My Winter Vacation in Ohio

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IMG_1818When you’re spending your winter enjoying sunsets in San Diego, you generally wouldn’t consider a February vacation to Ohio. At least that’s what people said to me when I told them my plans. But as much as I love our open road lifestyle, and the great SoCal weather, I still get homesick.

It seems to hit me about this time every year. Last year I went back during a snowstorm in January. This year the homesick bug hit me in February. The good news is the Ohio winter has been mild which worked out considering foot wear is currently a problem for me.

My trip was iffy up until the last minute with the whole ankle ordeal. My walking is getting better but the thought of negotiating airports on my own with a two ton backpack was intimidating. I reached out to Delta Airlines and pleaded my case. They were amazing. My seats, there and back, were upgraded giving me room to flex my ankle to help manage the swelling. They also took me to the gate in a wheelchair. That was weird.

IMG_1880I spent my week on vacation with my sister Cindy and her pup JJ. JJ is a 15-year old spoiled rotten Maltese with amazing spunk. Cindy works as a letter carrier and loves a week off in Feb. We had a blast. It was like a weeklong slumber party. We ate out everyday, sometimes lunch and dinner – thanks to her gift card stash.

We also spent time with our sister Mary’s family. We lost Mary last September. Losing her has left a huge whole in our family. But no matter what happens, we stick together. I was anxious to see the crew – Luke and Jenny and little Lucas, Carson and Danielle and Alejandro, Brady, Kate and Todd and little Journee, Michelle and her kids Autumn and Kyle and of course Mary’s husband Jack. I can’t tell you how much I love these people. We got together several times while I was visiting. (Somehow I managed not to take any pics.) 

IMG_1853IMG_1861Also got to spend time with our son Nate, daughter-in-law Jenn, and sweet granddaughters Lilly and Ally. Nate and Jenn are putting the finishing touches on their brand new Downey Orthodontics building. It’s spectacular.

Had dinner with my longtime girlfriends, Peg and Lisa. Again, no pics. What’s so great about old friends is you pick up right where you left off no matter how much time has passed.

IMG_1908Visited my Mother-in-Law at the nursing home. She’s 91-years old and still ornery. I brought her a new pair of “loungers” that she loved.

Closed out my Ohio winter vacation with dinner with the Bucket Buddies. (Another lack of pics.) The Bucket Buddies are our group of friends who travel together, party together, play fantasy football together and good-heartedly pick on each other. Enjoyed seeing you guys – Ron and Kathy, Danny and Candy, Les and Rita, and Sue and Joe. Missed Bob and Lila. Bob is busy handling stuff in Florida, but Cindy and I did get to spend time with Lila.

A week is not long enough to see all the people I wanted to see. Other Half and I will be back in Ohio in May. Looking forward to catching up with some very important people.