Oct 19th is Deborah’s Birthday, and we started it in East Lansing with me dressing and getting breakfast at the breakfast bar on the first floor of The Graduate Hotel, East Lansing. Coffee and an egg and cheese bagel sandwich for Deborah in bed, and me a bagel with cream cheese. Coffee, of course. I was feeling off, so Deborah took the pilot seat with me as co-pilot in the Air Nissan Rogue as we headed back to the Greater Detriot area and Deborah’s 60th Birthday Party at the Red Oxe at 6:30.
First, after collecting the car from the valet, and before headed on the highways, we traveled to the other side of Lansing, for the 78th Michigan Antiquites Book & Paper Show at a old convention center in a slightly rundown area in South Lansing. The Causeway Hotel & Convention Center was musty and had seen better days, but was huge and had it been less musty smelling and the place been refreshed would have been nice. The ball room, with no direction signs at the far end held tables and book casees stuffed with treasures.
Deborah and I barely got beyound the check-in ($4 each with the coupon that The Curious Book Store had sent me) before we spotted the Gorey graphic items including a signed print (we were told that for $650 cash we could take it home), but for $75 I got the same print from the Gorey Trust unsigned but numbered (I remember them being reprinted in Signals Catalog and for Public TV auctions after Gorey’s passing).
I later find an Old Cuba cookbook and stories from another table. Deborah found the 1973 American Postage set, and I have one. This one is in remarkablely good condition. Deborah picked up a few gifts for friends too. We enjoyed our time amoung old books and paper, despite some sneezes and runny eyes from the musty books and hotel (mainly the hotel). I managed to pass on the original Scientific American on the salvaging of the USS Maine (the remains of the ‘Battleship’ were scuttled but recently rediscovered). There was lots of good things at the show. I did raid the ATM as cash was apprciated (if the only means to purchase a few times).
Next we had breakfast/lunch at Leo’s. Deborah finds this chain a set above other like sitdown places and I agree. I had the Greek-style salad with gyro meat toss on it. It was excellent. Deborah had a second breakfast for lunch; her go-to for Leo’s.
Next we located Costco and refueled the SUV. I always carry my Costco card. The Costco is where the old golf course was off of Park Lake Road. I had been surprised by it when I noticed on my trip to see Mom Wild and Leta almost a week ago. It was wet and raining sideways. The wind picked up, too. Deborah drove the SUV on our usual path of Highway 69 to 75 to get to Detroit faster. Yes, drive northwest, then head south. It works.
We unloaded the car at Deborah’s house, with her getting all that wine we bought, except I kept one bottle from Veritas. I headed out and checked back into the Holiday Inn Express, only to be surprised that my room didn’t come with a coffee maker now. I went to the front desk and was told that corporate no longer supports in-room coffee. I was aghast (and it was not looking forward to the morning in the room without a cup of in-room coffee. Ugh! I complained and was told that in-room coffee was no longer available, and that the coffee machines in the lobby would be the only source of coffee at the hotel. I was told it was a corporate decision (I filled a complaint and learned it was a local decision this Monday morning). I was frustrated by that and might have to look for a replacement hotel, but this one is very conveniently placed and serves breakfast. Coffee in the morning is a ritual for me. I don’t want to dress up just to get coffee (I would not go into a hotel lobby in my PJs, even for coffee.
I take multiple trips, loading mostly dirty clothing in various bags from the Nissan Rogue. I need to repack on Monday and the wine, Gorey print, and books will make the it an adventure. I packed extra clothing to see what I could fit in my bag this time. I usually have the books mailed, but that service was not available at the book and paper fair in Lansing.
Next, with time moving faster than I expected, I head to Meijer’s to get Deborah’s cake, some numbers for the cake (one 60 and two 30s and two lighters) I figure Deborah’s sons should decide how to handle the cake and lighting. I did supply two lighters. Outside my hat blows off rolls across the parking lot. A gentleman laughs as I chase it and then it stops just out of easy reach under a car. I crawl in the rain filled parking lot to get my hat. There was a lot of smiles as I put the soaked hat on my head.
At the hotel, the cake and supplies were safe in the SUV, and I changed clothing to something less damp. I headed to Deborah’s house and soon we were headed to the Red Oxe.
They had moved us due to the weather to near the fireplace in the dining room. We had pizza party for twenty (we got close to that count). There was a mangled communication with the waiter that I would buy the first drink and I am sorry I missed buying more drinks. Nothing I can do about that as we figure it out after folks paid their bills. But that was all that went wrong, minor.
Deborah had a great time and the staff cut the cake for everyone. I talked to folks I knew and met some new people. Jeanne talk about a possible summer trip in 2026 to Michgan and shipwreck and sights in Mchigan. I talked about gaming and travel. Deborah son’s put a 60 on her cake and lighted them. We all sang and enjoyed cake in Deborah’s honor. Even more wine was supplied to Deborah along with other nice 1965 (her birth year) themed gifts. I provided more earrings from Oregon. These from the Autum Fair in Beaverton.
I dropped off Deborah and her gifts (and some remaining cake) and returned to the hotel. I took my meds, remembered to put in my eye treatment and then soon slept. I slept the night through. I remember no dreams.
Thanks for reading.
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