Ohio and Indiana (2007)

[Key: Memoir in Times New Roman, Travel Journal in Arial]

9/19/07 Pensacola – Brentwood, Tenn.

It was a pleasant 7-1/2 hour trip to the Comfort Inn in Brentwood – the same place we stayed last year when we went to Peoria.  This year was a month earlier + we didn’t get the benefit of the colorful leaves.  Gas was $2.69 this year + the motel was the same price as last year - $69.00.

We enjoyed our box lunches that we picked up in the kitchen.  I had ham + cheese on wheat, Bert had turkey + swiss on rye.  Our dessert was a delicious slice of cheesecake,  I had an apple + Bert chose a banana.  We had chips + beverage also – lemonade + Pepsi. We stopped [sic]

Because Panera Bread is within walking distance, we ate there this evening.  I had chicken noodle soup + Bert had pizza – both good choices.

We watched the Braves/Fl game before retiring at 9:30.  Even though I have the sniffles, I’m feeling well + was able to do a lot of the driving – even to our motel in Brentwood – that’s Nashville, you know!

Braves won 5-1

9/20-22/2007 Cleveland

9/20/07 Nashville, Tenn. – Dublin, Ohio

After flooding the bathroom, we survived, and had a full breakfast at the Comfort Inn.  (The shower was not cooperative.)

We got an early start and headed north on 65 to Louisville, then Cincy + finally to Dublin.  It was a pleasant 7 hour drive – the mileage now reads 826.  Gas in Nashville was $2.59 which is the cheapest we’ve seen so far.

When we arrived at the Hampton Inn in Dublin, we were really treated to a big welcome by the reservationist who called to make sure everything was O.K.  It’s a beautiful large room + the bathroom is very well equipped.  Bert’s happy with the wireless for the lap top.

We had a good meal at Bob Evans Restaurant which was close to the motel.  Bert had waffles + I had chicken parmesan – very good + very reasonable.

Our room has a 27” TV in a maple cabinet, matching desk, 2 night stands, a desk – all in attractive maple, gold brocade chair + ottoman, plus a desk chair.

The room is worth $99 + tax.

9/21/07 Dublin – Westlake

969 miles

It was interesting to note that the Infiniti Used Car lot was across the street and there were quite a few well dressed Japanese men staying here.  The toaster-oven directions were written in Japanese!  After a hearty breakfast, we were on the road to Cleve.

As soon as we got into the Cleve. area, we began getting excited seeing our old stomping ground.  We found the Hampton Inn in Westlake + found that it was very similar to the one in Dublin.  Nice!

I called Anne from our room at Hampton Inn in Westlake, who came + picked us up + we toured Harrison School.  It’s gone hi-tech with the latest state of the art equipment – loads of computers, beautiful gym + library bldg.  Quite an improvement.

We had dinner at Anne + Tom’s + she’s quite a gardener + excellent cook.

It’s amazing how well Lakewood has maintained the yards + homes are in this neighborhood.

We noticed how much Westlake has changed.  I’ll write about it tomorrow after we tour the new shopping area.  We filled the tank on the way back from Es.  Price was $2.74.

9/22/07 Westlake

After breakfast we drove over to Rocky River + Lakewood.  Our old neighborhood looked about the same.  Good!

We came back to the motel + read the Plain Dealer, then drove over to the Promenade + Crocker Park where we really saw changes – very ritzy with all the famous stores.  We bought flowers for Helen at Trader Joe’s, then drove over to the Health Center where we visited Helen S here for two hours - took her flowers.  In spite of her health issues, we were amazed at how alert she is, and we really enjoyed her.  She showed us her collection of pictures from Ed I + brought us up to date with the family – a truly amazing lady of 95+ years!

We stopped at Wendy’s for a frosty, then came back to the motel for a fresh up + changed clothes.  We went back to Rocky River for a visit with Ray + Marie McN. We went to an interesting restaurant, Salmon Dave’s where we had a delicious dinner – Sue L + Warren S joined us.  It was an interesting mixed crowd of nicely dressed Blacks + multi cultural people.  The West side has changed.

