update

 September 28, 2025

Cozy Cottage

Bristol, Indiana

Not too much has been happening as far as sightseeing lately.  We are into repair and upkeep mode.  

When I last wrote, Dad had just had our oil changed.  Well, that turned out to be a disaster.  Two days later when he checked the oil level, we were two quarts overfull.  Another trip to the shop and they started over again, dumping the oil and refilling to a proper level.

I had also written that Baker Dodge had a game plan for Pam's truck repair.  Here we are, after nearly three weeks in the shop, and they are still scratching their heads as to why Pam's truck won't start.  The last thing they tried was a module that was changed out but still no joy.

We stalled out with Pam for eight nights in Cadillac, Michigan until we had to vacate our sites due to incoming campers.  Cute town by the way with nice Farmer's Market and downtown shops. Dad was able to move Pam's rig to a smaller vacant site in Birchwood Campground and then we left her and moved on to keep our reservation at Camp Dearborn in Milford, Michigan.   

The highlight of my stay was all the open green grassy area to play in after being cramped up in tight sites.  The highlight for Momma and Dad was spending time with camping friends Ken and Peggy who have a lovely home in nearby Holly, Michigan.

It had been a couple of years or more since they had gotten together so there was lots to catch up on.  

If you ever get near Holly, make it a point to enjoy lunch at Holly Cafe.  Excellent food was enjoyed on the outside patio,

Fantastic mural on patio side of cafe

which Momma said was an ideal spot for great hearing with her hearing aids (poor acoustics in some buildings make conversation a real challenge for her).   As a matter of fact, Momma enjoyed her soup served with half a wrap so much that she purchased soup to go to enjoy another day.

Last Sunday, we departed Camp Dearborn, crossing the border into Indiana and settling into our rental cottage

where we will spend three weeks (another two weeks to go) while our fifth wheel undergoes some structural repair at the factory repair center.  Last spring, Dad was having trouble keeping the seal from opening up above the bay doors on the driver side.   A sure indication that there is movement in the wall....thus the repair.  He really didn't like the duct tape look he was using to avoid water intrusion.

Upon arrival at the cottage....yep....an issue.  The nice long driveway was perfect for backing into and off loading our items, including emptying our refrigerator.  The cottage hosts were wonderful and welcoming and even assisted with off loading.  The issue was another broken slide cable.  Dad is getting pretty efficient at cable change out as he has done several this summer.  Too many if you ask him.  He was happy this was a lower cable this time.  Amazon delivery has already restocked his depleting supply of cables.

Pam had her fingers crossed that her truck would be road ready to tow her rig to Indiana for her repair appointment last Tuesday morning but she had to fall back on Plan B of hiring a professional transport driver to hitch onto her rig

and deliver it, along with her, to the repair shop last Monday.  

Everyone is now settled into Cozy Cottage, including me with my daily...often times numerous daily..... ball games.  I can be very persuasive. 

Dad was pleased when his visit to Mor-ryde to discuss his equalizer issue resulted in walking away with the replacement equalizers under his arm at no additional cost.  Another successful mission accomplished!  Of course that means another project this fall at  home base...out with the old part...in with the new.

This area is so colorful with gardens briming with healthy flowers planted in eye appealing arrangements.....some resembling a quilt block square....as well as all the fall displays.

 a witch spotted on the next street 

Momma did an excellent job securing a great place to stay while we are rig-less.  Dad just invited me for another ball game on the grassy front lawn by the wonderful front porch where we can sit and watch and listen to the Amish horse drawn buggies pass by.  clip clop, clip clop

I'm Chloe
 

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Last post for a while

September 11, 2025

Birchwood RV Resort and CG site 2

Cadillac, MI

We are stalled out in Cadillac, Michigan with Pam's truck in the shop.  They have run the diagnostics and have a plan of attack that will take place on Monday.  

Dad had our truck oil and fuel filters changed out today at Merrill's so we are all up to date with service.

Our next firm appointment begins shortly in Indiana when our Open Range will go into the factory repair shop while we stay in a cottage for three weeks.  Structural repair is a tad more than Dad can handle.  

If Momma and Dad come across any interesting places that they check out, I'll be posting, otherwise, I will be taking a break from writing.

Thanks for traveling with us....

I'm Chloe

Dad called me a wuss

September 10, 2025

Birchwood Resort and CG site 2

Cadillac, MI

Dad called me a wuss.  It wasn't because I was getting my feet trimmed and my nails ground off.

That happens on a regular basis and I'm pretty used to it.  It's referred to as the 'tailgate spa treatment' when we are traveling.  

But everything went south when it began to sprinkle.  I had visions of a storm, complete with loud booms of thunder and ....well....I just lost it and became totally unhinged as I trembled and hyperventilated.  And that's when Dad called me a wuss.  He tried to tell me it was just a few sprinkles from a stray cloud but I wasn't having any of that.  I was deep in panic mode.  Forget the nails and get me somewhere safe.

