The Cincinnati Kid

When we lived on the north side of town, we shared a duplex with a lady named Jane. The duplex next to us housed two older single men. One had an eye patch and shaved head – Wes. The other was still sporting a mustache and hair style from the 70′s – Dave. They were quite the pair. Dave never missed an opportunity when he’d see me outside to say, “Is that the Cincinnati kid?!”

A few weeks ago, Analiese and I headed to Cincinnati for a long weekend. This was my first solo trip with Analiese and she was a gem in the car. She didn’t sleep as long as I would have hoped, but when she was awake, she was a happy baby – talking and sing-songing to herself. It was hard to sit up front with her in the back seat all by herself, but we both made the best of it. We made it to Cincinnati safe and sound – and didn’t run into any shovels along the way!

Being back home without Ross was different. For the first time in a long time, the five Olsens had dinner together. I really enjoyed the extended visit with my family and friends. I always had a set of open arms to hand Analiese off to – Nana, Poppa, Uncle Erik and Uncle Greg all enjoyed spending time with their granddaughter/niece. While in the area, I corralled my Ohio friends for lunch and coffee dates, too.

Ross took advantage of us being out of the house to get some work done. Our house projects seem to take a little longer these days. Loud projects (like chiseling at the concrete sill of a basement window) are stop and go due to Analiese’s naps during the day. I came home to a foundation that is almost ready to paint and a new front door, too! I should go away and come back more often! Nah – we missed H. Ross too much and were happy to be back home again.