Is summer really here???

I’m in the process of trying to coordinate and plan the summer trip schedule.

In a few weeks, Kim and I plan to visit Marnnie (daughter), first meeting up with her in Paris, then going to her place in Ireland for a few days.

In August or early September, a group of us form work are planning a motorcycle trip down the Mississippi, with Dan (boss) and I heading out from the Cleveland area, meeting up with 3 guys out of Milwaukee somewhere around Chicago, then heading across IL to the river and then South to St. Louis to pick up 1 more, and returning along the Ohio River through Kentucky. Probably about 4 days. I’m hoping we can pull it off as it will be my first distance/group ride. I’ll be the novice of the group but it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. It’s kind of ironic that most of us on the ride are in the Safety group.

Then there’s the traditional end-of-summer, late September trip with my friends from Cincinnati and Indianapolis to Dale Hollow, TN for a long weekend on a houseboat drinking, blowing stuff up, playing poker, smoking cigars and such.

The weather’s just turned beautiful here, hopefully for the long haul. Springtime in Ohio is digital… on, off, on, off, on, off… and usually doesn’t level out until late May for a beautiful summer. I hope to spend more time on the bike and hiking this year.

We also got some good news about Cleo, who has had a sore neck to the point that she wasn't holding her head up much, seemed listless, etc. We had concerns that there was a degenerative problem with her neck. However, we had some X-rays done, and it appears that, while there is a disc that seems thin, that the major issue is arthritis. We picked up a two week supply of meds to try, and it's like we have a new dog... very lively, no pain, etc. The vet says the meds are good for long term use, so we're hoping this solves the problem. The meds are a little pricey, but Doc says there is a rebate program. But the main thing is that Cleo seems back in good form and living without discomfort.