Summer's last hurrah? Nope... just two wild and crazy guys named Sam and Maddy.
It all started several months ago when Maddy came across an article in an Ohio Magazine regarding the upcoming 11th annual PawPaw Festival... a what festival? Never heard of a pawpaw? Neither had she so, ever the detective, the curiosity got the best of her.
The pawpaw is the fruit of a tree that is native to the Ohio area and it is tropical tasting and somewhat perishable, so it doesn't usually make it to market. But a festival? We had to go. So, go we did.
It's not the prettiest fruit - or tree, but it tastes pretty good - sort of a creamy texture with the flavor a cross between a banana and a mango. The outer green skin is not eaten and the inside pulp is a buttery color. They even make beer out of it: Maddy's not a beer drinker, but she had to taste it.
Yep, it tastes like beer.
Not being a beer drinker... it wasn't the highlight of the day for her, but at least she can say she tried it. Sam only had a sip since he's not supposed to have any alcohol because it is too drying for his mouth now that the radiologist destroyed all his salivary glands - he wasn't impressed either. At least he doesn't have to feel bad about missing out on less-than-delicious tasting pawpaw beer ;)
The festival was held at Lake Snowden, a beautiful recreation and education park owned and operated by Hocking College. It offers camping, fishing, picnic and swimming, boating, equine camp and trails. Now, in case you are wondering, we did none of the aforementioned activities, but it was a beautiful day and we enjoyed the scenery. Here's a link if you want to learn more: http://www.lakesnowden.com/camping
We stayed in Athens, Ohio which is most famous for Ohio University. It's a quaint college town with a sort of a 60's flair... lots of laid back 20-30 somethings.
You might be wondering about the title of the post "Homage to Paul and Margery Zeller". Well, they are sort of an inspiration to us. Paul and Margery have been "Living their Dream" self-described "baby boomers privileged to enjoy our dream of early retirement while traveling full-time in our RV." Check out their fantastic blog: http://here4now.typepad.com/here4now/
Cancer and I'm sure other life-threatening illnesses or situations transforms you. It makes you think of life from a new perspective. Some of it really sucks, but what we have now is a greater joy of living. All the same life problems and pains are still there, but the heart is strengthened and there is a new found pleasure in the mundane.
Tomorrow morning, September 21st, Sam will have a PET/CT Scan - it's been a year now since his treatments were completed. We are praying for a clean scan. It will be a while before we get the results... so stay tuned.
Other Things to Pray About: G-20 protesters (that they will not be violent) and for the safety of the men and women who protect and defend our city and country.
God Bless.
P.S. Just in case you decide to check-out the PawPaw Festival next year, here's a link to get you started: http://www.ohiopawpawfest.com/
1 comment:
great post Maddy. Great pics. Great fun. Not so great beer. I like your post about perspective. and the reality about it. Some of the "new" does stink, but some of it is really great.
Pray for perfect PET scan results. God bles you both.
Sam, you look wonderful. (Maddy, you always do.)
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