tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1301850645306898332024-03-05T20:54:57.567-05:00La Casita BellaTwo women on the road, two friends on a journey. Bernie and Mar bought an RV, named her Bella, and left home (FL) in June 2008. They traveled 24,000 miles in 15 months to visit 28 US states and 5 Canadian provinces. Bernie had to return home because of family issues. Mar is still wandering and wondering. Please read our adventures here, leave us a comment, or email Mar at HerTinkerbell@yahoo.comMarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00435426548145356320noreply@blogger.comBlogger360125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130185064530689833.post-84768200989837382682009-09-09T00:00:00.001-04:002009-09-27T15:51:58.654-04:00New adventures, new blog<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
Mar now has a new blog called Life at 55 MPH.<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">You will find it by clicking here: <a href="http://lifeat55mph.blogspot.com/">Life at 55 MPH</a><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The new blog is more of a photo album than a travel blog so please take a look, bookmark it, become a follower, leave me a comment, and enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Marhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00435426548145356320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130185064530689833.post-71272975029084327692009-08-31T00:00:00.001-04:002009-08-31T01:17:23.249-04:00The end of the roadDear Readers,<br /><br />We are sorry to say that Bella’s adventures have been disrupted.<br /><br />Bernie had to return home suddenly to take care of some family responsibilities (no emergencies, everyone is ok). Mar hasn’t yet decided what she’ll do next.<br /><br />We thank you for being our loyal readers and we hope you have enjoyed the adventures of Bella and the Road.<br /><br />You may still leave us comments here on the blog, we will get them, and we love getting your comments. Or if you prefer, you can email Mar at HerTinkerbell@yahoo.com<br /><br />Until we meet again,<br />Mar, Bernie and BellaMarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00435426548145356320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130185064530689833.post-64070068361602823772009-08-24T00:00:00.001-04:002009-08-28T14:45:23.241-04:00Time fliesToday we were able to take some time for ourselves and rode our bikes into town just like we did last week. This made us realize that we haven’t posted to our blog in a while. We don’t really have anything new to report. The past week has been spent working. Lots and lots of work.<br /><br />Bernie has been working on some big projects for the B&B, mostly outdoors, working long hours, and now has a suntan to show for it.<br /><br />Mar has been busy with the new class she’s teaching online and spending a lot of time job hunting online, she would like to find more work she can do online.<br /><br />Sometimes before the rooms at the B&B get cleaned Mar has been able to watch the Food Network, while working on her laptop. This makes her very happy and makes the work go quicker.<br /><br />The weather has been quite unpredictable this past week. Most nights it has been nice so we don’t even need the fan. Other nights it has been down right chilly so we had to pull the space heater out of storage. The days have ranged from wet and cold to sunny and hot. It is most unusual weather.<br /><br />Today we went to the post office to pick up our mail and ship some things. Then we went to a very cool store called Del Sol. Everything in the store changes color when exposed to the sun. We had a coupon so now we own a very cool, free Del Sol glow in the sun tote bag. www.delsol.com<br /><br />We decided to treat ourselves to ice cream at an old fashioned ice cream fountain in town. It is all the way in the back of the Saugatuck Drug Store and has the traditional counter with red stools. We shared a chocolate shake and we almost couldn’t finish it. The ice cream was so good we took some home with us.<br /><br />After that we headed back to the inn. This place is busy all the time. They are full or nearly full every night, both on the weekends and on weeknights. The B&B is very quaint, the rooms are beautiful, and the breakfast is delicious. A perfect place to spend some time off. www.twingablesinn.comMarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00435426548145356320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130185064530689833.post-9106360500983009392009-08-17T00:00:00.001-04:002009-08-18T01:51:11.163-04:00Good breakfast and great produceWe started our day with a knock on the door. It was Danielle with carrot cake and milk for us. She brought us breakfast! It was so sweet and we appreciated it so much. The people here have been wonderful to us. <br /><br />Bernie went back to work today washing more outside walls. This takes a lot of scrubbing with detergent and brushes on long poles.<br /><br />In the late afternoon we rode our bikes to go to the post office and the weekly farmers market. It was warm and muggy today, but it sure is nice to be able to ride our bikes.<br /><br />The farmers market was small but the produce was lovely. We bought some small golden yellow plums that we’d never seen before. They are very sweet and juicy and they are called Shiro Plums. <br /><br />Our dinner tonight was quiche, which was left over from breakfast, and it was delicious. Later Danielle came to tell us that one of the cottages didn’t get cleaned today after the guests checked out, so we could use go in and watch tv.<br /><br />The bad news is there was no Food Network. The good news is that we sat down in time to watch the Great American Road Trip. Next we watched My Name is Earl and then we called it a night.Marhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00435426548145356320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130185064530689833.post-22684279741639718132009-08-16T00:00:00.000-04:002009-08-17T14:25:45.114-04:00Working in the rainIt sure was warm today and being in the shade did not seem to help much. Bernie rode her bike to the small, local grocery store to pick up a couple things we needed.<br /><br />When she got back she went back to work. Today she washed the outside of the cottages and a deck. She uses a hose and bucket and two types of brushes for scrubbing. The exteriors of the buildings at the B&B range from wood to siding.<br /><br />It started raining in the late afternoon. Bernie stopped for a few minutes but when she saw there was no lightning she went back to work and she was able to finish all three cottages today.<br /><br />Mar spent the day grading student papers for her new online class. She had a slight headache by the end of the day from too much reading!<br /><br />After dinner we watched a movie that we borrowed from the B&B’s library. Today was a good, productive day.Marhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00435426548145356320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130185064530689833.post-5261495994147489902009-08-15T00:00:00.001-04:002009-08-17T14:11:18.819-04:00The work beginsIt was another beautiful day today but quite warm. It looks like it will be quite hot for the next few days. Not exactly good timing for the warm weather, as Bernie will be working mostly outdoors this week.<br /><br />Today Bernie started to work on the project list for the B&B. She swept cobwebs and started washing the outside of the buildings. There are three cottages, a garage with a loft, and one huge main house. Bernie made some headway today.<br /><br />The B&B is very busy this time of year but Danielle was nice enough to figure out the housekeeping schedule to give us a chance to do our laundry. So today Mar got to do the laundry. It’s always nice to have clean laundry so we are very grateful to Danielle.<br /><br />After a long, very hot day we were able to sit down to a nice dinner. Danielle said that we can have the leftovers from breakfast if there’s any. Since we don’t eat breakfast the leftovers can be our dinner, and this works out really well for us.<br /><br />Today it was egg and sausage enchiladas and coffee cake. It was a great dinner, the enchiladas were delicious and the coffee cake was light and sweet. It had nuts but no cinnamon, which makes it even better because Mar loves nuts but doesn't like cinnamon. We are happy to say it is some of the best food we have tasted.Marhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00435426548145356320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130185064530689833.post-34930824121802330722009-08-14T00:00:00.001-04:002009-08-22T00:05:11.784-04:00An excellent dayWe are in a perfect little corner of the parking lot at the inn. We are shaded at all times of the day. This means cool breezes with no direct sun to heat us up. There are birds singing, neighbors working in their gardens, and the sounds of people lounging around the inn. We sit here comfortably in Bella, listening to these little <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jCvTvovO8NrkiN9RTausI6VMK3GdP_X8oNDbnSper9rfgAX-2abkQHbI4PqbdpPnMzzb-MuShhW-NsAB4e__9nAiN2cJ1CqHsMmf_e6nTcg4PL5GyVMySg4elb0rBaVESnVog2Y_iBKr/s1600-h/100_7493.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jCvTvovO8NrkiN9RTausI6VMK3GdP_X8oNDbnSper9rfgAX-2abkQHbI4PqbdpPnMzzb-MuShhW-NsAB4e__9nAiN2cJ1CqHsMmf_e6nTcg4PL5GyVMySg4elb0rBaVESnVog2Y_iBKr/s200/100_7493.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372633926856305186" border="0" /></a>pieces of life as we sip our iced coffee<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvCuhNxefjLz6nELFsLRxU0wYTL_vfzWCS3xTdM51HbcI3-rr2-BEKxsOm3T6DRqv8i8Q_i070jPqdXf2uLasarTmRl-Rv6sqx9qDEy5nU-f3crV_DZPpQbjKFzTqU4SwoYORnBOnUWm1/s1600-h/100_7481.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvCuhNxefjLz6nELFsLRxU0wYTL_vfzWCS3xTdM51HbcI3-rr2-BEKxsOm3T6DRqv8i8Q_i070jPqdXf2uLasarTmRl-Rv6sqx9qDEy5nU-f3crV_DZPpQbjKFzTqU4SwoYORnBOnUWm1/s200/100_7481.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372633930500842018" border="0" /></a>, before we start our day.<br /><br />When we were ready we rode our bikes into town. Today we had our very first job as a mystery shopper, where Bernie got to pretend to be a new customer at a local bank.<br /><br />Then we got on our bikes again and rode up and down tree covered streets with tons of tourists everywhere. We went to the post office and then we stopped by the office of a local realtor, Laura Durham, to say hi and tell her thank you, because she had emailed us to offer us a place to park in Saugatuck MI.www.millpondrealty.com<br /><br />As we were exploring around town we saw a sign for Sit!, an exhibition at the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhay0NXj0KbbNFZelzQ_ZABcMXg6IBKVLjrG0yDpSs473NnA0gJTW224vwFS2iviOCTJJXUWxPbQpMxhczsFFiuRSYiVKNKGkVE_E0dpUU_nPkSs0aFHoqRllmM0xYumlmAi1jvveKh6myq/s1600-h/100_7501.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhay0NXj0KbbNFZelzQ_ZABcMXg6IBKVLjrG0yDpSs473NnA0gJTW224vwFS2iviOCTJJXUWxPbQpMxhczsFFiuRSYiVKNKGkVE_E0dpUU_nPkSs0aFHoqRllmM0xYumlmAi1jvveKh6myq/s200/100_7501.