In July 1994 I was dating Donna and her parent’s invited me to join them at Donna’s grandparent’s house in Warren, PA for the 4th of July. Donna and I’d been dating for a month at the time, and I’d be lying to say I was the most welcome boyfriend. I agreed to the trip, and Mom (as she is now and wasn’t then) drove Donna and I up to Warren. I remember sitting in the back with her singing Meatloaf songs. I love the house, which they built years and years ago when the huge oaks on their lot were saplings. I met the family that weekend, and we had a great time at the fireworks. Since then I’ve been back several times, and the most recent visit is now.

Donna and I haven’t brought Claire up here together since she was about 13 months old. That was the last time I was here, although Claire’s been here since when Donna and I were in Europe.

I adore coming here and eagerly agreed when Donna suggested we try to visit this Christmas. See, when I was younger I spent quite a bit of time camping, fishing, hunting and backpacking with my dad, cousins, and siblings in areas all around the small town, Warren, PA, where Donna’s grandparent’s live. We drive through and near areas like Franklin, Oil City, Tidoute, Tionesta, Kinzua, etc… Every time we drive up here, memories flood; this is probably why I always enjoy this trip.

This trip is a short one. Claire has a bad cough, so we headed to Urgent Care this morning to check her out. After getting a clear bill of health, Donna, her father, Claire and I drove north. We’ve spent the evening with her grand parent’s and Donna’s aunt and uncle.

Tomorrow we drive back to Pittsburgh, and those memories again flood my mind as head south.