Grandchildren's visit

It is an almost annual event. Our Amy and Gregg's children summer visit to Nana and Pap's house for a week or so from their home near Cincinnati. They love it here; it has always been their hangout. They can run through the woods, play in the basement, work on projects, and Nana usually takes them shopping.

What's in it for us? We get to enjoy being with them. There are usually activities and projects we have planned for them, and they have their list of things to do. Their visits are fun and gratifying. It is also tiring and occasionally stressful if there are youthful behavior "issues" or sibling arguments. But each time, there are moments that they and we will always remember.


At the American Queen at the Ohio River Landing

Their dogs are part of the visitation package. Maggie (labradoodle) and Zoe (American Mastiff) take up residence with our two old english sheepdogs, Gabbie and Tess. They behaved well together. Nearly 10 days together improved the pack dynamics which had a few rough edges in past visits. It was great to see them romping through the woods together.


Catrina with Zoe and Maggie


Illegal parking - community service for Zoe


Maggie was here.....doing her puppy thing.

This year the fun included endless swimming and games in the pool. We watched several favorite movies, including Second Hand Lions, Sea Biscuit, Secret Garden, and the Narnia Chronicles. Connor and Pap played tennis (including a 6-1 rout by Connor) and a little golf. Pap managed to dodge the retail activity, but Nana treated the youths to two or more shopping trips.


Emily and Catrina show off their wardrobe additions.

We also perform an important grandparenting function - what I call coaching. We encourage, suggest, and even scold when necessary on topics such as values, faith, behavior, family time, wise use of money, the dangers of drugs and alcohol, and more. The challenge is to be stealthy about planting seeds on these topics, so we get the point across without being too "preachy" about it.

We always eat dinner together which also means they are eating with each other. The latter often is not possible with their activities and schedules at home. One dinnertime tradition is that each of us tells their favorite activity of the day. The kids mention one good thing that they observed about each other that day. The youths ("utes," if you have seen My Cousin Vinny) helped plan dinner menus. We enjoyed a Hawaiian night and an Italian night.


Nana and the "utes" grilling on Hawaii Night

Suddenly, after the anticipation and excitement of their being here......they are gone. The house is eerily quiet. It is bittersweet - sad goodbyes mingled with relief that we can get back to our normal routines.

It was a success complete with fond memories. Connor and Nana finished their coffee table project Emily grew noticeably in her ability to go with the flow with her siblings. Catrina's swimming skills improved markedly. All three were much more patient with each other. And their Mom and Dad enjoyed their Hilton Head vacation.


Connor, Emily,Catrina, and Nana with the finished table project.

Hawaii

We just returned from Hawaii. We've been there before, but each time it continues to amaze. We spent a week on Maui and the second week on the Big Island.

I like the pleasant weather, scenery, microclimates, and the culture of native Hawaiians. The microclimates are unexpected for first time visitors and are fascinating each time I visit. There is the ocean, mountains, arid scrub, rain forest, open plains, and vast stretches of old lava flows on the Big Island. Weather can be totally different in each microclimate area, even within a half hour drive.

Here were the high points of this trip:

Relaxation: Suz and I are able to relax. We can enjoy walks, sitting by the ocean, staring out at the incredible scenery and, for minutes at a time, do nothing. This is a nice break from the often continuous activity at home.

Hearing native Hawaiian Veni explain the culture, history, and values of native Hawaiians. Their culture respects the environment, family, and fellow human beings. It is so refreshing to hear; why can't we live this way now? Their outlook is reflected in the greeting "Aloha." In Hawaiian, Aloha means affection, peace, compassion, and mercy.

Preparing for luau.

Being in and near the ocean. I learned how to stand-up paddle board, snorkeled, and kayaked every day.

Sea turtle taking a break on beach


Seeing Todd's reaction to the scenery, especially on the Big Island which he had not seen before.

Akaka Falls - 442 foot high falls on Big Island.

Helicopter Tour with Paradise Helicopter Tours of volcano area near Hilo on Big Island


Learning about Kona coffee at Heavenly Hill Coffee Farm. It was fascinating to learn how coffee is grown, processed, and marketed. Kona coffee's milder taste is gaining in popularity.

Attending mass at local churches, Maria Lanakila in Lahaina on Maui and St. Michael's church in Kailua on the Big Island. Maria Lanakila means "Victorious Mary" in Hawaiian. During mass I glanced out the window to see the sun breaking through the shrouded West Maui mountains. It was almost a heavenly experience. St. Michael's Church has no church building now. It was damaged in a 6.7 earthquake in 2006 and was razed in 2010. They meet in a large tent. What a lively group. A new church will be built when funds are raised.

