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.

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.

Christmas in September

Our three grandkids have birthdays in September, along with their father Gregg and their maternal grandmother Suz (AKA Nana). Two of their birthdays are on the same day, September 1. With Connor, the first out of the chute, Amy went into labor and delivered on.... well, Labor Day.

So Labor Day holiday weekend has become a standing family gathering on Oxford. We celebrate all three kids birthdays. The result is that we arrive with a van load of wrapped packages that sometimes fill up half the living room. There are lots of gifts - no minimalist effort ever for this event.

The youths are wide-eyed with excitement as the gifts are unloaded along with our stuff and the 2 dogs. "Can we open the gifts tonight?" "Can we open just one tonight?" "Nana, can we open one NOW?"

We hear the same litany the next morning. The birthday party is almost always Saturday night. We usually hold them off until then. Other activities usually fill up the day. At last the big moment arrives. It's like Christmas. Gifts, anxious kids, adults scurrying around with cameras, and four dogs overwhelm the normally placid living room.


Zoey relaxes in the midst of chaos.


Let's take a trip!

Then a flurry of activity erupts, along with lots of chatter and wrapping paper flying through the air. In 10 minutes or less, the whole thing is over. The kids are exuberant. The adults shuffle around, picking up the mess and returning to more mundane activities.


alRIGHTY then.

The celebration winds down with a birthday cake and a movie. Just think....it's just a few short weeks until Christmas, and we can do this all over again. Financial crises and political turmoil loom large this year in the national news, but more important stuff goes on in Bittersweet Woods.

Keeping Cool

This has been a warmer than average summer here and across much of the US. Temps have been above average for weeks, especially at night. So, many creative solutions have appeared to keep cool. Here are a few of ours.

First, we can walk in the woods. Temperatures in the shaded valley along the creek are usually 10 degrees cooler than in the sun on pavement. Walking the dogs is good therapy - for aerobic benefits and to stay a little cooler.

Water helps keep cool. Gabby immediately heads for the water if it's around. She is usually the first to dunk herself in the creek. Or, she steps into the water-filled black tub (I believe it is a livestock watering trough)and lays down.


Our grandkids visited recently. The slippery slide was a hit. It is a plastic sheet with water inlets along the side to wet the slide and the participants. It cools and helps dissipate excess energy, don't you know.


We rented a pontoon for a cruise on the Ohio and Muskingum rivers. It's very relaxing and enjoyable to be out on the water. It lifts the spirits as you can see in the photo.


Or, you can simply dial back the activity level, stay in where it's cool, and take life easy. Zoey, the puppy in the background, has the ultimate relaxation response.


Sometimes staying cool is a state of mind in Bittersweet Woods. An enjoyable outdoor activity - like golf if you are playing well - causes you not notice the heat as much. And listening to good music - such as streaming internet radio really keeps you cool and relaxed. Try it.

Emily's First Camping Trip

Our grandson Connor actually prompted us to set this trip up. The idea was to see if Emily, age 9, would take to camping. My theory is that it's important that kids try different things when they are young. Otherwise, they may miss a lifetime of enjoyable activities because they never had the experience.

The overnight trip was set for Hueston Woods State Park near Oxford, OH, where Emily and her family live. That minimized travel and gave us a fall back location (going home!) if weather turned really bad or there was some other camping malfunction. Good idea. I have much of the camping gear and prior experience. So, I began packing and making lists. I asked the Wentzells to bring the food for them. My minimalist backpack menus would leave them hopelessy undernourished.

The big weekend approached. I drove to their home Oxford - about a 4 hour drive from Marietta. The late September weather was pleasant enough, but distinctly dark clouds loomed in the west as I approached. Emily had just finished a soccer game but was ready to roll. Connor decided not to go since he had more important activities with football buddies. We have become second rate participants in his teenage life.

Gregg dug through a pile of papers on their kitchen counter looking for the camping reservation. Amy finally printed us a new one. We threw their stuff in the van, and off we went. The local weather forecast assured us that there would only be only isolated passing showers, then clearing and cooler. Good. We wind our way through the park to the campsite.

The campsite is level and spacious. Other campers are settled in, mostly sitting well established campfires with full beer coolers. Emily is excited. It was about 1:30. Time to get the tents set up. Yes, those are light sprinkles of rain.

We sort through all the gear scattered about the van. Where is the.....I shockingly realize that I forgot to bring the two person tent that Emily and Gregg were to occupy. DANG - after all that planning!! Luckily I brought two single person tents, so we set those up. Emily and her Dad dutifully follow my instructions with the tent stakes, ground cover, tent set up, and rain covers. She inserted all of her stuff into the smallest of the tents. Gregg can have the other tent; I will sleep outside. The rain will be long gone by bed time....I hope.

Time to tour the park, get some firewood, and wait for the rain to stop. It is a steady rain now. We stop at the nature center. Emily studies the maps and stuffed animals. I soak up the history of the park depicted on a wall of old photos and press clippings. Planning had started in the 1930's - much earlier than I suspected.

Outside in an enclosure there are a mountain lion and bobcat. In a large loft we look at raptors, including a bald eagle and golden eagle. Impressive. It is raining harder. We drive around the rest of the park, peering through the rain for the miniature golf (closed) and horseback rides (darn-summer months only), and lodge(missed the turn - oh, well).

A while later, the rain has lessened. We park and hike the west side trail along the lake. There are some nice views. Emily handles the hiking well, including a few awkward climbs over downed trees. But after half an hour she announces that we should turn around when we get to the next open view. We do that.

We go back to the campsite after procuring firewood. Rain has stopped. Next project: start the campfire. Emily has been waiting for this. We coax some decent flames from the kindling and gingerly add in larger wood. The fire takes off the chill and makes us feel like real campers. A sudden shower surprises us; we sprint for the van.

Just then Amy and Catrina arrive in their van with real food - brats, beans, and such. The rain stops - for good. We enjoy the food, stoke the fire, dodge the smoke, and have fun being together.




Later, after dark, Amy and Catrina leave for home and warm beds. We survivors head to the RV campground for a halloween festival, including the scare trail. It is a series of trail stops where they try to scare the hell out of you. We sign up. Emily squirms as we wait, clearly anxious about what horrors lie ahead. She clutches her dad's hand and occasionally screams as we endure slamming doors, blood soaked murders, snarling dogs, and chain saw killers. Wow. It was really well done.

Back to camp for a campfire warm up and off to bed. Gregg decided to sleep in the van. I stayed in the other tent. Everyone slept well and stayed warm. Up at daylight. I managed to restart the fire. Emily emerged from her tent and helped me keep the fire going. After a hearty pop tart and oatmeal breakfast, we go home.

Driving home, I recount the activities. I was grateful for a successful outing, complete with the rainy part. Any outdoor outing will have to cope with the weather; better to learn adaptive behavior right from the start. I will remember this trip; I hope there are many more for Emily.