Well we survived the night without the need to head to the basement because of tornadoes. Lucky as today was a busy day with a lot of visiting and a lot of eating.

Jenny and Teri headed off early for a pamper and pedicure (this was a first for Jenny) so Billy and I had a chance to head off and check out some of his local fire stations. Well we only had time for one in the end.

We stopped off at Mason Fire Department Station 51 which is one of the 2 stations serving the City of Mason. Billy was Chief of this department before it was split into two departments with Billy going to the Loveland Symmes Fire Department. Billy was instrumental in getting this station named Station 51 (fans of Emergency would understand the significance).

When we arrived, there seemed to be some confusion as every cop car from the Mason Police Department was at the Station. Figured that Billy had either come to the wrong spot or someone had brought a heap of donuts. It appeared it was the latter. Actually there was a desktop exercise that involved both fire and police but there were boxes of donuts too.

We caught up with Fire Chief John Moore who showed us around and even found an Assistant Fire Chief with a mop and bucket. That would never happen at home. It was interesting that they are having trouble filling vacancies for firefighters which is apparently a common thing at the moment.

After leaving the crew at Station 51, we went for a visit to Billy’s mum who is living in a nursing home nearby that is akin to a 5 star resort rather than a nursing home. 

It was now time to catch up with the girls and start the foodfest. Our lunchspot for today was the Cheesecake Factory. We looked for Penny but apparently she wasn’t working today. I think the staff get that alot. The meals were good and large as expected and we finished off with a piece of cheesecake to share.

And just in case we haven’t had enough sweet stuff, we drove up the road to meet Danni and her kids for icecream at a local landmark icecream maker, Graeter’s. It was nice icecream but it was a struggle to fit it in.

After farewelling the grandkids, it was time to see Billy’s latest project for the basement. He is getting a bar made in the shape of an American LaFrance pumper front. Instead of being made in metal and checker plate, it is being constructed completely of wood and is looking great even though it is only half completed. We now have an excuse to get back here to check out the finished product.

We had just enough time to settle out lunch meal before heading our for dinner with some friends of Billy and Teri at Cooper’s Hawk, a wine bar and restaurant. It must have been the busiest spot in the local area as it was packed. Unfortunately I have picked up some sort of stomach bug and couldn’t really enjoy tonight’s meal so had a light salad. Hopefully it clears up before tomorrows food fest.

Back to the house to finish the day and try and digest all the food from today.