An Amazing Weekend

We just got back from our amazing weekend. The color up in traverse city and then down the west side was absolutely stunning. We left on Friday at about 4:30. We made a surprise stop at little river casino to surpirse my dad as he worked a blackjack table. His table, like many, was empty, so we were able to stay and chat for awhile. . . no hugging, of course, because his hands have to stay in plain sight and can't touch other people (not even a shaking of hands is allowed). I walked into the casino with a dollar in my pocket and left with the same dollar. Pretty impressive! While we were walking around, waiting for dad to get off of his break, we ran into John and Sherry DeBoer. They live in Muskegon and we never run into them here, yet we visit Manistee and there they are! John married us six years ago. He is one of the greatest guys we know.
We then left dad to his bordem and made our way to The Cherry Inn Hotel. It was really windy and as we got close to the hotel we ran a traffic light becasue it was out. We noticed that it was very dark on the bay side of the road. We went to the outskirts of Acme and didn't see our hotle, so we turned around and figured it must have been out of power. In the dark, i was able to make out the sign for the hotle, and we pulled into the dark parking lot. We checked in by flashlight. Apparently the power had gone out 40 minutes ago. The elevators were down so we climbed up the steps to the top story of the hotel, opened our room and it was pitch black. TJ grabbed a flashlight from the stairwell, so i could pee on our toilet. I have never been in such a dark and unfamiliar place. We lit the gas fireplace and opened up our balcony window and listened to the waves. TJ went back downstairs and carried all of our luggage up the stairs. The power came on while he was walking up the stairs, but he didn't want to get stuck in the elevator, so he kept walking. What i loved about it, was our attitudes and the attitudes of the workers. TJ and i didn't let it get us in a bad mood. . . we made jokes and did our best with what we had. It is very typical that something like that would happen to us. When the power came on, it revealed a wonderful room. . . we had a giant soaker/jet tub for at least two people, a fireplace, a sitting area with a view of the bay and a balcony. We even had three tv's. . . one in the bathroom! The relaxing bath was one of my favorite parts. TJ bought sleepy dream bubble bath from bath and body works. That stuff was awesome.
On Saturday, we had a delicious breakfast, shopped on Front Street, and drove around to look at color. We also checked out a new coffee shop and other shops that they are putting in a renovated giant former mental hospital. We ate at the blue tractor. Because my bed time is so early, we headed back home around 6, took a relaxing bath (without the tubside alcohol of course), and then watched Knocked Up.
Today we drove around to North point, then down to Empire and Beulah. That drive was the best drive we have ever been on. The sun was shining, the trees were on fire. The road curved and wound through hills and lakes. We stopped and ate at the Cherry Hut on their last day of being open. We both had a hot turkey sandwich with potatoes and gravy. Then we went between Platte lake and Crystal lake. I asked TJ to turn on Platte drive because it sounded familiar. Then i had him turn on Birch trail and Birch drive and we took the windy, leaf covered road back to my dad's old cabin on Platte Lake. I have so many good memories there. I couldn't believe i was able to find it after 10 years. We pulled into the driveway and all the way to the house (we could tell no one had been there for awhile). TJ laughed as he said, "we better not tell your dad what is hanging in the window." I looked and there was a stained glass Ohio State O. Yikes! I pointed out the beautiful field stone that made-up the fireplace and how the huge windows on the front mimicked the ones on the back, so you could see right through the house to the lake. I pointed out the driftwood address holder at the end of the driveway and the tree i think my dad hit where the bark was scarred. I pointed out the dirt road that veered off to the side where i road on the back of my dad's motorcycle, being very careful not to touch the exhaust with my leg.
On the drive home, we took our time. It was beautiful and relaxing. When we got close to Hart, we both started thinking about all we had to do for school. Then, as we pulled in the driveway, TJ said "screw school! I am working in the garage." He is still in there. I unpacked, started laundry, and picked up. Now i have to get to school work. Tomorrow i have a TAT meeting, a grade-level meeting, a staff meeting after school and recess duty. Tuesday, i am meeting with the lady at central office after school to sign some papers about my leave. Busy. But so glad we took time to get away and spend time with each other. TJ truly is a great companion.