For the first time since October 26, 2004...

J. and I are having an overnight getaway.  Here at the Grand Victorian in surprisingly lovely (and a bit touristy) Bellaire, Michigan. 

It's weird not to have a little kidlet running about and I miss my poochies.  But this B&B is very nice, and the town is really quite prosperous and bustling for this part of Northern Michigan.  We got here in time for the town's Rubber Ducky Festival, and - guess what? - there's a library booksale tomorrow morning.  (!)

Timing.  It's all about timing.    

Two strange things about Bellaire:  

• There have been three restaurant fires in the area this summer.  Is there someone here who doesn't want people to dine out?  Just who is the restaurant arsonist?
• There's nothing about the history of Bellaire online.  At least that I can find.  But the town had some serious infusions of money in the distant and not so distant past.  Why is this?  And what is supporting the local economy?   The area is farmland and forest in every direction except for the Shanty Creek resort.  Northern Michigan does get significant money from hunters and winter sportsmen, but they wouldn't be the kind of people to keep places like Bellaire alive.  So where's the money trail?  I may ask our hosts tomorrow morning and report back.