Fine Time

 The next morning, we chat with the other Loopers before departing Ludington. They are planning on going only 10 miles to stay north of some rain in Chicago on Saturday. Today is Thursday. We decide to risk it. Later, taters. William is excited to check out Wisconsin so we head across Lake Michigan towards Milwaukee. We were all wracking our brains to think of all the things Milwaukee is known for: Laverne & Shirley, That 70’s Show, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and, of course, cheese. As we work our way over, we pick up at least 6 balloons (wth??). One of us will spot them shining in the water and scream out, BALLOOON!!!  I will never buy another helium balloon, that’s for sure, but I can’t say we didn’t enjoy the hunt. As we slow down for yet another balloon, we decide to take a swim. We are feeling very aquatic at this point and get a bit more daring in our dives. Mason is king of the swan dive, and Meade is perfecting her long-legged dive. I decide to attempt a back dive. I...

Wednesday morning, we pack up the truck with luggage, food, and drink. Mom makes a yummy avocado toast breakfast and gives us big hugs goodbye…or so she thinks. Dad drives us down to Irish’s where the boat is shining in its slip. Hold up. As I near the boat, I see the engine hatches are up. Well, that can’t be good. There is a man in the engine room looking hot and irritated. I ask him how long he thinks he’ll be, and he says a couple of hours for sure.   I call William, who has gone to the office to settle up, and give him the news. He is not pleased.   The boat has been at Irish’s for weeks now, and it is clear that they just started working on it. Labor is in short supply, and they have been backed up all summer. We head back to my parents for some deep breaths. Mom says she won’t strip the beds just yet, ye of little faith. Two hours later, William calls for a status update. “Well sir, we’ve run into some electrical issues, so it’s going to be a while.” William says, "I...

  We return to Michigan to have a quick visit with the fam. Meade and I fly up Sunday and watch the final polo match of the season. Unfortunately, we miss my brother Mason’s earlier win against my father. There is much rejoicing from one and a bit of grumbling from the other. Moose Jaw Junction serves up another fine meal to celebrate. The next day, we enjoy the porch, some swimming, and catching up. We head to Chandler’s in Petoskey for dinner. Everyone is in good spirits, and Liz joins me for a late-night airport pickup. Mason and William are standing on the curb patiently (?) awaiting our arrival. Liz and Uncle Mason have to leave the next morning for Saratoga. We spend the day swimming and helping Dad with boat repairs. Mason and William pump out the water in the sailboat (the venerable Proud Mary) from a recent storm so go ahead and pump out the neighbor’s listing boat while they are at it. Picture hands on hips, superhero capes fluttering in the wind. Meade and Mason de...

  As our cousin Maclean said, what a cliffhanger! Sorry about that, we got sidetracked by other activities.   In short, we put the shorn bolt back in place where it nestled right in and got us safely to Harbor Springs with no issue. We stayed in Harbor Springs for 10 days, enjoying the 4 th of July with the ever hospitable Kastens, Ryans, and Garrards, a cocktail cruise, a fishing charter with the fabulous “Fellowship“ crew (thanks for the tip, Ed James!), lots of swims and porch time with Lulu and Big Mase, and a bit of polo. Auntie Liz and Uncle Mason were there for the end, Liz sweetly giving us a “Fine Time” welcome mat that now graces our boat (note to self, work on thoughtful gestures). Winslow joined Mason for this stint, and they explored every body of water around for fish. Meade had Sims come up, and they were off on their bikes at every opportunity. Both Winslow and Sims were excited to do all of our motley activities and made great additions to our crew. We had ...