A DATE WITH A GOVERNOR

One day I got the mail - and what to my wondering eyes should appear - an invitation to the Governor's Mansion in Bexley, Ohio for the annual picnic. I was one of several people from Washington Court House to receive the honor. Four of us went together, and I drove Sunday afternoon to the busy streets of Columbus. Upon arrival I met a new friend who joined our group - Concha, a long-time friend of my friend Sue.


The Mansion is large and impressive entering through the front gate to check-in and get our nametags. Along the walk to the garden, large stones are engraved with the name of each county in the state. In every direction, many beautiful flowers adorn the landscaped gardens.



The many visitors made their way to the huge tent where the food table was set up. The lines formed to partake of hot dogs, choice of snack-pak chips, cookies, lemonade or water. There was also a line to have your picture taken with Governor Ted Strickland and other dignitaries, as they stood on riser blocks. I joined the line and took along my photo of "Ted and I" taken here in town when the Governor spoke to a group at the Center For Economic Opportunity. The woman who moved us along and set up for the next photo shot said he didn't have time to do autographs. However, as Concha and I moved into place, Ted shook hands with me and I showed him the photo and said, "she said you didn't have time." After the photo was taken, as I was standing directly in front of him, he leaned over and said, "let's do this!" He graciously autographed our photo and he received my greatest thanks.


The gardens were open to tour and take pictures, as was the first floor of what the Governor called "The People's House" in his brief statement after his photos were finished. He gave us a little history of the home and I must say I took too many pictures for one blog entry.





In one area of the garden, stands an embellished stone Ohio State Seal surrounded by greenery. Needless to say, it was an enjoyable afternoon two-hour picnic and tour for my once-in-a-lifetime event. Stay tuned tomorrow for more Mansion comments.