The original plan was for the FULL spa treatment including tubby as the sun had come out and the temperature had just eeked into the 70's for a change.  That whole plan collapsed when the cloud sent those rain drops and hid the sun which in turn dropped the temperature back into the 60's by the time I had finally come out of panic mode.  Dad did finish my pedi, but there was no tubby today.

Pam told Dad it was all his fault.  I'm sure you have heard that saying about washing your vehicle will surely mean rain.  Well, Dad had spent the morning vacuuming and washing the Ram.  Our last campground had dirt interior roads.  Add a bit of rain and drive on those roads and I'll guarantee you'll look like you have been off mudding somewhere.  

When Momma and Dad delivered both fifth wheels to this current campground, they passed by a restaurant located three miles from the campground four times.  And every time they passed by, the parking lot was loaded with vehicles.  Now that's usually a sign of a great place to eat so Momma did some research.  Outstanding positive reviews....so.....they decided tonight would be the night they would see first hand what all the hype was about. 

The first decision was whether to sit inside or enjoy a table on the patio.

The decor was created by a very talented artist.   The patio showcased painted window panes that were available for purchase.

But if you chose to eat inside, you didn't miss out on the artwork as all the walls held murals.

Even the entrance to the restaurant was creative.

Not only were there carved bears, but a forest had been painted behind them to put a finishing touch to the scene.

Okay Momma, so you enjoyed the ambiance.  What about the food?  Dad's Moo Moo's Delight certainly looked filling.

Mashed potatoes surrounded by a well seasoned roast beef sandwich smothered in a delicious gravy.  Nothing ho-hum about that dish.  

And Momma's Bourbon Burger with seasoned fries was definitely above average in taste.

as was Pam's Bourbon Chicken

with attractive side salad.

Yes, there is definitely a good reason why the parking lot is full!  Great tasting food, reasonably priced, served by efficient staff in great surroundings.

Now if I could just figure out how to open the refrigerator and snag those leftovers, I could add my personal opinion as well.

I'm Chloe

 

Following the sick Ram

 September 9, 2025

Birchwood RV Resort and Campground site 2

Cadillac, Michigan

The first words out of Dad's mouth when we arrived at our new digs was, "This is a resort?"  We have definitely stayed at so called resorts that were in worse shape, but we have also experience true resorts.  This campground is old and full of seasonal or more likely permanent campers.  The interior roads are on the narrow side and the sites are dirt with a smattering of gravel.  Pam's site does have a cement patio but our site has no paved patio and 'not well groomed' grass. 

Makes one question who wrote the review that stated that this was one of the best campgrounds he had stayed at after camping in 48 different states.  Was it a very old review from a time when this 'resort' was in its prime or just someone with unique tastes?

We hitched up to Pam's rig first this morning and arrived at her site...a back in on the blind side set up.  A gentleman appeared as Momma was guiding Dad into the site and Momma's immediate thoughts were that he was a neighbor making sure that Dad didn't get close enough to 'rub' on his vehicles.  The man didn't say a word or depart when the rig was on the site so Momma assumed it was a neighbor checking things out.  She said hello and asked which rig was his.  He responded that he owned a Bounder that was on a site  down the street.  Hmmm....nosey nearby, but not too close, neighbor??  Then he said, I'm the only one that is any help to Pat.

Pat is the campground owner.  She had shared while we were checking in that her husband of 45 years had passed four years prior.  "It's hard without him."

Well, all the pieces fell into place when Momma read the campground brochure.  The man was Anthony who has the title of Park Manager.  It would have been helpful in explaining his behavior if he had introduced himself.   It was apparent he took his responsibilities seriously when he later spoke with the neighbor who actually put the fire rig trash in a trash bag and made a small effort to make his campsite 'clutter' a bit more presentable.  

Momma and Dad left Pam to finish getting settled on her site and returned to me.  It was time to hitch up our rig and relocate.  It certainly is a good thing Dad is a proficient 'backer', getting us settled on our site with tight maneuvering.

The first thing Dad did upon arrival with Pam's rig was step into some dog pooh.  Top that off with the trash/garbage in the neighbor's fire ring off Pam's driver's side combined with the challenge of blind side parking in tight quarters and .....well...let's just say Dad's first impression was anything other than positive.  He even had to back up while at the park entrance while waiting for the gals who were in the office registering because there wasn't enough room for another vehicle to pass by as they were attempting to leave the park in their car.  Not a well laid out or roomy entrance/exit area.

But we are set up and here for at least a week.  Pam's truck arrived at the Dodge shop just before closing yesterday.  When she spoke to the service manager today, he told her that they planned to look at her truck tomorrow morning.  In other words, we still don't have any idea how long the repairs will take or what the problem is.  

And the suspense is building....

