Monday A Spare Day

I overslept and was not up until after 8, and I was not out of room 107 by 9 for the complimentary industrial breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express. Deborah was up for hours at her house by then and was doing some work, cleaning, and packing (from what I could tell). I was at loose ends until about noon, and that fit me fine. I had the blog to write and could enjoy a slower pace today. I have been traveling for over a month, with just a few days at home (the house seemed more like a poorly staffed bed and breakfast than a home for the four days I was there, especially with The Machine still broken).

The staff at the hotel recognizes me (this may be my fifth visit in less than a year). They don’t mind me pointing out that the coffee is out, and they get a full container to put out. I write the blog and chat with a few older guests. One gentleman, residing in Alabama but originally from Michigan and visiting a son, laughs as I tell him I have been looking out the same window, eating breakfast every season. I could also see that he, too, might be doing that now.

I finish the blog, and the coffee has hit harder than I like; I step out for a walk. I have wondered since coming here what was in the little strip mall nearby. I also no longer tire when I walk, which is an improvement, and I can easily walk down to the area to find various local food joints, as well as a few chains. Panera Bread Company is a favorite chain of mine, and it is well represented by its corner location and the usual standardized look.

Kerby’s Koney Island with Vernor’s is a local chain that fits the family’s love of coney dogs. I was tempted to get one (with fresh chopped onions). Dad and Mom Wild would drive from Laingsburg to Flint to get a decent one. Dad used to take me to A&W in Saginaw when we would go to Saginaw Distributors (where Grandpa Wild worked and retired from). The highlight was the food. I resist, but smile as I think of Grandpa, Dad, and me eating some dogs in Saginaw.

While I was walking, Deborah sent me a plan for lunch with Liam and Donovan, her boys, at Dogwoods just inside Pontiac. I returned to the hotel, and soon Deborah, in her mini, picked me up. We pulled in at Liam pulled in with his mini. Dogwood had changed its menu, and the wraps were different and presented on slates instead of plates. It did not seem to be an improvement.

We chatted, and although I wasn’t nervous, it was our first meal together. Apparently, I did not flub it, and it was a pleasant experience. We arranged for Liam to drop us off at the airport for the Iceland flight.

I needed a power cable, and Deborah thought some clothing items would be nice. We headed to the local mall. This one is a combination of an older high-end mall and a newer but lesser mall, not a discount mall by any means. Deborah introduced me to the Shinola Company. They make watches and other high-end items, including a Petoskey stone, Michigan’s state stone (I have some at home), faced watch.

Deborah found something at the Nike store. I asked, as I was unfamiliar with the process now that I was retired and didn’t have a badge if I was eligible for a discount. Deborah saw the confusion on the manager’s face and said I was a retired Nike employee. I shared my employee number (which is still my connection to the shoe company) and ID, and received the usual 50% discount for employees. Deborah was happy to get the full discount.

After the mall, Deborah and I spent the afternoon together and then headed to Rochester for dinner. We picked Thai and ordered too much food, and most of it ended up in containers. We also got a small sundae at the next-door Dairy Queen. Some of the kids with ice cream were waving at the passing vehicles and blowing their horns, laughing and cheering when someone responded.

The traveling, the need to pack, and the time change (Deborah is only a few weeks from our California trip) meant a short night. I wrote and reviewed some items and then called Deborah. She had checked us both in and sent me a boarding pass file to add to my iPhone. All done and ready for the Iceland trip on Tuesday.

I returned to the book I was writing, a Fantasy story with some elements of horror, and I got a few more words down before I became sleepy. I managed to sleep on and off for most of the night. It’s the night before travel, and the time change starts to affect me on the third day.

Thanks for reading. The following blog will be delayed as I will be in Iceland at the time, trying to find an Internet connection.