What I did on my summer vacation (part 2)

The rest of the summer was filled with lots of little things. It started the day after I got back from Myrtle. My dad’s childhood best friend was in town for the annual Formula 1 race. Last year there was quite the debackle with many drivers pulling out the first lap because of tire issues. The manufacturer in question decided to make it up to the fans so sent extra tickets to all those who had renewed. It is surprising but this was the first time I have been to a race at the speedway even though I’ve lived in Indy for almost 30 years. I’ve been to my share of practices and qualifications, but never a face. Formula 1 is a real treat too just from a people watching perspective. It is such an international crowd and one that really gets behind their National rep. Even USA had a driver which was the first time in quite a while. Too bad he got knocked out on the first lap (no fault of his). The winner was no surprise as he seems to own our track but the day was perfect. There were also a few minor races to watch as well as a parade featurung F1 cars from past decades.

The next event was one I had waited for for several months. It was time to be a Red Head. For those not familiar with what I mean, Sammy Hagar was coming to town. I have always been a big fan of his and routinely see him in concert, whether solo or with Van Halen. The night did not disappoint. The weather was perfect (outdoor facility), the music great. and the Cabo Wabo (Sammy’s own tequila) margaritas excellent. I’ve never been somewhere that limitied you to buying only one drink at a time but that was how they handled these special margaritas. They were made strong and I can tell why the label has won some awards. The show itself, as I said, was great. Sammy pulled out some songs I’ve not heard him perform in eons. I promised a return next year and you can count on it that I will be there too.

At this point, I was expecting a break but I received an email and shortly after an invite to my college roommate’s adopted daughter’s wedding. Sadly, he died in an auto accident some 13 years ago but I have remained close to the family. The wedding itself was hurridly put together and about a 5 hour drive from here. No problem, we packed and hit the road. While I know no one planned this, in retrospect everyone was glad for L’s help. She sort of took over all the last minute planning and helped get everything together. She’s a pro, what can I say. The ceremony was nice but wonderful to catch up with everyone. My roommate’s mom and I shed a few tears as we remembered my friend. The weather, while hot, was very nice. I had not been in the hills of south kentucky but what a pretty landscape. I couldn’t live there but a nice escape.

Finally that brought me to my final trip, taken about two weeks ago (and the entry I lost). Some friends and I went to Cincy last year to see the Reds new ballpark and catch a few games. At that time, we decided it needed to become and annual event. This year we chose St. Louis and their new park. Talk about a hugs one. Both games were hot but the Sunday afternoon game, our seats provided us with great shade. We also hit the Anheiser Busch brewery tour and at the hospitality suite discovered that this new spash thing you can pour into beer to make it fruity was a very bad idea. We decided it was being marketed toward woman who don’t like bear normally and maybe they will like it but it tasted horrible to us. While there, I also got a chance to have breakfast with a friend from a running list I;ve been on for more than 10 years. Next year’s trip? TBD.

And that is about it. I also played softball again this summer and wrote a short summary on my other OD, Penguin Dreams. Classes start next week. Bleck!!!