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372633920155191394" border="0" /></a>Saugatuck Center for the Arts abo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfLW62chktINeAhwhM_oCzNCS3kzL9xv7EES-9AJnDuH2av2cvIbyjzj7ubdeTy3hzRvIL7jJwwtYp0vqNRmBkIS1XQPcIH61fk2C313oDChrrhSR6PURC3JRV838vjI96xiIay87_qeU/s1600-h/100_7503.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfLW62chktINeAhwhM_oCzNCS3kzL9xv7EES-9AJnDuH2av2cvIbyjzj7ubdeTy3hzRvIL7jJwwtYp0vqNRmBkIS1XQPcIH61fk2C313oDChrrhSR6PURC3JRV838vjI96xiIay87_qeU/s200/100_7503.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372632930787322018" border="0" /></a>ut the history of chairs and the stories they tell. The opening reception was today and starting in less than half an hour, so we got on our bikes again and went to the Center. There we had a wonderful time chatting with the locals, enjoying the wine and cheese, and learning about chairs. Who knew chairs were so fascinating. www.sc4a.org<br /><br />We heard that Wicks Park was a good place to get a bite to eat, so once again we got on our bikes and headed to Wicks. We split the turkey burger, because we are trying to eat healthy. The burger was ok but we think we’ll stick with regular burgers from now on. www.wickspark.com<br /><br />After dinner as we rode our bikes down Water Street we happened upon Marianna's massage chair. We had met her online and wanted to meet her when we got here. She wasn’t there but her chair was just out<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vvMqXdjwdNv3W-3JXzoudJgnqWTAADEGLRhu4jJF-hCr7PmtxvJDnsubzIMO7_1lhR4WKklJt3rSCAS5qwoukzMfcpPF7C6sO-o22Pogv9Jk37RhIADUzqGIx71HqB6S_1R7BHn3YS42/s1600-h/100_7525.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vvMqXdjwdNv3W-3JXzoudJgnqWTAADEGLRhu4jJF-hCr7PmtxvJDnsubzIMO7_1lhR4WKklJt3rSCAS5qwoukzMfcpPF7C6sO-o22Pogv9Jk37RhIADUzqGIx71HqB6S_1R7BHn3YS42/s200/100_7525.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372632921396063986" border="0" /></a>side a cute fair trade store, calle<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdXoLfkAEZbin55EG7uc8oXoeReoxYCYGqyVPEuMPlDvKFwHkdsLp5fb8NOq1dth2xxU2K4mly-s2e_lA0lpnLyUV3u3rWzMSPjho82mFKuGfwWA5nZ09B1ktKVJYEvaWMKaAdQEKt5tg/s1600-h/100_7530.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 138px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdXoLfkAEZbin55EG7uc8oXoeReoxYCYGqyVPEuMPlDvKFwHkdsLp5fb8NOq1dth2xxU2K4mly-s2e_lA0lpnLyUV3u3rWzMSPjho82mFKuGfwWA5nZ09B1ktKVJYEvaWMKaAdQEKt5tg/s200/100_7530.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372632917470936178" border="0" /></a>d Monteverde.<br /><br />We went inside and met the owner, Jennifer, who is a go-getter. She’s only 25 and already owns her own store. Jennifer called Marianna to tell her we were there. When she got there, we had a great conversation with both of them and it was really nice meeting them both.<br /><br />Marian<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggT1l8NKpt5XG7J0B2zSqaog70UNY6XASn_JhMfJmSf-4ZuQzxWsjMozBH0ataCW8k9sUUNN9vbfIXORc9Tkj8dlAXYtYK-9hCROiOrTm9Trbr6YvE8oHX2_aimevzpm4dfv9PfFLCPIxM/s1600-h/100_7563.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggT1l8NKpt5XG7J0B2zSqaog70UNY6XASn_JhMfJmSf-4ZuQzxWsjMozBH0ataCW8k9sUUNN9vbfIXORc9Tkj8dlAXYtYK-9hCROiOrTm9Trbr6YvE8oHX2_aimevzpm4dfv9PfFLCPIxM/s200/100_7563.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372632906261323906" border="0" /></a>na told us about Uncommon Grounds, a pretty cool coffee bar, where the staff is very friendly. On their door we saw a poster for a free musical performance that was about to start. So we headed to the patio with ou<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdIszago-qPDbwtgCH-R0Au4GBe4K25_hb1nh89SzfHof164wtEPLzXv8A0BwWe2VD2MSKaCUNo7NnQGRn6b89gPx9YqmO9C21Wkeom1cHh36LqSlLk4w-ru6D3NetefBWXfgLeodp-XF/s1600-h/100_7545.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdIszago-qPDbwtgCH-R0Au4GBe4K25_hb1nh89SzfHof164wtEPLzXv8A0BwWe2VD2MSKaCUNo7NnQGRn6b89gPx9YqmO9C21Wkeom1cHh36LqSlLk4w-ru6D3NetefBWXfgLeodp-XF/s200/100_7545.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372632910804175874" border="0" /></a>r mocha latte and sat down to listen first to Zack, who accepted a request by Mar for a Beatles song, and then to Kathryn, who performed for us because by then we were the only people there. They were both awesome and gave us complimentary copies of their recent CDs.<br /><br />By then it was getting dark and we were ready to head home. We rode our bikes and made it back to Bella a bit tired, but very pleased after such an excellent day. We are delighted to be in Saugatuck MI.Marhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00435426548145356320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130185064530689833.post-87425613780151607962009-08-13T00:00:00.003-04:002009-08-15T11:46:26.266-04:00Back to the dentistWe woke up to rustling leaves, birds chirping, and a soft breeze. When we looked outside we saw beautiful skies and the water, what a beautiful day in Saugatuck MI.<br /><br />Bernie took her estimate in to the B&B owners and then we went back to the dentist today for Mar's cleaning. We love this place, everyone at the dentist office is so nice, warm, and friendly. We feel like we’ve been going there for years. www.douglasdental.com<br /><br />Mar was see<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKiXQlJWwtIg6KwVgG1HiX2_UvaYPwhSIE_ITNlBX6deApEABzWayDanXcMWOciH8YK5OuiV0qY6lIfL8haUxD8OezN0jSXJVEIkR4dkGpM08HlQIH1jE3TFvtCMEL7HIej8OooiUZNM/s1600-h/100_7469.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKiXQlJWwtIg6KwVgG1HiX2_UvaYPwhSIE_ITNlBX6deApEABzWayDanXcMWOciH8YK5OuiV0qY6lIfL8haUxD8OezN0jSXJVEIkR4dkGpM08HlQIH1jE3TFvtCMEL7HIej8OooiUZNM/s200/100_7469.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370216850014853938" border="0" /></a>n by the female dentist today, Dr. DellaVecchia and she was great! Very professional and at the same time, very personable and fun to talk to. Mar needs a little more dental work done so we will be back next Friday for that.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFihBsbiHa9J1s-OHmDRxvpawLLX75wS71aAZIdjCKqZk3FIZXlYObRRV3lBIjS7HuKJ6KRExMLflZagIp-Sscs8NYIwlCvqvmsmJ958MEp97roO_kG269PEqy_Ikr-o3snCm3pBH3v0/s1600-h/100_7477.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFihBsbiHa9J1s-OHmDRxvpawLLX75wS71aAZIdjCKqZk3FIZXlYObRRV3lBIjS7HuKJ6KRExMLflZagIp-Sscs8NYIwlCvqvmsmJ958MEp97roO_kG269PEqy_Ikr-o3snCm3pBH3v0/s200/100_7477.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370216862829945650" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigUCZLN7EXoBVLJD9QMQd_BDZoguodm0p2pR37MXANxG5fL2dnsvupKQGbrxDksC33hFcwCmwKnjdAEpPNkA7rdklThYRaTA52KmwnGF0rDJ45WPnQ89zfFPVSTgfeDBvASdQHKk3zTJE/s1600-h/100_7476.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigUCZLN7EXoBVLJD9QMQd_BDZoguodm0p2pR37MXANxG5fL2dnsvupKQGbrxDksC33hFcwCmwKnjdAEpPNkA7rdklThYRaTA52KmwnGF0rDJ45WPnQ89zfFPVSTgfeDBvASdQHKk3zTJE/s200/100_7476.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370216851953072658" border="0" /></a><br />Dr. DellaVecchia also talked to Bernie today and upped her meds. The swelling has not gone down yet and it still hurts.<br /><br />Lucky for us there is a bus service here, the Inter-urban, that offers door to door transportation for $1 per person per ride. This is much better for us than having to unhook Bella, drive around town, and try to find parking.<br /><br />So we called the Inter-urban to take us back to the B&B. Once there, Bernie went to discuss the project list with Margaret and Danielle and came away with another project to add to the list. Then Bernie cleaned up our bikes and replaced Mar's seat with a bigger one. Mar's toosh thanks Aram and Miriam, who gave us this seat when we visited them in Smith Island.<br /><br />After dinner, we continued working into the night on our laptops. The weather is so nice, we don’t need the ac or even a fan. The people are so welcoming and friendly, we could be here a while.Marhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00435426548145356320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130185064530689833.post-20682108610522062082009-08-12T00:00:00.000-04:002009-08-14T14:25:16.691-04:00Twin Gables InnDouglas MI is such a quaint, lovely little town. Michigan is truly becoming one of our favorite states.<br /><br />Mar walked to the post office where she got her mail and sent some. Then we both worked on our computers for some time. Mar is teaching a new online class that is very time consuming. Bernie is trying out a new job working with her sister and it is taking lots of time in front of the computer.<br /><br />When we were done we drove less than five minutes to the Twin Gables Inn on Lake Street in Saugatuck MI. The owner’s daughter had emailed us about some work they might have for Bernie. www.twingablesinn.com<br /><br />This B&B faces the water and is nicely tucked into a wooded lot, it has 15 rooms, three cottages, and a loft. We met Margaret, the owner, and then went to park Bella in an out of the way corner of the parking lot.<br /><br />After getting set up, we met the daughter, Danielle, and her husband David. They both work full time at the B&B. Bernie talked to Margaret and Danielle about the projects they need done and came away with quite a list. Bernie went back to Bella to prepare the estimate and materials list for them.<br /><br />The area is quiet and serene, it is a beautiful B&B. There is a spa and a pool, which they invited us to use. David and Danielle have a five-month-old baby girl named Anakin, who became attached to Bernie as soon as she saw her.<br /><br />We look forward to spending some time in Saugatuck and getting to know the area. So far everything we’ve seen, tells us that we’ll really like this small, unique town.Marhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00435426548145356320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130185064530689833.post-85418182247635925272009-08-11T00:00:00.001-04:002009-08-14T02:00:58.107-04:00Drum circleWe were both feeling a little under the weather today so we decided to stay put. Since we had free wi-fi we sat down to watch the last few weeks of the Big American Road Trip that we missed.<br /><br />Afterwards we knew we had to find a dentist because Bernie had a fever and her face and throat felt swollen. Lucky for us it only took a couple of phone calls to find a dentist in Douglas MI that could see Bernie today.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscwDl2feqTxTwHedZaAsDn1nyRbtqQwJjXTu7gqp8GsYWlr0cv7OjrKG1kf87AQRWgjhu11BTZ7doe0OEJBaXF-Cy5yeOlGNKV-w2clS__lbz5IGcEMX3AkHZz02JZwlmmudoqO6IYQqH/s1600-h/100_7458.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscwDl2feqTxTwHedZaAsDn1nyRbtqQwJjXTu7gqp8GsYWlr0cv7OjrKG1kf87AQRWgjhu11BTZ7doe0OEJBaXF-Cy5yeOlGNKV-w2clS__lbz5IGcEMX3AkHZz02JZwlmmudoqO6IYQqH/s200/100_7458.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369695015839908018" border="0" /></a><br />The staff at Dr. Raebel’s office was friendly and welcoming. Dr. Raebel said B<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBYeNyVXOMK0iB1cVTLd1QmeDrvZuPezNoONmWM9Egs610H4RwC3K6l5-xg_aViJ_bIPrXt1ipnsIzToc4spqI2r6NWD6-OM8lOIXEb2AolAbL2WLraPJWN78d634T1hc_4NScFOR9gQV/s1600-h/100_7457.