St. Michael's Church - a reminder that church is the people, not the building.


Enjoying Hawaiian and reggae music on KWXX, the "feel good" station in Hilo. I now listen on line at home.

Going home. Even in such an amazing setting, it is good to get home to our own little patch of heaven in Bittersweet Woods.

Backpacking at Mohican

My grandson Connor and I had completed an overnight backpack last November. I picked Mohican State Park because of the area's reputation for scenery. It also had unique "park and pack" system of sites. They offer a backpacking experience but with parking close by, so the hike to the site is no more than a mile or two. Then we day hike - without packs. This plan works for Connor, who likes camping more than hiking and for Connor's Dad, Gregg who favors the hiking more than the camping.

The week before, I gathered my own equipment, plus extra gear (and a few food items) that Connor and Gregg did not have. Early Friday, I'm on the road to the camping area. The drive takes me through Amish country in Tuscarawus and Holmes counties in Ohio. I had not been there in decades. It is beautiful on this sunny, mild morning. There horse drawn buggies, nicely decorated buildings, and bustling activity.

I drive through nearby Loudenville and head into the park. Loudenville is a pretty town - even has a McDonalds. I won't mention that to the campers just yet, so I can preserve some measure of a wilderness experience. Campsite 3 had plenty of parking, and looks like a good place to start. I wait at our designated rendezvous location but without cell service don't know where they are. They arrive ready to hike.

We decide to do a hike first before setting up camp since there is time, and the day is sunny. We hike the upper end of the Clear Fork gorge, starting from the covered bridge towards two waterfalls and the dam. It is a beautiful hike. Along the way, we recall humorous vacation adventures. The falls and views from the dam are impressive.

Gregg stands under Big Lyons Falls; Connor is above the falls - out of sight.

Dave and Connor at the dam.


Connor loves the steep hills and scrambles to the top of the falls. We return to the covered bridge on the gorge trail. The sun is hot; many wildflowers carpet the low areas around the creek.

Virginia Blue Bells

At the camp site parking lot, we sort gear, pack up, and hike to Camp site 3. The trail even featurs a new hiking experience for them - a shoes-off stream crossing of Pine Creek just before arriving at the campsite. It is a perfect site - flat, with a fire ring, several good tent sites, stone tables that someone built, and proximity to Pine Creek for water.

We set up camp and gather fire wood. Incredibly, no major camp item has been forgotten - or malfunctions. Connor tends the fire and cranks up the camp stoves. It is a relaxing time. We devour our respective camp food preparations. Then we gather more firewood, and relax around the fire talking about family, camp gear, and Connor's school activities. We turn in shortly after dark. The stars are brightly shining; Pine Creek gurgles in the distance.

The next morning dawns gray and cool. Connor revives the campfire which is burning brightly as I emerge from my tent. We are planning a base camp, so there is no rush to pack up stuff. I like that. Oatmeal tastes good as we fortify ourselves for the day's hiking. The plan is hike the gorge trail, then check our other trails or points of interest. As we leave camp, a few rain drops are falling....hmmmmm.

We hike the gorge trail. The rain becomes less intermittent, more steady. A shelter at trail's end gives us a break for a snack and review of plans. We decide to hike to Gregg's car, since it is closer - instead of returning to my car along the gorge trail. The rain has stopped. I decide to play the McDonalds card. We stop for lunch but mainly for the wi-fi, so we can check the weather forecast.

I'm not a McDonalds regular, and decide to order a Happy Meal because it has smaller portions and apple slices. I disclose my cluelessness about Happy Meals. When asked what kind of Happy Meal, I respond, "the one with apple slices." Connor becomes hysterical - all Happy Meals have apple slices, it turns out.

The weather radar sounds the death knell for our trip. A huge green blob of rain looms for two states to the west, assuring us of rain the rest of the day and through the night. We finish our McDonalds, return to camp, pack up and head home. I am bummed out - had been looking forward to another pleasant night around camp and had no idea the weather would be that bad.

But I'm grateful for the good experience. Connor had become a mostly self sufficient backpacker. Seeing the excitement he displayed at climbing the hills and tending the fire was a high point for me. Gregg seemed to enjoy himself despite a self professed discomfort with tent camping.

We're planning a trip for Emily and Catrina - a more toned down car camping - but still getting them experience in the out of doors. That's what counts.

