Road Trip, Part I: Family

Sun, Jul 17
Reston, VA – Butler, PA
I drive to Shelly and Josh’s house and meet Steve and Dakota for the first time. I have to say I prefer Dakota, only because she’s super soft, cute, and fetches a mean ball. I’d have to say that I wouldn’t be happy with her drinking habit, leaving a wet three foot diameter around her. Steve grills up some chicken, and we all eat well with a fine bottle of pink wine from their Put-In-Bay vacation.

Mon, Jul 18
Butler, PA
It’s my busy legal day, but I manage to make it to Mickey’s Pizza before Flynn’s Tire and the attorney’s office to close my Grandfather’s estate. The sky opens and starts pouring down when I realize that I’d left my top down. I call Flynn’s to find that they’ve got me covered, literally. I close out my Butler bank account, and head to Leslie’s to return some old photos and her father’s ring. He’d given it to my Grandfather and I thought she would appreciate it. Indeed, she remembered the ring and pulled out the “hers” version her mom had worn. Back at the ranch, Steve grills pork chops.

Tue, Jul 19
Butler, PA – Orrville, OH
Since I have all my chores done, it’s time to start socializing. I spend a little time with Aunt Belva. I meet up with Melinda; she’s got Helena and Brandon with her, so I’m in for a special treat. I visit my family’s graves; all tombstones have been properly installed, so I suppose everyone is at rest now – Grandpa, Grandma, Dad, and Uncle.

Next stop is The Old Stone House on the way to Slippery Rock. oldstonehousepa.org/about I’m meeting my cousin Rickey in an hour, so I have some time to explore. Unfortunately, it’s closed, but I still wander around, looking through windows, and hiking the North County Trail. I make it back to the parking lot and hear The Cars blasting from a vehicle and assume that Rickey’s early. Indeed. He jumps into my little convertible on this fabulous day, and we drive into Slippery Rock for some food at North County Brewing Co. I stumble of the coolest restroom I’ve seen in a long time. OK, it may not be the coolest restroom, but it’s the coolest sink faucet for sure. A pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw later, we head to Heidi’s for Jessica’s birthday party. Frozen brownie and ice cream “cake” is all that’s needed to get me to stop in, add the pups, and I’m all over it. scheerbaumstables.com I pet dogs and cats on this trip but never make it down to the stables to pet the horses, goats, llamas, etc. There’s not enough time; I want to make my Orrville, Ohio ETA of 10:30 pm and do.

Wed, Jul 20
Orrville, OH
I had my oil changed and wheels balanced Monday to prepare for my trip, but my car shook like mad last night while crossing the border. I took it to Orrville’s Flynn’s and dropped it off once I was reminded about needing to replace an axle. Oh yeah… The good thing about small towns is that the people are so stinkin’ nice, as long as you’re not in a hurry. “Keep it as long as you need it. I’m hoping to leave on Saturday.”

I told you I’m a sucker for birthdays, right? Well, it’s Dennis’ today, and we’ve got big Wooster dinner plans for him and two others from July. I ordered rare yellow fin tuna and got it med-well.

Thu, Jul 21
Orrville, OH
Not too much going on, so I call to check in on my car. “We’re waiting for parts.” They replaced the axle but found other things… “How much is that going to cost me?” “Nothing.” Holy Crap, then by all means sign me up! I love small towns.

Dennis told me he was going to prison today. I thought that might be fun, so I asked to tag along to the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield. mrps.org It’s the prison where The Shawshank Redemption and some scenes from Air Force One was filmed. It’s seen brighter days, but then again, it hasn’t been used for more than 20 years.

On the way home, I pick up my car. It drives better than a brand new one. I think Steve took on my car as a pet project and tightened up everything possible. No more rattles, no more vibration, no pulling, nothing but pure German engineering. If I didn’t know better, I would think I was driving a BMW.

Meanwhile, Dennis picked up Air Force One for movie night after a spectacular Smart pork chop dinner.

Fri, Jul 22
Orrville, OH
I’m so excited about my car that I make chocolate chip cookies for the guys. They don’t seem too happy to have them, because it’s like 100F outside, but nearly as soon as I leave, the sky opens up and dumps on everyone, cooling the temps by about 20F. How do you like ‘em now?