Day 1   On our way to South Haven Michigan!
Our day started with a 6:00 alarm and a 7:15 departure from Cascade!  With Charlie Ann taking the first shift driving with her favorite tunes blaring on the radio, we were on our way to pick up Pammie Sue in Anawan.  (Thanks to Taul's taxi service with his two little helpers)
Our first stop was a lunch break at Culver's in Michigan City.  From there we happened upon a billboard advertising BLUEBERRIES!  Well, that was a no brainer, we followed the signs and found our first blueberry patch!  After taste testing and our unanimous approval, we bought some blueberries and preserves.  We hit the road (with blue teeth and happy faces)  On our way out, we found a cute little sculpture/art studio, where Patty bought her first souvenir "Martha Cares Kitty Rescue key chain"  even got the artist to sign it!  (See facebook page www.myrescuedogs.org)

From there we were back on the road and checked out a "Goodwill Boutique"  yes...I said boutique!  Sharla bought her first purchase, a wine opener!  Not far away we found "Bit of Swiss Bakery", tucked away off the beaten path!  Excellent bran muffin (honey glazed).

Our next stop was South Haven.  After a little tour of the town, we checked into our deluxe suite! At the New Haven Inn and Suites...equipped with air conditioning, two beds, a refrigerator, microwave, semi clean bathroom, tv and FREE wifi!  What more could a person ask for?  Oh yeah, an indoor swimming pool and fitness center (yet to be seen, but must be here somewhere???)

We toured the streets of downtown before selecting a restaurant.  Found a wonderful Olive oil store "The Olive Cart".  We bought some yummy balsamic vinegars/Oil and Green Olive and Cheddar Cheese (for lunch tomorrow).  We found a wonderful Italian Restaurant "Maria's" and had an excellent seafood linguine (mussels, shrimp and lobster in a cream sauce).  To top off a perfect day, we took a long walk down to the pier to see the sunset!  We made it just in time to watch the sun melt into the horizon!  Of course, we had to take off our shoes and walk barefoot in the sand along the white sandy beach!

Even though it's only 10:20 in Iowa, the extra hour gave us a little more time to enjoy the beautiful state of Michigan!

Good Night Michigan!
P.S.  Tomorrow I will figure out how to insert some pics!

Day 1
Wednesday morning!  The plan for today is to leave Fairmont by 8:00 and drive to Elkader to spend the afternoon with Mom and Dad!  Then on to Patty's to drop off her new table and have a little Chinese Food.  Sharla's is the next destination for an overnight and early start Thursday morning.  I tried to pack light...but all those little bags (technology, cooler, camera, purse..)  makes it seem like too much???  Oh dear...what to do?

Pre-trip planning!

It was once said "the best part of the vacation, is the pre-trip planning!"  Exploring the possibilities of whats to come!    So, this all started when Sharla "Charlie" wanted to attend a stained glass workshop in Lansing Michigan.  She convinced her sisters to go (one at a time) until the last one (not to be left out) Jukebox signed on!  After all, someone needs to drive!

Learning from past experiences, the biggest question was
what should we bring, to ensure there was enough space to bring all the "great finds" back home.  Which creates a great "problem solving" question!  Oh the fun begins!  How about we all bring a bag, the size of a carry-on?  Oooo, we might have to wear something twice, or get creative!  Of course, that excludes the "technology bag" ...that is a given!    Hmmm....we will be gone 5 days...that's 3 shorts, 2 skirts, 1 long pant, 6 pairs of underwear (with an extra for those close, but not close enough to a bathroom:)  5 shirts, a light rain jacket, 1 sweatshirt, 1 walking shoe, 1 pair of sandals, toiletries, airbed...that should about do it!  No dress  up clothes required, but not too shabby either since we will be joining millions of other tourists and don't want to look like we just came out of the barn!