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBYeNyVXOMK0iB1cVTLd1QmeDrvZuPezNoONmWM9Egs610H4RwC3K6l5-xg_aViJ_bIPrXt1ipnsIzToc4spqI2r6NWD6-OM8lOIXEb2AolAbL2WLraPJWN78d634T1hc_4NScFOR9gQV/s200/100_7457.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369695028677478130" border="0" /></a>ernie has an infection, prescribed her an antibiotic, and called a specialist for her. The problem seems to be with the root canal she had done a few months ago.<br /><br />We went to the Saugatuck Drug Store to pick up the antibiotic and since we were both hungry, tired, and not feeling well, we asked where there was a good place to get a burger. They recommended Phil’s, right next door and that’s where we went. We split the ahi tuna appetizer and the gorgonzola burger. The appetizer was delicious and we both agreed this is one of the best burgers we’ve had.<br /><br />Then we went to Shore Acres Park for the drum circle there tonight. This was our first drum circle. The drum i<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ag7e0QOnmI9iHBFwNEGp2PEqxM0y8PHsEEtuyyz1CIE7MHYbroY9zn1BtyNPoscaOxprrOK1dcXpIp83Vf-gp_aGxGTF1siaq6nY15OwDfICP5_ZBHufZqrucz8WlWzbgFd1KfXkm2a8/s1600-h/100_7465.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ag7e0QOnmI9iHBFwNEGp2PEqxM0y8PHsEEtuyyz1CIE7MHYbroY9zn1BtyNPoscaOxprrOK1dcXpIp83Vf-gp_aGxGTF1siaq6nY15OwDfICP5_ZBHufZqrucz8WlWzbgFd1KfXkm2a8/s200/100_7465.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369695017516751634" border="0" /></a>nstructor had brought extra instruments for those who didn’t have one. Bernie jump<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYztqIz-4LDyCoiXTfwY1ARgJm8chTlTprw6ZUIxkmT3nODDtS8XSfsUfSAow24c4DAA22Pvu_8Fpdou6LmMa4uMDPmrYqGQfp-kOOp1uKLiecgAtSrj6cdbn0V2FaZMzEtqi-L38eqBU/s1600-h/100_7463.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYztqIz-4LDyCoiXTfwY1ARgJm8chTlTprw6ZUIxkmT3nODDtS8XSfsUfSAow24c4DAA22Pvu_8Fpdou6LmMa4uMDPmrYqGQfp-kOOp1uKLiecgAtSrj6cdbn0V2FaZMzEtqi-L38eqBU/s200/100_7463.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369695036058946114" border="0" /></a>ed in the circle and started playing, she even led one of the circle songs. It was a ton of fun and what a beautiful day for it.<br /><br />Then we drove to the post office in Douglas MI but there wasn’t much parking so we went to the library, a couple doors down, to park for the night.Marhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00435426548145356320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130185064530689833.post-11760142535271332812009-08-10T00:00:00.001-04:002009-08-14T01:56:34.726-04:00Wooden shoesAfter our cup of coffee we decided to driv<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbVtVNTGgZAjCbecVH1h0t15YieOgp4mpdVWnrrdnp5n8lk6UoOCAycOG0I5m-bTEa0b4LpgRJjWlkG3AofEBqTmeNMewx_rAiDxp1HFZG2cD3xFqSi51RyVYOwnnIT4zWD5lSVm8WJZv/s1600-h/100_7428.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbVtVNTGgZAjCbecVH1h0t15YieOgp4mpdVWnrrdnp5n8lk6UoOCAycOG0I5m-bTEa0b4LpgRJjWlkG3AofEBqTmeNMewx_rAiDxp1HFZG2cD3xFqSi51RyVYOwnnIT4zWD5lSVm8WJZv/s200/100_7428.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369693144647312242" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDz1a6bSI0ezi5bMmnqWMa2o_AJW6djuRkDKPfPZZl1GkxATSr_5Ce5tO2L8sDWnLWAYJ2AYXUsAJrsTzjncNH1N7P9mfQOaCOOU3BSinH7vMggZRwQiMF5MJGHKQalODFkHYV_Ltev0AV/s1600-h/100_7431.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDz1a6bSI0ezi5bMmnqWMa2o_AJW6djuRkDKPfPZZl1GkxATSr_5Ce5tO2L8sDWnLWAYJ2AYXUsAJrsTzjncNH1N7P9mfQOaCOOU3BSinH7vMggZRwQiMF5MJGHKQalODFkHYV_Ltev0AV/s200/100_7431.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369693156467727058" border="0" /></a>e to Veldheers. We walked through the garden but there were no tulips at this time and we didn't get to see any bison either. But we did get to see the unique process of making Delftware, the famous Dutch pottery. You can watch as these masterpieces are fired, glazed, and painted.<br /><br /><br />You can also watch them making wooden shoes. We tried on several of the wooden shoes and it’s hard to <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROnWxi1kEuFcCSKdf2Z30hraGQl2YFGNgYzLl2021iP4SlfZ6xc7uEgcG99SrlaAyqn7uQgCQUDhkJBojfDsslA3aAUypfHb6Eg0W-z07Cw_KIqGRmEbtC86vmypCtS_dEglTm9nOObVj/s1600-h/100_7436.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROnWxi1kEuFcCSKdf2Z30hraGQl2YFGNgYzLl2021iP4SlfZ6xc7uEgcG99SrlaAyqn7uQgCQUDhkJBojfDsslA3aAUypfHb6Eg0W-z07Cw_KIqGRmEbtC86vmypCtS_dEglTm9nOObVj/s200/100_7436.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369693161499644882" border="0" /></a>understand how these <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_3mT6kDxqDDuXDiMfO_7rEVA8XHkYJ5UCCU4iqrS63zUf_8Gj1DI-RFNK5pZUVjtMrF4FjqdXO3LoJc8sDJUik4FFqpPWLeZvb0uFl3KH1cZBvevAYVm_HdwP-WcZWjcoOsI1rZqI3WI/s1600-h/100_7440.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_3mT6kDxqDDuXDiMfO_7rEVA8XHkYJ5UCCU4iqrS63zUf_8Gj1DI-RFNK5pZUVjtMrF4FjqdXO3LoJc8sDJUik4FFqpPWLeZvb0uFl3KH1cZBvevAYVm_HdwP-WcZWjcoOsI1rZqI3WI/s200/100_7440.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369694119471510066" border="0" /></a>would ever be comfortable enough to actually wear. www.veldheer.com<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Then we drove about ten minutes to Tunnel Park. This park has a unique tunnel through a dune leading to the beach. The sand dunes<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvIk32EQzhGbgHtaq0MgtUrNPqTX3ONOxj9HmRdrMaxY9vqj09yi_fr_pw5VJdS5AWbN3vFByBBJvwerb3xZkBnBipPXRAgc9PwixA9hcdqfHHQzGKpZqA7KBAw8m6NIi4AXRTDnnxOKQp/s1600-h/100_7451.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvIk32EQzhGbgHtaq0MgtUrNPqTX3ONOxj9HmRdrMaxY9vqj09yi_fr_pw5VJdS5AWbN3vFByBBJvwerb3xZkBnBipPXRAgc9PwixA9hcdqfHHQzGKpZqA7KBAw8m6NIi4AXRTDnnxOKQp/s200/100_7451.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369693168427539618" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcJKcgt-BwyI9JrI6qJ2fvPRGTt0mcBxhKxLT_jFjygENuqKcNvUP9DrCajvCE1z1nyxDYv7WzOxmQd6qTLDIYJYB3LYgZKDJPYZwOcZTJJhInvRjaWqIZ737bymeHMwaX9nwYLfLJ8-j/s1600-h/100_7454.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcJKcgt-BwyI9JrI6qJ2fvPRGTt0mcBxhKxLT_jFjygENuqKcNvUP9DrCajvCE1z1nyxDYv7WzOxmQd6qTLDIYJYB3LYgZKDJPYZwOcZTJJhInvRjaWqIZ737bymeHMwaX9nwYLfLJ8-j/s200/100_7454.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369693176662901426" border="0" /></a>here are awesome. it was a lot of work to get up and down, we got a workout. Once we sat down, Mar read her book and Bernie tried the water, but it was too cold.<br /><br />Then we just relaxed and people-watched, while enjoying this beautiful beach. As the sun went down, we left and went to Walmart to get a few groceries. Then we parked at the Staples next door for the night.Marhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00435426548145356320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130185064530689833.post-32615418617758594772009-08-09T00:00:00.005-04:002009-08-14T01:49:10.672-04:00We're back!Last Wednesday we drove west for three hours to Hart MI. From there we went to the Michigan Women’s Music Festival where we’ve spent the last four days.<br /><br />This is a huge festival with lots of <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMEYw6YkKixWAfwVV52H8dciwVK0MHTqr3CKZEs95Sjzc8C43SHeOhmVgkpw1Bb9-vP8wclU9FJigjvvB9ZUx3fKuBoXET0xAP7dgV6KwPiiFZONcd8OS2Iu-vrj7ncMGyu38gXanWYhQ/s1600-h/100_7417.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMEYw6YkKixWAfwVV52H8dciwVK0MHTqr3CKZEs95Sjzc8C43SHeOhmVgkpw1Bb9-vP8wclU9FJigjvvB9ZUx3fKuBoXET0xAP7dgV6KwPiiFZONcd8OS2Iu-vrj7ncMGyu38gXanWYhQ/s200/100_7417.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369692011882163282" border="0" /></a>concerts, workshops, and activities. It is a camping event, there were tent campers and RV <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFQZ-GXS5ui34UDHy59_9GrrRlBlEGVomd6cSmwQjtYwOdn-YYTuo3E3d9MVm65sUm-DFpRNFLSwFTZlFIXxCY4p2P1jRAh7Atn4ZUoBxWdGokt1QFHI_OWXemKCxF17sITO2S6hiG_um/s1600-h/100_7422.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFQZ-GXS5ui34UDHy59_9GrrRlBlEGVomd6cSmwQjtYwOdn-YYTuo3E3d9MVm65sUm-DFpRNFLSwFTZlFIXxCY4p2P1jRAh7Atn4ZUoBxWdGokt1QFHI_OWXemKCxF17sITO2S6hiG_um/s200/100_7422.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369692003717511314" border="0" /></a>campers. Every night there were campfires burning late into the night and the sound of the music coming from the stage was our background as we fell asleep. The weather was great until the last day when it rained all night.<br /><br />Today we packed up and got ready to leave. We headed south about an hour to the beach in Muskegon MI. This is a nice beach and there were tons of people there today. Bernie worked on her crafts in front of the water. Mar had to work on her online classes, so she got on her laptop while watching the water.<br /><br />Today was pretty hot and humid, when it threatened rain we took off and drove south another half hour to Grand Haven MI. After driving around downtown, we parked near the marina. A little while later, the sky suddenly got dark and the wind picked up. At one point the wind was so strong it felt like it could almost flip Bella over.<br /><br />We checked the weather online and saw there was a thunderstorm warning for the area. We had checked the weather before coming here but it didn't say anything about a thunderstorm then. Luckily it didn’t last long and we were able to stop worrying.<br /><br />As it got close to 10 pm we walked over to the marina and sat down to wait for the Musical Fountain Show. After a few minutes someone announced the show was canceled because of a power outage due to the earlier thunderstorm. We were so disappointed. Then we headed to Walmart to park for the night.Marhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00435426548145356320noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130185064530689833.post-85329182818977532852009-08-04T00:00:00.003-04:002009-08-14T11:59:09.380-04:00Tackling stuff<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzwGM-T8uZ2Lz5e5qfzCAAOE704oF1wLLO_ldHubYLWYexvzNebudW8ee5GIjKxvcF2Q3P0CXE_cMaVsavXZ7u6UnK-omMRjLQrBz9KZ6_WB4vaEZKMSwIiP4XBNBkVIjE-6mUrL_VDWl/s1600-h/P4080031.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzwGM-T8uZ2Lz5e5qfzCAAOE704oF1wLLO_ldHubYLWYexvzNebudW8ee5GIjKxvcF2Q3P0CXE_cMaVsavXZ7u6UnK-omMRjLQrBz9KZ6_WB4vaEZKMSwIiP4XBNBkVIjE-6mUrL_VDWl/s200/P4080031.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369691015174879138" border="0" /></a>Today was a crazy busy day. Because we are staying put for a couple of days and have shore power, we were able to tackle some stuff we’ve been meaning to do for a while. We worked all day long, and Mar did the rest of the laundry on top of that.<br /><br />We pretty much turned Bella upside down, while cleaning and organizing shelves and cabinets, looking for things we have not used since we’ve been on the road so we can get rid of the clutter.<br /><br />We ended up with two bags full of clothes that we can’t wear anymore and we gave them to our hosts to sell in their yard sale this coming weekend.