Catching Up

Whew!  It'a been a whirlwind of a trip so far.  We left a day earlier than expected, firstly because we werre itching to get on the road and secondly...we needed another new trailer tire.  Ted white-nuckled it down the 401 in a humdinger of a side wind with tractor trailers whizzing past us like they were in the Indy 500.  Our first camping stop was in London about 10:00 pm at...you guessed it...Walmart.

Our 5 days & 4 nights in the Detroit area were crammed full of activities.  Here are some highlights:

• Being interrogated by the US Border Guards, who once were friendly next-door neighbours and are now no-nonsense cops who intimidate like the best of them.  I understand why, but wish it didn't have to be so.
• Being with Kevin and Laraine and their family.  We were treated like royalty there as we were plied with terrific food, good conversation and plenty of laughs.
• Seeing Erin and Kurt's new home, their first together.  A cute 70's brick ranch on 1.5 acres of gently rolling lawns, glorious flower gardens and trees, trees, trees.
• The O'Neill Reunion!  I love to re-connect with my aunts, uncles, cousins, and their ever-growing families.  Extra special this trip was getting to visit with my California cousins, Bill and Dave and their spouses, Susan and Debi.  Hadn't seen Bill and Sue for over 15 years. Was also good to see a few of my siblings' kids:  Kylie, Lisa and Don.  I love all you guys!
• Watching Kim, Laraine's daughter, sit on the floor in Kev's family room, fresh back from a Mediterranian Cruise, unpacking gifts for her family.  It was like Christmas and I think she enjoyed it more than anyone else.
• Visiting the Redford Grill for breakfast...this is Ted's highlight...4, count em...FOUR times in just as many mornings we spent there.  Need I say more?
• Met Una Gray, Kurt's 95 year old grandmother.  Una lives alone in her own home, cooks a full meal for herself each day, and still drives her silver SUV to the hairdressser and doctor.  She can carry on a conversation without missing a beat and still wears JEANS...at 95.  A simply amazing woman.   And, Una was born in Listowel, Ontario!
• I met June Rodriguez while I was out walking and she was returning home from a bike ride.   As I crossed the end of her driveway, June smiled and asked how I was enjoying my walk. I told her I grew up in the neighbourhood and she said, "Come sit on my swing and tell me all about it."  I did and half an hour later, when we parted, I said I would get in touch when next in town.  June is a charming, lovely, soft spoken woman of 79 and she is an inspiration.

Yesterday we crossed the state to Ludington (the snow capital of MI) and stayed at Vacation Station RV Park.  The camp office was built in the style of an old Railroad Station.  Last night we found out why...you guessed it.  Every hour it went rumbling by.  No wonder it was only 20 bucks a night. But it was neat and tidy and had all the ammenities...except ear plugs.

Today we are aboard the SS Badger just more than half way across Lake Michigan.  The ship is pitching quite a bit and even Ted just took a short tumble as he rose from our table.  I braved a visit to the lav and was grabbing everything in sight to steady my footing...yuk...but I had no choice. We should arrive in Manitowac, WI at 1:00 pm MI time (12:00 Central)).  We'll drive for a couple hours and crawl into our little home away from home.

Speaking of our trailer, there were 3 nominations for names:  Joy Ride, Rocinante and Rosa, short for Rocinante.  Too few to have a vote I think, so I'm making an executive decision and christening her "Rosa", short for Rocinante.  Read past posts for the significance of that name.  Right now I'm signing off and eating this lovely Michigan Cherry salad Ted just placed before me.  MI is the cherry capital of the States for all you non-Michiganders.

Bye for now,

Peggy/Mom