Where Do I Begin?

I'm just trying to get my head around the entire Frankenmuth experience. I've come up with a three pronged approach: 1. lists, 2. photos and 3. leave the rest for Lynne to explain.

How we did with our assigned tasks:

Lynne---Driving A+

Pat---Snacks A++ (oh...the bag of chocolates...)

Sue---Crafting C (plenty of supplies, minimal execution)

Brad---Car games C (this grade might have been higher if prizes had been involved)

But, don't worry, despite the poor grade in car games, we had plenty of laughs in the car.

Best lines/stories from the car:

Brad's childhood nickname. We've been sworn to secrecy on the details.

The re-telling of Pat and the Cowboy Boots. I know it's a painful tale for her to recount, but it cracks me up every time.

Best photo that involved a cut-out:

Best Catch Phrase:

Gettin' Our 'Muth On (Major kudos to Lynne for this one).

Oh geeeez---I can't believe that I totally forgot about our stop(s) at Tony's I-75.

Yes, we went twice. On Monday we stopped for lunch before entering The 'Muth proper. Had to get our strength up for all that Bavarian Fun. The sandwiches were gigantic and the BLT did not disappoint. However, I'd have to say that the Reuben (which I ordered) was the best of the four (burger for Lynne, BLT for Brad and cheesesteak thing for Pat). Onion rings and fries were ordinary.

We went again for breakfast the next day...the only other option was Bob Evans and though we are all fans, we can get that here. For me, the best part of breakfast was the giant Italian Bread toast with homemade strawberry preserves. Lynne was happy with her egg white omelette---which isn't something you'd expect to find on the menu of a place that deep fries their bacon and serves sausage in a basket.

Other food awards:

Best Condiment: The Cherry Rhubarb preserves from The Bavarian Inn.

Best Cookie: Pat's Molasses Cookies from Zehnders.

Best Chocolate: Lynne says it was the giant peanut butter cup she got at Zehnders. The rest of us will just have to take her word for it because it was clear that this was one time when there would be no sharing. However, the euphoric look on her face pretty much said it all.

Best Side Dish: The Dried Cherry Salad at Zehnders.

Celebrity Sighting, Best Photo and Best Cooking Experience---all "rolled" into one. We made our own pretzels at The Bavarian Inn and while we were there Betty Zehnder came through. I just thought she was an older lady who worked there, but Pat knew her right away. Check out the look in Pat's eyes. Betty Zehnder is the Queen/Owner of the Bavarian Inn. I still don't understand all the family intrigue between Zehnders (which has the same name as our new pal, Betty) and The Bavarian Inn. However, I didn't think that it was wise to ask while I was wearing a hair net.

I have no idea why my hair is sticking straight up. I'm blaming the hair net.

Best Line (Lynne was on a roll with the one liners): It's 3:30, I've got $2 left and my pants won't button. It's time to go home.

Stay tuned for---plarn sightings, sock monkeys, Lynne at Bronners and much more.