Road Trip 2009: Phase Two, the "my" family part

I'm sitting in my brother and sister-in-law's living room, curled up on the couch with Abby on the opposite couch . . . much like home. I'd have "Good Morning America" on but I don't know how to turn on the TV. Abby and I have had our morning walk and we're just relaxing and waiting for the house to awake.

Sorry to family who, I am sure, would love some photos here but I didn't take any. I thought about it but it just seemed like it would stop the flow of the evening and be an invasion into what was a relaxed and comfortable environment.

It's been two days of wonderful family experiences; staying first with a cousin in Buelah, meeting more cousins and learning about my Grandfather's family tree. A wonderful dinner and Jim's favorite breakfast of the trip! Thank you Ardith. Many childhood memories as I listened to the stories and the next day as we drove through through the small towns we visited as children.

Sleeping Bear where we ran up and down the sand dunes, Lake Michigan beaches, Torch Lake, places we went with my grandmother during summer visits, town names I remember but never really placed before.

Yesterday we arrived in, and got the tour of, Holland and Zeeland, Michigan with cousin Dan and Earleen.

I was most impressed with the variety and size of industry in that small area; not recession proof, but certainly a good balance and hedge against recession. The tulips were in full bloom in Holland, known for their tulips, much like LaConner but with a longer history and a stronger Dutch heritage. We had lunch downtown and walked the streets, which have heated sidewalks and stay clear of snow in the winter. Nothing we need in the Puget Sound area, but I really liked the idea of heated sidewalks for some reason.

"Feel the Zeal!" I think that was the branding for Zeeland, on banners throughout town. I threw that in for a few who I know are working on, or have worked on, branding campaigns. This one is controversial as well.

We all toured together in Dan's truck, which for a few, would bring up the question of Abby, right? She was right there, sitting between Jim and me, in the back seat of the truck, loving the ride.

Following the tour we had time to just sit and talk and enjoy Dan and Earleen's home; it felt good to be there and nice to relax. There is comfort with family even when the visits are so far apart; perhaps the shared history.

Late afternoon; Dan and Jim in one vehicle, Earleen and I in the other, we drove an hour on the backroads to Kalamazoo for dinner with my brother and sister-in-law.

Earleen and I talked about family and Jim said he got a great education about what was growing in the various fields. Touring with an expert on any subject changes the way you look at an area and Jim enjoyed the education. Cousin Jim was already there as well as Maudie's mother Shirley.

The "guys" gravitated to the ultra private and welcoming deck and talked while Maudie finished up dinner. Earleen knitted and chatted with Shirley and Abby and I floated between conversations. The talkative dinner was followed by conversation in the living room. Dan, Earleen and Jim, with drives to get home, eventually left and the conversation continued. I eventually went to bed and left David, Maudie and Jim talking well past my bedtime.

I love this house and its woodland setting. I find it interesting that the three of us; my sister, brother and I, with the influence of very different spouses, have all ended up in fairly small and unique houses. I feel at home in all three. We grew up in an area of large homes but I have never felt comfortable in a big house or had the desire for lots of rooms.

If any thing could go better it would be that Abby would have a little more respect for the dogs that live in the houses we visit. Both, so far, have been small dogs and ultimately they get pushed into another room and Abby makes herself at home and wanders around exploring every nook and cranny. If the camera was within reach right now I'd document her total comfort on Maudie's couch.

Today we will continue with Phase Two of the trip but move into Jim's friends and family portion. Tonight the welcoming reception of Jim's 50th High School Reunion for Wirt High School.