I'm Gonna Take You Home

I was able to go home....for the entire month of April. 1 week in Ohio and 3 in Maryland. Some might call it a boondoggle, but I call it comforting.

In Ohio, I got to spend some much needed time family time with Mom and Dad, and I even got to see Chad, the now MBA graduate, for a bit. I did a lot of relaxing, despite the fact that I was wide awake between 4 and 5 for the first week. Mom and I went to Wilmington to visit Great Aunt Rosey and Great Uncle Kenny. I showed up bearing gifts, which I later learned Kenny seemed to devour before Rosey had the chance to notice. (Don't worry, Rosey, you'll get your own soon.) We also got to visit Grandpa, who smiled at me, and that was enough. Dad and I drove some golfballs one afternoon. Okay, Dad drove golfballs, I just swung the club and was lucky if they went far enough that I didn't get to retrieve them to try again. We also got to see the Blue Jackets lose one last time for the season.

Kenny, me, and Rosey at the Veteran's Memorial in Wilmington

After a relaxing week in Ohio, I went to Maryland for work and, of course, fun. As usual, I ate my way through the city at places like Abbey Burger Bistro and Woodberry Kitchen. I got to see a group of good friends and pictures of a good friend's so-called "wife" and "child." I also took in the wonderful weather at some iconic Baltimore sights with my best friend. We also saw the O's lose one of the first games of the season.

When I Get Where I'm Going

I was lucky enough that I had to go back to Maryland for work and before that I went to Ohio. It was a good time to go for many reasons.

Main Street in downtown Wilmington, Ohio

Thursday, Mom and I headed down to Wilmington to see Grandpa, Rosey, Kenny, and Maurine. But first, we did a quick stop at the outlet malls. We had an hour, so after sycronizing our watches, we split up to find our bargains. I have to say, I think I did a mighty fight job stimulating the economy in under an hour. Oh, and Ann Taylor loves me.

We did the usual lunch at McD's (not McDonald's) and then Grandpa had to go home, because he wasn't feeling well. The rest of the afternoon we caught up, Mom and I found great recipes in the Rachel Ray magazine Rosey had (and subsequently got subscriptions when we got home), and drank some wine. That evening, since it was Rosey and Kenny's 59th wedding anniversary, Mom, Jennifer, Dana, Rosey, and Kenny went out to the General Denver for drinks and appetizers. (I tried to take the following pictures surreptitiously, but they didn't turn out very well.)

Kenny and RoseyJennifer and Dana

Mom

Friday, I once again tried my very best to stimulate Ohio's economy. Once again, I think I did a darn fine job! I took Dad to some appointments too, then we went home and hung out. Although not on my initial list of restaurants to visit while home, I was glad to have an old favorite--Donatos Pizza. Chad made a quick visit home too, so we told London stories and he showed us the pictures he took of the rest of his trip.

Saturday was another delicious dinner at Dad's before we headed to the Blue Jacket's last game of the season. They lost to Minnesota in a very disappointing game. They scored 2 goals in the first couple of minutes of the first period, then lost by a margin wider than I care to admit. It was fun to go, as I always enjoy the games with Dad. We even got free posters of the team, which made it to the NHL playoffs for the first time in their franchise history (don't ask how they did against Detroit in the playoffs, though). That night we got home just in time to see the end of the Miami University final game of the college hockey playoffs. Miami was playing Boston College, the #1 team in the nation. They lost in a heart-breaking overtime game. They were winning 3-1 with 3 mintues left, when Boston took their goalie out. Somehow, with a minute left, Boston scored two goals. Miami lost in overtime and it was such a devastating loss. Luckily, I don't think Miami is losing too many seniors, so they may be back next year, hopefully in the final game again with a different outcome.

Stinger, the Blue Jackets mascot

I got to Maryland and I ate my way through the week. I had a long list of restaurants I have been hungry for, so I didn't waste any time when I arrived. I had a steak at the Capital Grille, fresh roasted chicken at The Dogwood, my favorite Chianti and shrimp scampi (although Tillie's will always be my favorite) at La Scala, a bison burger at Golden West Cafe, I pigged out at this great Mexican place north of Baltimore (and whose name I don't recall), brunch twice at Miss Shirley's, doughnuts from New System Bakery (a.k.a. Heaven), and I had some delicious pie at The Savory House.

