Vicki is a gal on the go. Since retiring in 2005, she has indulged her passion for travel. Her most frequent travel companion is her sister Marilyn, who lives in Illinois. Besides numerous road trips, they have taken several cruises--Alaska, Panama, the Caribbean, Cabot San Lucas, and Mazatlan, to name a few.
Last winter Vicki drove to Illinois, and the sisters flew to AZ to spend a week with brother David at his winter home in Carefree. She says Carefree is a fly-in community and David flies his own plane. (Hey, he should have shuttled them!)
There is a road trip planned for June. Vicki will pick up Marilyn and head for Green Bay to visit Vicki's daughter Jennifer. Then they will continue on to Door County, Washington Island, WI, to do all the touristy things. When she said they had winery tours, she had my attention. There are also lighthouses to tour, antique stores to explore, orchards and farm markets and restaurants to visit, and golf courses to play. (I'm still back at the winery.)
In October, Vicki and her friend Mitzi Michel will meet Marilyn in IL and the three of them will drive to Branson, MO, for a week. This is the third time in three years for this trip so they know the way. Branson's live performances are a must-see.
Even when Vicki is not traveling, she is on the road. In 2007, Mitzi persuaded Vicki to ride along while delivering Meals on Wheels to some of Delaware County's shut-ins. Vicki now has her own route, driving on Mondays and Fridays, that takes her south to Powell and back, approximately a 90-minute loop. Husband Ken also has a delivery route, carefully planned around golf days.
In June, Vicki will be reassigned to the Radnor route. At 50 miles, it is the longest circuit. She loves the work. She sees so many people who have no other visitors and are eager for the personal contact and a few minutes of conversation. It is easy to grow attached to these special people.
Becky Ross Donovan has been involved with cocker rescue for some time. When Vicki lost her long-time canine companion, Sas, a female Husky mix, Becky put her in touch with Cherished Cockers, an organization with several chapters around Ohio. Vicki learned of a full-blooded cocker spaniel who hadn't been adopted and whose time had run out. She drove to a Lodi outlet mall, met and fell in love with Zack, and took him home. He fits right in with Kia, a full-blooded female Husky.
On one occasion when Becky was not available, Vicki and Ken met a Springfield couple at a halfway point, and transported their cocker to Mansfield where another home had been found. On another occasion, she drove to a Gahanna veterinarian's office and shuttled a rescued cocker to another placement volunteer.
It's a good thing Vicki and Ken are retired. With all the miles they are putting on their vehicles, they are probably re-tired, as well.