Old Friends



In April, my wife and I ran into Ann at a retirement party. Ann and I
had both started our careers as rookie Customs Inspectors in 1971. As
we caught up on what was happening in our lives, I mentioned this bike
trip. I said that the route would take us through Ludington where Ann
has a second house. She said something about calling when we were in
the area.

While working on the route and itinerary I realized that we would pass
through Ludington around the Fourth of July. Since camping or other
accommodations might be difficult to come by, I sent Ann an email in an
effort to be invited to pitch our tents in her backyard. The response
was positive and we were offered the guest bedroom.

On July 3 we were just north of Ludington. I called Ann for specific
instructions to her house. We rolled up about 15 minutes later to find
Ann on the porch waiting for us. As I took my helmet off, Ann's
greeting was "Nice tan lines!" She was reacting to the unusual pattern
on my bald head caused by the helmet vents. It is always nice to know
that you have some unique quality.

After getting cleaned up, Ann drove us to the local laundromat. While
the clothes were going round and round, Ann gave us a quick driving tour
of Ludington. She grew up in Ludington and was pointing out houses and
buildings that are either currently or previously owned by various
family members. I had to laugh because Brian does the same thing as we
ride around Wyandotte.

Ann also made it a point to show us the route out of Ludington. We
guess that she didn't want us to stay too long.

Even though we had offered to take her out to dinner, Ann cooked a
wonderful pork loin with sweet potatoes. Excellent! After dinner, one
of Ann's friends stopped over for a beer. His question to us was,
"Why?" We sent Ann a copy of William Least-Heat Moon's book "Blue
Highways" in an effort to answer that question.

As we packed our gear in the morning, the wonderful aroma of bacon
floated through the house. Ann had topped off her gracious hospitality
with a great breakfast.

Old friends are the best friends. Thanks, Ann.

Wes

Posted: Wed - October 18, 2006 at 07:56 PM      

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