In early August, my oldest Navy bud, Brian Ransom and his lovely wife Tomi let us know
that as part of their 25th anniversary celebration they would be visiting Mystic, CT, where they first met, and on the return trip they’d be coming through the area. They arrived the 13th, departing the morning of the 15th. This worked out perfect for my schedule, since I was leaving the afternoon of the 15th for Minneapolis.
Brian and Tomi arrived in the early evening, and despite not having seen them face to face in several years we picked right up as if no time had passed. It actually surprised us how we’d both migrated toward many of the same interests, like wine for example. So, of course, we broke open some special bottles… a personal favorite Italian Barolo, and a 1985 Diamond Creek Cab… and lit up a couple of Cuban cigars to celebrate their anniversary.
that as part of their 25th anniversary celebration they would be visiting Mystic, CT, where they first met, and on the return trip they’d be coming through the area. They arrived the 13th, departing the morning of the 15th. This worked out perfect for my schedule, since I was leaving the afternoon of the 15th for Minneapolis.Brian and Tomi arrived in the early evening, and despite not having seen them face to face in several years we picked right up as if no time had passed. It actually surprised us how we’d both migrated toward many of the same interests, like wine for example. So, of course, we broke open some special bottles… a personal favorite Italian Barolo, and a 1985 Diamond Creek Cab… and lit up a couple of Cuban cigars to celebrate their anniversary.
It was the first time they’d met Kim, and between the wine, Tomi’s trademark smart-ass wit and catching up we had a wonderful evening.
Friday night I’d taken the liberty of scheduling the entertainment. Back in 1982, Brian and I attended a Blue Oyster Cult concert in Hampton Roads, VA. Of course, those were the days when BOC filled arenas, with music featured in the movie “Heavy Metal,” and hits like Don’t Fear the Reaper, Burnin’ for You and Godzilla were on the radio. So, when I saw that BOC was playing at the Cleveland House of Blues, I had to get tickets. The concert was fun. BOC put on a good show and the audience was an intriguing mix of attendees from those of us that remembered their heyday, to people that likely weren’t even born when BOC played in Hampton Roads.
All in all, we loved Brian and Tomi's visit and it reminded us why old friends, are old friends.
After they left, I packed and headed to Minneapolis. We’d scheduled some media calls and planning with our PR firm there that Monday and Tuesday, so I scheduled to fly in Saturday to visit my little sister Brenda and her family, who live there.
After they left, I packed and headed to Minneapolis. We’d scheduled some media calls and planning with our PR firm there that Monday and Tuesday, so I scheduled to fly in Saturday to visit my little sister Brenda and her family, who live there.
As I got acquainted with their new puppy, who didn’t know quite what to make of this stranger in her house, Brenda and I got caught up a bit. The girls weren’t yet home from camp, so we enjoyed a little quiet time.
Sunday, the girls got home and Mike (brother-in-law) grilled out. We had a terrific meal and caught up with the girl’s activities a bit. I had a little work to do in preparation for the media calls, but we had a nice visit.
The media calls went well. Monday evening was mostly dinner with our PR firm reps and preparation to return. Tuesday we finished up the planning sessions and I flew home. It’s always nice to get to see Brenda, Mike and the girls.
Next, Kim had seen a wedding dress that really caught her eye, but the only place it could be found within driving distance was in Columbus. At the same time, I’ve been looking at motorcycle helmets in preparation for the bike trip, and needed to go to a shop in Columbus called Iron Pony to try some on. Basically we both had some fittings we needed to do in Columbus.Of course, while in that part of the state we couldn’t not stop by to see Kim’s Mom, and find out how she was doing with her rehab from a recent fall, and to see her new front porch.
The fittings went well. After trying on several dresses, Kim wound up buying the dress she originally liked and, I’m told by those permitted to see, it looks perfect for her. For my part, I tried on several helmets from different manufacturers, settling on an Arai helmet that, I’m told, is perfect for me.
The visit with Kim’s Mom was fun. It was nice to see her doing well. We went to lunch and enjoyed the afternoon on her porch. As Kim reviewed her dress selections, showing pictures to her Mom, I modeled my new rain suit, to make sure it doesn’t make my butt look fat since apparently that was a big thing with the wedding dresses, but something I hadn’t previously thought of when selecting my rain suit.
Over Labor Day weekend, we made our traditional trek to the Van Wert County Fair to meet up with my Mom, sister Karen and brother-in-law Paul, niece Sarah, and her kids Zach and Harmony. While we walked around enjoying french fries with vinegar, ice cream and funnel cakes, the kids picked rides. Apparently there were mixed reviews for the deep fried Oreos, with Paul enjoying them but Karen not-so-much.I had intended to leave on the Motorcycle Trip this Thursday, but a couple of the guys had some scheduling issues so it looks like we’ll postpone the trip until October. I’m hoping it doesn’t get delayed again, since it’s something I’m really looking forward to and if it gets pushed again it will be getting into cold weather.
The plan is to meet in Indianapolis (coming in from Cleveland, Milwaukee and St. Louis) and ride through Southern Indiana and Northern Kentucky to Mammoth Cave, then back. It’s pretty scenery in that region.
Before then, however, is the annual boat trip to Dale Hollow the first weekend of October. Always a nice trip.