9/23/07 Westlake

This was an interesting day!  We started by going to our R.R. Presbyterian Church where we met the McNs.  The minister had taken a group of 31 folks to Scotland so we didn’t see many people we knew.  A lot of improvements have been made, all making the church look much better.

Since we had a big breakfast, we skipped lunch + donned our workout clothes + went over to Gold’s Gym to get some much needed exercise.

I made some phone calls + made some plans for meeting friends which will be making our coming week fun.

Anne called + invited us for dinner, so that will be a full day.  Her meal of stuffed peppers, salad, beets, + peach pie ala mode.  I took advantage of her laundry.  Now we have clean clothes to last us all week.

When we got back to the motel, we had a call from Jim LeR who’s in town visiting his mom, so we answered the call + made plans to visit Jeanne LeR for lunch Tues. in Painsville.  I talked with Jackie M + we’re going to see them tomorrow.  Also talked with Dottie Gilbert + we’ve plans to see her Wed.  Everything is falling in place.  Yeah!

9/24-25/2007 Other areas of Cleve. Wickliff, Eastlake, + Fairport Harbor

9/24/07 Westlake – Wickliff

We loaded the van around 10 a.m. and headed for Eastlake to visit our friends, Jackie + Vic McI.  What an interesting couple.  We’ve been friends since Kent State + they’ve visited us in Pensacola + Marco Island.  Vic graduated from high school with me + he became coach in Kent State, then on to Wooster where he met + married Jackie.  Then he became a coach in Eastlake + we’ve kept in touch.

After we had a nice meal in Willoughby at Bob Evans, we left for our motel in Wickliff at the Comfort Inn.  After 3 nights in the lovely Hampton Inn in Westlake, this definitely looks like low rent.  I’m hoping the bed is comfortable because we plan to stay here tomorrow night.

We watched the movie by Ken Burns “The War.”  It’s incredible how realistic these pictures of war are.  War is truly hell.

The bed was comfortable.  I guess we’ll stay here another night.

9/25/07 Wickliff - Comfort Inn

The breakfast was O.K.  Had a bagel, yogurt, raisin bean, juice + coffee – no fruit so we’ll buy some today.

We’re going to Painsville to spend the day with Jeanne + Jim LeR.

It was a great afternoon with Jeanne + Jim!  We were treated to a surprise lunch at the Lake Erie College, Jeanne’s alma mater.  Jeanne was very instrumental in the restoration of the Skinner organ, a beautiful instrument from the years Jeanne was a college student there in the 40’s.  We met Mark, an outstanding organist who’s a recent hire from Salt Lake City.  He’s originally from Germany + he and a young German student joined us – Jeanne – Jim – Bert + I for a delicious lunch at the Student Union.

Then Jeanne drove us to the Grand River Harbor where they’re starting to make a park + capitalize on the location.

Afterward we went back to her condo which is very attractive.  Fairport Harbor was a great choice for her.

So far we’ve driven nearly 200 miles in the Cleve. area visiting friends in very beautiful weather.

9/26/07 Wickliff – E. Liverpool

We had a little rain driving out of the Cleve. area heading for Dottie G’s in Bath.  We followed all the route signs + had very little trouble finding Medina Line Rd. + Dottie.

We stayed about two hours + she’s doing O.K. since Jim’s death.  In fact she’s remarkable relating his lengthy battle with non Hodgkins Lymphoma + the heroic part Hospice played in the final hours.  Jim was 87 + we were able to talk to him in July – by phone.  We were close friends of theirs for 17 years in Marco + continued our friendship after 2003 when we sold our condo.

