Thirty-two years ago, today, I moved from Muncie, Indiana and officially became a Buckeye living in Dayton, Ohio.

I moved into a Victorian townhouse on McPherson Street in historic McPherson District just across the Great Miami River from downtown Dayton. My roommate, Mark, was a local television producer and had tons of connections with many of my former, current, and soon-to-be theatre colleagues. His girlfriend, Pam, knew Rick and I from Smith-Walbridge Drum-Major camps which were held in Syracuse, Indiana. Pam’s sister, Tammy, had been a clarinetist who I sat behind in symphony band at Ball State University’s Summer Music Camp for several years. Pam and Tammy were first cousins to local Dayton actress, Kay Bosse, with whom I would share several theatre projects.

Thirty-two years. Much has happened these past thirty-two years and I am proud to call Dayton “home.”

Yesterday afternoon, The Glass Festival in my hometown of Elwood, Indiana, kicked off. It has been an ongoing event since the early 1970s, replacing the long-held Tomato Festival when Elwood reigned as “the tomato capital of the world.”

We lived on the largest hill in town at the corner of Main and Ninth streets which offered my family and our friends and neighbors’ perfect amphitheater-style seating to watch the enormous parade that passed by our house. For four years, I eagerly led the marching band down that long stretch of crowded spectators. My band and choir director who I had from middle school through 7th grade to graduation is still at the helm. Paula Simmons has devoted her life and career to the Panther Music Program.

I’ve not been to The Glass Festival in years but remember with such excited anticipation of its arrival.

Although I have been a resident Buckeye longer, my roots will also be planted firmly in the Hoosier soil.

ERMA UPDATE:

Last evening, Erma was a tad more energetic but still not her usual self. She slept in the bedroom with the rest of us, only moving to the hallway as it neared breakfast time. Erma appeared more alert and even sat in the kitchen as I prepared food bowls, something she has not done for several days. As she ate, I would talk to her to check her alertness and she wagged her tail as a sign of connection.

Right now, she and Chief are side-by-side at the top of the deck’s steps.

The morning offers a gentle breeze but at 65 degrees, it is muggy. My skin is clammy. Rain is anticipated for the afternoon; about the time I will be leaving the park to return home. Sunday’s forecast is projecting a 93% chance of rain. My sinuses are packed, my legs are annoyingly tense, and my gut in a state of discomfort. Growing older, dealing with health issues, and combating the effects of nature on the body is not desirable but one must not wallow, ever. Staying mentally and emotionally strong can be, and often is a challenge, but it’s imperative to forge ahead.

Therefore, I intend to make it a great day!

PHOTOS: Erma; Chief, Erma & Bailey; my Jr. & Sr. High band and choir director, Paula Simmons.