Thanksgiving

We have much to be thankful for; most of it taken for granted most of the time. Thanksgiving Day nudges me to acknowledge our many blessings. Some of them, not in any particular order are........

Having a Father in heaven and a Good Shepherd who looks after me and our family.

My wife, family, and pets

A satisfying job and great employer

Nearness to nature

Learning to enjoy what I have, rather than getting what I want.

This year, Todd was able to spend a week with us, away from a pretty hectic job in Nashville. We saved some more complex outdoor lighting efforts for him.

Todd and Suz work on outside Christmas lights.

Our daughter Amy and her family joined us on Wednesday with their 3 grandchildren, 2 dogs Zoey and Holly, and new kitten Marcel. We played Oh Hell (a bridge-like card game)and enjoyed a couple of decent movies at home.

Zoey, Emily, and Todd relax around the fire after a movie.

We attend mass on Thursday morning. I think of my father who passed away earlier this year. It seems odd not to be making the almost daily trips with family to see him around the holidays. Gregg disappears Thanksgiving afternoon to watch the Packers play. They continue their unbeaten streak; he emerges from the TV room in a good mood.

Connor enjoyed splitting wood by hand the hard way and with the mechanical splitter. Emily and Catrina like to hike along the trail and IN the creek. They call it "creeking." Great fun, especially for me to see the excitement in their eyes as they see an animal track, recall a previous creek adventure, or explore a new branch of the creek.


Catrina proudly celebrates slippery climb up side of waterfall ledge.

Several family members set out on Black Friday shopping missions. I managed to dodge participating without seeming to be a grinch.


God's handiwork along the Buckeye Trail. Thank you, Lord.

The visitors left on Saturday. The house suddenly seems empty and quiet...yet it is nice to have the place back to ourselves. Our two dogs, Gabbie and Tess, rest up around the hearth. I run the vacuum; Suz cleans floors and bathrooms. Life is good. In a few weeks we'll do it all again at Christmas.

Thanksgiving Day

Our family gathered as usual in Bittersweet Woods for Thanksgiving weekend. We have so much to be thankful for.

Memories that stand out to me:

Holly, the Wentzell's boxer, tore a toe nail running with the other dogs, within 60 seconds of arriving at our house on Wedesday. It was bleeding; off she went to our vet's clinic for first aid. Pets are such an important part of our lives, but they can be an imposition at times.

Grandchildren Catrina and Emily made Thanksgiving and Christmas cards for my 89 year old Dad. All of us visited him at his assisted living community. The grandkids kept busy writing him messages on the whiteboards - he can't hear much at all. He smiled at all of the attention.

Son Todd laughed out loud at some goofy thing I said. I don't recall what I said but I do remember his joy. At other times, he seemed stressed at some aspects of his work. We did a bible study session and prayed.

Suzanne did a wonderful job of anticipating special things and activities for everyone. She had wonderful food, the pumpkin pie cake that kids love, great turkey dressing, crafts for the kids. The apple pie was too watery for her, but what the heck. The outside Christmas lights, which would not be there but for her insistence, were beautiful.

Grandson Connor wanted to work outside. We grabbed a chainsaw and headed for recently downed trees. On the way, we passed the woodpile. He said, "Can we split some wood?" "Sure," I replied, figuring that any energy-dissipating activity would be healthy for a 13 year old. He proceeded to split an incredible quantity of wood - probaby half a cord in 2-3 hours. He was out there forever, this after spending 2 hours clearing the creek of logs and snags. His enthusiasm was gratifying - I recall numerous times in prior years when he became so frustrated because he lacked the strength to split the wood.

Daughter Amy enjoyed being able to shop with Gregg - on their own - without children and parents.

Son-in-law Gregg had fun splitting wood with Connor. His recollection of humorous songs, movie lines, and family situations is always fun.

Me, I thrive on following a routine. These visits undo the routine, so I struggle to adjust. My victory this time: I did not lose my cool when I spilled gasoline from the chainsaw in the garage, creating an incredible gasoline smell. I calmly (for me) refilled the chainsaw, soaked up the spilled gas, moved the affected mats outside, and left the garage door open. The odor was mostly gone by the time the shoppers arrived home.

Yes, there were the inevitable tense moments when kids, dogs, or adults were "out of sync" for a time. But, there were no flu outbreaks (we have had those in the past), no one went to the hospital, and no travel hassles. Each day we shared our favorite experience for that day at mealtime. That has become a tradition.

Thank you, Lord, for a wonderful time on Thanksgiving weekend in Bittersweet Woods.