Bob and I had planned to move north to Michigan today, but one of the nice things about retirement is that you can change your mind anytime you feel like it. We decided to stay put through the weekend. So on the way out of Mini Mountain this morning we paid for three more days and will postpone our move until Monday.
We drove north to Niles, MI, once again changing time zones. In downtown Niles we went to Four Flags Antique Mall on 2nd Street. This was a great Antique Mall. It's funny how in different parts of the country you see completely different treasures. I found a dozen postcards here at this mall. We found the Niles Public Library near downtown and hopped in to pay a bill on-line since we haven't been 'connected' since leaving Nashville. This library was a pleasant experience; no ID's, no questions, no limits. And this was the highest speed access I've had since I left EDS! We were in a 30-minute parking zone so I couldn't answer all of my emails. Thanks to everyone who's trying to stay in touch. I'll get back to you eventually.
We sent south on Hwy 51 to Michiana Antique Mall, another outstanding mall. This place was huge! It was open until 6:00 (really 7:00 by our Indiana time today!) I found 25 or 30 postcards at reasonable prices. There were tons of paper items in this place. I found some great golf ads and magazines. We wrapped it up at around 5:30 and went up the road to Business Loop 12 to hop in Shelton's Farmers Market. We got some great produce at great prices. Fresh strawberries are in season here. The whole place smelled great.
Across the street we stopped in Prime Table Restaurant--another family restaurant similar to Top Notch in South Bend. Bob had broiled cod and I had broiled ocean perch. The place was packed and while waiting ten minutes for a table we struck up a conversation with an older couple who live in Garner (a suburb of South Bend) on Knollwood Golf Course. They go several times a year to Luddington Resort in Michigan. They have gone there for years, since their kids were young. Now their grown kids and grandkids all meet there still. Sounds like the campground we're in. She knew about Mini Mountain.
Back home I walked up 'The Mountain' to call Mom and wish her happy birthday. I wore my jacket as it's 58 degrees at 8:00 p.m. This place is teaming with people. Friday night brings all of the weekenders back. Campfires are blazing everywhere. It's so cool our neighbor has a hooded sweatshirt on out on his deck. I was glad to have my jacket while I was on the phone atop the hill. The phone battery lasted long enough for me to chat with Patti too. Back home I was warming up with a cup of coffee when the phone actually rang at the trailer. How fun to talk to my friend Liz from Austin! Who knows why the phone decided to work down here in 'The Meadow' tonight for the first time? She says it's 98 degrees in Austin. How quickly we forget. The phone lasted for quite a bit and it was nice to catch up with Liz.
We got brief U.S. Open highlights on the news. Earlier, as we drove in the campground we cruised by the laundry house with thoughts of doing a few loads this weekend. But there are only two washing machines and one stacked dryer and neither looks very new. They are all crammed into a space the size of an outhouse. So I think I'll pass and wait for the next place when we move on Monday.
It's 11:36 p.m. and 57.1 degrees. Mom said it was 65 degrees in St. Charles when I talked to her around 8:00.