The day began with rain and it seems it will end with rain. Lots of rain.

Surprisingly, the rain showers did not hinder guests from enjoying the park. I figured it would be a low turnout but I was pleasantly surprised. Guest came armed with rain gear and umbrellas.

There’s always a good number of grandparents bringing their grandchildren to the park each day throughout the week. With the number of grandparents bringing grandchildren into the park, today, you would’ve thought it was national “take your grandchildren to a historical park day.” My mothers parents were a solid part of my growing up and we’re also quite present in my adult years. I absolutely love seeing grandparents and grandchildren spending time together.

A husband and wife from Michigan decided to visit us at the park after spending time at the Outer Banks where they took in the Wright brothers memorial at Kitty Hawk. The husband had grown up in Dayton that had not lived in Ohio for nearly 40 years. After spending some of their time with us, they were headed up to Detroit to visit the Henry Ford Museum in Greenfield Village.

After about 10 minutes of research, I discovered Patterson Field was named in honor of Lieutenant Frank Patterson, the son of Frank Patterson who cofounded NCR with his brother, John.

Mission accomplished.

The husband and wife thanked me several times and as I was leaving the building, they pulled up in their car beside me to thank me again. I appreciated their gratitude, but this is the kind of stuff I absolutely love doing.

Saturday’s forecast included 90% chance of rain but as since been changed to 56% chance of rain. Regardless, it will still be too damp to mow so that may need to wait until Sunday when it will hopefully be drier.

I’m on the No. 1 bus returning to the downtown hub so I can take the No. 17 back to The Haasienda. After leaving the park, I decided to go to one of my favorite Mexican restaurants instead of returning directly home.

At 8:30 PM, I’ll be greeted by the dearest Canine Quartet. After changing clothes, I’ll settle in for more research on Barn Gang fellows, as well as other NCR folks like John Patterson and Thomas Watson who went on to head up IBM. What an impressive lineup.

This morning, I vowed to make it a great day. Mission accomplished.