My late husband’s #2 grandson is getting married on July 22, so Jas and I are traveling to Suamico, WI, at the base of Green Bay, very near where the Michigan Upper Peninsula meets Wisconsin. The groom, Ross, and his bride, Alli, met when they were both cast in Stephen Sondheim’s “Assassins” at Carleton College in Minnesota. I haven’t been able to stay close with the grandsons, who were age 2½ and ten months when their maternal grandfather died. And, of course, their lives moved on also. I was honored when Ross’s mother contacted me and said Ross and Alli would like me to join them for the festivities.
Jas hasn’t met any of those family members, and also has not seen Tyler and Leslie’s (my younger son and his wife) new home in Interlochen, Michigan. So we decided to make a big loop of this trip.
— We left home on Thursday morning, July 21, around 9:45 and drove west on the Ohio Turnpike, stopping at the final Service Plaza in Ohio to grab some Sbarro lunch and fill the tank. We continued on the Indiana Turnpike, where we came upon some very heavy rain. As soon as the rain quit, we were coming around Chicago. Evidently, there is not a time on the Dan Ryan Freeway that is not Rush Hour. There was a stretch of a few miles that took us 45 minutes to cover. But we had switched to Central Daylight Time, so we had an extra hour to kill, right?
Once we got past Chicago, I started trying to figure out where we could stop. The timing seemed just right to stop in Milwaukee. Then we would have just over two hours to drive on Friday. At about that time, I asked Jas where we had put my garment bag with my outfit to wear to the wedding on Saturday. With horror, I realized it was in his closet in our bedroom at home. The good thing about staying in Milwaukee was the Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa, just outside Milwaukee. It had several stores where I would certainly be able to find something to wear to the wedding.
Jas is adamant about not spending much on hotels, but I have my standards. And I have points in most hotel loyalty programs. I was hoping for a hotel with a view of Lake Michigan, but I was very happy to find the Holiday Inn Riverfront on the Milwaukee River. The room was large, and the number of points I had amassed allowed me to get the room for $36! And it was about eight miles from Mayfair Mall.
We had sandwiches for dinner at the bar in the lobby, and crashed, exhausted from the stressful driving of the day.
— Friday morning, I looked for a breakfast restaurant near Mayfair Mall. On the edge of the property was a restaurant named Eldr+Rime. (I have no idea what that name means!) After checking out of the Holiday Inn, we drove over there. We walked into the elegant restaurant, which was open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I looked at the almost empty restaurant and wondered how they made a “go” of it. Then I realized, it was the restaurant for the Renaissance Milwaukee West. Aha.
It was a nice-looking, but expensive, menu. The server was lovely, the decor sleekly beautiful, and the food fine. Jas ordered the Three Egg Breakfast—milo’s eggs your way, crispy smashed potatoes, bacon or sausage, and house sourdough. I got the E+R Breakfast Sammy—English muffin, fried egg, hook’s white cheddar, choice of sausage or bacon. The egg yolk was completely runny and my potatoes were cold. I asked Jas if his potatoes were hot, thinking maybe they were supposed to be served cold. Nope. His were hot. I called the waitress over and she said she would bring me a fresh order. As there were only four people in the rather large restaurant, the cook prepared about three portions of potatoes for me to eat and the waitress brought it in a serving bowl. I felt guilty the rest of the meal for wasting that much food. Afterwards, I asked for a bowl of berries to leave me with a good taste in my mouth. Jas and I shared those and they were perfect.
Then on to the task of finding a dress for the wedding. I had skimmed through the Nordstrom website the previous night, focusing on the stock available for curb pickup at the Wauwatosa store. That meant it was in stock and I could try it on. But nothing spoke to me. I then performed the same task on the Chico’s store in Mayfair, where I found several midi dresses I thought might be good for the wedding. I didn’t bother with the Talbot’s site, as I had already bought one dress there for this occasion and taken it back, realizing it was just not what I wanted. I went into Chico’s first and asked the sales staff for help. We picked about seven dresses off the rack, and the first one I tried on made me feel it was just right. Then I walked out into the mall, where Jas was waiting for me. He looked at me, with a smile on my face, and said, “You look frumpy.” Whattaguy!!! I went back into the store and looked in the mirror again. I realized the armholes were too large, and I needed to try the next smaller size. When I did, I realized Jas was right (although he could have found a more tactful way to phrase his statement). Once I was in the correct size for the dress, it was a winner.
After paying for the dress, I met Jas in the Apple Store where we bought new cords to replace the phone cords we had left at home. (I was batting 1000 on my packing for this trip.) Then we went into Nordstrom where I found a pair of pajamas to sleep in for the rest of the trip. (See what I mean?!)
Then we headed back to the car, pulled up the Green Bay hotel on the map app, and headed out. We had accomplished all that shopping in 57 minutes!
