That is what is on the Ohio state auto license plate anyway. Because I am a native Buckeye I suppose I can go along with it. At least as long as the good people of Ohio don’t get carried away with it. But when you travel and see as much as we do, it’s not hard to get the idea that there are some mighty fine places in all parts of the good ol’ U.S. of A. and I’m also certain the good people of Ohio know and understand that as well.
Our first stop in the Buckeye State was to see J.T and Linda McAdams in Thompson somewhat near the Cleveland area. J.T. use to be Terry and live and work with me at the post office in Oregon. Most of you know the story and I’m not going to go into if you don’t. Suffice to say we were very good friends as were our wives at the time. We both lost wives and then lost touch with each other for a while but that has been corrected. The wives too! It was great to see J.T. and meet Linda. We plan on staying in touch this time and doing some RV’ing together. We spent a few days in their driveway and saw some of NE Ohio. Mostly J.T. and I got caught up and then got to enjoy Ike. Hurricane Ike that is! The remnants came through Ohio while we were there and disrupted things for a time. Thompson had 98 mph winds and knocked out power for three or four days although we left on the second day of that. We only sat in the dark for a short time because J.T. has a generator. And of course being in the RV, we are self contained and don’t have to worry about that stuff.
Then it was off to Columbus and a visit with my family. We did stop at the Ohio state park at Alum Creek long enough to be ripped off by paying for a site with electricity and not having any. It was a small thing and I know that the crews were working hard to clean up the mess from Ike, but I still think the State of Ohio owes us a free night at a state park. Anyway; on to Columbus! As is always the case now, we park in front of sister Sandy’s house in the cul-de-sac and make ourselves to home. Brother-in-law Dom had even wired us up with 30 amp electrical service. Maybe he was trying to make up for the state park system? And as is also always the case, we had a wonderful visit. I’m sure lots of folks think their family is about the best and I’m no exception, except of course …………………... I am right!! Ha! The highlight of this visit was going to a Ohio State football game. Nephew Dom (Donnie) got tickets for Sandy, myself, nephew Mike and his son Garrett. I hadn’t been to a Buckeye game at the ‘shoe’ (Ohio States famous ‘Horseshoe’ stadium) since 1960 when I was dating Janie Biggs. She was the daughter of the then team trainer, Ernie Biggs. That was a while ago and it has changed a lot, which you may, or may not, know? I did not! And I watch a lot of football. On TV of course. Anyway; it use to be that you dressed in something nice, went to the game, watched the game, cheered and applauded as appropriate, maybe had a Coke, watched Woody do a minor (or major) rant, and maybe, if you were fortunate, you had an Ohio State hat. No longer!! Now you dress in everything Ohio State Buckeye scarlet and gray, I think in some cases right down to your underwear. Face or body paint would be acceptable, as would a string of Buckeyes around your neck. You would want to get there about three hours before game time to go to the ‘Skull session’ and see the band and team members and hear something from coach Tressel. You might get your picture taken with Brutus the Buckeye (we did), buy anything Ohio State, or any kind of party or tailgate food at any of the assorted booths surrounding the stadium. It is pretty much insane. Not in a bad way, just wild and crazy and colorful and loud. And then you go into the stadium. A sea of scarlet, with the band, cheering student sections, and waves, and the Jumbotron to show you what you can’t see. It’s just nuts. But it was really cool and I thank young Dominic for the experience. And they won! Beating Minnesota something, something, to something. But I’m still not the biggest Tressel fan.
After the game we went to young Dominic’s for a family reunion. Technically it would be mostly Sandy’s family which is of course is also my family, minus my kids who would be in Oregon. Aunt Mary, our family matriarch was there as were cousins Patti and Nancy from Iowa and Illinois respectively. Mike and Phyllis made it from North Carolina, and I think pretty much all the Columbus folks were there. Mostly all who could be, were there. Sheri was our most gracious host and of course it was a joy to be there. I know that, because of course,…….Sheri told me I knew that! Just kidding Sheri!
So once again we spent some time in Columbus and saw some old friends and places; went to the GUM men’s breakfast, and traded barbs with Phil and Sam (a regular thing now, the breakfast too); spent hours getting up to date with Sandy and Don’ and enjoying their company and hospitality; played a little with Buffy, who is still just sooo cute!; blocked Rose’s view down the street for a couple of weeks; and risked life and limb while Kevin roared in and out of the driveway next to us. It was all good and in time we’ll go back and do it again!