<br /><br />It is amazing that after a year on the road with very little storage, stuff still seems to accumulate. We don’t know how, but it must come from somewhere. We have made a commitment to eat healthier and lose weight and not to get any stuff we don’t absolutely need.<br /><br />It has been so nice being here to park and socialize with our new friends. They are very welcoming and know just how to make us feel right at home. Christina made ribs for dinner tonight. They were yummy and we even went back for seconds. We can always start the diet tomorrow :-)<br /><br />We’ve made all the preparations we can think of for our camping trip this week. We will be boondocking for several days and may not have internet access. If that is the case, please know that we will update our blog as soon as we can.Marhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00435426548145356320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130185064530689833.post-55762733412824733852009-08-03T00:00:00.003-04:002009-08-14T01:38:05.592-04:00Some more errandsToday we woke up at the post office in Williamston MI. We went inside to get our mail and shipped some things.<br /><br />Then we started our journey to finish our list of things we need to get done before we go camping later this week. We went to get our tires checked and decided to get the tires rotated and balanced. It was time to get it done, we knew it was needed.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6r5BRpIACD4cIzFiTTfeyEuv8cBTrNBpHX_6QIm4hCSFiTVmkbmglQNQcONENUoAqwmF3XFLYFRPkPBPGEn4DAwYqTNFkNDRGW8E3KkxSWrkygvolCa3-gTfA4zt9CGST3inkgyUJuE/s1600-h/100_7357.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6r5BRpIACD4cIzFiTTfeyEuv8cBTrNBpHX_6QIm4hCSFiTVmkbmglQNQcONENUoAqwmF3XFLYFRPkPBPGEn4DAwYqTNFkNDRGW8E3KkxSWrkygvolCa3-gTfA4zt9CGST3inkgyUJuE/s200/100_7357.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369689017777213954" border="0" /></a><br />We found a tire place called Tire Factory and the guy who helped us was very nice. He got us right in and got the job done quickly. He even took the time to check out the breaks. He answered all of Bernie's questions and that's a lot.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjOUMjxEFNjGgmteCQxCNocHP0O2TkxLUXxrbHArWcGqGhCRR_wsozlESsRYgk8jDhRjmajYEHFj0AYlx99VHwcS7eRCFrENTV-WBi3vRRFBwx-VkfomoAz4qbCOZuzIGGjBqL4-i0mY/s1600-h/100_7367.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjOUMjxEFNjGgmteCQxCNocHP0O2TkxLUXxrbHArWcGqGhCRR_wsozlESsRYgk8jDhRjmajYEHFj0AYlx99VHwcS7eRCFrENTV-WBi3vRRFBwx-VkfomoAz4qbCOZuzIGGjBqL4-i0mY/s200/100_7367.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369689021282733282" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWd8Nn4mQg8TdJM9LCkiKXpIDJJOCUEox8Sr4my6TAa6o5Q09JvOaFZugL8-Xbxejd5tkOTjw_TUqgfjXi_h1rxCJTj5xWADvgI52-1GGNgV1eCl30rsY-zRdmkH4qDgGJU0lzGQdvB5g/s1600-h/100_7371.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWd8Nn4mQg8TdJM9LCkiKXpIDJJOCUEox8Sr4my6TAa6o5Q09JvOaFZugL8-Xbxejd5tkOTjw_TUqgfjXi_h1rxCJTj5xWADvgI52-1GGNgV1eCl30rsY-zRdmkH4qDgGJU0lzGQdvB5g/s200/100_7371.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369689036389911394" border="0" /></a>After this we headed to Staples to print some flyers so Bernie can advertise her carpentry and handyperson business. Then we headed to meet our new friends.<br /><br />Larry and Christina follow our blog and when they found out we’re in Michigan, they emailed us to invite <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNN2q6x2JVukMmB8opb60wVqhhxnk__K3JxZ6RyBTEPbl_pILfpzE-7IIbV0rtkLiJuyDPI5b-KeIcmVQaoeVXKrLX63dfyCnXA7kX9jD6k2fyDi1ukAq0_PK3lTNMROPleFLePa6c_I/s1600-h/100_7394.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNN2q6x2JVukMmB8opb60wVqhhxnk__K3JxZ6RyBTEPbl_pILfpzE-7IIbV0rtkLiJuyDPI5b-KeIcmVQaoeVXKrLX63dfyCnXA7kX9jD6k2fyDi1ukAq0_PK3lTNMROPleFLePa6c_I/s200/100_7394.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369689050467902034" border="0" /></a>us to park in their driveway. We pulled up to smiling faces and open arms. They offered us the use of their shower and washer and dryer. They treated us to dinner and cake!<br /><br />While Mar did the laundry, our new friends helped Bernie try to set up the satellite dish, but we still can't get it to work. Mar is disappointed that she still can't watch the Food Network in Bella.<br /><br />After a full day we finally retired to Bella, where Mar went to work on the new online class she’s teaching.Marhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00435426548145356320noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130185064530689833.post-51216204857346742582009-08-02T00:00:00.003-04:002009-08-14T01:31:03.106-04:00So many errands, so little time<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijKm_aTYk3o-QKjGkTihrewQJbTqJLJ1UeXTConCbzp1wABd6MeblxYlejunl_sImDld7q8xKxbDzX2B6S6YrHG65YjPdynpnEcJz9Mn_oYVrW-qApWEDYsQSK2eGJDaZkvW3VvZnmp8/s1600-h/100_7355.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijKm_aTYk3o-QKjGkTihrewQJbTqJLJ1UeXTConCbzp1wABd6MeblxYlejunl_sImDld7q8xKxbDzX2B6S6YrHG65YjPdynpnEcJz9Mn_oYVrW-qApWEDYsQSK2eGJDaZkvW3VvZnmp8/s200/100_7355.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369687707756140034" border="0" /></a><br />We got up early today, we had a long day ahead of us. The sun was shining but it was cool outside.<br /><br />After we had our coffee, Mar read the Sunday paper while Bernie checked out some books on wood finishes and woodwork at Barnes and Noble in Lansing MI.<br /><br />When we were finished we headed out to run several errands to get what we need for our upcoming camping trip.<br /><br />First we went to Salvation Army but it was closed so then we went to Goodwill. We didn’t find the rug we want to put outside Bella when we camp, but we found some tshirts for half price.<br /><br />Then we went to the grocery store, Aldi, because they had milk on sale for only $1 for a gallon of milk. We wish we had more room in our fridge, but we could only get two gallons.<br /><br />After this we headed to Big Lots because we had a gift card. We got some paper plates and a plastic tarp to use instead of a rug.<br /><br />Then we went to Radio Shack to ask some questions about how to set up the satellite dish that was given to us. Bernie thinks she now has the instructions she needs to set it up.<br /><br />After that we went to Michaels so Bernie could look at materials and inspiration for the new jewelry she’s making. Mar found charms for her Crocs on sale really cheap, she couldn’t believe her luck.<br /><br />Then we went to Walmart for our weekly grocery shopping. By the time we were done, we were exhausted. We drove half an hour east to Williamston MI, found the post office, and parked for the night.Marhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00435426548145356320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130185064530689833.post-29582763525547345782009-08-01T00:00:00.002-04:002009-08-14T01:28:19.407-04:00Back to the states<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WwAtrG2Ue5rPMd4WAajZHqTy7ksOAGDAKUKmoGj2hFu8f2Cb6_epEYJmuFWQD0YIjnDqIVWLzJK7uniXEa1IW4L317zjTNpLFBQCotUb3oyt_qF7jfaRHEn8JR4KGoOlHCDvfrAhlaY/s1600-h/100_7341.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WwAtrG2Ue5rPMd4WAajZHqTy7ksOAGDAKUKmoGj2hFu8f2Cb6_epEYJmuFWQD0YIjnDqIVWLzJK7uniXEa1IW4L317zjTNpLFBQCotUb3oyt_qF7jfaRHEn8JR4KGoOlHCDvfrAhlaY/s200/100_7341.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369686524599564882" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We were lucky to find such a great spot to park last night, but sleeping in a city is quite a challenge, it was really loud all night long. We did not get much sleep but that did not hamper our enthusiasm for today. We headed out to start our walking experience <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCImj6d8dRlLttr9l8qmCTcoSuXMLNyvQXhF-u445bhQ0coA8pA7PHMGsTZ98VY6jQ4K_5YqFPRCrAh5aNp4E604vZEgsk-FWOdBJNWclu400AJEUBNyndRTG9OMJUHxR9Sg81BXtJQw/s1600-h/100_7287.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCImj6d8dRlLttr9l8qmCTcoSuXMLNyvQXhF-u445bhQ0coA8pA7PHMGsTZ98VY6jQ4K_5YqFPRCrAh5aNp4E604vZEgsk-FWOdBJNWclu400AJEUBNyndRTG9OMJUHxR9Sg81BXtJQw/s200/100_7287.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369685112946028658" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilEocU1j5Wr3mJccyuIYxhDHtoL5va5ldezaag9rUh6bNQnfR7D0n89rKryAiYRIL6taABNoTAihmnmKp_X_ZRrqAu04UhmczA8NbTrhtVtaQAuxWdYMOtrgDp649SjO7gLBvOi9SaWlI/s1600-h/100_7306.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilEocU1j5Wr3mJccyuIYxhDHtoL5va5ldezaag9rUh6bNQnfR7D0n89rKryAiYRIL6taABNoTAihmnmKp_X_ZRrqAu04UhmczA8NbTrhtVtaQAuxWdYMOtrgDp649SjO7gLBvOi9SaWlI/s200/100_7306.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369685125031797762" border="0" /></a>of Toronto.<br /><br />Our first stop was the Shoe Museum (www.batashoemuseum.ca) where the exhibit covers the complete history of the shoe through many interesting and unusual shoes. Then we walked up the street to a very cool building that caught our eye last night while we were driving around, this was the Royal Ontario Museum (www.rom.on.ca) exhibiting the Dead Sea Scrolls.<br /><br />We did not tour the museums. We didn’t really have the time or the funds, so we spent time in the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8DwxIsyXmTO3B0_HkQsTyjwMYy6_FJ9l6oAgIsYDz1hx7nqcJmu0S6G_SgjO8-zhyphenhyphenUix88rwBtKQVlMZobfNSgZaDfSFjESetMRFiKPcMgMrvltXArFVJ8ywHz-1SN32noMHFScR2hVs/s1600-h/100_7327.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 143px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8DwxIsyXmTO3B0_HkQsTyjwMYy6_FJ9l6oAgIsYDz1hx7nqcJmu0S6G_SgjO8-zhyphenhyphenUix88rwBtKQVlMZobfNSgZaDfSFjESetMRFiKPcMgMrvltXArFVJ8ywHz-1SN32noMHFScR2hVs/s200/100_7327.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369686530493405746" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGkXWYnm97tBtnt3iHuCfeU1m-F36fKq0S4YBG4FR0gMuoK1EtbBsEtIJ6wk1apYFPVONAznCp1QKp3eLham8p20NKV0TR9qonFZ712pWV9Fs7o86VVVD3of0oQeI61jJeSskiX2Hx5M/s1600-h/100_7322.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGkXWYnm97tBtnt3iHuCfeU1m-F36fKq0S4YBG4FR0gMuoK1EtbBsEtIJ6wk1apYFPVONAznCp1QKp3eLham8p20NKV0TR9qonFZ712pWV9Fs7o86VVVD3of0oQeI61jJeSskiX2Hx5M/s200/100_7322.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369686539653577170" border="0" /></a><br />gift shops instead, which sometimes can be as entertaining and educational.<br /><br />After this we went back to Bella and hit the road. We drove west for four hours to Windsor, Ontario. We paid the $3 toll and crossed the Detroit Windsor Tunnel, the underwater tunnel that runs the width of the Detroit River and is almost a mile long. It is the only underwater border crossing in the world.<br /><br />At customs, we experienced a first. We were inspected. First, they took our keys. Then they came inside and opened cabinets, cupboards and drawers, while asking us questions. It was over in about a minute and we were on our way.