8/23/11 (Tuesday):  We've been pretty quiet while Wiley recovers from his first surgery and tries to stay healthy for his second.  We've spent some time with family.  I taught my 7-year-old granddaughter to crochet (I'd taught her sister when she was 7), and we enjoyed one afternoon making scrunchies.  Good times -- I remember when my grandmother taught me to crochet a half a century ago!  Anna, the older granddaughter, helped her mother learn how to crochet, too.

We've also taken in a few local festivals, including the Ypsilanti Heritage Festival.  The festival takes place in a downtown park on the Huron River.  There were all kinds of crafts, exhibitors, food, music and rides.  I think Wiley's favorite thing, though, was taking a break under the trees beside the beautiful Huron River.  It was a great day.

Wiley Enjoying Cantaloupe Ice Cream

Another day we took in the Howell Melon Festival.  Howell is about 40 miles from us, out in the beautiful farm country.   The area is known for producing delicious cantaloupe--supposedly due to something in the soil.  It was very well organized, with off site parking and a free shuttle. 

 The town looked historic and well maintained.  There were train rides, boat rides and vendors set up all along the streets.  We did quite a lot of walking that day!

 The weather has turned gorgeous, with pleasantly warm days and cool evenings. 

We're doing a lot of reading and cooking the produce we pick up at local farm stands.  Wiley brought the dehydrator and is preserving some of the local produce. 














We've also made some friends here in the campground and enjoy chatting with them.  So, despite the medical reason for our visit to Michigan, life is still good and we're making lemonade!