About 1:15, we pulled into the shopping area by the hotel and selected a pizza restaurant for lunch. Our rooms were ready at the Country Inn and Suites, so we checked in, unloaded the car, and settled into the room for several hours of relaxation.
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While we were eating our lunch, I received a 1) phone call from an unknown number; 2) a subsequent voicemail; 3) a text; and 4) an email. All were from the company that runs the ferry, the S.S. Badger. Their port in Ludington, MI, had a mechanical failure in the ramping system they use to load the ferry with the vehicles. They ceased all operations immediately, and it will take them until July 27, at the earliest, to have the system replaced. We’ve got to rethink our method to get from Green Bay to Interlochen.
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The evening post-rehearsal bash would be a backyard barbecue at the bride’s parents’ lovely home in Suamico. Their lot is a little over an acre, but the way the house is situated on the lot, and the landscaping they have in the back makes it look like more than that. Alli’s dad has a great area set up where he can practice his golf swings with hard foam balls that only fly ⅓ of the normal distance. So one doesn’t need to visit a golf course to perfect their swing. In another corner, he has a small green where he can practice putting. And Alli’s mom has a beautiful container garden about four times the size of Jas’s raised bed. He just marveled at her garden and got ideas for his own.
The dinner buffet was set up in the garage, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion. There were salads, a fab pot of mixed beans, a pot filled with bratwurst and another filled with pulled pork. And for dessert, a freezer-full of ice cream sandwiches and waffle cone drumsticks. Tables were set in the back yard under two tents and on the patio. These people know how to entertain and do it very well.
I saw friends from my D.C. days that I hadn’t seen in over 25 years. All four of my late husband’s grandchildren were there, and several of their cousins, whom I also knew. It was wonderful to see and catch up with these old friends and to make new friends. And we’re all there for the same purpose: to wish the bride and groom a happy life together.
Jas and I left the party about 8:30. We had experienced two long days in a row.
—Saturday morning I woke as soon as there was light in the sky. I’m still not sure what time it is, as my timekeeping devices haven’t kept up with the time change from Eastern to Central. As soon as I get it figured out, we’ll be back on our way to Eastern.
We figured out what to do about Sunday. We will regrettably skip the brunch, hosted by the groom’s parents, and head out on Sunday morning as soon as we’ve had some breakfast and loaded the car.
Once that was figured out, we started to enjoy the day. We went to see the National Train Museum, located along the Fox River about 8 miles away from the hotel. They’ve got a wonderful setup with a lot of donated trains that will thrill any avid train aficionado. Jas seemed to enjoy sharing with me his knowledge from 30+ years of working as a conductor on freight trains. We explored all the exhibits, then decided it was time to find some lunch.
I googled nearby restaurants, and we headed to Oneida Street and Morris Avenue, where we found Cheesecake Heaven Cafe, Deli and Bakery. Jas had a Monte Cristo sandwich and I had an Avocado BLT. He said his sandwich was okay; better than the Monte Cristo he had on the ship a month ago. Mine was a little challenging to eat, but better once the server brought me a fork. Jas finished with a piece of cheesecake with strawberries, and I had a shortbread cookie. I think I won the lunch choice competition.
Back to the hotel for naps and writing. I had told Jas the ceremony was at 3:30, but I was mistaken. He set his alarm per my mistake. I had to wake him at 2:00 instead of 2:30 to get him up and out the door. I had spent time weeks before the wedding trying to figure out where this venue was, and I still missed the turnoff. But I knew where the train track was in relation to the venue, so was able to correct my error when I saw the railroad tracks and knew that was too far. Yea for logical thinking skills.
We spent some time talking to dear friend Geoff and his girlfriend while waiting for the pre-wedding photographs to be taken. Then Jas and I went down and sat with my stepson Chris and his children.
When all the parents and grandparents had been seated, and it was time for the attendants to begin processing, I was tickled to see the first Friend Of The Bride to process in was a violinist, backed by a recorded accompaniment, on cue from the DJ. Walking beside her was a groomsman carrying a basket of rose petals, which he tossed in the air at random points along, accompanied by a leap or kick or dance step. They absolutely set the tone for the rest of the evening.
It was truly a memorable wedding, with a assemblage of dear friends from years past. I saw friends I hadn’t seen in 25 years or more. I was honored to have been included in the guest list.
—Sunday morning we knew there was a long drive ahead of us, since we wouldn’t be traveling by trans-lake ferry. We ate a quick breakfast, loaded the car, gassed up, and headed out. Up 41, onto 2, and across the Upper Peninsula, then across the five-mile-long Mackinac Bridge, onto I-75, and across to 31, which would take us ultimately to my son’s house on Bronson Lake in Benzie County. We stopped along the way at Torch Lake to visit friends and go out on their boat for a while. It was an absolutely beautiful day for a drive and a boat ride and time with friends and family.