<br /><br />We got to Detroit and headed to Hunter House Hamburgers, the best burger in the state according to<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisfHzXW4QOXNEGdcwlEzxdQUr4s1gXRTHdUtpC0LS6NK9bcRAR8M0GMhDvdrIKlMBEajjx3bdeYzEM73kcydLGedWfV4JJ7qbZkZzCKChjLPyvBY0pLwnLSb07lzrwxPPubrJTfZPOrdU/s1600-h/100_7345.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 193px; height: 126px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisfHzXW4QOXNEGdcwlEzxdQUr4s1gXRTHdUtpC0LS6NK9bcRAR8M0GMhDvdrIKlMBEajjx3bdeYzEM73kcydLGedWfV4JJ7qbZkZzCKChjLPyvBY0pLwnLSb07lzrwxPPubrJTfZPOrdU/s200/100_7345.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369685143673868402" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HQZZLLzHkVpvRcOr57joorC2TcqV3BTxnA8zz7GmQ3XZSuLW87PKUz6h9ptVhWwqGbXMJ15N7Mb5Bl9IRMcOEBmDstgmjD9mYjhRv-j7TnS05MT0yssgNo2H92k1BOET78UmrIGFD_Y/s1600-h/100_7349.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 190px; height: 139px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HQZZLLzHkVpvRcOr57joorC2TcqV3BTxnA8zz7GmQ3XZSuLW87PKUz6h9ptVhWwqGbXMJ15N7Mb5Bl9IRMcOEBmDstgmjD9mYjhRv-j7TnS05MT0yssgNo2H92k1BOET78UmrIGFD_Y/s200/100_7349.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369685134699803730" border="0" /></a><br />the Food Network Magazine. We waited way too long for our sliders and chili cheese fries. The food was ok but nothing to write home about. www.hunterhousehamburgers.com<br /><br />After dinner we drove west an hour and a half to Lansing MI. We were beat and wanted to park. On our way to Walmart we saw a Barnes and Noble and decided to park there instead, to use the free wi-fi.Marhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00435426548145356320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130185064530689833.post-84105234061431972842009-07-31T00:00:00.001-04:002009-08-14T01:15:29.149-04:00Back to CanadaWe were excited when we got up today because we were going to see two Frank Lloyd Wright houses in Buffalo NY.<br /><br />The Martin house is huge. There are <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_0ESg6gBwFQlKs3SMlBbBE0RVpqhCtA1iFXObgsWAdwEmUrVSMzr2FOwOvVK-nNGuFABaOvCZaB9Hhy5dgMAXCP20gQIWa7M2zrqoD_aRgxY8BxbcNEhq8sG6_Tn-xiwEk5iaw0q0RU/s1600-h/100_7172.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 195px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_0ESg6gBwFQlKs3SMlBbBE0RVpqhCtA1iFXObgsWAdwEmUrVSMzr2FOwOvVK-nNGuFABaOvCZaB9Hhy5dgMAXCP20gQIWa7M2zrqoD_aRgxY8BxbcNEhq8sG6_Tn-xiwEk5iaw0q0RU/s200/100_7172.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369680974858332546" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7C5fyTokJi9R5R0lJ0Wi9lJBMuTzSIe2USuU_POB_AyOgKsvH5P5togmIv9I6-ZHVR0MCirNntBfKxo497scUeY9r2lTz23rV-DXrKuh87QwN_L4rm667Ntsdf9exDXYCRf1Ys_zyx8/s1600-h/100_7188.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7C5fyTokJi9R5R0lJ0Wi9lJBMuTzSIe2USuU_POB_AyOgKsvH5P5togmIv9I6-ZHVR0MCirNntBfKxo497scUeY9r2lTz23rV-DXrKuh87QwN_L4rm667Ntsdf9exDXYCRf1Ys_zyx8/s200/100_7188.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369680982327188834" border="0" /></a>actually six buildings on one acre. The main house is connected by a beautiful covered walk to the conservatory, where there is a replica of the Nike statue. You can see the statue all the way from the front door. It is a distance of 180 feet, very impressive. www.darwinmartinhouse.org<br /><br />The Martin family asked FLW to also design them a summer home on L<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXPCaGygF9nxB-1dX2O0Wg_Q8UAwsVOwgzOzkND4ucXiGTFe1Ki6ZV44sypGxu2IyncyvYBSOozFc-7yXVsDWKLkmCYgykRts7w7iAkl1NEHlHD-IKSwmFTMJ6_nmU9fsuKYmGCekrE0/s1600-h/100_7206.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXPCaGygF9nxB-1dX2O0Wg_Q8UAwsVOwgzOzkND4ucXiGTFe1Ki6ZV44sypGxu2IyncyvYBSOozFc-7yXVsDWKLkmCYgykRts7w7iAkl1NEHlHD-IKSwmFTMJ6_nmU9fsuKYmGCekrE0/s200/100_7206.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369680990292726898" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqr93qbX98KpIDSP4EqdQSe3EPVsgr1tD2kXbD7ajsUBCRVH6AL2HoeaCJnTix21b8SZ-mZUqYI7NxjSmlxc1DAU1zRAlSvwCo29y-A4heZP61T62b6QMPd8D7ibco_JO1pJ97EzVy6qs/s1600-h/100_7225.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 192px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqr93qbX98KpIDSP4EqdQSe3EPVsgr1tD2kXbD7ajsUBCRVH6AL2HoeaCJnTix21b8SZ-mZUqYI7NxjSmlxc1DAU1zRAlSvwCo29y-A4heZP61T62b6QMPd8D7ibco_JO1pJ97EzVy6qs/s200/100_7225.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369681003960975954" border="0" /></a>ake Erie. We headed to <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7I1wI2TduLu1latQpeVfl02soAPzPJ0g3byrlvRZaHLr-kdp1B1lfHCa1g2J6f3n5JtCsEJ6Ra1s4myRmY1wjZlGNdH4V9ZAy5gA8FulAh92tauZdik0lJv5YmVs3vcG-oLfKIdLPjkY/s1600-h/100_7230.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 181px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7I1wI2TduLu1latQpeVfl02soAPzPJ0g3byrlvRZaHLr-kdp1B1lfHCa1g2J6f3n5JtCsEJ6Ra1s4myRmY1wjZlGNdH4V9ZAy5gA8FulAh92tauZdik0lJv5YmVs3vcG-oLfKIdLPjkY/s200/100_7230.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369681013918830178" border="0" /></a>Graycliff for our second tour of the day. This second house is nothing like the first. The house sits on top of a 65 ft cliff. There are stairs leading down to the beach, but they are not in use at this time. The house is intimate, with views of the lake from almost every room in the house, and ideal for a summer cottage. www.graycliff.bfn.org<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Then we went to see a b<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVY3KYlFGi8vZG-msQrLN3zu-JJFICxYAt9ytui05dKK4xw34Oy54D1nxH0_cgiykDCWY73ywlRrrSdmeAjJo5H89KK_PaBRFA26b9Suy30K_kI7ecIfjOJGBxNVecr_eDmaOPSuq0RZY/s1600-h/100_7271.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVY3KYlFGi8vZG-msQrLN3zu-JJFICxYAt9ytui05dKK4xw34Oy54D1nxH0_cgiykDCWY73ywlRrrSdmeAjJo5H89KK_PaBRFA26b9Suy30K_kI7ecIfjOJGBxNVecr_eDmaOPSuq0RZY/s200/100_7271.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369682702137222178" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTL_MUTmNG8UPp8B5E9_ED9-yeXEpJcQRLZyXWQLJGdmP3ci2E8McB85rqrahrk_d0vpVHI3vsyOz-Y2PSVcB9BjTk6bAJ1gM9InsGGfEOfqJ0VdjW0KliaCa4lZhsCnKiJBKPCrMqfOk/s1600-h/100_7266.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTL_MUTmNG8UPp8B5E9_ED9-yeXEpJcQRLZyXWQLJGdmP3ci2E8McB85rqrahrk_d0vpVHI3vsyOz-Y2PSVcB9BjTk6bAJ1gM9InsGGfEOfqJ0VdjW0KliaCa4lZhsCnKiJBKPCrMqfOk/s200/100_7266.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369682704991532626" border="0" /></a>oathouse that FLW designed in 1905 and was finally built in 2007. Everywhere we looked, we could see his unique design touches. www.wrightsboathouse.org<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />After this we headed back to Canada, we paid the $3 toll, answered a few questions at customs, and drove north an hour and a half to Toronto, Ontario. We were too late to get a map from the visitor center, it had already closed. We got to downtown Toronto and stopped at Union Station. Bernie went inside and found a couple of maps.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfYDZFYsMGK36vnin1xbu52faYowZZPsuovrwbVpY2XbhMSxPOhczakh8QX0YF1kK3HsgVuyswZCCfoF1iSMqxbCkNeIqUNq6kazs92XOsIJacNQa3xi5fs5zL1f2-tC0BNLROF-MCQk/s1600-h/100_7280.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfYDZFYsMGK36vnin1xbu52faYowZZPsuovrwbVpY2XbhMSxPOhczakh8QX0YF1kK3HsgVuyswZCCfoF1iSMqxbCkNeIqUNq6kazs92XOsIJacNQa3xi5fs5zL1f2-tC0BNLROF-MCQk/s200/100_7280.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369682735008231154" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUxgcvlZIQArdd7bbDZgo7c46ds4q5whnKsDWtgjT9IgYLXJDBux935MmkMszZpC7h8mVu0cH6RzNVeOidQpzuqGq9kw4oejYpSfLw-vZ59Va1i_6EgtUgCxvWRDDiI_Hu7M1rnqhV_w/s1600-h/100_7284.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUxgcvlZIQArdd7bbDZgo7c46ds4q5whnKsDWtgjT9IgYLXJDBux935MmkMszZpC7h8mVu0cH6RzNVeOidQpzuqGq9kw4oejYpSfLw-vZ59Va1i_6EgtUgCxvWRDDiI_Hu7M1rnqhV_w/s200/100_7284.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369682723682484178" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />As we got close to downtown we saw the CN Tower, the tallest building in the world at 1815 feet. Driving through downtown the first thing we noticed is that it looks just like Times Square in NYC. There are bright lights everywhere and huge advertisements and video screens. There was a concert downtown and tons of people everywhere.<br /><br />We drove around searching for a place to park. After a while, we spotted a parking lot on a corner that looked empty. We went to check it out and it was perfect, surrounded by buildings and right next to a small park. The lot has free overnight parking and it’s only $8 during the day. It is located at the corner of Bloor and Bedford. The lot can be seen from Bloor but the entrance is on Bedford.<br /><br />We decided to stay, we were exhausted. Without cell phones or internet access, we just read for a little while and then went to sleep.Marhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00435426548145356320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130185064530689833.post-87478486019566902252009-07-30T00:00:00.001-04:002009-08-03T11:32:58.822-04:00Hit and runThe good news is that we are happy to be in Canada. The bad news is that we hardly got any sleep last night. This is a small parking lot with a bar, stores open 24 hours, and even a small gas station. There were cars coming and going all night, people talking, and doors slamming.<br /><br />And the worst thing is that in the middle of the night, someone hit our Bella and then sped off. We couldn’t believe it! Lucky for us, there is no real damage, just a smudge on the rubber part of the front bumper.<br /><br />We got up tired and sleepy. We drove back to The Falls to take a look at them in the daytime. It was a beautiful d<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsr-EILiHMvGKPyHmb9KmAQMprh9Sg8ttsFbxB7S6ZMCZe-SSngNG3u0-D57bF7IDXBB8RLsarlRVyFBKc2Imt13NP-bl39dptdg1CVlbJcxTPseDdXu4l1tKu94LiSauqhLgcWcLOdE/s1600-h/100_7136.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsr-EILiHMvGKPyHmb9KmAQMprh9Sg8ttsFbxB7S6ZMCZe-SSngNG3u0-D57bF7IDXBB8RLsarlRVyFBKc2Imt13NP-bl39dptdg1CVlbJcxTPseDdXu4l1tKu94LiSauqhLgcWcLOdE/s200/100_7136.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365754981605096178" border="0" /></a>ay today. The <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUOxvtn0OWP1ClTMXqipsiGm3fo8wXoZE5pj1bratzL8zXWeGBEFo5BkI3q4R9giglO9OCF_zL7AQ24o4iBhhXqmnnKVoDM1kS5u8m4vGjJuIro6R8ZJoCSHCmo2w1-nuSKdbSkOvLLQ/s1600-h/100_7146.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUOxvtn0OWP1ClTMXqipsiGm3fo8wXoZE5pj1bratzL8zXWeGBEFo5BkI3q4R9giglO9OCF_zL7AQ24o4iBhhXqmnnKVoDM1kS5u8m4vGjJuIro6R8ZJoCSHCmo2w1-nuSKdbSkOvLLQ/s200/100_7146.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365754991281617826" border="0" /></a>Falls look so powerful that they give you a sense of pure energy. What a magnificent work of nature.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6L_c7QB7b_v9xPkm5JNGbQMOYBVZZoxwhSHZiQlCNSiFHMkgLWXfQyh275wEZU186SgOZ74lUzMpjhoB0XoekkpIPQ_Tp8ADlASmfzP9eOUW5k0fKyEMiLdOC-CjQhVxgV2KcedH7dc/s1600-h/100_7141.