They had a few activities planned for me. One day we went to Bear Creek Farms for huge buffet lunch and then a musical show featuring oldies. Very fun and entertaining. Jane's Aunt Mary went with us. She collects post cards and we first started corresponding when I was in Tonga. Since then, I try to send at least one post card from whatever country I visit. She just got 3 from my trip in October. Another day Jane hosted a  fantastic lunch with my Great Aunts Ode and Evelyn and Ode's daughter Janet (Dad's cousin.) And speaking of cousins, there was a reunion planned before I knew I would be in Ohio for the cousins from my Grandma Harter's side of the family. What a gathering.

Dad sold his plane just a few months before I went back but it is still at Van Wert Airport and the new owner doesn't mind if Dad flies it. I think that helped with the decision to sell. He just wasn't flying as much and in the winter it is often hard to find a good day to go up. Fortunately there was some good days in June and we got to fly one day. We flew into a small airport that had just been written up in the local paper because Harrison Ford had just landed his helicopter there for fuel on the way to his summer home in Montana. The local pilots hanging out in the office were all willing to talk about it!

I borrowed dad's truck on Sunday and drove from Ohio to Asheville, North Carolina, where Bill and Peggy were residing for the summer months. We spent most of the time catching up and allowing me to meet all her kids and as many grandkids as were in town. They are a close family. Of course, there were many great meals, and sunset on the porch pretending that it is the ocean right through the backyard trees. I am glad to say they will be back on Maui by the end of October so we can start playing cards again.

Next I drove back to Ohio for a cousin's wedding on my mom's side. My Mom had flown back for it and we were able to travel from California and back together. It was a time for all of her sisters and brothers to get together.

The brothers in the back: Harold, Ralph, Ron, Gerald, and Max. The sisters in front: Marcile, Barbara, Audrey.

Only three girls out of 13 kids! Marcile, Barbara, Audrey

Written October 2002