Travels With Charleys: Four Mittmans and a Bailey

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Four Mittmans and a Bailey

For Labor Day weekend, we went down to Maumee, Ohio (just outside of Toledo) to see the 2008 3-wall National Handball Tournament. Even more important, we met up with Adam's parents, their dog Canella, and Adam's brother Scott, who was competing in the tournament. Adam had taken me to this tournament once before, where he relived memories of attending as a teenager with his family. Once upon a time, the whole family competed. This year, only Scott did, but Adam got into an off-sides match with the junior national champion. After years away from playing competitively, Adam did well, but was ultimately no match for the kid 20 years his junior. Scott faired well in his first doubles match (he was beaten in the singles), but he and his partner just couldn't quite cut it against the second team they played. I couldn't believe how riled up I got by all the trash talk the other team's supporters were spouting. Adam told me it was all in good fun, and sure enough, the competing teams typically hung out and drank beer after the match was over. Fun was had by all, and it was fantastic to see Adam's family for a weekend. We tent-camped for two nights and got quite familiar with the port-o-potties, but managed to get showers and dips in the pool at the nearby hotel where Scott was staying. All in all, a GREAT holiday weekend. It was fabulous to spend time with the Mittmans. Next year, Adam's sister and her family and Scott's wife must fly in for the occasion. They'll absolutely LOVE the port-o-potties.