Fiona Schlachter

June 25, 2026

A Bit of Nebraska and Michigan Part One

Hey everybody πŸ‘‹

We drove to Hastings, Nebraska on 6/11 to celebrate Steve's mom's life with family and friends (she passed away last December). I was honored to have her in my life for 40 years. Most of it was from afar so we talked on the phone often. This is one of my favorite photos of her. Miss you M! ❀️

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Got to catch up with Amy S ...

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... and Pat K. πŸ€—

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Had to check out Steve's favorite - Fisher Fountain. ⛲️

We headed east and stopped at the Arrival sculpture on at the Blue River rest stop going east on I-80. The area was closed for renovation for 14 years and reopened in 2024. Looked great! πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ

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We flew from Omaha to Detroit, got in a rental and headed to Perry, Michigan to catch up with JoAnn. We met in New Plymouth, New Zealand in 2023 and she introduced us to Trusted HouseSitters. Wow, what a wild ride it has been, thanks JoAnn! 🐾

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We kept going east and stopped in Plainwell for a treat - still delicious. 🍦

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We headed south to Kalamazoo to check out what was new and visit our old faves. Martini's still had the best pizza on the planet. You cannot convince me otherwise so don't try. πŸ˜ƒ

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Also grabbed some drinks at Caffe Casa the next morning before driving up to Muskegon to stay with our dear friend Lori for a week. β˜•οΈ

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Hello Lake Michigan! πŸ‘‹

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Lori and I toured the Hackley and Hume historic homes. Charles Henry Hackley moved to Muskegon in 1856 and became a wealthy man in the local lumber business. He gave much to the Muskegon community and his ornate home was restored (built in 1887). 🏠


Hackley's business partner, Thomas Hume, built his home next door. He had 7 children so his home was not as ornate and included 3 full floors.  🏑

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Lori let me play around with a cheese plate for Steve and Rebecca's visit. πŸ§€

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Petey came over to hang with us for a few days. So cute! 🐾

We drove south to Grand Haven so I could see if the Rockpile shake was still the best and it was! Strawberry, banana, and peanuts was a winning combination.  πŸ“πŸŒπŸ₯œ

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Gorgeous day for some beach time at Lake Michigan just minutes from Lori's house. πŸͺ

Steve and Rebecca took us out for a sail on Lake Michigan AND Muskegon Lake. How lucky were we?! 🀩

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It was a terrific day and we got back just after sunset. Thank you friends! πŸ™

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Michigan Part Two next. 2️⃣