Bevo from Rio

I wanted to be up no later than 7am to ensure I had enough time to enjoy coffee, internet, a run, a shower, and breakfast all before 9am, because that’s when we wanted to leave the house for Bella’s gym meeting in lovely Rio Grande, Ohio.

To that end, I was up and downstairs by 645am. I started some coffee then glanced outdoors. As forecasted, the skies were mostly clear. Checked the temperature, too. It was a cool 45 degrees, but it was expected to warm nicely into the mid 70s by late afternoon. Unfortunately, due to the gym meet, we wouldn’t get to enjoy much if any of the nice weather. I enjoyed coffee and internet until about 730am when I headed upstairs to wake Mindy.

And then after a quick meditation and stretch, I headed off for my Saturday run. Fairly easy 3 mile run. Back at home near 810am, I promptly walked the pug. Next, I sipped another cup of coffee then took the broom to the deck to sweep up most of the silly string left behind by Jimaken, Bella, and Jacob. Headed up for a shower around 82am. Mindy was just finishing up and asked if I wanted her to cook me some eggs. Yes, please.

Showered and downstairs again by 835am. It didn’t take long. Eggs were ready, and by then, Mindy was upstairs working on Bella’s hair. Finished breakfast and was pretty much ready to go by 850am. Mindy said she didn’t think we needed to leave until 915am. Hey, OK. While she put the finishing touches on Bella’s hair, I started and loaded the Accord. Squeegeed the windows clear of dew as well. We left the house for Rio Grande at 915am.

Stopped to fill-up the gas tank at Circle K. Lovely drive. Called my mom somewhere close to 945am to see if she wanted to meet for lunch at Dakota’s. Yep, agreed to meet us there near 230pm. Of course the time was dependent on Bella’s gym meet remaining on schedule. I told mom I would call her as the time neared to give her a status update. Mindy called my dad shortly thereafter asking how Uncle Kenny’s heart procedure went. Mindy invited him to meet us at Dakota’s too, but he had plans to hang with brother Bob and family that afternoon.

We made good time down route 23 and east on route 35 E. After 95 miles of driving we arrived at Rio Grande University at 11am sharp. This was our third visit to Rio Grande for a gym meet. Making this one unique was the fact that this was the state meet and qualifier for the nationals. What I remember most about Rio Grande is reading about the legendary Bevo Francis, the NCAA record holder for most points scored in a single game – 113 points. Holds other scoring records, too.

Bella was called for the first of three events (floor) around 1120am. Different from most other meets, far more kids competing at each age/expertise level. I’m guessing that’s because it’s the state event. It was another 30-40 minutes before the actual competitive event started. Lots of warm-ups. This is usually Bella’s most challenging event. This time, however, she did better than ever before.

Her next event was scheduled for 1230pm – trampoline – but they were apparently running behind. I actually took a nap while waiting. And let me tell you, that took some doing, especially while sitting on bleachers! Might’ve slept for 10 minutes. Listened to some tunes via my phone to help pass the time. During Bella’s trampoline event they called her group to the double-mini. Sweet! That meant we’d be getting out of there sooner rather than later. As soon as she finished up on the trampoline she rushed over to the double mini for her four practice passes. And while the competitive event started on time (130pm) it was an hour later by the time we had the results and Bella collected all of her trophies. These events definitely aren’t known for their expedience.

While waiting on her last award, I got a hold of my mom, who had already left her house to meet us at Dakota’s. She didn’t answer her cell phone, but did call me back near 230pm. Let her know that we were at least a half hour behind. The Jackson Wal-Mart is just a block or two from Dakota’s. She offered that she would simply head there for a while. Told her I would call her again once we were 5-10 minutes out.

By the time we left Rio Grande, it was 245-250pm. It was a gorgeous afternoon, 78 and sunny. About 20 miles west on route 35 to Dakota’s. We arrived ahead of mom. Sat outside on a bench awaiting her arrival. It was about 15 minutes before she came barreling down McCarty Ln from Wal-Mart. Was closer to 330pm by the time we were seated at our booth.

Rolls, peanuts and drinks. Mom, Mindy, and I had iced tea. Bella, lemonade. I wasn’t in the mood for a heavy dinner. Initially, I thought I might only have salad, but after the others ordered steak dinners, I could hardly get by with just a salad. Instead, I ordered a burger but opted out of the fries replacing them with a salad. The burger was good. I couldn’t finish all of it. Left a ¼ or so on my plate. Mom took what was left of her dinner home in a to-go box. I’m thinking we were there for about an hour.

On our way home near 430pm. It was still plenty warm, hovering in the mid to upper 70s. By the way, the trees south of Circleville were noticeably further along their spring bloom. Arrived home near 550pm after 199 mile round trip. Shortly after we got home Bella was off to her room and Mindy went horizontal on the family room sofa (rare) while I played on my computer. Must’ve been around 7pm when I declared that I was going to Barley’s. Mindy had no interest. I bagged the idea. Once Mindy was up, I invited her to join me walking the pug. After all, it was a gorgeous spring evening. When we got back Mindy headed down to the neighbors briefly with the pug. She was back about 10 minutes later sharing that Rachel and Josh were down. Now about 8pm, I poured a Jack & Coke. We stayed up and downstairs watching TV until 10pm or so. We then watched a little more TV from our bedroom. I fell asleep around 1130pm.