Being a "Michigander" I grew up hearing the men in my family talking about the fishin' the walleye up on Drummond (Island), and my Grandpa had a hunting cabin on Beaver, where my Mom, sister, and I lived for a year and a half, after my parents' marriage split. I was ten, at that time.

Despite this vague familiarity, I wasn't expecting this deep sense of being HOME that I started feeling as we crossed into Michigan's UP from northern Wisconsin. I don't even recall that we've...

I guess I am grateful it wasn't worse, and the situation is easily treatable, but it's exasperating that we had Bigun treated for tapeworms in Elgin, sixteen days ago. Apparently, the medication either didn't take, or he was re-infected. (It's reported that the worms get into their system from eating fleas. He DID have a bad flea infestation when we got him, but that problem has been long gone!)

Anyway, praise God, it wasn't Giardia, and it wasn't Parvo virus, and we do know what it...

I should've done this sooner, but I was hopeful that restricting Bigun's access to moths, acorns, etc would improve his elimination challenges. Instead, now that we're here in no man's land on a Saturday, and he's worse. He continues to strain long after the runny stuff is gone, and I can feel his discomfort through the lead.

We've called three vets that show Saturday hours, hoping someone can get us in. Meanwhile, Bigun doesn't seem to mind; he's sleeping in my chair. I'm rivited...

DH is MUCH improved, and we're rolling in less than two hours. Next stop: Escanaba, MI. We'll be there a few days, before heading to Duluth, MN.

Weather forecasts make my plans to kayak Lake Superior look very optimistic, but I remain hopeful. If not, at least I'll be able to walk its banks.

We're leaving WI, but taking the memories with us, and plan to come back for a closer look when the trip is finished, and we've got our Mayberry list finalized. We REALLY liked Milwaukee...

DH has been ill with probably stomach flu since Monday afternoon. As of last night, his fever (101+) is gone, but he's still pretty weak. We remain here in Fond du Lac, WI while he recovers.

Bigun continues to grow, play, and demands my attention -- a great reminder that life goes on, despite our stuff. I wish our eleven year old Lhasa would accept him, so she could take some of the play time, but that doesn't appear likely after three weeks. Yes, it HAS been Three Weeks!
...