For four days I forgot.

On the deck at the Cottage.

This past week has seen us visit S.W. Michigan and Northern Indiana. We spent 5 days on Birch Lake in S.W. Michigan, Liz Schroeder Anderluh and her husband John, were gracious enough to allow us to use their beautiful cottage there.

I have to say it was very relaxing and offered magnificent sunsets. We spent the first two full days shopping the flea market and shops of Shipshewana Indiana. During a break from shopping, we went across the street to book a tour for Wednesday afternoon, and while there we took an Amish horse and buggy ride around town and into the country. Our Amish driver Harley Miller, and his horse "George" ,was very informative and we learned a lot about the local Amish community and his family.

Heading out on our buggy tour.

Foot Detox!

Of course the Tuesday and Wednesday we shopped were the hottest days at 93 degrees! I'll tell you there were a lot of water breaks in the shaded rest areas around the Shipshewana Trading Place. Although hot, they were both enjoyable days of shopping and taking in the sights.

The tour on Wednesday was by air conditioned 15 passenger van, thank goodness! We took in the town of Shipshewana, the Indiana countryside and Amish community. We went to a Noodle factory, Cheese factory, visited a working Amish farm, where we all got to milk a cow, a first for me, and I must say, I got it the first time! We then went to the home of Joe and Betty Wiggend for an authentic Amish threshers dinner, very scrumptious, and filling! And the peanut butter pie with real whipped cream was heaven! Joe and Betty were very informative , Joe had some interesting stories as well.

Cheese factory, sampling.

Shopping at the Noodle Factory.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evening were spent relaxing at the cottage and watching the sunsets and playing Skip-Bo. Thursday was just a plain old day of R&R. While Friday morning was spent packing and put the cottage back to the way we found it.

Mom Evans Relaxing

Brenda relaxing with some crocheting.

I have to give a huge thank you to Liz & John for allowing us to forget about cancer for four days. For four days I did what the Dr. ordered, I enjoyed life! Friday, while packing, reality kicked in again. Now it's time for a scan on Tuesday, and the waiting, the results, and what ever comes next. So bring it on!

For the fifth time in five years, I will face cancer in it's eye and kick it's ugly fucking ass!! Yes I said it.

All I can say now is enjoy every moment you can, get out there and take in what life has to offer, take in the tranquility of a lake, learn about different cultures, talk to people, and just enjoy the sights and sounds life has to offer. It's amazing what you will see and learn.

Just one tip, remember to bring your camera!, and don't forget it as I did!! Thank goodness Brenda's mom had one.

So leaving you with love and hugs no matter where you are in your journey.

P.S. To Shea, you got this! Thoughts and prayers from both Brenda and I are with you during this part of your journey. Kick butt Shea!

Tim, xxx