October 16, 2004: Columbus, OH/Longaberger Homestead

Well, we made it here to Columbus, Ohio. We got here around 9:15. We had some stops to do on the way, so that is why it took us longer. I usually don't like to drive in the dark, but didn't have much of a choice as I had to work until 11 a.m. today. I think I only have around 6 hours left of vacation.

It is hard to drive when it is dark and rainy and you are in an unfamiliar place.


We are staying at the Marriott Hotel by the Columbus Airport. Then, we will drive over to Dresden, Ohio tomorrow to visit the Longaberger basket homestead. We have reservations to make our own baskets so that should be fun. I will have to keep my basket in a safe place, away from Maggie, as she loves to chew on basket material.

October 2004: Little Sister, Brittanie

I decided that I wanted to make a difference in a child's life, so I volunteered with Big Brother/Big Sister.    They assigned me to Brittanie Kammers.   She was around 8 yrs old and had 2 brothers.        Our first meeting was at her house off of Lakeshore Drive.       The first actual activity was at my house.  She met my mom, as well as my dog, Maggie.    The leaves had fallen on the ground.    I took a picture of her with Maggie in the leaves.      

I took her on many activities over the next few years such as:   Chicago,  Mackinac Island, Spa Day (10th Birthday gift), hockey games, dog walks, movies, scrapbooking, Butterfly Farm at Meijer Gardens,  Badger Trip, etc.     I enjoyed spending time with her.    It got harder to spend time with her as she got older and wanted to spend time with kids her own age.  She truly has been a blessing to me.