The Pilgrimage

At around 4:00 p.m., Bob and I went to Brecksville for what is usually my solo pilgrimage to where most of my brother Dan's ashes were scattered four years ago today. Unfortunately, the bus was late and encountered gridlock on Broadview Road, so the pilgrimage was slightly delayed. Our second bus (Brecksville Road) was relatively on time, so we made it to Chippewa Creek on Chippewa Road by 5:25 p.m. We reminisced about the day of the scattering. Bob's commentary on the now very treacherous walk to the water was emphasized.


After the pilgrimage was over, we walked to a nearby shopping center. We made a brief visit to Giant Eagle before going to the bus stop for the trip downtown to catch a bus to Baker's Square. When we learned that the bus to Baker's Square didn't come until 7:10, we decided to go to Denny's (probably the one by Parmatown). Once again, I realized the probability of being out later than necessary. I decided that if we made the #35 bus (our regular starting and ending transportation), we could go to Eat 'n' Park. We just missed the bus in question. After eventually catching a bus (which would have taken us to Denny's) to Broadview and Pearl, we took the next #35 bus to Broadview and Snow. Once again, I changed our dinner plans to the nearby Taco Bell/Long John Silver's so we could make the return trip on the bus that we missed earlier. I had a chicken quesadilla, a crispy taco, and a soda. Bob had the two piece chicken meal which included fries, hush puppies, and a soda. He also added two ears of corn. The food was enjoyable, but we were overtaxed, which is a regular occurrence at this establishment.


Before the bus arrived, we saw three deer across the street from the restaurant. They remained in their general area, unlike a few months earlier where they crossed Snow Road, heading towards Marc's. (http://www.marcs.com/). They must have needed supplies that may be cheaper than Giant Eagle, another pharmacy or any other store usually sells them.


The pilgrimage this year was memorable. If I had our eventual dinner plan on our first bus back towards dinner, we would have departed the bus near Rockside Road and would have had a simple trip (Rockside Road becomes Snow Road just before Broadview Road.) to our restaurant. We would have arrived about half an hour earlier. We probably would have been on the same return bus, but we may have had time to visit Marc's or another nearby store. Then again, the story wouldn't have been as entertaining.


Until the next adventure, enjoy life.

Happy Birthday, Marnie

Today my niece Marnie celebrates her birthday. Bob and I sent her a gift card for Aeropostale. I hope that she still likes to shop there. I also hope that the big move went smoothly. I will have some details as soon as possible.

Happy Birthday, Kendal

My Great-niece Kendal turns four today. The party in Ohio is a question mark. Mike and Marnie bought a new home and are scheduled to start moving this weekend. Also, Mike has had a business trip to Europe, particularly France, postponed at least twice in the last few months. Let us hope that their move goes very smoothly.

In other news, I had plans to go to Five Below for a couple of five cent hot dogs in honor of their grand opening. Unfortunately, I discovered that my paychecks were not deposited into my bank account. I called the Census Bureau office to notify them of this situation. I went to the office at Lorain Ave. and Rocky River Dr. in Cleveland to fill out a new direct deposit form. I had to fill out the original one incomplete due to some miscommunication from the Census Bureau. They did have my routing number and a voided check. My account number, which I didn't give them, must have been inputted incorrectly. Hopefully, the situation will be rectified.

I could have gone after my business, but by then (around 5:00 p.m.), the crowd may have been too large. They are having it again tomorrow, but I have other plans. Bus service is also less frequent. I also missed out on National Donut Day. I guess that I will live without my free donut with a purchase of an "overpriced" beverage from Dunkin Donuts, as well as my five cent wieners. If I went with my original plan, I could have done both offers at Ridge Park Square. However, I decided to go to the Plaza at SouthPark (Of Costco and Best Buy fame) for Five Below and to visit Dunkin Donuts at Midtown (Dimitri's and Sonic are in this area.) later in the day. Oh well, I guess that I decided to stay on my "healthier" diet.

My next post is expected to be on Tuesday as Marnie celebrates her birthday then.

Happy 60th Birthday, Kathleen

Today is my sister Kathleen's 60th birthday. I hope that she had a nice birthday. It's too bad that her beloved Indians lost 12 to 6 to the Detroit Tigers. At least, it wasn't a perfect game like last night's should have been. The Indians will win again (someday)!

Until next time, stay safe!

I Can't Believe That It Has Been Four Years.

Four years ago, my brother Danny died of cancer at age 51. He fought a two year battle. Combined with his back pain from his police work, his final years were not a pleasure. Thankfully, my brother was the same wonderful person that I had the pleasure to know for just over 35 years.

Maggie offered to take Bob and me to Brecksville where most of his ashes were spread, but I wanted to deal with Census business. For the record, my pilgrimage is scheduled for Tuesday, which is the anniversary of the scattering of his ashes. My Census work may be done by then. My supervisor is expected to notify me soon. Tune in to find out.

My next reports will be birthday messages. Until then, enjoy life. That's my plan.