Well, it's back to school time, and that means Summer is over. I hope all of you enjoyed the great weather (unless you grow corn for a living)! The only thing I like about the `Back to School' rush is I get to stock up on glue sticks and Elmer's at reeeeal good prices, that is, if you don't mind pushing 8 year olds out of your way.

Summer is also a time for vacations and those projects you put off "till the weather gets better." I don't do well on extended vacations... too much time away from my stuff. We usually opt for the one or two day road trip to a nearby tourist attraction. For example, we loaded up the bikes and went to Put-in-Bay for a day of caving and wine tasting. Actually, we were done by 4 pm, and since I don't drink as heavily as everyone else on the island, we headed home early. I must recommend visiting Perry's Monument and the new visitor center at the park. There is a great ship diorama of the battle inside the center. It's 15mm scale, but there are no figures on the models. The gift shop has a good selection of books about the battle and others relating to local history. A film of the Battle of Lake Erie plays every 20 minutes and is very well done.

On a related topic, I was able to visit the US Brig Niagara during it's stay in Toledo, Labor Day weekend. Tall ships are always a pleasure to see. Once you stand on the deck, you can realize just how crowded it would be during action, and how deadly for the crew. I've sailed on a 27-foot boat on Lake Erie and I can't imagine trying to engage the enemy and control the ship. The wind is never predictable and always variable on this lake.

Another road trip we did this Summer was to the Hayes Presidential Center in Fremont, OH. The center consists of his home and a building for his library and museum. I won't go into details, because I want you all to come to our demo/exhibit in October. I will say they have a great display of weapons in the lower level of the museum. Muskets, rifles, cannons and a nice display of guns from the Boxer Rebellion that President Hayes' son brought back, including a 9-foot Chinese matchlock! Our Chapter will be running some games at the museum during the annual Civil War Encampment Oct. 5-6. What a great time to enjoy three activities at one place! If you are interested, a special HMGS rate is available at the Holiday Inn in Fremont. Well, I've rambled on long enough! See you in October.