Fuzzy Wuzzies
Last weekend I visited my hometown in Ohio. I still have the fuzzy wuzzies. I’ve only been there two times in the past six years (my parents moved away when I was in college), but each time I go back “home” I’m flooded with happy emotions. I told Ron, “You could blindfold me and drop me in ANY state. If you picked Northeast Ohio I’d be able to tell you in an instant. The sights, the smells, the sounds - I know them by heart.”
Here’s my extended family. Aren’t they cute? My aunt gave me a gorgeous arrangement of flowers (they're hidden behind Ron). My uncle Dave (mustache man) told me I wasn’t blogging enough (I was so thrilled someone actually read Roughly Speaking that I vowed to do better).
I love playing sports, but have never been a huge fan of watching sports – except when it comes to cheering on my favorite baseball team. Friday night we saw the Indians game. Go Tribe! (They lost.)
On Saturday, I gave Ron a tour of my hometown. Poor guy. I hope I didn’t torture him too much. Here’s a recap:“Ron! That’s the course where I learned to play golf as a kid. The monitors only let us hit the ball 10 times before they made us move it to the green. I didn’t know the rules so I used a tee on the fairway. Ha ha ha ha ha!.”
“Ron! That’s my high school boyfriend’s house. His mom was a realtor. For kicks on Friday night, my friends and I used to take her “For Sale” yard signs and move them to different houses that she wasn’t representing. Ha ha ha ha ha!”
“Ron! That’s where I went to fourth grade!”
He was SUCH a good sport. He even called his mom to tell her how much he liked being there.
On Sunday we had brunch with my grandma in her retirement community. Out of all people, I ran into my nursery school music teacher. “Good grief,” I said after we shook hands and she went on her way. “She had gray hair and curls when I was three.”
One of the best parts of the weekend was the SUNSHINE. Northeast Ohio is known for overcast skies. As the pastor of my childhood church likes to say, “We have a record: one day of sunshine in a row.” (Last weekend, we got two and a half gorgeous days.)
The trip was so quick. I didn’t get to see my aunt and uncle’s Golden Retriever, Jake, and feed him ice cream (he likes McDonald’s vanilla soft cone). I spent time with grandma, but I didn’t get to play cards with her (our favorite game is double solitaire). I also didn’t get to see my college roommate, Kathleen, or my friend, Michelle, who now lives nearby (wah!). But I’m going to try to return next year. Have you visited your hometown lately? Does it bring on the fuzzy wuzzies? Or am I nutsy wutzies?
posted by Jenny at 9:28 PM
9 Comments:
Awww, very cool. So pleased you got to spend time with family and introduce Ron to your hometown.
I can't say I have one. We moved a lot as a kid, but I know that when I get to the beach that's how I feel.
9:56 PM
I love, love, love, my hometown. Not because it's a great hometown, but because every street, building, and tree holds a memory. Because the town is filled with my people - people who have known me my whole life. My parents still live in that town, and I get back "home" about every other month.
In a little over a month I'll be going back there for my ten year high school reunion. I am excited about it.
and PS: I love your blog. I read every post, although I don't always comment. Sorry. I'll do better.
7:58 AM
How frustrating that you were so close to Michelle and didn't get to connect - that's what happens when we're only somewhere for a short time, just can't get it all in!
Visiting my home town is a mixed bag.
9:55 AM
Hey Jenny, I guess I'd forgotten that you had Ohio roots. I was raised in Rittman and then Manchester - truly the heartland of America. When I return there to see extended family and eat my aunt's fruit cobbler, something inside just simply relaxes. So wonderful that you could share your memories with your husband. And his appreciating all of that shows just how special he really is. =)
12:30 PM
You're nutsy wutzie but we love you anyway.
Whazzup Uncle Dave?
9:57 PM
Warms my heart that you feel this way about Hudson and your young years.
7:30 PM
If I ever went back to Hudson (it has been since 22 years!) I would have very fond memories. I mean, you were there - like I need anything else!
But my other hometown I live next to - so I get to see it often. It has good memories too!
2:37 PM
My hometown is a mixed bag too! Glad you had a great time!
9:23 PM
Here's hoping we get to see you on your next visit, and that it's not years from now. As you may know, the writer Ian Frazier is from Hudson also. He's written about it.
5:12 PM
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