This has been our spot along 551 since 1987.
The entrance to our driveway.
Moving up the driveway
In the shadows of the cedars.
Our House is a very, very, very fine house.
Our good friend Charley from next door, over for one last visit and a scratch behind his ears.
When I was done clearing out the house and packing our storage trailer with remembrances, I visited Mike and Kim at their home on the shores of Lake Michigan.
No trip home would be complete (for me) without a stop at Joe's Pasty Shop in Ironwood.
It's a tiny little place, but occupies a large place in my heart.
It's practically unchanged inside since I was a kid having lunch here.
I was able to make a trip to Fred and McKenzie's little bit of Heaven in Minnesota.
You will not find friendlier people anywhere than the folks who run and live at the Riverview RV Park. They made me feel like family during my short visit.
This is how Fred did my steak. Sprinkled with spices and grilled over an open oak fire. He claimed it was brontosaurus. Best (and biggest) steak ever!
Back home again. Our trailer (Time Capsule) being hauled away to storage.
Our house is empty now, waiting. Good bye
The last step. Ray and Donna drive Jeanne's 'Chickadee' away from the hotel I'm staying at my last night in the U.S. It's been a good little car. Enjoy her, Sue and Angelica.
As I said at the beginning of this post, I am now back home in Henderson. I felt welcomed when I saw this rainbow.
These two have been stopping by in our backyard recently. I think they're saying, "We want to be part of your continuing adventure." -djf
This brought tears to my eyes!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dad, for going back to Michigan and doing all that, and then coming back home to us NZ. You did a tremendous job.
Mom and Dad, you've done such amazing things for me and the boys. You have made (are making) all the difference. Giving up the house was huge. I don't really know how to express what I feel... it's a gesture that dwarfs words. Just, Thank you.
Thanks for sharing the memories, happy times in your house for me too! A new page begins now and it will all be good! Love you all!
ReplyDeleteThere's a lump in my throat too. I agree with Allie that what you and Jeanne are doing is a tremendous job!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you got to visit with family and friends and go to some of you familiar places - may they stay fresh and happy in your memories! It was nice to see you were welcomed back to NZ with a rainbow and those lovely birds!
And so the adventure continues...
It is 5:26 am here and I have tears also. I am off to work but I loved seeing your journey. It was so wonderful to see you and make memories. We can also make memories through your adventures outlined beautifully in your blog. Have a wonderful time in your NZ home. Your family there is amazing and your family in the U.S. love you all. McKenzie
ReplyDeleteThanks uncle Doug! It's a great car!
ReplyDeleteSure enjoyed meeting you here at Riverview RV Park during your visit. And I look forward to reading more of your entertaining posts from the other side of the globe. Rita Monat
ReplyDeleteThanks Rita, I will always remember my stay at Riverview.
DeleteI'm pleased that you have enjoyed glimpsing Aotearoa through my posts. -djf