—Monday was a day off for both my son and daughter-in-law. DIL went to a Pilates class, then we met at a Polish food truck behind the Polish Art Center on Kasson St. in Cedar, MI. I had never had handcrafted pierogies before. What was I waiting for? They were great! After lunch, we headed to Mawby Winery near Sutton’s Bay, further up the Leelanau Peninsula. An Interlochener who is a dear friend and colleague of Leslie’s is working there part-time this summer and we had a great time visiting and sharing stories and lies with him. 😊 Isn’t that what good long-time friends are for?
Jas and Leslie went back to the house, and Tyler and I drove to Interlochen to sign Caroline out and take her home for dinner. Our friend, Peggy, who had been my director when I spent the summer of 2015 working with her and Dr. Anne on the Intermediate Musical Theatre Production, “Olivier!” was joining us for dinner. More time with dear friends!
—Tuesday was another Torch Lake day. Jas and I headed out about 10:15, stopping along the way at Fresh Coast Market on E. Long Lake Road and Strait Road to grab some Moomer’s Ice Cream for our pals on Long Lake. Flavors? A quart of Vanilla, of course, plus a pint of Coffee Toffee and another pint of Caramel something.or.other. Caramel Sea Salt? Can’t remember.
Once at our friends’ home, Alex grilled some fresh brats and chicken breasts, and Meta made another of her incredible salads. I told her I wished she could just do a salad brain dump to me. I can never think of what to put in a salad, but I always love everything she makes. After a little rest, we headed out on the boat again. Directly across the lake from their house is a large sand bar. People drive their boats over there, drop anchor, and just play in the water. The water temperature was about two degrees colder than I would have liked, but we had a wonderful time just joking and playing. Water guns may also have been involved.
Alex had a 4:00 Zoom meeting, so we planned to leave at 3:30 to give him time to prepare. We headed back to Bronson Lake, but I wanted to take a different route so I could show Jas the beautiful little tree-shrouded road that is the main way into my son’s house. But I thought Siri was wrong about the route and wanted to show her I knew more than her. Note: I didn’t! I turned onto Bronson Lake Road, which was a dirt and gravel county road. I went to the end of the straight part, onto the dirt/no gravel part, and started rethinking having gone this route. At one point, Jas rolled down the passenger window. I think he was afraid I was about to flip my SUV, and he was going to need a way out!
Later, I said to Leslie, “Isn’t that the road you take to the veterinarian’s office.” That was what Tyler had told me about that road. She said she’d never take that road unless she was on an ATV. Oops. 🤣
Leslie had invited Heather, who is the HR Manager at Interlochen, responsible for hiring the Interlochen Arts Camp faculty and staff, to come for dinner and bring her husband, Matt, whom I had not met. Heather had been wonderfully helpful to me in my 2015 summer when I served as a collaborative pianist. Leslie had taught two of her sons in Junior Musical Theatre, and I had worked with her elder son, Charles, in 2015. It was wonderful to catch up with her and meet her husband. Interlochen friendships last a very long time.
—Wednesday was the day Jas thought he’d do some chores around the house. There was an outdoor spigot with a leak that he wanted to fix. But that involved knowing where the water cutoff to the house was located. By the time he found it and realized it was so old that he dare not try to brute-force it off, we cancelled Chore Day. While Tyler worked and Leslie taught, we watched our latest AppleTV obsession:Hijack. Later, Leslie had to go back for a rehearsal with one class. I drove ahead and visited one of my “kids” from 2015, who is working as a theatre tech for the Junior Musical Theatre Production this summer. It was so wonderful to see him, get a hug, and congratulate him on his new BFA in Theatre Production from the University of Michigan. The next thing on his life schedule is a move to NYC and an attempt at seeing what his degree will get him. I wish him all the best!
Then I met Leslie in the Dance building where I sat in on her rehearsal. The Dance Collaborative Pianist, Steve, who is one of the most creative pianists I’ve ever met, had just created some new electronic music for this class’s final performance of the summer. Leslie had already taught the class most of the choreography when she got a bright new idea for the music, which she presented to Steve. Today he came back to her with new music for the students to fit the existing choreo to. And then, on the fly while I watched, Leslie added some new routines to amplify the existing steps into a piece of the correct length for the new music. Fascinating and impressive!
After the rehearsal, I walked across campus again, reliving Tyler’s years in camp and Academy, my grandchildren’s two summer there, all my step-grandchildren’s connections to this magical place, and my own experience as a collaborative pianist here in 2015 and 2019. Utter magic!
I stopped at Tom’s Food Market to pick up something for dinner. Tyler was gone to a rehearsal, Leslie to a haircut, and Leslie’s former student and mentee was stopping by to spend the night and catch up with Leslie.
And now Jas and I will shortly climb into bed to be ready for the long drive home in the morning. I’ve had a wonderful time here in the Land of the Stately Pines.
A Week Around Lake Michigan
