A long trek through the urban wilderness of Manhattan, the Jersey ‘burbs and across the Chesapeake Bay watershed brought us to Cleveland, the Beachland Ballroom and old and dear friends Dana and Micky Leake. Another ballroom, this one having its beginnings in the ’30s also, but a ballroom from the start. Somewhere in the ’50s it fell on hard times and became a home for the elderly of the Croatian community. Eventually, it struggled its way back into an entertainment venue. We started with a small audience, but as we were to see happen frequently, those in attendance got on their cell phones and called in their friends. Some even wandered next door to the Beachland Lounge and stole that band’s audience. By intermission, the crowd was quite respectable.

Following the performance, we followed the Leakes to their Chagrin Falls home and took a day off. Some went birding at the lake, others napped and took long walks. The constant motion and drive of the road is beginning to wear, and many seek time alone. Small irritations have grown into sore spots, and the break is badly needed. No better place than at this peaceful, spacious home with its kindly hosts. Revived, we head for Columbus.

-m