PARK PLACE: 2018 IN REVIEW

The highlights of 2018 were few in number but all are worth noting.

The year began with a remodel at 5770 Courtland. The walls between the kitchen and living and dining rooms were removed, creating an open concept. Thankfully the contractor, a one-man operation, was focused and accomplished his tasks quickly and without errors, although he found surprises behind the materials he removed. Once the kitchen remodel was done, carpeting in the common areas was replaced with bamboo flooring.

BEFORE

AFTER

Sophia went to the prom wearing a dress that fit like it was made just for her. Her date assumed they were now a couple, an opinion she disagreed with, and that was the end of their short-lived relationship!

In his senior year of high school, Brandon took college courses at Kent State-Stark which allowed him to complete his high school requirements for graduation as well as earn college credit. He received his diploma with his classmates on May 29.

Brandon chose to delay college for a year. He said he wanted to experience what being a responsible adult entailed, and he plans to return to school in the fall of 2019. This year he and two buddies, Cayden and Ben, share an apartment and are working to pay rent and their living expenses.

Dawn had a graduation party for Brandon a few days after June surgery to repair his shoulder. Coming with him to the event were his pain meds and the ice machine that pumped cold water through the pad that covered his shoulder.

with Cayden ...

...and Ben

Sid and Pat Albert, Mimi and Jeff Currey, Grandma and Bob

MOVING DAY

The day was hot, the air conditioning was not functioning, and the apartment is on the third floor, accessible by stairs only. Brandon was not allowed to use his left arm, so all the heavy work was done by Matt and Cayden.

Sophia obtained her “temps” in early May, and she spent the next six months driving as often as she could. In August, Sophia went with me to Indiana where I had lunch with women who were high school classmates. She drove all the way there and half way back the next day. While we were there, I showed her the house where I spent my childhood and we also drove by the house in Mishawaka where my mother grew up. Sophia took her final driving test on November 6 and is now licensed. Grandma's chauffeuring days are done!

Brett surprised us all

November 3 was Dawn’s 50^th birthday and November 4 was Sophia’s 16^th birthday – big events for both of them. Sophia asked me in August if she could invite Inga, Dawn’s childhood friend, to come from North Carolina to surprise Dawn. I agreed and Inga was on board with the plan. Sophia and I were in the kitchen making Dawn’s special Keto birthday cake on Thursday afternoon when Brett, who had flown in from California, came up the stairs. A special and unexpected gift for us all!

I picked Inga up late Friday and she spent the night with me. On Saturday morning, Inga, Brett, and I went to Dawn’s where Inga surprised her. The two then went for prearranged massages and facials and then met Brett for lunch. That evening after dinner, the birthday girls opened their gifts.