Here's a quick review of some of the great things from my big trip a couple weeks ago:
- Wedding - The first stop on my trip was Harrisburg PA, where I had the pleasure of attending my sister Teresa's wedding. In a wonderful ceremony, Teresa was wed to Mike McElroy, who has been just wonderful for her. Great rehearsal dinner, great ceremony, great reception. It was great getting to see the whole family: Mom, David, Cindy, baby Russell, Angela, Mike, Julianne & Audrey, Aunt Ermine, cousins Matthew & Eddie McGee, and of course Teresa & Mike!
- Cycling Clermont - On my first day in Clermont-Ferrand, I rented a city bike from this place and rode all over the city. The weather was nice, high 60s, and I covered a lot of cobblestone streets over the course of 3 or 4 hours. And it only cost 2 euro (about $3 US)!!!
- Puy de Dome - Clermont-Ferrand sits in a valley beneath a chain of dormant volcanos, the largest of which is called "Puy de Dome". On the weekend, I drove out to the base of the mountain, and took a shuttle bus to the top. In addition to the INCREDIBLE view, I got to check out the ruins of a 1st century A.D. Roman temple to Mercury, built at the top of the mountain. Now THAT is history!
- Shopping - Saturday in France was overcast and a bit rainy, so I just had a chilled out day walking around the city checking out various stores and shops. My favorite finds? French fountain pens and paper, of course. Bought a couple fun fountain pens, a few Clairefontaine notebooks, and some cool inks (J. Herbin). Cathy likes her pink/purple pen and matching ink!
- Flood - On the last day, I stopped by a supermarket on the way to the airport. While in the store, it started pouring outside. Not just pouring, but big hailstones as well! It rained so hard for so long, I was worried I would miss my flight. Finally, it let up, and I ran to the car. After leaving the parking lot, I took a wrong turn and ended up on a road which was flooded with water. At first it was just a few inches deep, but before I knew it I was driving through water about a foot deep! I could see water gushing up from the manhole cover holes... Long story short, I made it through the flood, but was really worried I would stall the car and have to wade through the deep water. Yikes, that was a close one! The Lord was with me, though, and I got to the airport on time...
- Visits with Brandon and Megan - Fortunately, I flew Delta, and one of Delta's hubs is Cincinatti! So, I was able to have breakfast with Brandon and Megan at the airport on the way to France. And thanks to a 4+ hour layover on the way back, I was able to check out their house in Lebanon and visit for about an hour. Megan and Brandon, it was great to see your new home! It looks great, and I am so glad you guys are doing well in so many ways. I love you guys, and am very proud of you both.
Its a rough job, but someone's got to do it, ha!
