I had this past Thursday and Friday off from work to visit friends in Michigan.

After a couple of days of preparation and planning, we got up on Thursday morning and got ready to go. Just as we were about ready to leave, though, Mercedes told me that her throat was sore (again). So, I checked it out, and sure enough, there was some inflammation and a strange white spot back there. Since she seems to have had a fairly persistent sore throat this summer we thought it best to get her in to see the doctor.

After a couple of hours’ wait we called back, and they reported that the strep test was negative. They offered to call us back if a 48 hour wait showed anything different. This was the green light we needed and we got on the road. The most notable thing about the trip was that Shaelin absolutely refused to take a nap. The battle of wills ended on a wet diaper technicality.

Friday we had a fairly lazy day. Work intervened (as it did briefly on Thursday) in the afternoon a couple of times, but nothing significant. I was happy to hear from Bill Helwig that evening, though, as visiting the Helwig family was the main reason we went up there. Bill and daughters Deanna, Michelle, and Laura made the trip this time.

Unfortunately it was all too brief a visit, as we got to spend barely two and a half hours with them. It was nice to hear about the goings-on, and we’re looking forward to seeing some video from the old roller rink days. Deanna is collecting bits and pieces and is planning to put together a DVD. She found it particularly important to tell me that they had video of one of our all-nighters where Chuck Tomasi, Marty Defant, and I had entered an air band contest with a ZZ Top tune.

Michelle had to be back home today (Sunday), so we packed up and headed back home yesterday. There was a chance that we were going to go back home without Mercedes and Regan so they could spend time with their grandparents but that didn’t work out. Instead, my dad will pick them up on his way home from Elkhart Lake on Monday. After that we’ll be back down to a family of three for a few days. Michelle and I plan to make the most of this week’s vacation starting Wednesday. I also have a surprise up my sleeve for her… but since I know she might get wind of it if I spill the beans here, mum’s the word!

By the way, sorry for the lack of photos. I accidentally left the camera back at home base. I’m still kicking myself over that one.