Fudge Covered Chicken

 Dom and I recently completed a road trip that started in Mackinaw Island, continued into Frankenmuth, and concluded in Detroit.   Dom did mention in the past that he's always wanted to visit Mackinaw Island and Frankenmuth.   So we decided to do just that.

I went back and forth particularly over which hotel to stay at in Mackinaw City.    It's cheaper staying off the island than on the island.    Mackinaw Island's Grand Hotel for example has rooms that at minimum set you back over $1200 a night.   Maybe if Blackberry stock ever gets its act together I'll splurge on staying there.   But I'm not there yet.

So I wound up booking a room at Clarion Hotel Beachfront in Mackinaw City.   The draw to the hotel was the indoor hot tub that some of the rooms offered.   Also the hotel is off the beach which boasted a ocean side view.

The pictures made the place look appealing but the reviews did not.   Of course I didn't see all the reviews until after I booked it.   I chatted with my sister Trina who reminded me of how the hot tub jets would get grimy and lots of sludge came out of it.   She suggested I get some kind of hot tub cleaner to clean the tub prior to using it.  I tried to get a refund but it was non-refundable so I was stuck.

I took 07/18, 07/19, and 07/21 off from work to accommodate the trip.   Dom and I left Thursday mid-morning and made our way to Mackinaw City which was almost 6 hours away.   On Interstate I-196 we hit bridge construction after bridge construction.   At each point, lane travel was reduced from two lanes to one.   Of course a bunch of idiots decided to cut near the merge point.   I hate people.

Our route took us to a couple of rural back roads.   Dom was disappointed he didn't see any cows along the way though there were plenty of horses.   We finally arrived at the hotel and I quickly checked in.  Parking near our hotel building was very tight.   I managed to find one spot relatively near the building we were staying at.

We thankfully were staying on the 1st floor and I was glad there was a ramp since Dom has mobility issues now.   The room was very dated (the decor was from the 70's) and it had a very musty smell.   But we did have the ocean view.   We opened the screen door and directly by us was the beach.   We kept the door open a little bit to try and get the musty smell out.   It never really went away.

The hot tub was right next to the bed.   Originally Dom and I talked about just soaking our feet in the tub but it did not look particularly inviting.    Thankfully it was drained at least.   Also I didn't see any bugs which was a relief.

We had a lackluster dinner at a combo O'Reilly Irish Pub/Dixie Saloon.   The food was expensive and lacking in quantity and taste.   There was a family at the bar with babies and kids crying.   This is at the bar where they serve alcoholic drinks.   Needless to say if we ever make it back to Mackinaw City, we won't be going there again.

Afterwards I dropped Dom back to the hotel room while I ventured off to Mackinaw City's local casino.  It's a small casino called Odawa Casino.   There may have been 500 games in all.    It was less than a mile from the hotel so that was nice.   I didn't win any jackpots but I did like that they had some older Aristocrat games that I can't find anymore.    It was a good distraction at least.

Friday morning we just ate some snacks that we packed for our trip and then made our way to Shepler's Ferry which would take us to the island.    We just missed the current shuttle that was taking folks from the parking lot to the ship.   But it was only fifteen minutes more till the next shuttle arrived.

The ship itself had two levels, one on top and the other below.   We opted for the lower level and had our own row right at the front of the ship.   It was a quick 20 minute ride to the island.

We slowly made our way around the island, checking out random shops along the way.  I spied at least 4 different fudge shops.   Mackinaw is famous for their fudge so I knew I would have to get some and get extra for my sisters.

Dom was holding his own.  It was a bit of a walk around the island but we eventually made our way to the Grand Hotel.   It's a $12 fee per person to go into the hotel itself but they reduce the cost of the buffet by that amount.   The hotel is amazing.   There's really no words.   The buffet was excellent as well.   It was $65 per person.   Interestingly enough they're currently having a sale if you book your stay for 2026 early.   Rooms were going for $440 a night which is a huge discount from the $1200 a night.   You would have to stay in May or June when the weather may not be as nice.    Maybe it's something I'll consider for 2027.

