Monday Extra Day in Detroit

I rose early, rolled over, and got going at 7ish. It was my last full day in Michigan, and also most folks’ back-to-work day, including Deborah. We knew she had to work for some of the day, and I found some things to do for the first hours of the first Monday of 2026.

I had a light breakfast, complimentary at the IHG, and then wrote the blog. I updated my insurance information in MyChart for Legacy and OHSU. I was disappointed to learn that OHSU informed me they are now treated as out-of-network by Regence for 2026, and that I will not be able to use them at all if I keep that insurance in 2027. They are negotiating, but that is what is suggested now. I checked what places are open on Monday, and Deborah and her sons would join me for dinner in the evening.

I had the sheets changed and the room cleaned. While I was leaving the next day, I still wanted things to be better. I gave the staff a few tips, and they were happy to make the updates.

Deborah picked me up before noon, and we fueled her mini before heading again to Detroit. I come from Oregon, where full service is the norm, and I drive an EV now; it is exotic to have to fuel a car. King Books was our next stop as something to do on my last day. Another used book store!

Deborah and I had no issues until we were within sight of the store, when the mini’s wheel seemed to disappear into a pothole. Deborah said, ” There goes the realignment!” The streets were covered, except for the one space directly in front of the store, by no parking signs. We had a perfect space.

The store was cold, since it opens at 11, but soon we were warming up as we climbed the stairs to the other levels and found some warm registers. One 2, I found books on the Akkadian Language. On 4, Deborah found some Portuguese books but was disappointed to find none in Icelandic. On 1, Deborah picked out some political buttons.

Next, only a while away was the Corktown Slow’s BBQ, which was just opening too. I had a Red Zepplin that I was surprised was from the Midwest, not 54º the Pacific Northwest, which is my usual source. It was good. Deborah had the two meet for lunch, and me the three. It was a lot of food. It was excellent. The seasonal BBQ sauce was described as a Kansas City style and was excellent (Deborah got a bottle to take home).

Nap ready, Deborah dropped me off at the hotel. I had to pack. Deborah had work items. Kruse and Muer on Main was open on Monday, and I enjoyed my last visit there, but this time I would be going for a salad, as I was still stuffed. Liam and Donovan met us there.

We tried the desserts too, with Donovan and I getting our own chocolate mousse and Deborah and Liam sharing an apple crisp with ice cream. Deborah and I went for a walk downtown and then spent some time together. Donovan and Liam went shopping.

Thanks for reading!