Cold in Cleveland

Well, actually we are staying at a campground in Medina, Willow Lake Park, where we stayed last August, and visiting my sister-in-law Kathy in Strongsville, but neither one of those is alliterative with "cold"--and it is most definitely cold. Kathy says it's 15 degrees below normal for this time of year--brrrr. We drove from Emlenton to Medina and got set up, then called Kathy. She said come on over, the soup is hot--an offer we couldn't resist. The trip over afforded some spectacular scenery, especially the fall color, although the day was mostly gray and overcast.

Great fall color looking out our window

Tonight was the night we had to visit with my nephew, Jeff, since he'll be working the rest of the time we're here. He's a manager of a pool company and says we timed our visit almost right--he's off next week starting Wednesday. Better luck next time.

Jeff, Kathy, and Ken (and Sammie the dog under the chair)

We had a great visit with Kathy and Jeff, and a tasty dinner of vegetable bean soup, kielbasa, red potatoes, and green beans. The piece de resistance was an apple pie made with local apples by a recipe from Kathy's Aunt Irene that was really something special.

We also did a couple of loads of laundry while we were there, especially important since Sweetie was sick in her bed this morning.... Everything is clean and sweet smelling now. Chris and Annie called to say hi. Chris will be going to Seattle next week for a meeting.