Erie, PA

It was a good couple of days back in the hometown. The visits always seem way to short. Even though very few of my friends from high school are left in Erie I always run out of time to see the people I want to see. The last two statements seem incongruous but are none the less true. In the years since my graduation and move from the North Shore I see my family in Erie more and more. In the absence of my friends I visit the family of my friends, specifically their parents. I do not want to make it seem that the visits to either of the groups, family and family of friends are somewhat less enjoyable, in fact more enjoyable.

I guess over the years Erie has been the place I go to charge my batteries to remember who I am and were I came from both physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The visits with the people in Erie gave me such a mix of emotion. I feel lament, delight, appreciation, love and many other emotions too numerous to mention and too specific to write. My thoughts of regret and what ifs are quickly obfuscated by memories of my wistful youth. I realize that this is odd rant given the usual tones of my writing. But in the end every trip to my home town and its memories of family, friends, adventures, sports, girls, education, crushes, and coming of age make realize that my youth and the place it occurred enjoy a rarified air in the American story.

A Few Photos

Big Mike with a power tool, a very rare sight.

AJ, the newest member of the family.

JJ, the oldest greatgrandchild

The club gathers at club Goat

Pete and the Finnish!

(Paivi, Pete, Temu, and Timo)

After a night out enjoying a few beers with the Stephany twins I spent the bulk of the day floating around my aunt and uncle’s pool hanging with family. Later on in the evening I joined my Parents, aunt and uncle, and the Fins for a trip to the Oakwood Tavern to meet the Rys parents and Mr. Speros, (parents of my high school friends). It was a great meal and great company.