Trip to Toledo

A trip with my nephew name Kim
Last minute decided on whim
Up North all the way
Past hills of red clay
On the highways along side of him.

Late August this trip did we go
See big brother in old Toledo
We'd talk of the past
Of life gone so fast
'Bout things that none others would know

Two weeks seeing all I could see
My room & board each even free
I'd eat all in sight
Brother Frank with no spite
Said "It's cheaper to board than to feed me".

Old Legion Hall went us one day
To see some old folks there at play
A game they call Euchre
No need in my future
To learn this is all I can say.

To Shaner's one morn did we go
His jewelry shop wanted he show
New venture for him
His passion, no whim
Bright diamonds his business I know

Another fine evening we took
With Anna, oh what a great cook
Made Gumbo with chicken
Shane's rice that was stick'n
Three bowls full, my belly it shook

A lady I met named Miss Pugh
Ceramics is all that she knew
Hand made and hand glazed
I was totally amazed
Such talent her handcraft could do

Artful veggies and fruit made of glass
Turtles, fish and a cat full of sass
In her shop to the walls
Hung bright Christmas balls
All waiting for someone with 'cash'

One night eating Kim's Pizza Roma
So much it near put me in coma
Thick cheese on the top
Refuse I could not
For all it's sweet garlic aroma

One day while out in June's garage
I smashed and cracked nuts to dislodge
Their Black Walnut meats
Such gourmet sweet treats
English Walnut, Hickory nuts for the Gods

There bags upon bags of tin cans
He mashed in a crusher by hand
To recycle soon
For quick cash a boon
Collected from all o're the land

Their home it's along Curtice Road
Across from a creek and railroad
Is full of warm cheer
A fridge full of beer
So long lived they in this abode

Some days we would drive into town
To shopping at Mejers and around
The Dollar Store too
Big Lots also true
So bargains were sure to be found

Two weeks having such a good time
Return now to a warmer clime
To Florida must go
Before comes the snow
And soon I run out of this rhyme

In the big Chevy van off went we
Drive south Gloria said with some glee
We'll have you home quick
Without any trick
Brother June was already asleep

Two days spent we driving along
One night to rest up for a song
A two hour block
For traffic was stopped
An accident caused this only wrong

Long last we did reach old St. Pete
So glad to be back and so sweet
With warm balmy air
And skies oh so fair
The Bay and the waters a treat

My adventure now come to an end
Leaving memories my mind for to tend
A special good time
And life so sublime
Forever just remember when.