The Visit

 Pinehaven is not known for visitors. We have few throughout the year and seldom one that stays overnight. So it was unusual when Frank Manthey called last Wednesday, asked if we would be home over the weekend and would we be interested in a visitor?

 We would and we would.

Frank last visited about 1995. I remember how much Dad enjoyed him. They talked of cars, mostly, especially the car Frank was driving with the defective seat belt alarm that beeped continuously. "Can't it be disconnected?" Dad asked. "Yes, but I'd lose the radio, too."

 And so Frank drove 500 miles with the constant drone of the seal belt warning. This time he drove a newer Ford Taurus, sans any seat belt (or other) problems.

October 19, 2013

Me (l-r), Frank and Mom

 I met Frank in 1992 when he was in "weather school" with the United States Air Force. I was a member of a small weather community and a friend of mine in Los Angeles, Adrian Ramillano, suggested Frank as someone I would enjoy corresponding with. Adrian was right. We've been sharing monthly weather statistics and personal letters for over 20 years.
 Over the years I've met with Frank many times: once at his home in Whitewater, Wisconsin; for a week's vacation in Bear Lake, Michigan; at Springfield, Illinois to visit the Lincoln sites; a camping trip to Whitewater State Park in Liberty, Indian; and others.
 Frank arrived this time at about 5 pm on Saturday (October 19) and left to return home about 8:30 am on Monday (October 21).

October 20, 2013

Me (l-r), Mom and Frank

Since we lost Dad since Frank's last visit, I gave him my parents second floor bedroom. While he was here we went for several walks (one at the Farmersville pond, two in Sam's lane), played Michigan Rummy and Skip-Bo, and enjoyed the all-you-can-eat buffet at Rob's in Brookville. Other times we did weather research on the Internet, enjoyed TV and snacked. How much can one do in just a single day?
 It's a bit of a let-down when a guest leaves, a little too suddenly quiet. But we have our next visit to look forward to. I just hope it's not another decade away.