people waiting for a table. For other places, see my packed itinerary above.

4) The mysterious benefactor is back, this time with $500, three days off, and the condition that you must not leave the state. What's your plan? Sans kids, I would definitely head to Cleveland for a long weekend of shopping, sightseeing, and good eats. I'd buy some greasy olives and stinky cheese at the Westside Market and then visit Coventry, where I'd enjoy primo veggie fare at Tommy's. After Tommy's I'd do some shopping at the eclectic stores and take a few rides down the giant slide at the nearby neighborhood park. Then I'd head south for a long ramble on the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Of course, I'd have to dedicate an afternoon to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and also spend some time hanging out at the Lake Erie shore. Okay, so since I can't quite imagine three days sans kids, I'm running out of ideas. I'd probably work in some naps. And I'd cap my visit with a trip to Little Italy for some vino and pasta with sidewalk views. After dinner I'd sip a cappuccino with my pinky sticking out and browse some of the local art galleries and shops.

5) You're an Ohioan. What about that makes you proudest? The flip side of pride is shame; go there too if you want. The idea of state pride is a little weird to me. I guess you are who you are, and there's not much point in being proud, or for that matter, ashamed of it. However, we as Midwesterners tend to wallow in a bit of local embarrassment. Shucks, it ain't New York, and we know it, but who died and made New Yorkers the only arbiters of cool? I hereby renounce Ohio-shame. We helped decide the last election (which, depending on your leanings, is a source of pride or shame), and we have a great sense of particularity, of history, and by golly, we've got more Amish folks than any other state.

On tonight's episode of ABC's hit show Wife Swap, Upper Sandusky housewife and body builder Melissa Johnson moves to the state up north for two weeks to take over the household of diminutive Diane Allemon.

Johnson runs her own household like you might expect a devoted fitness buff to: work, exercise, and fun plugged into a strict schedule. The entire family is devoted to going the extra mile to maximize their potential.

Following the tradition of this show, the Allemon family is very different. Here rules give way to congeniality, discipline to free choice, work to relaxation.

The rules of the show required each wife to follow the customs of the host family for the first week, then demands the family follow the new wife's dictates the second.

Johnson claimed that her family suffered more by being deprived of their activities than the Allemon's did from their enforced labors.

I suspect the episode will end where most of them do, with both families better appreciating the home lives they currently have.

Saturday I came home expecting to go to the movies. Instead, I found myself lacing up bowling shoes and lobbing balls down a bowling alley an hour later. I haven't been bowling in years and it was a blast. The secret to good bowling has to do with the bumpers. My five year old and his friend beat the three adults since gutter balls don't exist when there are rubber bumpers that fill those pesky gutters. One kid won each game.

The reason for the bowling outing is because my friend read an article about cheap family entertainment. Bowling was on the list. For two games and my shoe rentals it was $12. For two hours of fun, I say it's not bad, particularly since Saturdays at Capri Lanes 70s and 80s rock music is played the whole time. It was a "do you remember that song" kind of experience and made me think I should haul out some of my albums. Yes, I still have some.

What I discovered with this bowling night out was the Zen of bowling. The point is clear. Knock as many of the pins down as you can. Keep your hand steady and straight and your eye on the arrows. I'm not all that good at it, but it was great having a night out with friends where we could visit and play. We liked it so much we plan to make this a monthly outing. Next time, I'll look in our Entertainment Book since there are several coupons for bowling discounts.

Here is a website link I found to help you find a bowling site in your area of Ohio. And here is another one to the Ohio Bowling Leagues and Bowling Center homepage.

Regardless of what is happening with Ohio's school reform issues such as whether or not every high schooler needs to take 4 years of math or should a public school in one neighborhood look like a mini-college with all the bells and whistles while another can barely scrape enough funding together to get the toilet's fixed, it's great to see creativity and excitement still at work in its public schools. As a person who has taught high school and middle school myself, bravo to the teachers who help students nurture their muses

The Portsmouth High School video "Portsmouth Back" is a stellar example of what can happen if people put test scores aside for a bit to allow magic to occur. This doesn't mean a school doesn't think about test scores, but there is room for endeavors outside of the box. The boys who made this video for the VH1 "Show Us Your Junk" contest must feel at home in their school. After all, they filmed everywhere in it, it seems. Besides seeing a pretty neat video, I see school harmony at work. The principal had to agree with it and the teachers featured either agreed to stay after school or give up some class time for the greater good. The students involved also had to agree that this project was a worth the time. I've had students make films before and it is a lot of work. The minutes on the video took hours to put together I would imagine.

It's not just the video that makes me happy. Thinking about people working together makes me happy. The teachers in this video are folks I'd like to know. People who say to a young person, "Sure, I'll help out," and look like they enjoy it. The students in this video are folks I'd like to know. They are smiling; they look like they are having fun, and they look like school is not the worst place to be. They also look like they treat each other pretty well. It's a joy to teach kids who act this way.

Years from now when their 10th reunion marches on to the 20th and on to the 30th and so on, it's not Portsmouth's test scores (which are good) that students will remember fondly, it'll be this video. The tests will be long shredded, but I can bet this video will still be around.

Here is the link the WSAZ News Channel 3 news clip on YouTube about the stir this video has caused in Portsmouth. According the newscast, the video is highlighting the new high school building that the students and teachers are mighty proud of.

Watch this video. Seriously. If there is any indication that there are wonderful, interesting and creative people out there, this is it. Sean Gowdy (film guy and editor) and Sean Chase (main singer and performer) of Portsmouth, OH made this video parody of Justin Timberlake's "Sexy Back." Their version is "Portsmouth Back." This is slick and includes a huge cast of characters including students and teacher's at Portsmouth's high school. It's currently in VH 1's "Show us Your Junk" contest. This video is in the Top 3. I don't know if the contest is over yet, but if any video beats out this one, I'd be surprised. This is a gem.

One of my cousins made a horror film with a friend years ago that actually sold for a tidy sum. It was called Hallowedween or some such thing. When I came across video clips of the horror film Close Encounters of the 4th Kind, Infesation from Mars filmed in Sandusky, Ohio I was hooked. This clip is under the heading "Martian Causes Stampede in Sandusky, OH."