Vacation needed after the vacation

Sunset in Douglas, Mich.

GETTING BACK FROM a vacation is a drag. I spent most of last week in the old stomping grounds of Grand Rapids, Michigan. It was glorious. And not long enough.

You are supposed to feel ready and rested after time off. BWAHAHAHA. Right. 

This was the first time in 35 years I've spent more than a day or two in Grand Rapids. Much of the city has changed, mostly for the better. Some stuff never changes. We stayed at an Air BnB near Burton and Eastern, a block from a house I lived in during the summer of 1985. Time changes memory and recollection, I supposed. The porch didn't look as big and the house now has siding. But it was the same place. 

Downtown GR is completely different, and that's a good thing. We were there for a family wedding in the Harris Building, and 40 years ago you wouldn't dare be in that area at night - South Division is so much nicer now.

I ate dinner at the Last Chance Tavern on Burton, and the Garbage Burgers are still the best. Of course we had to hit Yesterdog in Eastown. We even played golf at Indian Trails, which was just up the railroad tracks from the family residence on Rosewood. The course got a massive renovation a few years back - much shorter now, with new holes. The infamous seventh hole along the railroad tracks next to Jolly Roger and the football stadium is now two holes on the back 9. But there was still a lot of deja vu for me and my brother, Stephen. 

I got up to Belding Thursday for some of the Gus Macker 50th anniversary festivities. Scott McNeal is still all fired up. I played golf with Macker legend Jerry Fike, saw a bunch of other guys I've hung out with at many a Macker tournament. 

There was even a family gathering in Zeeland. Our kids are rarely together in one place, so nice to see. My cousin Roland and his amazing wife Amy hosted and it was all tall tales, laughter, beverages and music. 

Now I'm back and getting ready for work and I'm exhausted and all I want to do is find a Lake Michigan beach and collapse. Because of vehicle issues the trip got delayed and beach time torpedoed, but we did have an incredible late afternoon and evening beach time near Holland.

I need a vacation. After the vacation. Oh well. Onward and back to real

Wait. Has anybody seen my golf clubs ..... ?