July 26, 2025. This is the day that Jeff had been waiting for. As a kid growing up in Cleveland, Jeff’s parents would load him and his brother Jon into the station wagon in the summers of ‘62,63 and ’64 for our family vacation at Jolli Lodge in Leland MI. Jeff’s folks had history in the area. His Dad played string bass in the Interlochen Symphony Orchestra (as well as working on the stage crew). Jeff’s Mom studied piano there. So, we were very familiar with the beauty of the area. Fast forward 60 years, and here are Lea Ann and Jeff sitting on the same beach, sleeping in the same cottage by Lake Michigan (though still not air conditioned LOL) and eating the warm smoked fish from Leland’s Fishtown. Big thrill for Jeff was being able to show Lea Ann around Interlochen, where the National Music Camp was in session. We heard orchestras rehearsing and saw dancers dancing. We also took in a student performance of the Carole King musical “Beautiful” on the main stage that evening. Wonderful!
Because we had allowed ourselves a week there, we had lots of time to explore Leelanau County, Suttons Bay and Traverse City. Also a day trip to the Northport Lighthouse.
Maybe the coolest thing was putting together a lunch for many of my high school friends that are still in the area, or have drifted back over the years. What fun to be able to introduce Lea Ann to “my posse”. Golfing with Brett Hood was not bad either! Thanks to all for making the journey for lunch!