The Strugeon River

Bonfire Fun
Grandparents and Lilly
Jimmy, Lilly, Brian, Scott, and Erin

Indian River, MI
Thursday, July 26th and Friday, July 27th

I can gloriously report little action happened these two days. The previous statement is by no means anything derogatory, in fact the polar opposite. The mornings entailed late sleep in times punctuated by large hearty northern Michigan breakfasts with family and friends. Everyone is free to do what they please each hour of the day. I napped more in the last week than I had the previous two months combined.

I spent Thursday afternoon reading by the Sturgeon River and then catching up on this journal. I grabbed some excellent pizza at a place called Vivio’s. Keri and I went out with our cousins Erin and Bri, their husbands Scott and Jimmy, Scott’s parents, and Bri’s daughter Lilly. The conversation was hilarious and we all had great time. Scott’s order was screwed up which allowed Bri to channel her anger and the rest off us to lovingly mess with Scott. After pizza we scored some killer ice cream and then we all hung out around the campfire shooting the breeze. I’ve been doing more laughing than usual the last few days and that’s a lot for anyone who knows me. I can not begin to explain how nice everyone is up here. Yes, the people of Indian River but especially Erin and Bri’s cousins on their Mom’s side. Although we are essentially cousin tag a longs from the other side of the family, you would never know it by how well we are treated.

Friday, was unofficially dubbed Manfest 2007, with the bulk of the rainy day spent playing Texas Hold’em. I doubt this will shock anyone but I am quite lousy at cards. Although my skill is low my enjoyment is high and therefore like playing. The stakes were high, $5 each. I was out first and therefore had the job of getting pizza. This is a task I am well suited for. These are my people in this part of the country; they really know how to eat. Big portions, lots of carbs, and plenty of butter.

This past week in Michigan has been the perfect way for me to end my summer and begin the drive back to Memphis. I’ll be taking the drive in stages. The only certainty is Lima, OH for a visit with my Grandma and Grandpa Kerr and others from my mom’s side of the family.