Returning to Michigan Memories: Healing at Airy Whistle Stop Diner

Hi there. I made it back before April!

After a quiet pause in March, I’m gently resuming my Michigan stories. There’s something comforting about returning to those memories — calm lakes, soft skies, and moments that still linger warmly in my heart. Let me start with an airy café in Birmingham that still feels vivid in my mind — a simple afternoon with a clear sky and a sense of refreshment.

📷 Whistle Stop Diner Birmingham

This café holds so many fond memories for me — I’ve been there many times, and it’s a special place I really wanted to revisit during this Michigan trip. So on this day, I asked Collie to take me to Whistle Stop Diner. It’s our little lunch date 🥰

Last time I visited in June 2023, it was my first trip to Whistle Stop after their renovation. Back then, being Japanese, I somehow felt like I wasn’t quite welcome. But I still wanted to come back. I couldn’t forget their warm dishes using fresh local Michigan ingredients.

This time, however, the woman who served our table was another one of those captivating ladies I’d seen on their Instagram. She took my order with such a warm smile directed right at me! I was so happy. It made my heart feel gently soothed.

Even in those small gestures, a welcoming smile like that has the power to make people truly happy.

Collie chose the TRAIN WRECK SKILLET from TODAY'S SPECIALS.

TRAIN WRECK SKILLET

Collie’s eyes widened at the size! The SKILLET menu offers several variations with different flavors, but they all start with the same hearty base: layered oven-roasted potatoes, topped with eggs (any style), and your choice of Zingerman's toast with housemade jam.

I chose the Stuffed Avocado! …And for my(our😄) LUNCH SIDES, French fries too.

Stuffed Avocado

Stuffed avocado with tuna salad, cherry tomatoes, spinach, cucumbers, red onion & balsamic glaze.

I picked Ranch from the Choice of dressings♪ And it's also served with Tortilla or Greek Pita.

French Fries

It's huge!!! But the French fries had turned into battered fries. I really loved the previous simple fries... That was pretty disappointing. But just as I'd hoped, Collie naturally reached over, and the French fries became something we shared 🤣

 

In the airy, spacious dining area, it turned out to be a wonderful lunch date. Nearby, a man I believe runs their Instagram was brushing crumbs off chairs after guests left. He's familiar to me from Instagram too, and it touched me deeply—remembering how we once did the same thing ourselves.

If I had more confidence—if I didn't feel like being Japanese meant I had to hold myself back—I probably would have spoken to her or him. "I've been looking forward to this from Japan! I know all about you from Instagram!" ... Something like that. In truth, I really wanted to. But I stayed silent. I let that warm smile be enough for me. That's what I did.

Before leaving, I used the leftover French fries to make a little smile. This is the photo Collie took and sent me.

This visit to Whistle Stop Diner lightened my heart and brought me comfort.

The old Whistle Stop Diner will always be a special place in my heart. And the new one too — with its fresh charm — I hope will continue to thrive forever.

Past Whistle Stop Diner posts:

20190923Fresh! High quality! Delicious! WISTLE STOP DINER is Rose's favorite American Diner❤︎ 　

20240511Newly renovated WHISTLE STOP DINER in Birmingham, Michigan

20240531The second attempt★ at new WISTLE STOP DINER

My American Everyday Treasures + A Belated ☆Message to Rose☆ Reply

When I go to the U.S., I like to bring back little everyday things—some dental floss, a tube of toothpaste, a lip balm or two... Nothing fancy, and I could buy similar ones from Japanese brands here. Still, I like having those small American bits around me in Japan. It's a gentle way to keep a bit of that U.S. feeling even while I’m back home.

My little American everyday essentials

Several packs of dental floss, a tube of toothpaste, and a couple of

smooth lip balms – tiny reminders of U.S. life back home in Japan.

The two tiny round dental floss packs are something Collie got from the dentist—they're so adorable, and really tug at my heartstrings❤︎  I also picked up a small tube of toothpaste😊♪

I'll keep sharing my Michigan travel stories from Japan. I'd love it if you cheer me on!   Rose

◇ Quick Update ◇

I realized I hadn't checked ☆A message to Rose☆ on my blog. I've just discovered your sweet message from November last year—I'm so sorry!!!