Dom really did love the island.   He even kept saying he wouldn't mind moving there.   

We timed it pretty good for the lunch buffet since it opened at noon and we got there at 11:45 AM.   There was a lady by the door that was part of some other group that was hosting an event there.   She kept talking like she was in charge.   Another group of ladies came in as well.   Dom earlier happened to take a picture of the ladies.    We all greeted each other once more.

So they took off, unbeknownst to us, that we had to register for the brunch.    The other lady that was by the door made a mention that we may have to register.    Dom stayed at a bench while I walked by the registration which there was a small line now.   The three ladies were ahead in the line and I couldn't help but give them the side eye.     One of them b's could've said something to us.   But it was okay.    Dom and I got a great seat by the windows and we were there early enough to enjoy the buffet.

Afterwards we walked around the outside of the hotel and then we had to make our way back to where the ship docks were.   Before going there I stopped at a couple shops to get some fudge and soap.    At one of the gift shops I spied some lilac soap that smelled nice.   Apparently lilacs is a thing in Mackinaw.   

I purchased a couple soaps and a holder for ourselves.   As I was waiting at the register, I spied this hot beefy guy that was in the shop with his girlfriend/wife.    He stretched briefly and raised his massive arms.   While doing so I couldn't help but notice his sexy belly.   It briefly reminded me of a random memory I had when I was 12 or 13 and I went to Mackinaw with my grandma and our church congregation.    I remember I was playing frisbee with a couple folks.   I remember having the frisbee thrown at me and it flying over my head and landing further away.    Hemingway when I ran to get it, this sexy beefy shirtless bear picked it up and he nicely handed it to me.    It was then that I cemented my attraction to bearish guys.   Obviously I was 12 or 13 at the time so nothing was going to happen there.   But the thought made me feel things inside...LOL.   

So yeah back to present time, I was admiring the beefy guy nearby.   The cashier came out eventually and I paid for my items.    As I  was leaving, he and I exchanged glances.   If only...LOL.    But it was a nice moment.  I shared the experience with Dom who got a good chuckle out of it.

I wound up stopping at two different fudge places to get fudge for my sisters and their respective spouses.    It was then time to make our way back to the ship.    We were back in Mackinaw City and then on the road to our next stop Frankenmuth.

If we do go back again, I would probably stay at St. Ignace, which is another city off the island.  I've read that the hotels are nicer there.   I believe they even have a casino as well...LOL.

So the next hotel we stayed at was the worst of the three.   It was a Baymont in Bridgeport/Frankenmuth.    We noticed how ghetto the clientele and some of the hotel staff were.   Thankfully at least we had a room with a higher toilet seat which made it easier for Dom to get in and out of.    Next door to the hotel was a Cracker Barrel.    Dom was definitely feeling the walk from earlier and wasn't up to venturing out.   It was probably for the best since I wasn't really hungry.   Cracker Barrel was okay.

Dom was still tired the next morning when we made our way to Frankenmuth.    I really wanted us to try the chicken and suggested a place to get a light pastry to tide us over till lunch.   Dom vetoed the idea though and wanted a bigger breakfast.     We wound up going to a pizzeria that also serves breakfast called T'Dubs.   I ordered an omelet with hash browns and was disappointed that the omelet was burnt in some places and the hash browns were not memorable.    Dom was tired and just wanted to stop whereever so I went along with it.

We did see the clock show at Frankenmuth Cheese Haus and he found some blackberry jam to purchase while I bought a Dubai Chocolate bar.    It was my first time buying a Dubai Chocolate bar which is all the rage on Tik Tok.   It was $17.99 bar called V-gift Pistachio.   I did enjoy the crunch and taste of the chocolate.   But it's something I would probably buy sporadically.  

Afterwards we drove a mile to the Bronner's Christmas world.   The shop sold everything Christmas.   It was a sensory overload.   It was good to experience it once I guess.    Dom wasn't overly impressed.  

Dom did ask me if I wanted to go back and get some of the famous German chicken to go that we could have at the hotel.   I thought about it but I wasn't feeling having my car smell like chicken for several days and then eating cold chicken later.     The moment had passed. 