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6L_c7QB7b_v9xPkm5JNGbQMOYBVZZoxwhSHZiQlCNSiFHMkgLWXfQyh275wEZU186SgOZ74lUzMpjhoB0XoekkpIPQ_Tp8ADlASmfzP9eOUW5k0fKyEMiLdOC-CjQhVxgV2KcedH7dc/s200/100_7141.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365754987862471298" border="0" /></a><br />Next we headed to Buffalo NY. We didn’t plan to go back to the states this way, but we realized how close we are to two of the houses by Frank Lloyd Wright, so we just don't think we should miss them. We called and scheduled both tours for tomorrow, one at noon and the other at 2 pm.<br /><br />We headed across Rainbow Bridge to NY and went directly to the first house to take a look at the area. We then searched online for a coffee shop and after a few phone calls, we found Sweetness Seven.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xxw9pY2bN31NO6N8KK9alLEQ9YcIbmaef4BWotFHqbSpxAOKWSMKIMptU0f0qwjQpAEAOJH4sAKFsSWC2vG9dnxzCM3wfeak2n_PkQB4VOmY7-_kkxueZ011q3uimhznKJkpHM-Infc/s1600-h/100_7162.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xxw9pY2bN31NO6N8KK9alLEQ9YcIbmaef4BWotFHqbSpxAOKWSMKIMptU0f0qwjQpAEAOJH4sAKFsSWC2vG9dnxzCM3wfeak2n_PkQB4VOmY7-_kkxueZ011q3uimhznKJkpHM-Infc/s200/100_7162.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365755003007442386" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOz4Jkb69lnJNfjEyU5LHUdGsfYpoQmlAlWvrUiUA_5k9zVUYOHVyI7fVsFsXy4OFTjd6k-p66y_wslh30RHIzkaomjcUm7UicVnzZ3d-_Ayu7_vzbtqDuNaYWok5DaiKh0fbAkhihzg/s1600-h/100_7149.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOz4Jkb69lnJNfjEyU5LHUdGsfYpoQmlAlWvrUiUA_5k9zVUYOHVyI7fVsFsXy4OFTjd6k-p66y_wslh30RHIzkaomjcUm7UicVnzZ3d-_Ayu7_vzbtqDuNaYWok5DaiKh0fbAkhihzg/s200/100_7149.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365755001482408130" border="0" /></a><br />This is an adorable corner coffee shop that serves coffee and lunch items. This artsy place is whimsically decorated and every table is painted in different patterns. It is definitely a charming setting that mixes paint colors and real block walls with antique cabinets. We tried the American iced coffee and it was delicious. The size was generous for the price as well.<br /><br />Then we went back to the FLW house and parked on the street, right in front of the house, so we can be here for our tour tomorrow.Marhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00435426548145356320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130185064530689833.post-15226254596006841802009-07-29T00:00:00.001-04:002009-08-03T11:04:18.519-04:00Canada for the third timeSome days no matter how much you plan, you just have to go with the flow. That’s what we did today.<br /><br />We woke up in Mexicantown and drove across the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGddVzaaXfu6qDFDTzk9YbxQivfU9siJlgAf-TFmKty4ECl_xO_lxp8IEDEk1j1J-nApaUVBrMd8DG4yCMZ9Q2GYlq5CR4ApnMTOIaVgK4dAg6PQiqdi6xWjhumquPY_GqejTHLpJki7_/s1600-h/100_7097.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGddVzaaXfu6qDFDTzk9YbxQivfU9siJlgAf-TFmKty4ECl_xO_lxp8IEDEk1j1J-nApaUVBrMd8DG4yCMZ9Q2GYlq5CR4ApnMTOIaVgK4dAg6PQiqdi6xWjhumquPY_GqejTHLpJki7_/s200/100_7097.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365752966313299522" border="0" /></a>Ambassador Bridge to Windsor, Ontario, Canada. It was only a ten minute drive and a $4 toll. We want to see as much of Canada as we can and this was so close, we just had to go, plus we haven't been to Ontario before.<br /><br />We got gas on the US side and paid $2.30 per gallon. Going through customs was simple and quick. They asked a few questions about our visit, handed us back our passports, and off we went.<br /><br />Our first stop was the visitor center where we picked up information about things to do in Windsor. On our way out of the visitor center, we realized that we probably <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimeO1M2O1ZrimcID1sq9mVpxPHJIhlcw7f8-E9V0cc4CneZO0ApxqVnrCO3io9OpaYT7ZS1fQCFOWMmQTTPHAoHU-rdTKnbi8vPXjcDVFzcKLDb9Ru6U9LzK2BxZ38GWyAzmD8bO7LtKM/s1600-h/100_7099.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimeO1M2O1ZrimcID1sq9mVpxPHJIhlcw7f8-E9V0cc4CneZO0ApxqVnrCO3io9OpaYT7ZS1fQCFOWMmQTTPHAoHU-rdTKnbi8vPXjcDVFzcKLDb9Ru6U9LzK2BxZ38GWyAzmD8bO7LtKM/s200/100_7099.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365752975271535874" border="0" /></a>won’t be this close ever again to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. We had gone last winter when we were in NY but it was too cold then to really enjoy them.<br /><br />So we went back inside the visitor center and got the map and info about The Falls. We then drove east for about 4 hours to Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. Our Lola doesn’t work in Canada, so without the guidance of our GPS, we have to rely on paper maps only.<br /><br />Once we got there we found parking and walked a mighty distance to check out the rushing water. It was dark by now and there were tons of tourists speaking all different languages. We decided to wait for the fireworks that started at 10 pm. They were magnificent over The Falls, but unfortunately they didn’t last long.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2yP0ES_wRE-39nZ4mHWxPTyUMPCcweJcPt_CdR1g445R3KQ1v9MQOAdALIyRI45xO6fxSwk3e6Alnx8yburcidgyIjt8tqQDgpPLv5oqBtiLU2ytoddR5wq_cj3ovW1DVDie3nXu35WF/s1600-h/100_7122.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2yP0ES_wRE-39nZ4mHWxPTyUMPCcweJcPt_CdR1g445R3KQ1v9MQOAdALIyRI45xO6fxSwk3e6Alnx8yburcidgyIjt8tqQDgpPLv5oqBtiLU2ytoddR5wq_cj3ovW1DVDie3nXu35WF/s200/100_7122.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365752988599084690" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisGQlhd6FaPnRlDNMgpsJqNvxhJAmOjGP8MFl8N2q-2y_ibUz4b2myX2RMa4-KHdg5ZAIyfutCG_PjuM5nGfH7M30mrXl9rmpM_7RbxhlDUCDbAQUzyGUTUf-bA0L-pm4952WziOo2KHPK/s1600-h/100_7117.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisGQlhd6FaPnRlDNMgpsJqNvxhJAmOjGP8MFl8N2q-2y_ibUz4b2myX2RMa4-KHdg5ZAIyfutCG_PjuM5nGfH7M30mrXl9rmpM_7RbxhlDUCDbAQUzyGUTUf-bA0L-pm4952WziOo2KHPK/s200/100_7117.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365752979921118018" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Next we tried to find a place to park for the night. Without a GPS or internet access, in such a crowded tourist area, this wasn’t an easy task. We were exhausted. As we drove around we saw a Tim Horton’s in a small shopping strip and decided to stay there. Tim Horton’s and some of the other stores here are open 24 hours.Marhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00435426548145356320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130185064530689833.post-54459380475209092102009-07-28T00:00:00.001-04:002009-08-03T10:53:08.930-04:00Spirit of DetroitAfter we got up and ready to go, we noticed the fridge was out. Bernie checked the propane and realized it was empty. When we went to return the RedBox movies, we saw that the screen had been shot the night before so we couldn’t return the movies.<br /><br />Bernie went inside Walgreens to borrow the yellow pages to find a place to refill the propane. The clerk knew of a place and wrote down directions for us, that was very helpful and it saved us some time.<br /><br />We went to find another RedBox and then the U-Haul place to get our propane filled. The guy who helped us, Billy, was very nice and had a lot of questions about our trip and our life on the road.<br /><br />Next went to see the Heidelberg Project. This project was started by a man who was troubled by the effect of the Detroit riots on his neighborhood. With the help of his wife and grandfather, they cleaned up the vacant lots. Then using the found objects they collected, started transform<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84qpV4TdNeugsAkm1I-V77fY-bWuMgvzWsWxhaNuyAJERV_NQql3N9YihD9Bnseytz_vjH5NseFGgD3Dzhu7Iqx49IfA3Gc2CSeokznsg1DmbGCvbnAzceH0rzFDqkOoIy89BcqzjLKCv/s1600-h/100_7025.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84qpV4TdNeugsAkm1I-V77fY-bWuMgvzWsWxhaNuyAJERV_NQql3N9YihD9Bnseytz_vjH5NseFGgD3Dzhu7Iqx49IfA3Gc2CSeokznsg1DmbGCvbnAzceH0rzFDqkOoIy89BcqzjLKCv/s200/100_7025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365747778669554658" border="0" /></a>ing the area into a massive art environment.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoFNMnXXCHP2yx4ee0U0xipVlwdT8bxbY2gCGHBOXfoDLB26RQrZxn02YRTDGTGFxGEI3ijLskiIdYqurLvvq8dItRzppymG2cXq7dwosBNrOy8-iBkhPPg6TtYDvfnDQBjUPWZjnkzPr/s1600-h/100_7032.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoFNMnXXCHP2yx4ee0U0xipVlwdT8bxbY2gCGHBOXfoDLB26RQrZxn02YRTDGTGFxGEI3ijLskiIdYqurLvvq8dItRzppymG2cXq7dwosBNrOy8-iBkhPPg6TtYDvfnDQBjUPWZjnkzPr/s200/100_7032.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365747783798020114" border="0" /></a><br />Everything is decorated here, the houses, the trees, the streets and the sidewalks. We saw everything from stuffed animals hung all over a house, to a sculpture of doors piled high, to shoes stuffed inside a stove. This is truly a unique place. www.heidelberg.org<br /><br />After that <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10PwUClSqpsQbwQEDvNZ-RFEQVHGya1UW3LLNZQq1hTwtmDJt3vTVi39Urq90I6gVd8PzrEof_5zgMyN-INEcnszTLVpglefkN3192BmGYjFwjvhyphenhyphenG1jpZtc7PZx5n3wzMZx8qYmR0WiD/s1600-h/100_7045.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10PwUClSqpsQbwQEDvNZ-RFEQVHGya1UW3LLNZQq1hTwtmDJt3vTVi39Urq90I6gVd8PzrEof_5zgMyN-INEcnszTLVpglefkN3192BmGYjFwjvhyphenhyphenG1jpZtc7PZx5n3wzMZx8qYmR0WiD/s200/100_7045.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365747790819574722" border="0" /></a>we went to Belle Isle Park, an island park<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPN3-N50k1Z0wFpQxMLW8IwQ3wBEK42wtcRCg6UwxF2YPEINRD8I35yNGOF2Z-41hD5o7-XTKUWC9PfbBlJVKPaSr29ThifhzXB1MJortBDhrqUb6MCfOLSHSzMiVrS3nJmQmlItq7bKv/s1600-h/100_7038.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPN3-N50k1Z0wFpQxMLW8IwQ3wBEK42wtcRCg6UwxF2YPEINRD8I35yNGOF2Z-41hD5o7-XTKUWC9PfbBlJVKPaSr29ThifhzXB1MJortBDhrqUb6MCfOLSHSzMiVrS3nJmQmlItq7bKv/s200/100_7038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365749800630349922" border="0" /></a> in the Detroit River which is the largest island park in the US. We drove around the whole island looking for the beach. As we got closer we saw a big slide with a pool. It looked really fun so Bernie had to do it. Then she went into Lake Huron for a swim while Mar read her book on the sand.<br /><br /><br />Then we drove <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFG_25d23A8FzJl3LTvOYPDy9ulOJpmeKAYSP4cYwYE4-J1tHIlOr0a68n0pJN92fk001979-39s_55KULQvm77mg8kP7ewNq1DkR_TY-J-VtaORJLEsQQxZoYw6WyXeKF0Uj5oxIjR0n/s1600-h/100_7076.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFG_25d23A8FzJl3LTvOYPDy9ulOJpmeKAYSP4cYwYE4-J1tHIlOr0a68n0pJN92fk001979-39s_55KULQvm77mg8kP7ewNq1DkR_TY-J-VtaORJLEsQQxZoYw6WyXeKF0Uj5oxIjR0n/s200/100_7076.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365747801064657826" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL97KF80XGtgVlCp49v2fNYHTqj3EpFNWYUjlmeikXGX4fEviKquJUEbdjvm6KsCZOjDH4bbsQgMGIy22XeUd_LynzF2AlL2VNEoQtPbmXfVP0QRQgI1FI7IYPhOXkGIbMU_R6wJzwXOoC/s1600-h/100_7067.