Dayton, OH -- 5 nights instead of 1

We took the Krulls (my sister and family) out to eat on Monday. We stayed an extra day to meet their friends, Barry and Mona May, who are on their way back from a trip out West. They shared lots of information about things to see.

Ellen (27), Ed, Paul, Anita, April (22) and camera-resistant Duane (5) is under the table. April is attending college classes in preparation for nursing school. Ellen graduated from college and is presently working at a Tim Horton's restaurant.

Ed and Mary Angelil, Anita and Paul Krull

Barry and Mona May, Anita and Paul Krull

Wednesday morning Ed took me to Anita's house for a last visit and the plan was to leave late morning. He decided at the last minute that he'd like to find a Chevy dealer to reset our door locks.....which were locking at odd, annoying times.

He came back about noon to report that they hooked up a diagnostic machine only to discover that the locks were only one of numerous problems with the electrical panel/gauges on the dash. They had to order a part that wouldn't come in till Thursday. When Ed left the Chevy service department, his dash was in pieces all over the place. They were nice enough to give him a loaner car.

I had spent the morning with Anita and Duane, who's 5. He is quite a handful and we're all thankful that the school system recognizes that he has problems. They will be providing extra support to help him in kindergarten this fall. I have a renewed respect for my ANGELIC sister and for her dedication to keep him 3 days a week this summer. Her Master's in Early Childhood and her years of teaching kindergarten do give her some skills to try to help him.

Ed and I ate supper at the MCL restaurant where Anita works and she took her break to eat with us. She's working 4-9 this summer so she can keep Duane when April has classes.

This delay for the car repairs turned out to be a blessing because Anita and I were able to spend more time together. Today we actually had several hours by ourselves and we went out to lunch at our favorite place -- Taco Bell. (Mother, if you're reading this, please note that Ed and I didn't stay just one night -- we stayed 5 nights!)

It's now Thursday evening and we picked up the car about 5 p.m. Another blessing is that all the car repairs were covered under the warranty. Ed considered leaving this evening but decided to wait till tomorrow morning.

We'll be heading out to St. Louis, Missouri and staying in a campground right downtown. I'll wave to you from the arch!