Summer fun

I never worked in food services.

While I have occasionally felt that I missed out on a life experience, I didn't think much of it until this summer in Michigan when I was talking to my sister-in-law, the chef.

Why, I wondered, would last year's babysitter choose to work in a restaurant when she could spend her days watching our little angels? Perhaps she was trying to gain experience for what she hoped would lead to an illustrious epicurean career?

No, my SIL explained, patiently. Three reasons.

Okay, four:

1. Better money

2. Free beer

3. Camaraderie among coworkers- and- um, working with adults in general

4. Days spent on the water, at the beach, or heck- in bed

So, sleep-play-work

How very European.

Image via NY Times

(If he doesn't make it look fun, I don't know who will)

And back in the day, no establishment epitomized the desired summer workplace like the beloved Woody's Settling Inn, a wonderfully dive-y restaurant/bar on the edge of the small town of Northport, Michigan, formerly known as the Hotel Liquor. Need I say more?

Image via Books in Northport

(Dead Bar Walking)

The stories from this institution are legendary among its former patrons. Despite the occasional scuffle or love triangle, local and seasonal guests and staff united against one common enemy, the outsider.

The house cocktail, eh?

I never made it to Woody's. It closed its doors almost seven years ago, during the winter that Jack and I met, and the building lay vacant until it was demolished just two weeks ago.

But its legend lives on, specifically, in the sign that hung outside and was purchased in an underground sale by one of our friends the night before the highly anticipated auction, about two years ago.

So pleased with himself and his sly purchase, he may have been a tad boastful at the dinner party he attended later that night, which lead to the initial capture of the sign, revelation of theft, interrogation of suspects and eventual return of said sign. This all happened between 11pm and 3am. Things got real. Fast.

So much so that the sign sat in it's new home, a shed, and did not emerge until this summer, at none other then our family reunion, in fact.

It... he, has since made appearances at dinner parties, on the golf course...

...at the beach...

photos may or may not have been taken by Andy Behler

...and as Grand Marshall at the annual dog parade. He even opened his own Facebook page.

Relationship status: it's complicated.

While his owner has filed suit against its captors--or, alleged captors, I should say-- there is no doubt that The Sign is enjoying his moment in the spotlight, not to mention his freedom. That shed gets hot!

I am not sure what his plans are for the fall, he may end up in Grand Rapids, Indiana, Boston or our dear old Windy City. Heck, even LA is a possibility. Though a beast at upwards of 100 lbs, the shed may be a perfect place for him to hibernate until the spring- he is rather cumbersome and like the "fun" house guest you can't wait to have visit, it does not take long for him to become a nuisance. He will drink all of your beer and never helps with the dishes, let alone the kids.

Do not let him near the kids.

If you have any interest, feel free to 'friend' Woody's Sign, and track his adventures, or lack thereof.

You started this, Woody- we're watching.

Xoxo,

Jenny