Traverse City
So I finally started taking some of my vacation time... no my trips throughout the year are not vacations, those are considered work... This past weekend was Blossom Days in Traverse City and I thought it would be a great time to see the Cherry Capital, do some wine tasting, and relax from a long school year (The students are gone!). Well... the weather did no cooperate much, but it was a great trip. Of course a recap is in order.

Friday went to Saginaw to see the family. Heather had a family baby shower in Flint on Saturday so it worked for her to attend that and for me to hangout at the Case de Centellas. My dad just got back from Bolivia and had pictures of where their retirement home will be, and Raquel brought Valerie over which was great. My grandparents came over as well, and they were all off to a family baby shower as well.

Valerie all ready to go to the baby shower.

My parents have a robin nest on their deck.

Saturday drove to Traverse City. It was looking hopeful for a little bit... the sun was shinning, the percent of rain was going down. Regardless the weather was bad all weekend, but the trip was still well worth it. I had not been up there since I was in high school playing travel soccer. It has changed a lot, but still very scenic and the downtown area was very well maintain with a lot of little boutiques and locally owned stores and unique restaurants.

The weather was gloomy, but with some hot coffee the views were still enjoyable.

The downtown reminded me of Holland, MI.

That night we checked out North Peak Brewing which was recommended by of one of friends from up there. It was a nice place, good food, and their microbrew was really good. The downtown area seemed alive, even in the off season and looks like there is a lot to do there for the late 20s crowd.

Sunday some shopping... to get something warm for the very cold weather (it barely broke 50). Then a stop to the Mackinaw Brewing Company for lunch. Some great homemade rootbeer and a perch sandwich there and it was off to wine tasting! The Chateau Grand Traverse was sponsoring the Blossom Days Festival and since it is one of my favorites that was the first stop. There were a lot of small vineyards up there, and thankfully to the bad weather no lines anywhere! At least the bad weather is good for something.

The views and blossoms looked great. Some amazing homes up there!

Chateau Chantal was another great wine there.

The wine tasting was a lot of fun.

The cloud cover did provide a very interesting sunset.

So that was the trip... it was back to work yesterday. Slow season here, means lots of catching up. I also am working on the regional Association of Fraternity Advisors (AFA) meeting I am hosting here on Monday. Very excited for that and looking forward to seeing some of the Greek Advisors from Michigan again.

What's coming up? Well Thursday I roll to Chicago to spend a couple days with Novalí, and then Saturday night is a reunion with my friend Megan! It is her Birthday and she is having a get together at her new place in Royal Oak. So I told her I would swing on through. Lots of driving again... but that is what summer is all about! And despite the fact that it still wants to be rainy spring, I am pretending it is summer!

Final news... Bev Centellas... my Mother... has joined the Blogosphere. Please welcome her to cyberspace. Mom's Blog.