POST 1125; MAY 30, 2013; PIQUA, OHIO

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A surprise to me has been entering into the city of URBANA...at once an historic...and a modern city set in the farming / ranching prarie of central Ohio...certainly did not expect such a city out in the boonies.

URBANA...a city of wealth and elegence.

...with a Round-a-bout in city center.

...and nearby, another shallow slow moving waterway...a stream ?.,..a river ?...one thing is certain:  Corn Fields all about.

Followed by small villages nearly 200 years old...such as WESTVILLE, Ohio.

Roadside Church...of a different architectural manner.

...and cows still give SAM and ME that fascinated look of interest...waiting for me to approach their fence and chat for a while.

Another old yet modern mid-size Ohio town...St. Paris...offering jine living amongst the corn fields and meandering brooks...tempted to take out my fishing pole to try my luck.

Squeeky clean street lined with immaculate trimmed homes...St. Paris has them.

...and nearby, the horses canter to the roadside fence to receive nuzzles, soothing words, and friendly soft caresses...is it me...or the horses...perhaps both because I feel a strong communication going on between us.

...as they crowd together to receive attention.  Truthfully, I am the lucky one...to receive such adoration from these magnificant animals.

Now, here is - for me - a new...and apparently highly successful...retail experience...

the DRIVE THRU Convenience Store.

Where spirits of all kinds are available from the same "cooler" as the Hershey Bar.

Created by two young brothers some 13 years ago, this from the ground up creation, drivers never leave their vehicles - 4 cars fit inside at one time - as products are brought from the coolers and shelves directly to their cars.

- would you believe I AGAIN did not write down the names of the Brothers...but as I drank my COORS Light in the air conditioned small "office", a never-ending stream of customers drove through...the cash register ringing without let up.

SR 36...State Road 36 as SAM and ME walked the seemingly empty miles...the horizon off to infinity in all directions. 

Must say...while being beautiful, the distances seem to stretch off into Never Never Land..."Will we ever get there, Mommy?"

Eventually the small village of FLETCHER, OHIO rises from the shrouded distance...weather clouds - towering thunderheads - moving in from the Western weather front certain to bring more Tornados tonight.

Fletcher...small, but, as with Central Ohio towns, spit-shined clean and welcoming.

Please say HELLO to CONNIE BLACK...

As SAM and ME walked and rolled by Connie's driveway, I just had to ask..."...how far is it to the city of PIQUA..."   which brought on a lengthy conversation..."only another couple miles.............you walked from where"   "...a few days ago a horse-drawn waggon passed by going East..."  "Oh, yes, I heard it overnighted in the KROGER's Parking Lot across from my motel in URBANA a couple days ago...

Suggesting since Dinner was already over...perhaps I would enjoy a slice of Connie's Home-made Lemon Pie (or was it cake)...

Only two miles to PIQUA...and me being hungry since early morning "Continental" breakfast in the motel...

Please say HELLO to Hubby JIM...at 56 years old, still competing in barrel racing his horses...now, what was it about his 84 year old rancher friend...insisting on staying in the competion...even if he had to be held in the saddle with "seat belts". 

Again, was reluctant to continue on our way...but Jim and Connie both pleaded much to do...as they walked away, leaving SAM and ME to return to complete those couple miles.

We did that...finding myself at a comfy table in the local CRACKER BARREL Restaurant...a succulent broiled TROUT lying on my dinner plate while a bevy of pretty waitresses hovered over me..."..you walked from where??? "

It is now 8:15 am on Friday, May 31, 2013.  TV news is carrying on about the new weather front bearing down on Western Ohio...promising three days of thunder storms and heavy rains.  I am truly tempted to close the window drapes, crawl back under the covers, and sleep away the next 48 hours.

Then again, what would folks think of that crusty old man who let a little storm keep SAM and ME from continuing on...we do, after all, have golashes and rain poncho...and so far, no rain storm has reduced me to a melted stain on the macadam.

So, time to pack up SAM and head out for our next destination for the day...the small town of FT. LORAMIE...about 25 miles up SR 66, which follows the Old Erie Canal.

Sister Carol is waiting our arrival...only a week or so 'til we reach her in the city of DeKalb, Illinois...perhaps then I can catch up on my sleep.

Gosh...only 2,000 + miles to Bellingham...it all goes so quickly.......