THE FLIGHT BACK across the country is not as spectacular as the flight out. Clouds cover the scenery below for the most part and we don't get to see much until we land in Detroit, where we will change planes to Cincinnati.

We arrive at the Cincinnati-Covington airport around 6:30, with the idea that we will want to get to the Delph's house as quickly as possible. Today is the annual Cincinnati River Fest, with the most spectacular fireworks show we've never seen. The entire city is the background for this extravaganza. We've only seen it televised, never live. On television, where the quality of such things as fireworks is terribly degraded, they are still the most impressive fireworks ever, and we will have a near-perfect location to view the display from the hillside home of my friend Rick's wife's parents. Unfortunately, a call to my answering machine (where Rick promised to leave a message confirming our attendance) turns up no messages. They have had a recent death in the family, and did not make plans for a fireworks gathering this year.

Actually, we are not all that sorry. We miss our home and our cats, and we are very tired from the trip. One look at the cars on the freeway waiting in line at the off ramps for a chance to locate non-existent parking spaces convinces us further that we should just get home, which is exactly what we do.

The cats are happy to see us. Buster immediately heads under the bed, but he comes out after only a short time. Fred and Krukker are abnormally affectionate. Of course Krukker meows to go outside, but wants back in as soon as the door closes. We are happy to be back.

Oh, and the River Fest Fireworks look just lovely on television…

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Story and original photography copyright ©1996-1997 by John Lipman. All rights reserved.
Descriptions, observations, and characterizations expressed are solely those of the author.
Background music is copyright ©1994 by Kurt Stoecker. All rights reserved.

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