I'm Chloe

   

At least no one is on the side of the road

 September 8, 2025

Turtle Lake CG site 165

Beulah, MI

Well this story is still unfolding...and taking on its own developments...as we take it day by day.  It really began yesterday when Pam hopped in her truck at the campground, pressed the start button and all she got in response was the grrrr grrrr grrr that never went any further.  No delightful sound of the engine purring.  So....she called Dad over.  He didn't get any better response and wondered if the issue could be as simple as water in the fuel as it kind of acted like a fuel issue. He thought the engine had a skip on it on Saturday, but then it smoothed out.   

Pam called for assistance and they responded by engaging a tow truck who showed up but really had no idea where to take her truck on a Sunday with everyone closed.  He gave her a list of names for repair shops in the area, apologized for not being more helpful, and departed.

As Monday rolled around, Pam had located a shop who said they could check out her Ram if she brought it in.  Tow truck number 2 arrived, loaded the Ram and headed for nearby Arcadia.  

The dreaded phone call came in Monday afternoon with a report of junk/trash in the fuel filter and a recommendation to have warranty work performed at the Dodge dealer in Cadillac.  Once again, the 2023 Ram was loaded and heading about an hour away from us to Baker Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Cadillac.  

We decided to alter our route to follow the Ram, changing our course a tad.  Momma located a campground in Cadillac that she thought would meet our needs and gave them a call, only to get bumped to voicemail.  Much to her surprise, about three minutes later, she received a text message inquiring as to what the specific dates would be and the sizes of the rigs.  Come to find out, Pat had a dental appointment so responded via text.  It turned out to be a positive response with availability and a very reasonable weekly rate which helped off set the price of the lost deposits for the campgrounds that were cancelled.  

Looks like our Ram will get a work out tomorrow towing both rigs to a new location.  

And the story will continue as Baker Dodge takes an in depth look into the sick Ram's issue.  Will it be a quick fix?  Will they have any needed parts readily available?  Will everyone enjoy Birchwood RV Resort and Campground?....in other words...will I be able to play ball?

to be continued.......

I'm Chloe

Apple season

September 6, 2025

Turtle Lake CG site 165

Beulah, MI

Momma said having spent her younger years in the north, she still associates fall with apple season.  And the early apples are in: Fugi, Gala, Zestar, Ginger Gold, Honey Crisp, Macintosh, Pink Lady.

Today they headed to Friske Farm Market, a farm that began with German immigrants, Richard and Olga Friske who purchased a bankrupt 240 acre orchard in 1962.  The farm has been passed down to their two sons and then passed down again to shared ownership by Richard II and their children Heidi, Richard III and Jonathan who are currently carrying on the legacy with the addition of the Friske Farm Market located two miles from the orchards.

The market has it all: food for sale, a cafe, gift items and a children's play area.

 

 

I'm thinking Momma will be sure an apple pie is in our future, Dad.  And I'm sure it will be as tasty as that chicken Momma baked for dinner.  Granted, I had to serve myself while everyone wasn't looking, but it sure was tasty.  And I gobbled the whole breast down before they even noticed I had joined them for dinner by helping myself off the island.  And here they were thinking they had plenty for left overs.  Everyone knows chicken is best the day it is cooked.  Lip smacking good!!

I'm Chloe

Blain's

 September 5, 2025

Turtle Lake CG site 165

Beulah, Michigan 

Momma and Dad decided to brave the chilly temps after the morning rain subsided to run a couple of errands.  Lowe's to pick up an item for another project and O'Reilly's for brake pads for the Ram as Momma was hearing that high pitch warning sound when Dad would use the brakes.  But those pads won't get installed until the front finally moves thru and takes the rain showers with it.

While they were out and about, they stopped into Blain's Farm and Ranch because Momma had seen an advertisement for a great price on pecans.  Our last pecans were just enjoyed in some Pumpkin Spice Pancakes with pecans tossed in, so it was time to replenish.  

I have to tell you, I was soooo glad they shopped in Blain's.  Momma said it reminded her of Rural King, except for the location of the dog items.  As she walked in the door, there they were.  A whole long aisle....rows and rows....of dog toys.  And the next aisle had my coffee time mini treats.  

When they arrive home, I was waiting at the top of the steps.  Momma told Pam how all of a sudden her bag became super heavy as she tried to enter the camper....and then it suddenly became lighter.  Hee hee,  I had my nose buried in that Blain's bag and hauled out my newest toy.

  Dad tried to tell me it was his bear, but I knew better, although I will let him play with me and bear.

That worked up an appetite.  Time for coffee break.  What are we having today, Dad?

I knew it.  Something cherry as we are in cherryland.  I'm going to sniff so hard there won't be any smell left.

Just give me the okay and I'll snatch a big bite....please, oh please.

Momma said it not only feels like autumn, but it is beginning to take on the look of autumn.  There is a tease of fall color beginning to appear.

A few early turning leaves here and there.

I wonder if autumn leaves taste anything like cherry Danish?  I wouldn't know as I haven't experienced either one.....yet.  At least that's the story we are telling Momma.  Shhh!!  Dad just can't resist my sad look but we'll never tell.

I'm Chloe