July 11 Bayfield to Rochester Hills

Monday Monday, do we really got to leave,
Monday Monday, Bayfield still calls to me,
on Monday morning, we have to clean up,
put all things back to right,
on Monday morning, I don't want to do this,
this really bites.

Well ,I guess from the above that my sentiments are now known. We didn't need to leave till 2:30 so there was still some time for R & R. K took her swim and gave her thanks to the beach gods. We took a stroll down the lane to one of Dennis' neighbors whose yard is next to indescribable, but I will. A large sprawling yard with a lush vegetable garden tucked in to a sea of flowers and bushes whose colors and textures blend into a sea of green. Shady nooks where lounge chairs, swings and hammocks beckon the weary to join them with cold drink and hot romance novel. A two tiered pond where brightly colored Koi meander amidst the lily pads and assorted frogs bleat out a plaintive call to their loved ones. Whimsical art and a spectacular view of the Lake complete the scene. K and I understand how this space is an act of love.

The four of us act as a well oiled machine cleaning, washing and organizing the cottage to bring it back to a semblance of order. We had a wonderful lunch on the deck and were ready to roll around 2:30. We left 20 minutes before my brother as we had to cross the bridge with the masses while my brother holds a Nexus pass that puts him into the express lane. No matter, we were still sitting in a 5 K line breathing the sweet smell of diesel exhaust as my brother cruised by, waving and I swear I saw a smirk. A mere hour and twenty minutes later, we got up to the inspection hut. Me being me, I wanted to take a picture of the grim faced trooper with the large side arm but K (with clear thinking and foresight) explained the possible joys of cavity searches and other denigrating delights that await the comedic challenged. I followed K's sage advice and we passed into the U.S. unmolested.

We joined up with Dennis and Laurie and headed over to Richmond for dinner with Janet, (Laurie's sister) and Scott, (her S.O.). What another wonderful experience. They have 8 acres out in the country, a warm, comfortable home surrounded by expansive lawns, large garden, chickens, dogs and cats in large supply, a pond where Bluegill can be seen cruising for mosquito larvae and Bass can be seen cruising for Bluegill progeny.

We had a fun relaxed meal of shish kabob, salad and potatoes topped off with some homemade Keylime pie - no one left hungry. We visited Scott's den that was filled with his collection of fossils, meteorites from Mars, rocks and minerals and way too much to comprehend but more then enough to appreciate.

We said our good byes and headed over to Rochester Hills where good nights and gentle snores were soon forthcoming.