119 years ago, at 10:35 AM, two brothers, bicycle mechanics from Dayton, Ohio, lifted from the sands of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina to achieve the first manned, heavier-than-air flight. I love living in Dayton, Ohio and feeling as though I am a part of the Wright Brothers’ history.

Yesterday, I went to hear The Carillon Brass at The Human Race Theatre Company’s The Loft Theatre with Mama Kay and two others. I took a few photos and then slept for the duration of their concert. I actually caught the last few minutes. We lunched at the Kettering Subway on Far Hills Avenue where I was a bit more roused and then I napped for one hour before gathering my things for The Park. Mama Kay drove me to The Park en route to one of her events, which I appreciated greatly as I got some rest.

And with that one-hour nap, I was refreshed and felt like the non-grumpy soul I recognized.

I was a bit early for my shift with The Roundhouse Cafe so I took the opportunity to make several cafe-operational video clips for all the new folks joining me later.

We had large crowds and I couldn’t have been more proud of my crew. There was Emma Sperry, a staff member in collections; Nathan from Oakwood High School, who has become a professional popcorn popper was with me from 3 PM – 7 PM; a new young staff member, Josh, a senior at Oakwood High School, who will be attending Knox College in Illinois on a baseball scholarship, had his first official night at The Park; Joyce Ellison, a regular Volunteer with The Park, offered her evening, knowing how heavy it would be; and then, family friend, Sarah Gebele and her boyfriend, Ryan Nash, joined us. The evening was so efficient and smooth, even when the hot chocolate machine would give us fits.

I have been so fortunate and blessed to have some incredible Guest Experience Team members working alongside me in The Roundhouse Cafe and we’ve still eleven more days to go!

It’s currently a very cold 31 degrees and it is to drop to 28 degrees by 7 PM just as the train rides are well underway. I am hoping No. 17 is running on time so I can make my connection. I am still feeling a bit of the drags from yesterday and want to conserve as much energy as possible.

Make it a great day!