Ohio Revelries and Disco Ball Dreams

There is something truly Magical about the people in the midwest. Im speaking mainly on behalf of Ohioans, seeing that's where I'm from. But seriously, there are some really amazing, hard working, genuine people from Ohio!! I can remember saying as a teenager how I couldn't wait to get out of there, but the older I get, something pulls me home. I first moved away to Naples, Fl. It was a glorious 11 years but as we moved further North to GA I found myself traveling "Home" more often. And guess what? I really like it in Ohio!! Going back to Cincinnati and Columbus are thrilling times!! Our last trip was completely epic!! We took a road trip for Thanksgiving and stopped at a few places in Tenn. along the way. But Ohio...Home sweet HOME. Maybe it's the awesome scenery as you are driving down that big hill into Cincy from Ky over the bridge. Maybe its seeing a real city with all it's grandeur-The Reds Stadium, the Bengals stadium, the beautiful skyline. All I know is that each time I arrive my heart sings. Yes the weather stinks most of the year, but nobody ever moved to the Midwest for the weather anyway. It's the people, the culture, the sense of community, the feeling of belonging and the FOOD!! Oh the food. Cincy is a German town and if there is any lack in sunny skies, they make up for it in their endless selection of ways to Pig out!! On our recent trip we were able to visit my parents and brother who live in a rural community near Miami University (Miami Ohio). They took us to dinner in a revitalized section of Over-the-rhine at a place called NADA. Hands down one of the Best meals we have ever eaten and the venue was Fantastic!! We got to kick around at the Historic Findley Market and I fell in love all over again. Oh how I miss a true Urban life!!! A few days of fun and we were off to Columbus. Meeting up with Aaron's sister & brother-in-law was such a treat!! Just being able to hang out at a small music venue in Granville the first night was pure bliss. The next morning was Thanksgiving and Aaron & I ran the 5K Granville Turkey Trot! What a great race!! The whole town comes out to support! If they aren't running or walking, they are cheering! There is no lack of turkey, Indian, and other crazy costumes which is quite amusing!! Thanksgiving is a whirl of 2 different grandma's houses and LOTS of food!! The evening is spent laughing with family and discussing the disco ball in Grandpa Harry's sunroom! LOL!! Who has a disco ball in their house? Our family does!! :) It's just a perfect symbol for the fun we have when we get together!! The fun doesn't stop with the disco ball either! There's Black Friday shopping at Easton-one of the Best malls ever! This is followed by my nephew's 1st Birthday party. But the next day is OHIO STATE/michigan....me, Aaron and Brent bundle up and head out. It's snowing like crazy and as I'm standing around the fire at the tailgate with friends, O-H-I-O being chanted all around me, I find myself thanking God for bringing me back HOME