Thursday's Update (8/7/08)

Another day has come...and is fading fast. We made it to Grayling Michigan late last night and are happily camped at "Jellystone Park" just a few miles out of town. It's a fun place to stay and we'll be uploading some pictures soon. Spencer is feeding me imaginary cookies from a small tray he found in a cupboard...he is really a delight these days.

We spent some of Wednesday eating really fantastic Italian food and going right down town in Chicago. I have to admit, driving the RV on the narrow and congested city streets was a bit intimidating. It was, however, worth it. Once we left the city and hit the turnpike my heart finally stopped racing and I was glad we did it...Not sure if I'd do it again however, but the kids are really glad we went there.

We also got hooked-up with my Uncle Larry and Aunt Sandy and his son (my long-lost cousin) Larry Jr. and his wife. It was nice to see people again after so many years away. All good folks; the kind you are grateful to have as neighbors.

As we were touring around today I pulled off the road to turn around and got stuck in just a few inches of sand. As it turns out the RV is not really much of an "off-road" vehicle afterall ; - ) It cost $82.00 for a tow truck to come and pull me about ten feet before we were on our way. Kind of a bummer, but it worked out just fine.

The most exciting part was during the couple of minutes I tried to get it un-stuck on my own. A radiator hose blew off and spewed a few gallons of antifreeze making a pretty impressive mushroom cloud of green funk. For a minute it looked like a major problem, but Daniel found and fixed it within a few minutes...my new hero!

It's cool seeing my hometown again, but things sure do change (as they should.) We ate lunch in the restaurant I used to buss & wait tables, wash dishes, and goof around at (Elias Bros. Big Boy.) They still have some fairly good food there. Maybe that's an overstatement ; - )

Though many things have changed around here, my affection for the community and surroundings has only increased. And although we're not even thinking about moving back here, in so many ways it feels good to be home. In truth, anywhere I can be with my beautiful little family works just fine for me.

Tomorrow we're off to Mackinaw Island...we're all really looking forward to that. I promise we'll post some cool photos soon.

God Bless You and Yours,

Bill