Flint Style – Slice of Home

  I am packing and getting ready for my trip “home” this week.

It’s the first “real” vacation since a trip to New Orleans, in oh, over 15 years.

I did travel to Connecticut about 6  or 7 years ago,to see family,

but didn’t consider that a vacation, back then,  anyway.

This year, seeing that part of the family is considered a vacation, for two weeks, no less.

 

but first stop is home.

My true slice of home is  Michigan.

The place where Grandma lived.

The place my Mom was born.

The place I lived until I was 5 years old, when my Dad died.

The place that holds some of my fondest memories, my roots, and sense of family.

A place where 4th of July celebrations were truly celebrations.

A place of HUGE family reunion picnics.

A place of country roads, drag and sprint car races, fireflies, clothes hanging on the line across the yard, and Grandma’s 1/4 acre of cherry trees (which is now a car lot or something)

A place of warm summer rains.

A place with my own private tree, just outside the backdoor,  that I would sit under to watch the train go, waving feverishly at the conductors and the caboose as they passed, twice a day, right on schedule.  Always wanting Reading Railroad when we played Monopoly. (Grandma lived on Reading Avenue)

A place with the “perfect” hills for cardboard surfing.

and yes, some food memories too.

Coney Island hot dogs, flint style; Vernor’s ginger ale; Fresh maple bar donuts from the town bakery; walking to the DQ for chocolate dipped cones, and  “Buns” candy bars.

I visited often during my childhood, but I haven’t been “home” to Michigan since we buried my Grandma back in the 80′s.

I hear that our small, small town has changed alot.

The DQ building is still there but closed.

I hear there is a McDonald’s now.

Also heard, Grandma’s house had been a tattoo parlor for a short bit.

I’m sure tons has changed but the fond memories haven’t.

And yes, I will indulge in a coney island or two.  Once in a blue moon splurge.

I am only in Michigan for 3 days.   Road trips with my bestie…a cousin who is more like my sis.

But I will be emptying out a lot of baggage in those 3 days…

Ahhhh…home sweet home