Jane & Patrick's - Howell MI 07/15-07/17 2019

Leaving the UP, we drove south to our dear friends, Jane and Patrick's place near Howell Michigan.  We had not seen them for about two years when they moved here from California.  They have an absolutely beautiful home in the country and they were kind enough to allow us to park there for a couple of days while we visited.

Jane & Patrick's beautiful home

Staying in the front yard allowed us lots of time to visit and catch up on each others lives.  It was totally relaxing and we got lots of doggie love from their sweet little Cardigans.  Could this be our next breed when we downsize??  One never knows....

Enjoying the company of the Cardigans

Jane & Patrick took us out to breakfast at a local place with great food.  While we were there trying to decide what to do the rest of the day the waitress suggested we go visit Frankenmuth.  Frankenmuth is a town about an hour away that resembles a German village.  It was settled by Lutheran immigrants from Germany and now gives us a little slice of Germany right in the middle of Michigan!  The place actually reminds me of Fredericksburg in Texas.  Their other claim to fame is what they bill as the "World's Largest Christmas Store", called Bronner's.  We had a great time checking out the Christmas store and the quaint little downtown area.  Here are pics of that little adventure:

Our great friends, Jane and Patrick

Having a great breakfast at Cheryl's Place and making a plan for the day.

Bronner's

Bronner's

Bronner's

Cool doggie Advent Calendar.  If we had a place to store this in the coach, it would have come home with us!

One of the more famous eateries in Frankenmuth

Sign over the road as you enter/exit town

We got these delicious chicken pot pies at the Bavarian House and took them home for dinner.  Can you tell they are from Michigan?

We really, really enjoyed our time with our friends.  It is a great friendship when you can be apart for years and then just pick up right where you left off.  That is how it is with us.  We hope that we can get together again before too many years go by.  Thank you so much you guys for your hospitality!