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL97KF80XGtgVlCp49v2fNYHTqj3EpFNWYUjlmeikXGX4fEviKquJUEbdjvm6KsCZOjDH4bbsQgMGIy22XeUd_LynzF2AlL2VNEoQtPbmXfVP0QRQgI1FI7IYPhOXkGIbMU_R6wJzwXOoC/s200/100_7067.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365747795355320114" border="0" /></a>to Hart Plaza in downtown Detroit to see the Michigan Labor Legacy Landmark. This monument has two arches with a gap in between representing the labor movement. Hart Plaza had several other monuments, like an Underground Railroad memorial and a huge sculpture ofa hanging arm with a fist.<br /><br />We also saw the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dTtOqirHNWGJrU6YKhxPOzvm8lZdiQ5rqeHDybEAPNdHZ2sDeKmDbDjX7-f_S-XNvPy2LyC7UG4SCq4PilGXYUUTSRl6fnsbwVGPCX3Vnu19mQnhuTLdv2GyCcT_sMaASxiV9EPWwmW6/s1600-h/100_7084.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dTtOqirHNWGJrU6YKhxPOzvm8lZdiQ5rqeHDybEAPNdHZ2sDeKmDbDjX7-f_S-XNvPy2LyC7UG4SCq4PilGXYUUTSRl6fnsbwVGPCX3Vnu19mQnhuTLdv2GyCcT_sMaASxiV9EPWwmW6/s200/100_7084.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365749802608107282" border="0" /></a>Spirit of Detroit across the street, a large bronze statue of a seated figure holding in one hand a sphere with rays symbolizing God, and on the other hand, a family group symbolizing all human relationships.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Then we went to check out Mexicantown. We saw several of their stores and had dinner at the Mexicantown Restaurant. We split the trio appetizer for dinner and M<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXu8OgCazgbQlD1hEF8RgH54qevDb7k_xiFb7giFgxoO8HfdDt4Es71p2FvOqAE99fDsHic3XRMWUWuwaVRt16DXfvD1yvTp5UPDWJdvTeFiFJBwTw8-mnWwsKYuoTPx-iQUdiXB7r56z2/s1600-h/100_7092.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXu8OgCazgbQlD1hEF8RgH54qevDb7k_xiFb7giFgxoO8HfdDt4Es71p2FvOqAE99fDsHic3XRMWUWuwaVRt16DXfvD1yvTp5UPDWJdvTeFiFJBwTw8-mnWwsKYuoTPx-iQUdiXB7r56z2/s200/100_7092.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365749808994627346" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmER478qTa0L78MzhsvpVcukj-NoBeHKH1KvVfTRRhVS61zS0tbpcSNFSEos4mbQDwkcj2nL0aIO-LU5h0SrHGlO-bqYY7jmZHqkyjhWAh_T1hNLvU7bT2zPTvhx1hl24z7VO7GKe5-tHO/s1600-h/100_7091.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmER478qTa0L78MzhsvpVcukj-NoBeHKH1KvVfTRRhVS61zS0tbpcSNFSEos4mbQDwkcj2nL0aIO-LU5h0SrHGlO-bqYY7jmZHqkyjhWAh_T1hNLvU7bT2zPTvhx1hl24z7VO7GKe5-tHO/s200/100_7091.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365749816414461138" border="0" /></a>ar got one of their homemade tamales. The food was pretty good b<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JgS2bWDR1d3wnuGepuIwipXOm_YounpM24xb1oDy7EY8pNkt-69VWlrPSf2BGO8LTK8j5XOJT9aDg-v2mxg206c2jXh1VlP7x72V5PZ3FGN1IlfEN3Bd31uQUzvQi6yPHBJuYehLkrMs/s1600-h/100_7093.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JgS2bWDR1d3wnuGepuIwipXOm_YounpM24xb1oDy7EY8pNkt-69VWlrPSf2BGO8LTK8j5XOJT9aDg-v2mxg206c2jXh1VlP7x72V5PZ3FGN1IlfEN3Bd31uQUzvQi6yPHBJuYehLkrMs/s200/100_7093.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365749822703946418" border="0" /></a>ut the margarita was better. We stayed in their huge parking lot for the night. www.mexicantownrestaurant.comMarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00435426548145356320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130185064530689833.post-16788286010257903632009-07-27T00:00:00.001-04:002009-08-03T00:24:29.968-04:00Found<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBTb5tW4bOaVTX-qcwNOSuXpNERLK9tYDNVaRU0gr5an2yXYyDLuSJJUoqEWIAi8XTLhQHxDgD88s7pYcZCFLdN1aaQd8v5JVxCXcM2yxTGSvQupZf_eHEk_FD0iEYrIC8OFwL_VJY6O-5/s1600-h/100_7000.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBTb5tW4bOaVTX-qcwNOSuXpNERLK9tYDNVaRU0gr5an2yXYyDLuSJJUoqEWIAi8XTLhQHxDgD88s7pYcZCFLdN1aaQd8v5JVxCXcM2yxTGSvQupZf_eHEk_FD0iEYrIC8OFwL_VJY6O-5/s200/100_7000.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365588172075385954" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><!--StartFragment--> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica,fantasy;"><p align="">We had fun playing tourists today in Ann Arbor MI. We took the tour of Zingerman’s. First we checked out their bakeshop and creamery, which are next door to each other. At the bakeshop wesampled the sour cream coffeecake (their best seller) and the Summer Fling Coffeecake, with lime and coconut. They were both pretty good but too sweet for our taste. At the creamery we sampled the fresh mozzarella cheese. Mar found it delicious but Bernie didn’t like it. </p><p align=""><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAIRZrX5QU2iRyPEHY2jygIsjfvpMcxosXrBWIWFb9BAtMhWlnCo2oaVTnqF4ybT0pob31se_K4fDZJ4wuCM_fYkfvud1jONaL3cRm-aRQucIxV1vamWpBWRiIoaF-eZcKL2e61cBWFhm_/s1600-h/100_6989.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAIRZrX5QU2iRyPEHY2jygIsjfvpMcxosXrBWIWFb9BAtMhWlnCo2oaVTnqF4ybT0pob31se_K4fDZJ4wuCM_fYkfvud1jONaL3cRm-aRQucIxV1vamWpBWRiIoaF-eZcKL2e61cBWFhm_/s200/100_6989.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365588162278271650" border="0" /></a></p><p align="">Zingerman’s has a passport for their tour. By collecting signatures on the passport at their four locations, you get a free Zingerman’s tshirt. So we headed to downtown to complete our passports at their restaurant and deli. www.zingermans.com</p><p align=""><br /></p><p align="">Once we had our new tshirts we went to explore downtown Ann Arbor. This is a delightful town. We found Braun Co<span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica,fantasy;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwi5c4u4B1WNIUVdSNYVgQU-UUgQ9HmGaSVaIjDvIDtowEAdemdHKSk440t3eo9HQn2ugz3UNERQlHZQMQWEX4byrK9Nb7Yb9GoddhCS-Ds7g8z3ipNKZTPIKKHDP-j2jPCWMj8fVJ1iFL/s1600-h/100_7004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwi5c4u4B1WNIUVdSNYVgQU-UUgQ9HmGaSVaIjDvIDtowEAdemdHKSk440t3eo9HQn2ugz3UNERQlHZQMQWEX4byrK9Nb7Yb9GoddhCS-Ds7g8z3ipNKZTPIKKHDP-j2jPCWMj8fVJ1iFL/s200/100_7004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365588175496489778" border="0" /></a></span></span>urt, with little shops surrounding a courtyard with tables under the shade of trees. Here we went to Common Language, a very cool bookstore where we had a nice chat with the manager. Mar found an anklet here she really liked. She’s been searching for one for a while and finally found the right one. www.glbtbooks.com</p><p align="">Across the street, we went to Kerrytown, a unique collection of shops in a three story building. There was a paper shop with beautiful hand made papers and a fresh market with all kinds of goodies. Upstairs there is a store called “Found”, where they sell interesting art made from found objects. www.kerrytown.com<span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica,fantasy;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica,fantasy;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica,fantasy;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7T3LBSmFMTl6tHULuDHhmuqE1hL78VoApWrKVZSCN2hwPx00TsuvBnSLg6UVBiJib1mwZzguq2jFg4wQHqqT8352pc3nXn0N1rnkmK5XsQzyFFQHZXsbghRFE37C-nBEV-zvbCFbM5nN/s1600-h/100_7008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7T3LBSmFMTl6tHULuDHhmuqE1hL78VoApWrKVZSCN2hwPx00TsuvBnSLg6UVBiJib1mwZzguq2jFg4wQHqqT8352pc3nXn0N1rnkmK5XsQzyFFQHZXsbghRFE37C-nBEV-zvbCFbM5nN/s200/100_7008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365588178894670018" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p align=""><br /></p><p align="">We had dinner at Café Habana. Bernie had the Cuban sandwich and Mar had the Media Noche. We both agreed that Mar’s sandwich was better. We were just glad to have found this place and be able to eat Cuban food again, it’s been a while. www.cafehabanas.com</p><p align=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica,fantasy;"><p align=""><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica,fantasy;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica,fantasy;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_4_zDvOcQyLk06mAZY3qNqleukn8RFGjl4eYd7_0PYOx2jvuW8P2BlA_6p0imHJ2WCBdTavMtDf3bMG5GEayM4okYetljW_5ocN2_EixNPey_MXWeyU1t6WzwzB4laQUwJ56ONdvpxSY/s1600-h/100_7015.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_4_zDvOcQyLk06mAZY3qNqleukn8RFGjl4eYd7_0PYOx2jvuW8P2BlA_6p0imHJ2WCBdTavMtDf3bMG5GEayM4okYetljW_5ocN2_EixNPey_MXWeyU1t6WzwzB4laQUwJ56ONdvpxSY/s200/100_7015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365588187542817906" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></p></span></p><p align="">On the way back to Bella we saw a really cute cake shop and went in. We were pleasantly surprised to find out that the owner has been on the Food Network Challenge several times. We got two cupcakes to go, one chocolate on chocolate and one malted chocolate. Unfortunately we were a little disappointed with the cupcakes. They were a bit dry and not very chocolaty.www.cakenouveau.com</p><p align=""><br /></p><p align="">After that we hit the road again. We drove east about 45 minutes to Detroit MI. We found a Walgreens where got a movie from RedBox and parked for the night. </p></span>Marhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00435426548145356320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130185064530689833.post-57815682456399509762009-07-26T00:00:00.002-04:002009-08-03T00:15:55.250-04:00The Beatles<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPj_2RzO-j0wpyArmtHJTmn7HZPbEhNRIfa1RFqVddnGQnW6Nyq17Jp52cpvKSYuTkWOfOwIH61ivp_ftwwVesMac4rACUJ_1R-IY6ocxL8VMjlHwbXFw1ccaCblwfnuCXY1aE34rw8kX/s1600-h/100_6961.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPj_2RzO-j0wpyArmtHJTmn7HZPbEhNRIfa1RFqVddnGQnW6Nyq17Jp52cpvKSYuTkWOfOwIH61ivp_ftwwVesMac4rACUJ_1R-IY6ocxL8VMjlHwbXFw1ccaCblwfnuCXY1aE34rw8kX/s200/100_6961.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365586089273870578" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />After getting milk and the Sunday paper at Walmart we were ready to go. We drove east about an hour to Kalamazoo MI. First we went to the visitor center in downtown Kalamazoo. The center was closed and so was most of the town.<br /><br />We then went to Kindleb<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzGgtJkZoaA3kebkflUDIIRGwpPN5QpLjY5Pw0w8p_G-eVjFPkOk_8lBhjn_oyR3NYwIIz2KF-VroDCbF7dO0SZv9hPTIDDoeWNy2sNEpOm6827wxkwbFuhLiWerUFBoKSnxnk7pfLoML/s1600-h/100_6966.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzGgtJkZoaA3kebkflUDIIRGwpPN5QpLjY5Pw0w8p_G-eVjFPkOk_8lBhjn_oyR3NYwIIz2KF-VroDCbF7dO0SZv9hPTIDDoeWNy2sNEpOm6827wxkwbFuhLiWerUFBoKSnxnk7pfLoML/s200/100_6966.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365586068781172194" border="0" /></a>erger Park in Parchment MI, about five minutes away. In summer there are free concerts at the park every Sunday and lucky for us, today’s concert was a tribute to the Beatles. www.kindleberger.org<br /><br />We got there extra early and got a great parking spot. While waiting for the concert to start, Mar read the Sunday paper and looked online for things to do in Michigan, while Bernie worked on the new jewelry she’s creating.<br /><br />The <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtb7G_cSZamGfbL7M4v1b4zN94q-iVroXWQ4HpeIMEetqB9CDInuGLRBeMOZf2iBJWFUjCX5H5EQz5DeYFubLcIAhwcFXg1Pr-hp8GQlenIfA2fNC3aA6K2U4UmbHUTJzNvbkaolD2vfRV/s1600-h/100_6967.