I mentioned yesterday that we went to Cleveland to see Billy Joel in concert over the weekend.
(This was a pretty neat old hotel in which we stayed)
We got to Cleveland a little before the concert so we could check in to our hotel and grab a bite to eat. We stayed at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel which was a pretty nice hotel in the middle of the city near the arena.
(Isn’t my wife beautiful?!!)
We walked around Public Square past the Old Stone Church and the Soldiers and Sailors monument on the square.
(The Soldiers and Sailors monument)
Right near the Old Stone Church, I spied a gigantic bell. Â Well, you know my thing for bells , so I marched right over to it and asked Emily to take a picture. Â "Are you really gonna make me watch you lick a bell in downtown Cleveland with all these people around?" Â I replied, "You bet…and take my picture too!" Â So, without further adeiu, here is my first bell lick in Ohio.
(this bell is huge…definitely a meal for two!)
After licking this bell, I also spied a large cannon across the road. Â Emily caught my eye just as I spotted the cannon. Â She just shook her head and knew…
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(she snapped this one a little early…)
It’s funny but I was hesitant to touch anything (or even breathe for that matter) in Cleveland.  We used to fly from Nashville into Cleveland to visit my family in PA.  I never really had a great experience flying into Cleveland.  One time in fact, I wanted to punch a policeman.  My Dad was just recovering from an illness that nearly killed him.  He was on oxygen and was not great at getting around.  My parents were dropping us off at the airport and we pulled into the passenger drop point.  We quickly unloaded our trunk and my Dad was pulling his oxygen bottles and related paraphanalia from the front seat when a policeman stormed over and was all over us for parking too long.  You know…all of 1 minute, tops.  My Dad continued pulling out his oxygen bottles.  I was so mad I called the cop an anatomical term as he stood there glowering at us expecting us to magically float my Dad out of the way.  I have hated Cleveland ever since.  Ok…calming down now…so this trip really sort of went against the grain for me.  I still don’t love Cleveland, but it was a pleasant time in the city and I loved the cannon, the bell and the concert!
I also love the Drew Carey Show and especially the opening credits….I don’t understand their affinity for Cleveland but I’ll leave that to you!
Your wife sure is beautiful. I cant say the same about that bell. That bell looks like the nastiest, bird poop bell I have ever seen! I do admire the fact that you licked it anyway.
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I am trying to catch up on your blog and as usual, nothing has changed. You are still weird, your wife is a saint and for some strange reason, you are still licking bells. And yet, I am so drawn to your blog. Go figure.
I saw Billy Joel twice…last summer and exactly 20 years previous. The only thing that had changed were Billy’s hair line and the ticket prices (I remember begging my momma for the $23 bucks and that was just last year. I kid, I kid). Anyway, glad you enjoyed it. On another note, I have a bad experience filed away in my rolodex brain involving the Cleveland airport. Hhhmmmm. What’s up with that?
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I love Cleveland (I always joked around that it was in my top 5 (coming in 4th) of places to party. Chicago, Toledo, Orlando topping it.
Back in the early 90′s we’d drive there to visit the Flats. I can’t recall when in the 90′s but they also put the Rocking Roll Hall of fame there too (that’s kind of neat.)
Cleveland Clinic might be in the ugliest part of Cleveland I have ever seen but it’s a great hospital. My aunt still has someone drive her from Toledo to Cleveland for her cancer treatments (I had mine done in Toledo but went to Cleveland for my augmentations..lol.. A little TMI I know..hee..hee..)
Sounds like you had a great time. I would love to see Billy Joel in concert.
You are weird and I think Emily should not take you out into the public.
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I think what helped your impression of Cleveland this time was the weather. This was the first time I have ever been to Cleveland when the sun was shining!! It was a nice change.
You and your bell licking!! LOL!!
I have to say, I loved The Drew Carey Show also.
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Michelle – it’s all about the art of the lick for me…bird poop scares me not!
cheesy – I blame it on Cleveland itself then…if more than one person has had a bad time at the airport, it must be bad! My wife is a saint…glad you noticed! Billy’s hairline rocks, btw!
Dora Renee’ – sorry you like Cleveland so much and I slammed it. Maybe we can compromise on Columbus being so-so? Anyhow, see billy Joel if you can. It’s a fun time!
YD – her mom has been saying the same thing for years!
Emily – I had no idea they had sun there either! If only they had clean…
Erica – I am addicted!
You Bell Licker!
We used to watch that show! It was The Boy’s FAVORITE for a long time!
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That will teach me to not read blogs regularly – we had thought a while back about going to this concert – being only 30 min. from Cleveland…..Hope it was good
Kris
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