Vacation: Take Two

I was up near 7am. It was already sunny and very warm, or about 76 degrees. After enjoying a little coffee and internet I set out on my run. I ran just three miles like I would on most weekends. My legs were still stiff from beach running the week prior.

As I promised myself, once I was back home I started work on my monthly reports, spending about 90 minutes before Glenn was up. Mindy soon followed about 20 minutes later. I headed out to water flowers.

Jacob was all about getting a new tube similar to the one his friends Cody & Kyle have, an Airhead 3-man tube. Near 11am, Jacob and I headed to Dick's to look for one similar. No Airhead tubes on stock. They did have an O'Brien 2/3 man tube, but Jacob was hesitant. We left there and checked at Gander Mountain just across the street. None in stock there either. We headed back home. Jacob was disappointed. Jacob headed immediately to Cody & Kyle's planning to ask where they got theirs. Mindy told Jacob to be home by 1pm.

I puttered around the house and yard. Mindy, the kids and I firmed plans to visit the Whittier St. Audubon park, which is part of the Columbus Scioto Mile park system. Glenn spent most of the late morning packing for his flight home. Dad arrived around 1230pm.

We visited with Glenn before he needed to leave, but as it turned out, we left for the park before Glenn and dad departed for port Columbus. Shared goodbyes and loosely discussed possible winter ski trip and holiday visit.

Arrived at Audubon park near 130pm. Hot, dry and sunny. Checked out the climbing wall first. Sign indicates ropes and equipment are to be provided by climbers. However, there were a couple outcroppings small enough to climb/mount from the ground. Mindy and the kids climbed aboard. Near 150pm we gazed skyward thinking we might spot Glenn's plane departing Columbus skies. Didn't see one.

Headed to the water tower next where we climbed four sets of stairs to the observation level and took photos. Jacob was being difficult - mouthy. Mindy got very angry with him. We hiked a trail that took us along the Scioto river to a couple scenic overlooks. Dry but still nice, picturesque. Saw a large blue heron and white crane from stationary binoculars. Took a trail traversing the wetlands back to the parking lot. Kids turned around, not wanting to follow Mindy & I. They ran to beat us back to the car.

Left Audubon park and made a stop at the nearby river launch dock. Not much to see. Headed to Bicentennial park/Milestone 229. Bella and Mindy ran through the fountains, though Mindy stayed reasonably dry. Bella, on the other hand, got soaked. We didn't hang out long, 15 minutes tops.

Headed to Dick's Sporting Goods on Sawmill Rd to get the Airhead 3-man tube. Take 315 to Bethel to Sawmill. Turns out, despite telling us they had two in stock earlier on the phone, they didn't have one in stock. Oh boy! We checked next door at Sport's Authority, too. No airhead tubes, but they did have the O'Brien 2-3 man tube. However, it was $15 more than the same one at Dick's in Hiliard. By then, Jacob had a change of heart, wanted the O'Brien.

Headed home for lunch and nap. We showered up and headed for Phantom Fireworks and brother Charles' 50th birthday party at Tommy's house in Pickerington. Left the house near 5pm. Rush hour traffic backed up on I-70 east - slow going. Traffic opened up after 70/71 split. Easy drive to Phantom Fireworks. Made me sign bogus waiver. We bought M-88s, bottle rockets, roman candles, sparklers, etc. Spent $83.

Couldn't head west on 70 back towards Pickerington. The entrance ramp closed due to construction. Headed east hoping to turn around next exit out. Can't recall the route or exit number. Asked Mindy to activate navigation via Droid to get directions to Tommy's. We opted to take the back road route, but came upon another closed road. Crap! Used intuition until navigation rerouted us again. Took more back roads into Pickerington, eventually stopping at a Wendy's to get the kids some food. Both were hungry. Bella didn't eat with the rest of us at home earlier.

Found our way to Hill Rd S in Pickerington fairly easily. Didn't take long at all. Arrived at Tommy's place around 630-7pm best guess. Party was out back by his barn, stricken recently by a large fallen tree in one of the many recent storms. Mom, dad, Charles. April were there as were many other folks we didn't know. Tommy's ex, Shellie was there too, along with her kids Kamen & Kelsie. Kelsie has a two year old son now who took an immediate liking to me. Wanted me to pick him up. I obliged.

Jacob and I played a game of cornhole. I won. Hung out with the family for another hour or so. I drank only water. Charles and many others were drinking beer. Took a few photos of me, Tommy, Charles and parents then headed for home. Mst have been 8-830pm when we left for home. We took Hill Rd to route 33 west.

As we exited route 33 for I-70 west near Bexley I spotted two red foxes playing in the brush along the ramp, a first for me. Hadn't seen a fox in the wild before. Arrived home just before sunset. After getting settled I poured a Jack & Coke and relaxed on the deck. Jacob and I set off a couple fireworks (one M-88 and six roman candles). Headed in around 1030pm and immediately to bed.