If you’re playing Watervale Bingo, the game I invented earlier yesterday, I hope you’re excited for the summary of my activities for yesterday and today. It’s been a fun-filled first two days with many adventures still to be had in the next eight days.

On Friday, I left my house at 4:08 a.m. CT and arrived at Dave’s house at approximately 12:15 p.m. ET.

1. Rather than driving from Lake Bluff through Chicago and Indiana and up the west coast of Michigan, I took the Lake Express Ferry from Milwaukee to Muskegon. After discovering this phenomenal way to travel last year, it’s the only way to go, in my opinion.
2. Dave and I hiked Green Point Dunes. It was a truly wonderful hike with just enough grading to make it slightly difficult in spots. Word of advice: When your brother says, “Oh, you don’t need to put on your sneakers. You’ll be fine in your flip flops,” DO NOT listen to him. The hike would have been far easier if I’d had on my Nikes.
3. I ended the day having taken 10,379 steps. Considering I spent seven hours sitting in a car or on a boat, that’s pretty damn good, I’d say. This is day 1 of 5 needed to mark this square.

Friday night I spent at Dave’s house and went to bed early. I also slept in on Saturday morning, had a lazy breakfast of yogurt on his deck, and did some journaling before finally making a plan for the day and getting dressed at 11:15.

1. From Friday night into Saturday morning, I slept 9 hours and 24 minutes, which is far more than I’ve slept in ages. It was glorious. I also managed to get in another 1 hour and 20 minute nap. Truly, there is nothing more spectacular than a nap at Watervale. If you’ve ever experienced this, you know exactly what I’m talking about. If you haven’t, I honestly feel sorry for you. This is day 1 of 3 needed to mark this square. 
2. Once I finally got dressed today, Dad and I headed off for a leisurely lunch at the A&W Drive-In #21 in Frankfort. No, we did not eat in the car. That’s just stupid. We ate inside, like civilized folk.
3. After lunch, we ventured into downtown Frankfort, where we visited The Bookstore and Bay Wear, where I purchased an M-22 sticker for my new car. Believe me, my car has felt naked without this shoutout to my favorite place on earth. Now I just need a Watervale sticker and all will be right in the world again. I later visited Beedazzled in Benzonia, where they make all of their natural products from bees. I purchased Buzz Off Insect Repellent, some itch cream for the bug bites I’ve already gotten, and some honey lavender lip balm.
4. At dinner, I dined on some of Richard’s Tomato Dill Soup, which is honestly the greatest thing I’ve ever eaten. If I could eat this soup every single day, I would. Sadly, tonight was not the night I bypassed the bread. Sorry.
5. I did manage to drink 64 ounces of water today though. This is day 1 of 5 needed to mark the space.
6. After dinner, Dave and I headed down to the beach to watch the sunset, but it was too cloudy over Lake Michigan to see it. This does not count towards seeing three sunsets. I did see the Super Moon though.

Today brought many wonderful pleasures, but the greatest of all was in seeing many old friends and catching up on their lives. Sure, many of us are connected via Facebook, but actually seeing each other in person, even if only for a few days each year, is always a highlight.

I’m hoping for another 8 hours of sleep tonight and that I finish my first book, so it’s time to sign off on this post.

I hope you’re enjoying Watervale Bingo as much as I am.

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