Coming through Salem, we got confused with the route signs as so much had changed, but we found Rt 9 going south through Columbiana County + found our lodging tonight, Amerihost Inn + Suites in Calcutta which is E. Liverpool with little trouble.  This area has really grown + was I surprised to see how luxurious this motel is.  It’s the nicest one we’ve stayed in so far on our trip.  I used the pool + hot tub + really enjoyed both.  Our meal at Bob Evans was really good.

9/27/2007 Wellsville/E. Liverpool – Blue Ash/Cincinnati

We started out in beautiful autumn weather.  Our first stop was Wellsville where we viewed the lovely murals that were painted on the flood wall depicting all the notable presidents from Ohio.  We noted all the Ohio presidents, namely: Harrison, Grant, Madison, McKinley, Garfield, + Hayes (all the schools in Lakewood are named for them).  There was a picture of the old theatre, the chimney kiln, + the Delta Queen as well.  Then we visited the cemetery where mom + dad are buried.  The town is pretty sad lacking any industry to boost the economy.

The drive along the river to Wheeling along Rt. 7 was awesome!  The National Rd (Rt. 70) through Cambridge + Zanesville would’ve been interesting but the weather was grey + cloudy.  It was raining so hard from that point, I pulled off (this was in Zanesville) + we filled the tank + had an Arby’s sandwich.  It rained off + on on our way to Cincy, but we found our Holiday Inn Express O.K. + we relaxed before going out to dinner.  We stopped at a nearby diner for Skyline Chili.  Was it good!!  It’s the famous Cincy chili we all love.  We had the 3 Way – spaghetti, chili + cheese.  I called Helen T + we made plans for lunch with them tomorrow.

It was 278 miles + we’re ready for bed.  Very nice accommodations here.

9/28-29/2007: Cincy Area

9/28/2007 Blue Ash – Cincinnati

This has been an exceptionally great day!  The weather was bright + sunny with temp. in the mid 70’s.

We checked out Kenwood Plaza – got a little walk in + bought some cards, then went to have a lovely visit with Helen + Ace in Terrace Park.  How that place has changed – a whole new street behind our house which had been torn down + a new one being built, not as pretty but larger.  They drove us all around the area, + treated us to a delicious lunch at the Mariemont Inn.  All the homes in Indian Hill + the Terrace Park area are highly priced – anywhere from a million up.  It was a great visit with Helen + Ace.  Lots of money in that environment but they’re still the same - great!

We also visited Hyde Park - Mom and Dad’s grave – buried in Laurel Cemetery in Madisonville and we found their markers + took a picture of it.  Mom - 60 yrs. old, Dad - 80 years old when they died.

From there we went over to Hyde Park where drove by Besuden Ct. his [Bert's] old homestead, then all around the area + back to Kenwood – Blue Ash area to our Holiday Inn Express which is our home until Sun.  We added a lot of mileage to day.  A fun day!

9/29/2007 Blue Ash – Cincy

This was another beautiful day.  We started out at 9:30 to go to the Union Terminal.  During WWII it was a major departure point for troops.  It is now the site of two museums – a history museum where we spent three hours + a children’s nature museum where we spent a short time.

We spent a great deal of time just cruising around mainly looking for a Kroger’s store.  We came back to the motel + decided to look up the nearest one + go there after we got a bite to eat.

I wrote 5 thank you notes while Bert was on the computer.

We went to the Kenwood Plaza where we got a Chinese dinner.  It was pretty good.  Then we located Kroger’s behind Macy’s, + bought a few items for our trip.

I gathered up our dirty clothes + plan to go to the laundry so we can start out tomorrow with clean clothes for the rest of the trip.

We’ve driven 385 miles from E. Liverpool.

9/30/2007 Cincy – Nashville, Ind.

We were on our way about 10:00 AM.  It was a pleasant 2-1/2 hr drive.  When we arrived here, we couldn’t find anyone from the squadron, our room wasn’t ready, so we just walked around.  The streets were crowded with weekend visitors as this is a tourist area.  The Artist Colony Inn is where we’re staying and the decor is very rustic.  There is no closet, no hangers, and just pegs on the wall.  We have two beds – four posters + I’ll have to climb up on a stool.  It’s probably 1900 vintage.  I just looked it up + it is 100 years old!

