June 18th - Batten Down the Hatches

June 18th
I got up early – before the kids, to get the car loaded. When I got back to the room, they were still asleep! After rollin’ their butts out of bed, we went down for breakfast and were on the road by 8 a.m.
Super easy drive…until we got to the beltway in Detroit. I have no reason why – but only one lane was open for about 15 miles – and no obvious explanation as to why this was so. Still, we got to my brothers by lunch time.
After quick sandwiches, Kelly, Aud and I went out for some “maintenance”. While Kelly had her hair done and Aud annoyed the salon’s clientele, I got a facial. We also did some quick shopping for Father’s Day gifts, before hitting the nail salon for mani-pedi’s for three.
By the time we got home, the sitter was on her way….so I very quickly got ready for dinner out. We went to a FABULOUS restaurant on Union Lake…gorgeous view. The menu made my mouth water, simply by reading it. I had mussels and mushrooms in a cheese sauce for appetizers, while also nibbling on a caprese salad. For dinner I had a house salad that had white cheddar, carrots, hazelnuts ‘, apples and cranberries…omg! And I had stuffed artichokes. It was all so freakin good and (aside from the one lobster on the Cape) the only adult food I’d had in three weeks. The two bottles of wine we shared didn’t hurt, either.
On the way home, we stopped for a drink and this wicked storm moved in, with the rain pounding down. The wind was so bad - things were flying in the air. Momma was buzzed and we were laughing sooooo hard….it was fun night, despite Mother Nature.
Then the storm came in-doors….thunder and lightning can’t compete when my brother and I fight. It was bad. We were all just chit-chatting along when it was like I stumbled on an IED….Edmund exploded…all my fault, of course. I say that, because it just always seems to be something I say. Always. No matter how careful I am. But there are two sides to every story, I know that. I just don’t know what his is, because we never get that far. Fortunately, I didn’t engage him (in the past I would start screaming too and it would get hateful and I would pack up and leave). Kelly and Rich were witnesses, so there wouldn’t be two versions…just four…ha,ha. It’s all so GD embarrassing, that I will not rehash the details. But man, is he mad at me! Suffice as to say, it’s exhausting…especially considering we’re staying at his house. I hope it doesn’t ruin the trip.

Traveled: Columbus to Detroit 221 miles/3 hrs 40 minutes
Staying at Chez McGrath…nicest place so far (except for the host).
Silly Band Award…I forgot to do it today.
Quote of the day: Hunter, laughing…”But you’re supposed to love me!”…after daddy told him to get out of the kitchen.