Monday, September 18: Another day on the road. We took time out to see the world’s largest gavel and later to explore a park that had confusingly marked but picturesque trails.

 
Tuesday, September 19: On our way through metro Detroit, we hit up a few favorites: Grand Traverse Pie, The Henry Ford museum (wanted to do the village, but it was closed), and a Middle Eastern restaurant, where this camel had pride of place in the lobby.

 
Wednesday, September 20: Said goodbye to Mr. Karen for a few weeks, as he was going off on his own adventures. He dropped me a the airport so I could get a rental car. It was a day earlier than we’d originally planned so it turned out to be a more of a hassle than it might have been. I spent the rest of the day decompressing and relaxing and getting ready for my long weekend with friends from my Michigan days. I had a nice view from the hotel room, so that was pleasant.

 
Thursday, September 21: Tested myself for COVID before heading off for my weekend fun. I know the tests aren’t infallible but still gave me some peace of mind to see a negative. I went back to the airport and turned in my cute little Ford and picked up a cute little Buick (yeah, I don’t know why I couldn’t have just kept the Ford but the rental company insisted I had to return the first car and then check in for my original reservation because it was prepaid). Then I was off to meet my friends for a sushi dinner to start the long weekend.

 
Friday, September 22: Hotel room pedicure.

 
Saturday, September 23: In an unexpected turn of events, I got to do this meat and cheese board for a birthday celebration. I was handed the board, the ingredients, and a knife and off I went. Imagine what I could have done if I’d been able to plan for it.

 
Sunday, September 24: Time to wrap up the weekend and get to a hotel closer to the airport for my flight home the next day. But first, a selfie in the ridiculously flattering light in this mirror.

 

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On this date in 2002 to 2022: No journal entries