We really had fun this evening.  The sandwiches, fruit + veggies were all delicious.  Our party room was in the basement.  About 25 folks showed up + there were 12 from the squadron.

The gals picked up where we left off last year with our 15¢ game.  I was the big winner + came back with 75¢!

10/1/2007 Nashville, Ind.

After breakfast we took off for Edie + John H’s.  We followed her directions and got there without any trouble.  They have a lovely home on a lake with several acres in a beautiful setting just 6 miles from here.

They took us on a tour of the area and we visited their church in Bloomington as well as a tour of the I.U. campus.  Wow, what a large, impressive college.  We stopped at a winery where we sampled some of the wines + bought one - a sweet red wine to take home to Marge + Jimmy A.  It was Oliver’s Winery.

The evening entertainment was really good.  We walked down the alley to the Coachlight Musical Theatre.  The show was America the Music.  It was a musical celebration of the spirit of the American people.  All the cast had really good voices.  Some were university students.

We played cards a little before retiring.

10/2/2007 Nashville, Ind.

There were two big events today.  The first one was the half hour train trip around the town.  We boarded it about 11:30 after having a delicious home made peach ice cream at Fannins.  We stopped at all the motels to take on passengers.

Then when we came back we formed car pools and went out to the Bare Feet Sock factory.  It was a 2 hr tour of the knitting plant.  It’s amazing how much faster the installation of computers has changed the process.  One sock from head to toe can be made in 2-1/2 minutes.

We had a delicious pork dinner at the Colony Inn Restaurant where we’re staying.  After the lengthy business meeting, we voted to go to Boston next Sept. for our reunion.

Of course our 15¢ card game was the grand finale + I won again.  I have $1.50 in nickles.  Too bad there’s no casino!

10/3/2007 Nashville, Ind. – Nashville, Tenn.

We left the Artist Colony Restaurant about 8:30 after a hearty breakfast + saying adieu to the Van Hs + Hs.

We took Rt. 46 to 65S + stayed on it all the way.  We ate our lunch in the car – apples + crackers.

After a series of curves + Hills, we found Marianne’s about 12:30.

In the afternoon Marianne + Al went on some errands.  She had to take Gene to the doctor’s + they were gone a few hours.  In the meantime Sherrie + Steve came over with their 5 month old Claire + 3 year old Cooper – darling children [to visit with Mary J + us].

They ordered Papa John’s pizza + it tasted very good after almost a whole day without much food.

We talked all evening catching up in the good old days in Wellsville + Salineville, and we all agreed we made the right choice by moving out for greener pastures.

When she [Marianne] visited us in Terrace Park in the 60’s, she knew then that she’d never vegetate in Salineville.  She’s a great gal, an RN charge nurse + works 3 days a week 11 hrs a day.

10/4/07 Nashville, Tenn – Pensacola

We left Mary’s at 8:30 and the mileage was 807.  Our first stop was at Krogers to buy a USA Today.  The routes we took were 40, 840, then 65.

It was a pleasant day + we just took our time, alternating the driving + stopping frequently at rest areas.

About 12:30 we stopped as a Cracker Barrel in Birmingham.  We called Marge A + told her where we were so they’d know when to expect us.

The whole day was pleasant weather, just a sprinkle coming out of Montgomery.  Bert drove from Birmingham to Montgomery + I drove home.

We arrived at Azalea Trace about 6:00 pm + figured the mileage – 475 miles today.  The total for the entire trip was 2550 miles.

We unloaded the car, raided the frig + found an apple, crackers, + ice cream for our “supper.”

We had 85 E-mails + 7 phone messages awaiting us.  They had to wait for another day.

We found our way to a comfy bed + folded at 9:30.  We thanked God for a wonderful, safe trip.