Awoke this morning at just before 5. Dressed, made bed, packed my little coolers, & finished loading my car. Excited. At the same time feeling... contemplative. Woke Dad and Mom to hug and say goodbyes. Had hugged little sister, Prom, night before. Then, I started up "Nelly", backed out our long drive, and... drove off into the early morning dark. It was 5:25.
Today was the day I departed for my "up north adventure" (I'm working at Balsams Resort - cabins & motels, which my uncle and aunt co-own and have hired me to do cleaning and guest assistance for 6 weeks this summer). So, I drove... W on I-96, to US-23 N, then followed I-75 N the rest of the way... encountered a stunningly beautiful sunrise on my drive. Set cruise control and drove on. Stopped for gasoline and coffee... and, a sugary donut. As I got further north I got more excited... and more enthralled with the nature around me. I have to say, every time I head to the west side of MI or up to northern MI I am reminded how gorgeous and varied this state is. Thankful to be alive & well. Before I knew it, I was... approaching the Mackinac Bridge - the gateway to the U.P.!
Crossing the bridge was, in a sense, like crossing into a new world. Welcome to: Michigan's Upper Peninsula (the sign read). Paid the bridge toll ($3.50 for a car) and was on my way. Got on West US 2 and took that a few miles and within a few minutes I was at Balsams! Pulled in near 10:35 am. Great timing. Got stuff carried in, talked with Bob, Sue, and met Christian. And, was promptly put to work... cleaning 2 cabins with Sue, then 2 motel rooms with Christian. Finding my way around and learning how to do things here. 3.5 hours later, hungry for lunch, we got Subway : ).
Afternoon spent on the beach. Reading and sunning. Windy, refreshing... wrapped in my towel, the breeze was chilly. (mental note: bring a sweater to the beach next time.) Little waves splashing along the shore. wave runners. watching people have fun. Read more from Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts. Such an honest heart, she shares her thoughts and journey of life with you, the reader. Tired from waking early, so napped a little in the suns rays and under the comfort of my towel.
Back in the house I got my things moved in and settled in, made bed, hung clothes in closet, etc. Leftover sub for dinner and a cold one (pale ale) on the swing in the sun, breeze gently blowing. Sunglasses on, bright sun. In the mood for some chocolate chip cookies. Raids the kitchen for baking supplies... have everything except brown sugar and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Grocery store run to Glen's, just down the road a few miles. Beautiful setting sun on my way back... how is it that I get to see a lovely sunrise AND sunset, IN ONE DAY? Another sign that God is with me. Whipped up the ingredients, baked for just the right amount of time... and, now as I write... I have been enjoying warm goodness, with cold milk. Meanwhile, can see the last effects of the sunset over the water... just barely orangey. Mmm, thankful for life.
Off to dream-land, soon...
stay tuned for more stories. night for now, Cil
