Mytdawg, Really great story. I am a Traverse City native and it absolutely resonates. If, you ever get a hankerin' to return to Northern Michigan, contact me by way of that weird gawker social network thing we can do now.
Your post about your friend was not maudlin... It was well-written and emotionally touching. Life often decides its own ironic storylines, to our dismay.
I left a comment in homage to your deceased friend who died on his way to catch up with you at a Cars concert in 1979 ("Most fun offroad" thread). Your entry was very moving. Kudos.
-- Charles
