Days 2 and 3

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Hello from Niles, Michigan, the home of John's Famous Uncle Tom (actually 1st cousin once removed) and Doris. We travelled here after leaving our posh digs in Chicago on the 16th floor of the Kimpton Palomar Hotel which, by the way, had one of the best whirlpool tubs in the world! A brrrrrrisk walk through Chicago along fashionista Michigan Avenue where one cannot help but feel like a ragamuffin while learning why they call it "The Windy City." Down to the river we go, winding our way (read that lost) and marveling at the architecture. We found ourselves at the Wrigley Building where I almost gave myself whiplash by staring up...fabulous! Everywhere we go, folks are talking about the weird weather: an extremely hot and dry summer followed by this hurricane-like cold and blasts of wind. However, most are welcoming the break from the heat.
We headed out from Chicago into Indiana via every toll road booth in the state. We figure it cost us 90 cents a mile to get into Michigan.
John's Uncle Tom and Aunt Doris welcomed us with open arms and gave us their downstairs apartment for our stay--how do we get so lucky? We were privileged to spend Saturday evening with their circle of friends having dinner at the Elks Hall followed by learning a new card game at which I was, as always, hopeless. Today, Saturday, we have spent tracking down headstones in cemeteries and out at the Kennedy farm property at Lake Barron. We had a lovely surprise there, as John's cousins were spending the week-end: so an unexpected, but brief, family reunion.
Now we are back at our basement apartment and bar---did I mention they built a bar into the basement? With Tom and Doris in front of the TV cheering on Notre Dame against Purdue and making plans to have John barbecue sausages and corn for dinner. It feels just like home here, only different. Sorry, no pictures today--John has gone totally on holiday and erased them all. So, what is our plan for tomorrow? Go back and re-take the pictures!
The Good Cat News about Lolly: she is now trapped safely in the house and was pretty glad to see our friendly and helpful neighbor, Alan. A little time alone is going to make her really happy to see us, don’t you think?

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Photos

Niles and Cemeteries 01
Leaving Chacago for Niles

Niles and Cemeteries 02
On the road to Niles

Niles and Cemeteries 03
Some more of those wonderful clouds.

Niles and Cemeteries 04
Back road in to Niles

Niles and Cemeteries 05
The original farm smoke house

Niles and Cemeteries 06
Tom at the Hyaena's Port cabana

Niles and Cemeteries 07
Max and cousin Mary at the blustery lakeshore

Niles and Cemeteries 08
Doris trying to stay warm

Niles and Cemeteries 09
John & Tom at Barron Lake

Niles and Cemeteries 10
Gate to Bertrand Cemetery

Niles and Cemeteries 11
The Bertrand Cemetery history

Niles and Cemeteries 12
Beautifully overgrown Bertrand Cemetery

Niles and Cemeteries 13
Daniel Raridon's grave stone

Niles and Cemeteries 14
All of Daniel's grave stone

Niles and Cemeteries 15
Daniel's daughter's grave stone

Niles and Cemeteries 16
Anna Egan Kennedy grave stone

Niles and Cemeteries 17
John Kennedy grave stone

Niles and Cemeteries 18
Tom & Doris @ their headstone...creepy!