CHECKS TO:
GAIL PURTAN FUND KARMANOS CANCER INSTITUTE 4100 JOHN R DETROIT, MI  48201
1-800-527-6266
"IN MEMORY OF MARY LOGSDON" - IN NOTE SECTION OF CHECK
 
JUNE 19, 2006 - "IT TOOK ME FOUR DAYS TO HITCH HIKE FROM SAGINAW, I'M GONE TO LOOK FOR AMERICA" - SIMON AND GARFUNKLE

Terri got me to the airport in good order, except that she got a ticket for not turning right from a lane that was marked as a through lane. The officer, though very kind, was adamant in his assertion that she had broken the law. Eighty one dollars later, yes, you read that right, we were back on our way. Most of that hefty fine was a $50.00 processing fee for the $31.00 fine……

In the words of Aretha Franklin, "Who's zoomin' who?".

By the way, Terri also takes a rider into the city. He's a young high school student that already has that "Washington" thing going. He carried a black briefcase with him and was dressed in a shirt and tie. He is interning at a prestigious architectural firm. I forgot to mention that the streets of Arlington, and surrounding suburbs, are filled at night. People are walking and laughing and generally having a wonderful time.

I arrived at Detroit Wayne County Airport at 11:10 AM, and Bob picked me up. We went immediately to Paco's in Mt. Clemens, Michigan for a really good Mexican meal. They are second to none in that department. Brian and Lauren were surprised to hear I was in town, as were a few other people "You SHIT" is one comment that comes to mind…..

Rosalie gave me the tour of my newly organized home. I have to get used to my own place now. I may have to ask for maps and guide books to find stuff I need.

Hey Rosalie, where did you put my socks? Have you seen the armadillo suit? Where are my Flagg Flyers?  I also noticed that the Lawn Nazi that takes care of fertilizing my lawn was here - AND HE WAS NOT PARTICULARLY HAPPY WITH MY LAWN. I have said for years, that, I feel like he allows me to rent my own lawn from HIM. He is the real Landlord (no pun intended) and not me. I will be here for a few days to get my "family fix" and then off to DC and then the coast, and south from there.

I would like to congratulate all of the dear and close friends who have graduated this year. My students, Alexis, Ashley and Scott graduated from High School and I just got a notice that Matt Ross, one of my former students, graduated from Michigan State.

I have to say, that I have had a wonderful trip so far, even with the incessant rain of the first 12 days. The trip thus far, promises to be even more interesting the farther I go, if the Catfish and Goldfish couple are any indication. I could have sat for hours and listened to them talk of their most interesting lives. When we parted company, I was a very impressed and completely awestruck individual. I'll tell you who else has impressed me so far.

My niece Terri, has so much going for her that it defies description. She is very intuitive and competitent in the way she thinks. Wow, I want that woman on my side forever.

HOME! Even for a few days, this will be a replenishing of the spirit, and the chance to wash those lonely times out of my psyche. Mary was to have been here, and in a sense, I know she is. Still, the vistas that have presented themselves; the personalities that have presented themselves; the geography that I have encountered; would be far more enjoyable were I able to share it.

We'll see what tomorrow brings. Oh, it rained today. It didn't matter. The bike is almost 1,000 miles away, tucked into a garage.