We drove another hour and some change to our final hotel, the Hampton Inn in Madison Heights, MI.   This one wound up being the best one of the three, with the only annoying thing being our room door bouncing back and making noises every time someone slammed the stairway door which was next to our room.    I wound up putting my bag next to the door which helped reduce the noise.

Dom was not wanting to go anywhere, opting to remain in the room.   I picked up dinner at the sports bar called Twin Peaks.   Apparently the attire of the women working there is similar to Hooter's where their boobs and butts stuck out in skimpy uniforms.   I ordered some wings and a burger for Dom which we both enjoyed.

I later went to the nearby Meijer's to get some more water, plain donuts, small salads, and a Cherry Garcia ice-cream to enjoy in the room.

Sunday morning we checked out and then I drove to Trina's place and then Tasha's.   It was good for Dom to see them since it was about three or four years since he's been.    Tasha's in-laws were in town due to Abe's Grandmother passing away at 107.   I got to interact with them and deal with some crazy but that's family for you.   

We headed back home Sunday evening.   I put about 1000 miles on my car between the various stops.   It was a pretty good trip and I'm glad Dom finally crossed two more cities off his bucket list.   

Put It In My What?

 

This post will be short and sweet.  So this random Diddy came up in a YouTube search.   The title of course gave me a double take.  According to the video, the artist name is Mimi Sinclaire.   However upon searching for the artist name, I learned there's no such artist.   Furthermore the song was generated by AI to sound like something that was sung in the 40's with the most controversial words.   I guess I should've known if homosexuality and racial equality were not the norm in the 1940's, why would I expect talk about taking a dick in the ass to be something that was sung.

This AI is fascinating and scary at the same time.   With just one image, you can make someone do something that they normally would not do or say.    But like it or not it's a part of our lives now.   I just have to continue to navigate through it and hope AI doesn't fool me into thinking something is real when it's not.

R.I.P. Big Ma

 My sister Tasha messaged Trina and I yesterday in the early morning hours to let us know that her Grandmother-In-Law, affectionately known to family as Big or Big Ma, passed away peacefully on July 11.   She lived on this Earth for 107 years which is a wonderful miracle.   As my brother-in-law Abe texted, she was living in overtime to continue to impart her love and wisdom to her family.

When I did see Big Ma periodically over the years, she always had a smile on her face and she remembered that I was Tasha's brother.   She would always talk about her life and want to be part of family discussions.   

During one of my visits at Big Ma's home one Thanksgiving (Big Ma's house is the next door over from Abe and Tasha's), I spied a photo of Big Ma along with a large group of ladies that were part of an Auxiliary group that I can't remember the name of.   Big Ma noted that she was the only remaining living person that was in the photo.   

It's wild to think she's lived through World War I (born in the tail end of it), World War II, The Civil Rights Movement, the 1967 Race Riots in Detroit, Iran Hostage Crisis, 9-11, and Covid among other major life events.   There were 19 different presidents in her lifetime.

I learned from Tasha yesterday that Big Ma moved into her final home on Tasha's actual birthdate.  That was definitely a cool fact.   Abe has three brothers and one sister but has been the primary one responsible for caring for Big Ma and his Mom who is her late 80's.   I can't even imagine the grief that Abe and his Mom are especially feeling.   His Mom had her Big Ma for more than 80 years.   I'm sure in all that time there's been ups and downs (like with any family) but it truly is a blessing to have that amount of time.   The number of memories they had together I do hope does give them a small bit of comfort in their time of grief.

The grief never completely goes away.   Even though it's been almost three years since I lost both my parents, there's not a day that goes by that I do not think of one or both of them.   They gave my sisters and I life and were present for us through the good and bad.

I like to think that among all of Big Ma's relatives that she lost over the years that my parents are among those in the big crowd that will be there to celebrate heaven's newest angel.

I do not know when the celebration of Big Ma's life will take place but it just so happened that Dom and I were planning to be in Detroit next weekend (after visiting Mackinaw Island and Frankenmuth).   It would be good if I was there to pay my last respects.   R.I.P. Big Ma.