Our first stop in the Buckeye State was to see J.T and Linda McAdams in Thompson somewhat near the Cleveland area. J.T. use to be Terry and live and work with me at the post office in Oregon. Most of you know the story and I’m not going to go into if you don’t. Suffice to say we were very good friends as were our wives at the time. We both lost wives and then lost touch with each other for a while but that has been corrected. The wives too! It was great to see J.T. and meet Linda. We plan on staying in touch this time and doing some RV’ing together. We spent a few days in their driveway and saw some of NE Ohio. Mostly J.T. and I got caught up and then got to enjoy Ike. Hurricane Ike that is! The remnants came through Ohio while we were there and disrupted things for a time. Thompson had 98 mph winds and knocked out power for three or four days although we left on the second day of that. We only sat in the dark for a short time because J.T. has a generator. And of course being in the RV, we are self contained and don’t have to worry about that stuff.
Then it was off to Columbus and a visit with my family. We did stop at the Ohio state park at Alum Creek long enough to be ripped off by paying for a site with electricity and not having any. It was a small thing and I know that the crews were working hard to clean up the mess from Ike, but I still think the State of Ohio owes us a free night at a state park. Anyway; on to Columbus! As is always the case now, we park in front of sister Sandy’s house in the cul-de-sac and make ourselves to home. Brother-in-law Dom had even wired us up with 30 amp electrical service. Maybe he was trying to make up for the state park system? And as is also always the case, we had a wonderful visit. I’m sure lots of folks think their family is about the best and I’m no exception, except of course …………………... I am right!! Ha! The highlight of this visit was going to a Ohio State football game. Nephew Dom (Donnie) got tickets for Sandy, myself, nephew Mike and his son Garrett. I hadn’t been to a Buckeye game at the ‘shoe’ (Ohio States famous ‘Horseshoe’ stadium) since 1960 when I was dating Janie Biggs. She was the daughter of the then team trainer, Ernie Biggs. That was a while ago and it has changed a lot, which you may, or may not, know? I did not! And I watch a lot of football. On TV of course. Anyway; it use to be that you dressed in something nice, went to the game, watched the game, cheered and applauded as appropriate, maybe had a Coke, watched Woody do a minor (or major) rant, and maybe, if you were fortunate, you had an Ohio State hat. No longer!! Now you dress in everything Ohio State Buckeye scarlet and gray, I think in some cases right down to your underwear. Face or body paint would be acceptable, as would a string of Buckeyes around your neck. You would want to get there about three hours before game time to go to the ‘Skull session’ and see the band and team members and hear something from coach Tressel. You might get your picture taken with Brutus the Buckeye (we did), buy anything Ohio State, or any kind of party or tailgate food at any of the assorted booths surrounding the stadium. It is pretty much insane. Not in a bad way, just wild and crazy and colorful and loud. And then you go into the stadium. A sea of scarlet, with the band, cheering student sections, and waves, and the Jumbotron to show you what you can’t see. It’s just nuts. But it was really cool and I thank young Dominic for the experience. And they won! Beating Minnesota something, something, to something. But I’m still not the biggest Tressel fan.
After the game we went to young Dominic’s for a family reunion. Technically it would be mostly Sandy’s family which is of course is also my family, minus my kids who would be in Oregon. Aunt Mary, our family matriarch was there as were cousins Patti and Nancy from Iowa and Illinois respectively. Mike and Phyllis made it from North Carolina, and I think pretty much all the Columbus folks were there. Mostly all who could be, were there. Sheri was our most gracious host and of course it was a joy to be there. I know that, because of course,…….Sheri told me I knew that! Just kidding Sheri!
So once again we spent some time in Columbus and saw some old friends and places; went to the GUM men’s breakfast, and traded barbs with Phil and Sam (a regular thing now, the breakfast too); spent hours getting up to date with Sandy and Don’ and enjoying their company and hospitality; played a little with Buffy, who is still just sooo cute!; blocked Rose’s view down the street for a couple of weeks; and risked life and limb while Kevin roared in and out of the driveway next to us. It was all good and in time we’ll go back and do it again!
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