September 9


Mostly sunny day today. Started over at the courts where we did a bit more pickle ball, slowly getting the hang of this. Rita’s wrist is essentially all better. Must have been 30 people there, enjoying doubles games. We were even asked if we’d like to join in, but didn’t really feel comfortable enough. We watched a doubles game in which the people were nice enough to explain the rules as they were playing. Then went on to the FFY (Fitness For You) gym where we spent about 45 minutes working out.
We spent a quiet afternoon resting at home. 
Actually made a couple of pretty important decisions: first that we will ship the car home from Detroit and fly from there. In looking at the map, we could find nothing appealing about going through places like Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. Second, I’ve decided to formally retire from the practice of medicine at the end of the year. I had a nice phone conversation with the Planned Parenthood medical director, Dr. Sierra Washington, to discuss this. Somehow, she appeared to be able to contain her grief. 
One other decision, of lesser importance, is that I’m letting my hair grow at least until returning home. That’s why I may appear a bit shaggy in the photos. As I’m lucky enough to have hair, I’m curious to see how it looks longer.
For dinner, we ate at an Italian Restaurant called Sorellina. We shared a great Scallop Linguini dish.
From there, we drove 30 minutes to the Interlochen Arts Academy to attend a very interesting play called “The Guys”, dealing with the days immediately following 9/11. This place has a very special spot in my heart, as it was once known as the National Music Camp, which I attended as a camper in the years 1957 and 58. Lots of great memories there.

  




 





 Tomorrow, we drive up to Suttons Bay for a 5K run. Good chance of rain, so we’ll bring along dry clothes. These folks around here are tough; they don’t cancel things because of the weather!





 



 September 10


Wow! What a great start to the day. The rain, which we had been assured was a 100% possibility this morning, did not occur. We drove the 20 miles or so to the Ciccone Vineyard and Winery near Suttons Bay on the Leelanau Peninsula. There we joined around 500-600 others for an annual event called the Stompede 5K run, 5K walk, and 7 mile run. 


 It was slightly overcast with intermittent sunshine, about 68 degrees; excellent conditions for a run. As this was a run through vineyards with very substantial hilliness and tricky footing, it was, unquestionably, the most difficult 5K I’ve ever done. The bad news: my time for the 5K was around 45 minutes. The good news: I won first place in my age category. The question of exactly how many competitors I had need not be addressed at this time. They gave me a gold medal! Rita also completed the course by walking.


 





 This was very memorable, but we wouldn’t do it again.















 Driving back to Traverse City, we stopped at a Farmer’s Market and bought green beans, radishes, tomatoes, and corn.
After returning home, the rain finally occurred. Later we went out to Burritt’s Market and bought white fish which we very much enjoyed at dinner along with a pleasant local Chardonnay.
A very busy and enjoyable day!