Power Played

 I had a customer that was working my last nerve on one of my Severity 1 cases that wasn't really a Severity 1 case.     He was one of those that talked and talked and wouldn't allow me to get a word in edgewise.   Then everything I suggested he was not open to trying.   The customer's homebase was in London and I inherited the case when the customer insisted on wanting to work with an AMER engineer since the EMEA's shift was ending.

To make things worse he would not allow me to get access to review his issue deeper.   Not only that he was demanding I resolve the issue in 30 minutes and get a manager on the call as well.   This customer was definitely a piece of work.

That whole ordeal with the customer lasted nearly an hour.   I did some initial research with the limited information provided.   I spoke to the Sev1 Swarm lead and he agreed to join the next call.   So he joined the call and then he invited a friend of his to join as well.

That call ended up being for nearly two hours.   In the midst of the call, I heard a sound like a soft pop and then my work laptop shut off.   I quickly found my work android and let my swarm lead know the laptop went out and I was going to rejoin by phone.

In the meantime I struggled to get my work laptop working again.   Finally after a couple minutes I got it to come on again.   I discovered that my charger was not working at all.   I did switch back to the nightmare meeting from my phone back to my laptop.   The call finished and then knowing that I only had so much time before my battery would die, I raced to get my General Hand-Off notes together for the two Sev1's, including this nightmare on, going before it died.    This all happened on 07/02.

So when I got home, I discovered that my backup charger was not working on the one Type-C USB port but it worked on the second Type-C USB port.   Then I discovered my work charger also worked on it as well.   So I let the laptop charge for the rest of the day.

I decided I wanted to go in the office for a fourth day this week.   My original intention was that I wanted to work 4 days to get an extra banked day in case I decided I wanted to work two days in the office one week.   But with my charger issue, I decided it would be good to go in so I can work with tech support in case I had issues.   I also wanted to find out about the USB port.

So fast forward to 07/03.   I was in the middle of a team meeting (about 2 hours after I logged in for the workday) when I heard the soft pop and my laptop shut off again.   At that point I decided to meet with the tech support team.   After reviewing the issue, they concluded that the issue was with the charger.   To confirm this he tried it with a different charger and the battery charged fine.   

I was frustrated because I had bought a replacement charger in March 2024 so it only lasted about 15 months before conking out.   Tech support was suggesting I get a new charger (which tech support does not supply).   I also wanted to get a newer laptop.   Tech support mentioned that the laptop would not really be new but rather the same version of my existing laptop.   Plus they would need a valid reason for replacement.

My keyboard letters have faded into oblivion which made it difficult to see what I'm typing.   The guy working tech support was not sure if that would be a valid enough reason.   But after thinking about it, I told him that I wanted to try and get a replacement.   Even if it's not a newer laptop, my hope was that it would be a functioning laptop.

So they went through the process of putting the order replacement in.   I got a confirmation email that the replacement was in the process of being shipped.   I also decided I needed to go home since I only had so much time before the work laptop would die.

It did save me from getting any new Sev1's that day, including potentially getting that nightmarish customer again.   I looked at the case history and the customer was already demanding to speak with me since EMEA's shift was ending again and clearly was not open to the suggestions from EMEA.   I saw that another team member ended up with the customer with disastrous results.   The customer again was being overly demanding and not willing to listen to suggested workarounds.

Knowing that I didn't have much time before my laptop died again, I decided to head back home.  I stopped at a local restaurant a few blocks from our home and ordered lunch for Dom and I.   I got home just before my team meeting.

In the end I was pretty much dead in the water without my laptop.   My manager suggested I just take the rest of the day off.   I decided also to order a new charger for the work laptop even though the replacement should be coming as well.  I want to see if I can at least get a charger that will work again.

Then as if to add insult to injury, my charger on my personal laptop decides to act up as well.   So I basically have to order another replacement cord for that one as well.   Luckily my backup charger actually works for my personal one.   So that's what I'm using until my replacement charger comes in. 

Both chargers are out for delivery and are expected to arrive sometime today.   You got to love technology.