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtb7G_cSZamGfbL7M4v1b4zN94q-iVroXWQ4HpeIMEetqB9CDInuGLRBeMOZf2iBJWFUjCX5H5EQz5DeYFubLcIAhwcFXg1Pr-hp8GQlenIfA2fNC3aA6K2U4UmbHUTJzNvbkaolD2vfRV/s200/100_6967.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365586074784097730" border="0" /></a>concert started at 6:30 pm and there were lots of people. The <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShS16ai1Okk8WfKS4MxA5ce2GJJWawt4fqzRKr7cJz9eahKgkm9GRCZiA_bw_JTglzfKeFJK4sBpLMJT4XagPIeRIYAPsYBf_E8YITcw0TJjCd_mhcyXkaU3_Om5wr_yVHp92o0GKyQI/s1600-h/100_6979.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShS16ai1Okk8WfKS4MxA5ce2GJJWawt4fqzRKr7cJz9eahKgkm9GRCZiA_bw_JTglzfKeFJK4sBpLMJT4XagPIeRIYAPsYBf_E8YITcw0TJjCd_mhcyXkaU3_Om5wr_yVHp92o0GKyQI/s200/100_6979.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365586080569754050" border="0" /></a>group is called Shout and they are very good, they even dress like the Beatles and have the same haircuts. The concert was fun, there was crowd participation and we even got up to dance. www.shouttribute.com<br /><br />After the concert we left Parchment and drove east another hour and a half to Ann Arbor MI. We listened to our Beatles cd while driving and sang along to pass the time. When we got to Ann Arbor it was already late. We found the Zingerman Bakeshop and parked there for the night.Marhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00435426548145356320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130185064530689833.post-6391250432708848592009-07-25T00:00:00.002-04:002009-08-03T00:27:58.959-04:00Back to the beachAfter our cup of coffee we headed out and drove north about an hour to South Haven MI. We did not take the highway again today. Lately we have done all our driving on back roads. It has been nice to see the small towns and the many farms along the way.<br /><br />Once there we went to the South Haven Center for the Arts. They have some v<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH47hM8yGXtCy_dFVf500BvJgNXjlMarM0IbxZLr7rczI9XncVrDUf7CtyoKEQUL0nOmnAW1fZu0I_5v11K34ky69lf3GA7Uupvqt3bHcnsW1cYqYv2QSNQR4m10se7gqHkV_2R4RemPTQ/s1600-h/100_6943.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH47hM8yGXtCy_dFVf500BvJgNXjlMarM0IbxZLr7rczI9XncVrDUf7CtyoKEQUL0nOmnAW1fZu0I_5v11K34ky69lf3GA7Uupvqt3bHcnsW1cYqYv2QSNQR4m10se7gqHkV_2R4RemPTQ/s200/100_6943.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365584716127379202" border="0" /></a>ery quirky exhibits at this time. The one downstairs are sculptures using recycled objects. It’s very interesting to see "art" made from<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYLOGVYNkeyXY58o2IWnZ1gWEhWgvLfEndiaSXa6GX4A2FylWzq-OHs0CRIoQvSCEWFG_uh6qH_34zYXVlZOOrBRtyug67GtZv3pFbmaOb8m4GTXurLPXnzT61yLrhA3JJj_QFM8Hxgxh/s1600-h/100_6942.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYLOGVYNkeyXY58o2IWnZ1gWEhWgvLfEndiaSXa6GX4A2FylWzq-OHs0CRIoQvSCEWFG_uh6qH_34zYXVlZOOrBRtyug67GtZv3pFbmaOb8m4GTXurLPXnzT61yLrhA3JJj_QFM8Hxgxh/s200/100_6942.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365584689133433794" border="0" /></a> lid rings, plastic bags, hangers, and other common objects. The exhibit upstairs is by an artist who does pictures using hair. Yes, real human hair. It sounds weird but the pictures were quite nice. www.southhavenarts.org<br /><br />There is an Irish store right next door. Bernie is part Irish so of course we had to check it out. It was a very cute store with lots of great gifts. The owner was there and she let us use her hose to fill up our water tank. Then we walked to the visitor center where we got some information about Michigan.<br /><br />Next we headed to the beach. We were lucky to find parking right next to the sand. We set out to walk down the pier to look at the lighthouse. We sat on the edge and relaxed while taking in the beauty of this<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknZ-0a01jGbu33Sqvr28tryHh1s2RUeCF5QN1WjCZbUOM0M6nXqUQXSb7kphvjvnIG6q-PrQLSuD2Bf-CvPHN86sPX6vISDeDw-5oFFCzANy6r34c4pbZJ7k_qPffUdETfp6on4LoSXaS/s1600-h/100_6945.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknZ-0a01jGbu33Sqvr28tryHh1s2RUeCF5QN1WjCZbUOM0M6nXqUQXSb7kphvjvnIG6q-PrQLSuD2Bf-CvPHN86sPX6vISDeDw-5oFFCzANy6r34c4pbZJ7k_qPffUdETfp6on4LoSXaS/s200/100_6945.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365584695301920002" border="0" /></a> place.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdlxVdz0Y296E5hVRHXMpWNCjdNMyH9lCdARAPDNK1r_zPiFnsUNa51N60gHxw7urgU7m3eIzoue5sepoIiiYTjnK500yW4hmigWj3fIbH9WYcnDHzLTMEUWjJ0ueDHvt_-R8VNcBRb7N/s1600-h/100_6950.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdlxVdz0Y296E5hVRHXMpWNCjdNMyH9lCdARAPDNK1r_zPiFnsUNa51N60gHxw7urgU7m3eIzoue5sepoIiiYTjnK500yW4hmigWj3fIbH9WYcnDHzLTMEUWjJ0ueDHvt_-R8VNcBRb7N/s200/100_6950.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365584705286700882" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We walked back to Bella because we were hungry. After dinner we decided to go for a walk on the beach. By then the sun was going down and it was a bit chilly so we didn’t get in the water but we got our feet wet.<br /><br />On our way back to Bella it started to rain and we got soaked. After changing, Mar decided to surprise Bernie by going to get ice cream. While we were waiting in line it rained again and everyone tried t<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUv5z6srQwEVRr0Zm5Lw9TixfFfgBjWczMbvEwaAJXVjEtHyf9X_r6rk3VRX0u47Oydo01GclTWA74wkaInWAJpwhvZTcdM4limBfsgj-SHtorsSMW-MuFYsLOh7HIu822iHXWo1fvID5t/s1600-h/100_6958.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUv5z6srQwEVRr0Zm5Lw9TixfFfgBjWczMbvEwaAJXVjEtHyf9X_r6rk3VRX0u47Oydo01GclTWA74wkaInWAJpwhvZTcdM4limBfsgj-SHtorsSMW-MuFYsLOh7HIu822iHXWo1fvID5t/s200/100_6958.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365584711219516850" border="0" /></a>o huddle under the eves. We split the brownie sundae with chocolate peanut butter ice cream. It was really good. www.shermanicecream.com<br /><br />On the way there we had seen a Walmart just down the street so we decided to go there to park for the night.Marhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00435426548145356320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130185064530689833.post-60838528578587094802009-07-24T00:00:00.002-04:002009-07-25T00:11:56.027-04:00Touchdown Jesus<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSktTwYDsgIAh9kf43zz0klWYlsbwgUM5oZ7mW0GOfxVuj5L5SKH9PLRV3tuVbEyqXsxkIe656Jen9E75SwZBS_C4m8d02dtPPFZKAsNoGSmGJFPROyv3QRg8B9VzRCF7RifYrxsIYDo/s1600-h/100_6910.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSktTwYDsgIAh9kf43zz0klWYlsbwgUM5oZ7mW0GOfxVuj5L5SKH9PLRV3tuVbEyqXsxkIe656Jen9E75SwZBS_C4m8d02dtPPFZKAsNoGSmGJFPROyv3QRg8B9VzRCF7RifYrxsIYDo/s200/100_6910.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362245127589109122" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAkbvmyf8rjUFaPIp8BTcjNvzwQSLnA9VoF8XGXnQoN4lSmkqFeSgcw9f9sJW9pMU8S17thzCZOFjOfYrdf2v-aHhoXW-3pWLoDhpEhzQOIYAS6cVqKG9WFrKRo8WdkvV2o5-4iYb55M/s1600-h/100_6906.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAkbvmyf8rjUFaPIp8BTcjNvzwQSLnA9VoF8XGXnQoN4lSmkqFeSgcw9f9sJW9pMU8S17thzCZOFjOfYrdf2v-aHhoXW-3pWLoDhpEhzQOIYAS6cVqKG9WFrKRo8WdkvV2o5-4iYb55M/s200/100_6906.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362245123822071762" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Today we went to the American Countryside Farmers Market in Elkhart IN. This is an indoors market with a food court and two stories of stands selling produce, meats, baked goods, ice cream, clothing, jewelry, antiques, quilts, toys, you name it.<br /><br />They had free health screenings at the Healthy Living Corner today so we went to have our cholesterol, g<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaQx9-JRMKW-4Gx9Q__DWNFi2sTm43fseTfIo1G0AsYSyqI3o_e46pnJpCUs7St3yzunJ146jPpGlE8VzsWQhS2qupVyRVOvbHlgnDWDXJzDlLJwpnUtshFHY-9zKk_IkNq7DRO7R8O4/s1600-h/100_6901.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaQx9-JRMKW-4Gx9Q__DWNFi2sTm43fseTfIo1G0AsYSyqI3o_e46pnJpCUs7St3yzunJ146jPpGlE8VzsWQhS2qupVyRVOvbHlgnDWDXJzDlLJwpnUtshFHY-9zKk_IkNq7DRO7R8O4/s200/100_6901.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362245119909457378" border="0" /></a>lucose, body fat, and blood pressure checked. We were especially interested in the cholesterol screening. Mar’s is ok and Bernie still needs to work on lowering hers.<br /><br />This market is huge and it was a nice place to look around. We got some plums and spinach from the produce stand. www.americancountryside.us<br /><br />Then we drove west about twenty minutes to the University of Notre Dame in South Bend IN. We went to the<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4AicyEPvZiJ8uo55QTJfZLyLV2l5__zrXurNcDeI3O0Y_f8XeWTHDKc3dxoxvgKvNF6xwTC72W_oOJOmD9Ymbry1AWMfy_WrMKE4c1ENYRUaomBW8NLD6baBwfkn1xvBBghQbz84z5Is/s1600-h/100_6923.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4AicyEPvZiJ8uo55QTJfZLyLV2l5__zrXurNcDeI3O0Y_f8XeWTHDKc3dxoxvgKvNF6xwTC72W_oOJOmD9Ymbry1AWMfy_WrMKE4c1ENYRUaomBW8NLD6baBwfkn1xvBBghQbz84z5Is/s200/100_6923.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362245133925536754" border="0" /></a> visitor center and watched the eleven minute video about the history of the university.<br /><br />Then we went to see Touchdown Jesus and the Golden Dome. Then Bernie went to mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. She <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwhyphenhyphenkRjiSBVF__U0wlYBGwHf1XHJYmVcgcmZr9ElFufNrcsKThjjzBQhlJM8oHiCRaRp7MxWuMkj8-DyeTmvnuCQtmWhp6XDSI3fK3JRUvsWbVBPCswYmXE_9yd0GZvN1_SYN9sIPaeA/s1600-h/100_6928.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwhyphenhyphenkRjiSBVF__U0wlYBGwHf1XHJYmVcgcmZr9ElFufNrcsKThjjzBQhlJM8oHiCRaRp7MxWuMkj8-DyeTmvnuCQtmWhp6XDSI3fK3JRUvsWbVBPCswYmXE_9yd0GZvN1_SYN9sIPaeA/s200/100_6928.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362245141274492386" border="0" /></a>went to the Grotto and drank the water there so maybe it will help her cholesterol.<br /><br />Next we drove around downtown town a bit and then decided to go to Walmart to park for the night.Marhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00435426548145356320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130185064530689833.post-51740453013035922132009-07-24T00:00:00.000-04:002009-07-24T01:32:48.871-04:00New look for Bella and the RoadAfter a year on the road, it was time to give our blog a new look. Hope you like it!<br /><br />Please note that if you're reading this blog, this is our secondary blog, our backup blog. This blog is called Bella 'on' the Road.<br /><br />Our main blog is called Bella 'and' the Road. It is more complete with more pictures, take a look here: <a href="http://bellaandtheroad.blogspot.com/">Bella and the Road</a><br /><br />Once there, scroll all the way down to see the slideshows and please join the Friends of Bella there, we'll appreciate it. Thanks for reading!Marhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00435426548145356320noreply@blogger.com0