Michigan Thanksgiving

We couldn't believe the temperatures as we drove further south.  It was freezing cold the morning we left Atlanta to fly to Michigan.  We're so glad we made that decision -- to drive the Prius south to get out of potential snow, and then fly to Michigan.  Had we tried to fly out of Dulles the day before Thanksgiving, we probably would have had problems because they were canceling flights like crazy because of the freezing temperatures.  As it was we got to experience a "first" -- de-icing of a plane.  Had to wait in line for an hour and a half for de-icing before we could take off.  Probably doesn't happen that often in Atlanta, but this is all new to us, so who knows?

We rented a car in Traverse City -- luckily a bigger car than normal because of all the snow.  Picked up Lauren on the way, and drove carefully through the snow to Petoskey.  The sisters, Lauren and Natalie, enjoyed being together, and then Lauren's boyfriend Rob joined us, as well as Devin (grandson) and his girlfriend.  Ann and Mike fixed a super Thanksgiving dinner.  All of us were appropriately stuffed!

We thought Atlanta was cold!  But Thanksgiving Day and the day after in Petoskey, Michigan were unbelievable.   It was 6 degrees (!) where we were but it said 9 degrees on our web link.  Brrrrr!  

When we packed for our trip way back in September, it was in the 80s.  It was hard to think about clothes for the snow, so I came a bit unprepared.  We went to a half-off sale at a thrift shop and I got Sorrel snow boots -- for $3.  Borrowed some mittens.  So off we went to the Petoskey Christmas Parade on Saturday.  Who goes to a parade when it's 30 degrees?  Apparently lots of Michiganers!   

Luckily Ann (John's daughter) has a good heater in her new-old house.  The house was built 100 years ago by the grandfather of the 70+ year old owner, and has been in the family ever since.  She was really happy that Ann got the house, and left some of her antiques and appliances.  It really does have lots of charm.  With a few extra bucks (interpret that $1000s), it would have lots more charm.   In the meantime, Ann and boyfriend Mike have really done a great job with it.

Jim (John's son) and family were down state with their children -- Erik, who plays basketball for his college, and Sarah, who lives/works in Grand Rapids.  We'll see them on Sunday.

The downside to this whole trip has been my sbcglobal.net e-mail account.  Can't get into it.  I may be able to solve the problem when we get home, but most likely not.  So I've set up another temporary e-mail (may soon become permanent) at:
                  gaylepickrell@gmail.com