Celebrated Holidays, Birthdays, Weddings, and Family Visits

DEC ‘16: Gathered for our family Christmas in Bolton, MA at Laura & David’s. Steven in from San Francisco; Mom and me from Ohio; Karen & Gian, A.J. & Alexandra, goldendoodles Gus & Sadie from Beacon Hill; and David’s Mom Ruth from her nearby assisted living center celebrated together with too many gifts, as usual. Alas, we missed Steven’s wife Shari, who spent Xmas with her folks in Brooklyn.

JAN: Celebrated Gov. Bob Taft’s 70th birthday with fellow former Taft Cabinet members at Charity Newsies. It was good to see the Gov. and Hope Taft looking so well and to see so many of my colleagues from over a decade ago, including Shaun Yoder and Bruce Johnson, Ann Womer & David Benjamin, Tom Johnson and Hope Taft, Reggie Wilkinson and Jo Ann Davidson, Bill Wilkins and David & Ann Bodary.

AUG: Lisal threw a Yankees-themed party at the Franklin Park Conservatory for Don Gorman’s 70th birthday amid the Chilhuly glass and plants. Honored to be there with Don’s family members and long-time friends–here with Linda & Bob Gorman–to share happy memories.

SEP: Don & Anita Dougherty’s reception at Via Vecchia Winery celebrating their wedding. Mom & I joined my Alban Mews neighbors Tony & Kate Thomas, Jim & Cherie Nelson, Tim & Lisa Stallings, Kathleen & Buzz Trafford, family and other friends to offer our best wishes.

APR & OCT: Laura & David came to Columbus for their first visits in 12 years! We had really nice times seeing local sights, with Mom & Laura enjoying slots & food at Hollywood Casino. David & I took a fun Columbus Brew Adventures tour. Rode my bikes on NACC’s leisure paths. Saw the Chilhulys at Franklin Park Conservatory. Had dim sum at Sunflower with my neighbors David Glisson, Jim Miller, & their exchange student Martin. On their Oct. trip, back to Sunflower and enjoyed their wonderful fresh frog rice casserole. Visited David at his trade show at the Columbus Convention Center. We were treated royally by Hot Chicken Takeover’s manager at the North Market. Found Hayden Falls and took some fun pix. Tasted many at NACC’s Fall Wine Expo, where Bob Gorman let Laura try on his Yankees World Series ring. My first round of golf in 4 years at my club, where I parred the hole behind my house and Laura came that close to a hole-in-one.