Day Two was packed with reunions.  We had friends to catch up with at many of the shops in Yellow Springs whom we haven’t seen in a year and a half.  As this was E’s birthday trip, shopping was involved, as well.

First up was Pam at Unfinished Creations, art, crafts, office, and stationary supplies.  We’ve had many discussions of a progressive nature with her, while buying earrings, gifts, tools, and misc.  In lieu of a photo of her, you can find her hiding in this picture of her favorite animal.

Next was our obligatory new age fix at Ravenwood, where we are always treated to empathy and the casting out of bad spirits, while stocking up on incense and other mystical/frivolous items.  We always feel (and smell) better after a visit there.

The next stop held a particular significance–checking up on Mister Eko the big black blobcat of Darkstar Books.  He had actually lost a couple of pounds and followed me around the shop.  Here he is holding down the comic books, floor, and books.  We were very happy to see him, as well as his very nice humans.

One of the highlights of our day was our planned visit with Sam, who works at HQ, the Tavern. She had a day off, and we spent a very pleasant couple of hours eating lunch and catching up on everything.  Of course some drinking happened as well.  She’s been through a very difficult past and come out wise beyond her young years, so it’s always an intelligent conversation.  She was one of the few who helped us move.

Then it was off to the scene of the crime, Fairborn, with its “Frankenstein’s Tower” looming over.  Our main mission was to visit our good friend Ron at The Bird Cage consignment shop, plus restock up on glassware.  We found this welcome back sign on his storefront.  We were concerned to find him suffering from a serious medical issue, but still cheerful and funny as ever.  More on him later.

No visit to the area would be complete without stopping at one of our favorite parks, Siebenthaler Fen prairie/wetlands, and walking the boardwalk.  We noticed how starkly dry it was after all the drought.  The iconic dead tree of so many past seasons was still standing, just barely.  Still, there were hardy wildflowers and favorite trees that have managed to tough it out and thrive since we were last there.  Also a beaver dam is still there.

It was a full and well-spent day.  Stay tuned for Day 3, whenever I get to it.