Thursday, August 27, 2009

Father Daughter Bonding

Yesterday afternoon, I called my dad to see if he wanted to have a visit.
My cell phone battery was low, so I called from my office phone.

The conversation went something like this:

Me: Hi Dad. How are you?
Dad: Not feeling so well today. I don't think we should waste a visit.
Me: Ok, I didn't sleep well and should probably go home anyway.
Dad: Is that a man in the background? Do I hear a man?
Me: Yes, I'm at work. I work with lots of men, dad.
Dad: Oh, I thought maybe you had a boyfriend. Wishful thinking I guess.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Costco and Other Things

I'm back to work after another delightful trip up to the Lake Leelanau area. Rachel, and her kids and I trekked up on Friday and returned Monday night.

Dog parades, complete with a celebrity sighting, a trip to the beach, the Lighthouse at the state park, a good time was had by all. (Aidan Quinn and the chef, Mario Batalli.)

I hope we get to do it again. Perhaps in the fall? We'll have to see how it goes.

The work day is happily flying by and soon I'll be free. Rachel and I taking a trip to Costco tonight to fill up her new freezer. I suspect I'll spend a lot of my time in front of the book table, itching to buy 4 but will allow 1 if I really want it. I don't need any books though. But that's not going to stop me.

In other news, my toes are in serious need of grooming in the way of a pedicure. I'm thinking maybe this weekend? Again, I'm playing it by ear.

Hoping to get a visit with my friend Nevada too. She's resting at home again too, but I'm not sure when she'll be up for company.

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

An ode to Leelanau and Old Friends

This past weekend I spent time doing two things I love. Hanging out with my very best friend. So where you ask?

In Lake Leelanau on the Leelanau peninsula.

Four whole days. C. and took off from her house on Friday morning and headed north. About an hour into our drive, we decided to stop off for some shopping at Birch Run. I scored some of my very pricy face wash for mega cheap, and she talked me into buying this very cool ring, that I'm enjoying right this very second.

After that we just drove and drove. But the long ride is fun with the right company. C and I could talk for days with out stopping, of this I'm quite sure.

Once we arrived at my mom's we unloaded the car, and then had a snack out on the deck. My mom came home shortly after and the three of us headed out to dinner.

The name of the restaurant escapes me, but we had a lovely dinner outside with a view of the water and the food was delicious and tasty drinks. After dinner, we went to Music in the Park in Northport and listened to music.

We were tired from our drive after that, so we headed home and caught up on all the episodes of Entourage.

Saturday morning we awoke to some gray weather, but C and I got up and went out for coffee and hot tea. When we got back, we got ready to go to the art show in Suttons Bay.

I bought a beautiful photo of a beach in Empire and C. bought a few pictures for her house too. After our art fair we walked around and looked at all the shops in SB.

We came home then for a snack a little rest before we went out again. I was tired but C talked me into going out to the bar.

Around 10 pm, we headed out. And ended up running into my cousin M. who was just getting off work. We got drunk on this new wine/mead that tastes like cherries, but really packed a punch.

Sunday the sun was bright but the wind was fierce. But we didn't let that stop us from going to my favorite Beach at Good Harbor. Before that, we picked up sandwiches at The Cheese Shanty. Two words for you: Pretzel Bread.

Makes the best sandwich ever! We walked on the beach, read our books and soaked up sun. I managed to get a little sunburned even with sunblock. It's a gift, I swear.

We stayed at the beach most of the day and into early evening. Came home, ate dinner and headed out for another drink, just to mix up the scenery.

Monday we got up, got ready and went to breakfast. After that, with full bellies, we drove to the state park. We wanted to go on a hike on the walking trail, which was beautiful. The only problem? It had rained pretty heavily the night before, so the mosquitios were biting full force. Even with bug spray.

I've got a few bites on the back of my neck. We then stopped at a U-Pick flower place, where it's self serve and you pay by the honor system.

After that, it was sadly time to pack up and go home.

I had a great time because the trip itself was the right amount of fun and downtime, and lots of variety, but mostly because I got to spend 4 days with my very best friend, and I feel so lucky for that.

Despite the husband and now 2 year old son, she still has time for the girl she taught how to curl her hair.