Homie President James A. Garfield

I had some time off for spring break.  My boyfriend dumped me after Christmas, so I decided it was a good time to go home and recharge my batteries.

Mentor, Ohio is the home of the 20th President James A. Garfield, and my hometown as well.  He was one of seven American presidents who hailed from Ohio. Unfortunately, his home was closed for tours when I stopped by, but I walked around the property on this lovely day and took a few pictures.

Read more about him at Lawnfield's official website.

 He was known as an effective speaker and an ardent anti-slavery man.

Here he conducted the first “front porch” presidential campaign, giving speeches from the verandah.  The many reporters camped out on the lawns around the house gave the property its name; "Lawnfield".

A windmill in the back of the property.

Garfield's presidency lasted just 200 days - from March 4, 1881 until his death on September 19, 1881.  He was shot twice from behind by assassin Charles J. Guiteau on July 2, 1881.  Only William Henry Harrison's presidency of 31 days was shorter.  Garfield was the 2nd of 4 presidents who were assassinated.He lived in agony for 80 days until his death from his injuries.

After leaving the Garfield home, I took my freshly groomed Topaz to Girdled Road Park reservation for a walk.

The trees are still bare from winter, but the weather was beautiful.

I was told these are some sort of prehistoric plant, but couldn't find any info on it.

I also went out to a musician's jam night with my old friend Dave Warner.  I actually got 2 job offers for bands and was excited to see some former band mates that I hadn't seen in 10 years!

After party!