We joined up with the rest of the Sharda clan last week in Hocking Hills, Ohio. I think we can honestly say we were all pleasantly surprised to find out that Ohio indeed has some inherent beauty and it is not all about the flat, 65-mph-enforced I-80, where the only 'attractions' along the way are dilapidated farmhouses that look like they are ready to fall over. We had excellent weather for the most part, and I will just go out on a limb and declare even the two rainy days excellent weather, as I think we all needed a break from running around in caves and such. Maybe I speak for myself. If the others disagree, they may say so in their own blogs!

Meals were quite the adventure, and boy, did we eat well! Despite his claims to be extremely busy at work, Dan somehow came up with festive and creative names for all of the meals, and in no specific chronological order, we ate: "fajita innards", "pulled pork from Michigan (should be lean)", "Salmon at the stake" (a pathetic attempt at using "Salem witch trials"--even after multiple explanations, I am convinced I was the only one who got that one), "Spaghetti a la popsicle", "Cramer Cabin Cooks Cow Cakes", "cumin crusted pork tenderloin with mango salsa" (I forgot what crazy name he came up with for that, but it says enough right there), and of course, what trip to Ohio would be complete without a trip to the "Old Dutch Restaurant" where we joined other large Ohioans (they proudly claim 10th place in the nation's race towards obesity) in a buffet-style meal where the biggest debate centered around whether it was vanilla pudding or mayonnaise.

So we ate well. Very well. Of course, we all had quite a few excuses for eating well, as we hiked and swam almost daily. Some of the hikes through the caves were more spectacular than others, and we were slow to learn that the maps are not drawn to size...at all, really. Nevertheless, the caves certainly represented different terrain from what we're all used to in Michigan (flat cement) and Pennsylvania (rolling hills), and even though the signs said to stay on the trails, 1) everyone else was climbing the rocks, 2)there were only 3 rangers for the entire park, and 3)what else CAN you do in a cave?

Let's see, what else...oh yes, we went to church on Sunday (day 2). We were a bit worried when an armed police officer entered the church before us. We became even moreso when we saw the notice on the door stating that it is illegal to enter with a loaded firearm (concealed or not). I asked a lady about both the policeman and the sign. She said the policeman likes to worship there, and the sign is to prevent anyone from bringing firearms to church (...clearly--not sure how I missed that one.) The service was nice, however, and the stained glass windows and the dome at the top of the church were very nice. One final point of excitement of the day was that Grandpa Sharda used his blinker, and according to Daniel, the ever-observant one, "that's twice already." Wonders never cease. Keep it up, Grandpa!

It was great to get away and hang out with the family, but of course, it makes it that much harder to come back and start up with life again. I had an easier time of it, as I heard as we were leaving Ohio that my second paper was accepted from my thesis. I still have to make some revisions, but it was a bright note to return home on.

Despite the fact that Isaiah developed a 'cute' little habit of waking up 2-3 times during the night in Hocking Hills, since we got back, he has slept very well--almost too well--every night, and we are extremely grateful for that. I think he is coming down with a cold or getting rid of one, or teething some more, as he has had a slight fever the last few days here.

Other news--before I left for Ohio, I had been commuting daily to the Goodwill store behind our house as I was making some awesome purchases. One day I got several nice button-down Sunday shirts, a pair of shorts, a pair of corduroy pants, and several infant items (some shirts, shorts, etc.) and a belt, all for $6.49. It helped that everything (including the 29 cent rack) was half off. Yesterday I went for a walk and found that the sale had concluded, but there were still multiple (I'm talking 5-10) 29 cent racks, so I went home, took inventory of Isaiah's clothes for the next few years, then this morning went back and purchased two pairs of shorts, a pair of Converse sneakers (never used), two nice Sunday shirts, two other shirts, a winter hat, and 11 pairs of pants. $7.49. It wouldn't have been so expensive but I 'splurged' on the shoes and paid $3 for those. I normally abhor shopping, but this actually excites me--I don't have to try anything on, I pay very little for a very lot, and all it costs me is a few crackers to feed Isaiah to keep him happy while we shop.

That's about enough updating for now. Dan is finally home from school and we are sitting down with our kale smoothies before bed. Mmmmm....