The Avenue in Hampden

I had a grand time in Baltimore, even if I did have to be rolled around in a wheel barrel because of all the food I consumed. Too bad work got in the way of having more fun. I got my butt beat at bowling (best of 5) by Chris. The owner of The Savory House (and Dangerously Delicious Pies), Rodney Henry, had a free outdoor concert of Baltimore bands on Saturday. It was BYOB and it was great.

Rodney "the Pie Man" Henry (in orange)

Junestar

The Young Jaquars

I also went to an O's game, but it was pouring before it started. We waited for a while, then left because we didn't know when/if the rain would stop. So I had my beer at Camden Yards, but didn't see my boyfriend Brian Roberts.

The ominous sky.

I'm sorry I didn't get to see everyone. It so hard when you have so little time. I'm grateful for the people I did see and I can't wait to see you again soon.

Who Says You Can't Go Home

I headed home this past weekend to see family before I move. It's always crazy going home--making certain you see the people you need and want to see, but there is never enough time to see everyone you want to see.

Wednesday, I arrived and Grandma Roberts picked me up and we went to my favorite cholesterol-inducing restaurant. I don't even have to look at the menu. The standard single with pickles and mustard and a regular order of cheese fries, please. That should hold me over for a while. That night, Mom and I thankfully ate a healthy dinner of fish.

Thursday I headed to Wilmington to see Grandpa Beal, Great-Uncle Kenny, Great-Aunt Rosey, and Grandpa's wife Mourine. I don't get to see them nearly as enough as I'd like, so when I do, I really soak up the time . We headed to McD's for lunch and I slyly paid for lunch without anyone realizing it. Rosey still doesn't understand how I do it. I also had the pleasure of seeing my "other Grandma," Mary-Lou, who I thoroughly enjoyed.

Since Mom was going to see The Lion King Thursday night, I made plans for dinner and a few beers with my good friend Chris V. He has known me for a long time now, but he still laughs at my cheekiness and liberal leanings. If you visit me, Chris, maybe I'll let you ride in my liberal car.

Friday was a day of relaxation at the spa with Mom. A massage, a facial, lunch, manicure, and pedicure. It was all very nice. But don't think for one minute that spas are safe, kids, because I was injured. That's right. A spa injury! While sitting in my vibrating chair, listening to earth sounds, and getting my pedicure, she clipped the skin on my toe instead of my cuticle. Her response, "That's funny, do you always bleed this much?" My thought: "Ummm yeah, I tend to do that when my toe is gouged with the sharp metal object." So I got 9 toes painted. Awesome.

Afterward, we went to the Schottenstien Center and saw the various Brutus Buckeye statues dressed up as different things (kinda like the Cows in Chicago, the Crabs in Baltimore, or the Donkeys and Elephants in Washington D.C.). Brutus on Parade! They're very cute and well done, so I'd recommend anyone who lives there to take a look. It was hard to choose a favorite, but I did enjoy the Dave Thomas and Christopher Columbus Brutuses (or is that Bruti?). That evening, we had dinner, then went to the Drexel Grandview to see "Man on Wire." It was a great film, a true story, and I think my palms were sweating during most of the movie.

Saturday morning was lazy and Chad came over to visit. We watched the Buckeyes make a close call with the Ohio University Bobcats and had lunch. (Don't tell anyone, but I was kinda cheering for my alma mater's rival when they were showing up the Bucks.)

The afternoon was filled with more football at Dad's (helllloooo, this is Ohio, afterall), then dinner with Grandma Roberts, Chad, and Sue's daughter and son-in-law. I tried to share one of my favorite beers with Dad, but after one sip he decided he likes the fake stuff better. All the better, because it's just more for me! Sunday Dad and I watched the Bengals lose to the Ravens and had a relaxing day.

I took several pictures over the weekend, so feel free to peruse.

It was good to see everyone, but hard to say goodbye.