Day Two: Trip Up North w/ "Dad"

We woke up early Friday morning (7am if I recall) to meet with Luke at the Village Inn in downtown Suttons Bay. The decor consisted of deer heads mounted on the wall and a very 'lodgey' feel. As we peered into the window, we noticed Luke sitting in his usual spot next to a massive fire pit. It was the best seat in the house.

As we discussed details about the home (anywhere from actuals vs. budgeted allotments to lighting fixtures). I ordered the Portabella and Swiss omelet with a side of sausage links w/ Rye Toast....same as Luke - he had ordered the wheat toast. Rob ordered - and I don't recall the name of the breakfast - a plate piled high that consisted of eggs, bacon, hash browns, sausage, more hash browns, topped off w/ more bacon....good stuff indeed....enough to keep you warm in the cold Michigan climate.

After breakfast, we headed over to the lot and met Luke and his crew. It's truly amazing how much progress they have made in such little time. I remember pacing the lot with the family back in late August last year....before they even broke ground. We followed Luke giving him answers to many of his important questions about details within the home (lighting fixtures, light switches, the custom built entertainment center, etc).

After exploring the bowels of this structure, Rob and I couldn't help to get caught up in the fun we had 'visualizing' the inside of the house. After a couple of hours of vizualizing, we decided that we needed to get some work done. We headed over to a Sam's Club and a local electronics store to scope out some widescreen TVs...then drove over to Lowe's to pick out some lighting fixtures and paint samples. After a few minutes in Lowe's we determined that they didn't have a great selection.

Ohio University lost to the Florida Gators in the First Round of the NCAA tournament 67-62. It was a bit disappointing, but they had a great season. No one had picked them to go to the torunament - especially with three freshman in their starting lineup. First time since my freshman year in 1994 - this was the last time Ohio University went to the Big Dance. Watch out - they're going to be a great team next year...

After still being full from breakfast (it was enough to get us by without having lunch)...we decided it was time for Dick's Pourhouse. I had the homemade fried chicken and Rob had the fish and chips - with each of us having a side of cole slaw. I couldn't help to notice that everyone knew everyone there...it was a neat feeling that maybe some day we'll stroll in and 'Hey man...any luck w/ deer season this year?'

We went back to the Whaleback Inn for the evening and watched a couple of great NCAA basketball games...it was beginning to snow...