The drive to Michigan from San Francisco is about 2500 miles. In past years, we've done it in five days. Never less. But that's a think of the past. We usually take 10-14 days these days.

One of things that happens when one slowly approaches favorite places from their youth. This photo is actually taken in Western Minnesota. The prairie farm houses, barns, silos, and corn fields are among the first scenes that draw forth memories of places, times, and people from earlier days. We can drive for long periods of time and not say much to each other and then suddenly start sharing the recollections that are emerging.

Sandy and I have never regretted moving to California. That's not say that we don't have a deep fondness for Michigan. We look forward to our nearly annual visits now. There is a family cottage that Sandy's dad built in 1939 that is wonderfully rustic and a treasure. It's located on Higgins Lake, a cold, clear spring-fed lake in northern Michigan.