28 May 2022 - Lunch with Daughter Jennifer and Family

 28 May

Today we said goodbye to many Ally's as they pulled chock and headed to their next destination.  Others worked on their coaches such as cleaning, washing, venting the microwave stove vent or routine maintenance like greasing wheel bearings.  Others had contracted for services such as drum to disc brake upgrade or sewer tank deep cleaning. I helped an Ally plan the splitting of his black tank spray line. Some used the beautiful sunny day to relax and recover from the hectic Rally or a bike ride into the local community!  We had a mix of that Doreen did some cleaning inside and preparations for departure in a couple days.  

Late morning we headed out to meet our daughter Jennifer and her family in Middlebury IN for lunch at the Das Dutchman Essenhaus which is a popular Amish-style restaurant located just nine miles from the Goshen Fairgrounds.  We took the back roads and enjoyed the Amish area of northern Indiana.  There were many Amish on the road with their horses and buggy's.  Others were working in the fields with their teams of horses.  This is such a picturesque area.  

Sharing the roadway with one of the locals.

Many gorgeous horses in pastures along our drive

We got there a bit early and secured a table and Jennifer's crew showed up minutes later.  They have a buffet area and a menu order area and that was the choice of the kids.  The food was great and we all left full!  That did not prevent u from stopping by the attached Amish bakery for some take-away treats before we departed.  We exchanged items at out vehicles, exchanged hugs and said our goodbyes since we won't see them again until July when we all gather at our oldest daughter Michelle's house in Oak Creek WI for our oldest grandson Joseph' high school graduation celebration.  I got wrapped up in the moment and dropped the ball on getting any pictures of them.  By the time I realized it, it was too late so you will have to settle for a  picture of the restaurant.

On the way back to the campground we diverted a few miles south to visit an RV surplus store located at an Amish farm, but it closed at noon.  

Later in the day we attended a surprise birthday party for Charles Tyer, a friend and one of our Texas Ally's.  His wife Leslie did all the planning and pulled it off without his knowing!  The food was great and seeing many of the Ally's one last time was even better.

Tomorrow will be our last day here and we will make final preparations for departure early Monday morning.  We will also have lunch with friends Kate and Lance also from Texas.