Sunday, 12-August-2007 - Veghel, NL - Arrived at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to a big welcoming committee: Chris, Marij, Katherine and Martin. Katherine made big posters with my vacaton snapshots. Drove home to Veghel where Rosan was waiting to make the reunion complete. I'm happy to be home safe and sound. It was a great vacation!
Saturday, 11-August-2007 - Detroit, MI - Said goodbye to Marlyn and Jared (and Lucy). Drove to Metro Airport. Met a firefighter and his family. Also met Toby and Ricki at Chili's. Took off about 2200.
Friday, 10-August-2007 - Metro Beach, MI - Skated to Metro Beach and back--about a 16 mile trip. Marlyn and Lucy got me headed in the right direction. Got to cool off my feet at the beach. Had a very nice Polish dinner at Angelo's. Tasted pierogi for the first time. Saw a real nice '57 Chevy. There was a special show at the Best Western motel across the street to commerate the 50th anniversary of the 1957 Chevy and the 40th anniversary of the Camaro http://www.classicchevy.com/ . Went to Jared's new school, Peace Lutheran on 24 Mile Road, and helped move furniture back into the classrooms. Met Josh and Sara, Bill Schmidt's daughter.
Thursday, 9-August-2007 - Clinton Township, MI - Watched Jared put items on the curb for recycling. Went shopping with Marlyn. Had a nice dinner and saw a good movie.
Wednesday, 8-August-2007 - Clinton Township, MI - Spent the day with Marlyn.
Tuesday, 7-August-2007 - Detroit, MI - Today is my brother Jared's birthday. After a good night's sleep, visited with my wonderful sister-in-law, Marlyn. Went with Jared to see the Detroit Tigers play the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. It was a truly a memorable experience: great stadium, great game, great brother.
Monday, 6-August-2007 -Brighton, MI - Checked out at the hotel. Drove to Kensington Park to rollerblade. http://www.metroparks.com/parks/pk_kensington.php What a wonderful recreational area! Went skating with Mike, once around the lake--about 8.5 miles. Drove to Brighton to visit Barb and Fabian, my Delta College buddy and family friend. Had a very nice Mexican dinner at Los Tres Amigos. Drove to my brother Jared and Marlyn's home in Clinton Township. Listened to the Tiger ball game on the radio on the way over.
Sunday, 5-August-2007 - Amelith, MI - Got up at 0800 to attend the 11:00 o'clock outdoor pavilion service at Amelith. Spoke when Jeanne, Bob, Jennifer, and Kevin before the service. Had lunch afterwards with Jeanne, Jim, and Sally. Said goodbye to Mom.
Saturday, 4-August-2007 - Essexville, MI - Got up at 0615 and met Dorothy and Gary at 0715 before Dorothy went to work (I forgot to bring Dorothy's gift on Tuesday). Had a short visit with Mom before getting ready for the reunion. Had a great time at the reunion--we were all glad to see each other. Those who came really wanted to be there. We wore picture name tags. I found myself very often needing to refer to the name tags to make the link back to the future. Some people, however, didn't hardly change at all--I could recognize them easily: Fred, Brenda, Rita, Naomi, Dan, Chris, Warren, Mary Jo, Farrell. Got to know some classmates better--talked with some classmates and spouses for the first time. Stayed 'til the end. Continued visiting at the Stein Haus in Bay City. Got in at 0200.
3-August-2007 - Shepherd, MI - Visited a T.L. Handy classmate, Larry Leddy. It took me a little over a hour to drive there using country roads. Went biking and skating in Mt Pleasant Island Park--a fantastic place! Even saw a deer in the park! Drove by the Soaring Eagle Casino. Sliced tomatoes and cucumbers. Made tatar sauce. Ate a fine walleye dinner, watching the sun go down.
Wednesday, 1-August-2007 - Saginaw, MI - Shopped for flowers for Mom. Met with my brother, Wayne, at 1800. Had a nice dinner. Talked 'til 0100.
