Was You Ever in Ypsilanti?

If we were visiting our friends and the year was 1809-1829, we would be pulling up in our covered wagon to Woodruff's Grove.

(That's Lisa, on the right. Hi, Lisa!)

However, it being yesterday, we instead drove up in our Toyota. And the name of the place was Ypsilanti, called such to honor Demetrius Ypsilanti, a hero who fought in the Greek War of Independence, waged against the Ottoman Empire.

It was not a love of Greek heroes that took us to this fine city, but rather a desire to visit our friends. And go to a yard sale. Or, to be more precise, a whole crap-ton of yard sales (66, to be precise).

According to my tracking device, we traversed over three miles of city streets of the Normal Park neighborhood of "Ypsi," and stopped at damn near all of the sales.

Ypsilanti is a unique berg. The community is welcoming to all kinds of folks, and they really mean it. Walking from street to street, we saw people of many colors and races, gay and straight, young and old. We chatted amiably with one and all. (Except the Pittsburgh lady -- Bill made me pay her the fifty cents for our purchases.)

All told, we didn't spend a ton, but managed to find a respectable amount of booty. Alas, we did not pursue the Pepsi cooler, but we did get, among other things, The Year of the Tiger (an album from 1968) and a Winter Classic Program for Mr. Ginley, and some kids' books and tchotchkes for me.

The real reason for our visit, of course, was to visit our friends. (Walking all over creation in search of lost treasure was just a happy consequence.) Lisa has been friends with Mr. and me for many moons, and is godmother to our son. John is her husband and Karl her teen-aged son (whom my husband teased and cajoled -- resulting in much eye-rolling).

Friday night we went into Ann Arbor to eat at Zingerman's Deli (at Mr. Ginley's request). We walked around the college town for awhile afterward, chatting and shopping book stores.

Saturday evening we stayed in Ypsilanti and ate at Sidetrack, a popular local joint situated next to the train tracks. This was my choice, based on how wonderful it was the last time we visited. The conversation was punctuated by lots of laughter, the food was tasty, and the margarita was muy delicioso.

Last night, back at their homestead, we were ready to call it a night and head off to the Red Roof. John was nodding off, and we were all feeling the effects of the day. Including Lisa, who performed the duties as Bob Barker at her own yard sale. ("That chair is really comfortable, isn't it?" And "My son only wore that once!" And, at the end of the day, "All prices are negotiable!")

So, thanks to Lisa and John and Karl for their hospitality.

A fabulous time was had by all.

Even Karl.

I think.