In this article, I wrote: "There were curious sounds of cats meowing—probably someone had smuggled a cat on board." You asked me: "Delta Airlines allows small pets to travel in the cabin. Do you think that cat was smuggled by its owner?"

I wrote that so casually...😅 I meant “smuggled” playfully, like “someone secretly brought it onboard.” Turns out, even on my Haneda-Detroit international flight, small pets are allowed in the cabin. They need advance booking with a fee, and there's limited space. Thank you so much for taking the time to write!  In retrospect, that cat was probably legit after all, not smuggled...🐱mew.　I'm really hoping this reaches you.  

I'll take a gentle break throughout March. Looking forward to resuming Michigan stories in April🌿

Join Me: Tree-Lined Paths of Birmingham MI's Charming Neighborhoods

Care to join me for a crisp morning walk in Birmingham's quiet neighborhoods? Care to...? Then, let's step out together from this cozy house right here♪

Today is Saturday, and I have lunch plans with Collie. So I figured I'd spend the morning strolling around the hotel neighborhood. 

Look at this spot—An ideal porch offers just the right shade from the roof while letting you bask in the sun, doesn't it?

I've walked these Birmingham streets several times, but strolling again feels like a simulated experience of actually living here. If I lived here, morning walks like this would undoubtedly become my daily routine!

Walking down Poppleton Street, one house always catches my eye. With a touch of Tudor style, this house leaves such a memorable impression on me.

As we wander down various streets, Michigan's Birmingham weaves its magic—strolling past these dreamy homes feels just like a tourist attraction.

I spotted a dark red leaf fallen on the ground—perfectly matching my socks! Such a fun little discovery on our Birmingham stroll 🍁🍁🍁

We've come back to that pink house I mentioned here too. ^^

The pink house makes Birmingham feel even more like a picturesque town, doesn't it?

Brief chats with passersby added charm to the walk. After exploring a little farther, we're heading back now. The light has shifted to sparkling sunshine. We can peek at a beautiful house through the dangling branches laden with red berries—it's enchanting!

Look—a black squirrel appears on the sidewalk! These little locals make every step lively, right?

Shall we head back down this tree-lined path? The light is dazzling! Among the green trees, a few are starting to show red and golden leaves. I can't stay here until Michigan's full fall foliage season, still, I'm glad I caught the first hints of it. Soon you'll be in full autumn glory—please remember me.

I'm grateful you joined me strolling Birmingham's neighborhoods today.   Rose

Bistro Quatre Avril — Sweet Moments Photo Diary

Hello! Though the chill of winter still lingers in the air, my heart is already filled with anticipation for the coming spring🌸  Why not take a moment to warm your heart with some sweet treats from my favorite bistro, Quatre Avril?

Welcome back to the Quatre Avril Photo Diary series✨✨✨

February 18, 2025

Taste coco ganache

ガナッシュショコラのココナッツタルト

featuring rich chocolate ganache topped with shredded coconut

February 18, 2025

April 13, 2025

Gateau aux pommes

🍎リンゴのガトー

featuring moist cake infused with mellow apple flavor

April 15, 2025

May 6, 2025

Quatre-quart de thé vert aux figues seches

抹茶のカトルカール イチジク入り

featuring natural green matcha cake drizzled with honey syrup

May 6, 2025

How did you like them? Which dessert caught your eye the most? 

My favorite was the matcha quatre-quart—the light honey syrup beautifully enhances the dense, substantial cake❤︎❤︎

I hope this post brings a little warmth to your chilly day. ^^　Chao!

Check out the previous Photo Diary from Bistro Quatre Avril here:

Hearty Elegance in Every Bite: 5 Days of Lunch & Dessert at Bistro Quatre Avril

Hot Biscuit Happiness at Holiday Inn Express Birmingham, Michigan.

Personalized “GOOD MORNING” message + breakfast bliss!

During my stay at Holiday Inn Express in Birmingham, Michigan, I noticed a welcome message on the TV screen that said “GOOD MORNING” along with my name. It made me feel kind of happy and appreciated, so I took a photo of it to show Collie, since I’d already told him what a nice touch it was.

While it was still a bit dark outside, I headed down to the breakfast area, feeling warmly welcomed — but only after finishing my usual morning workout!

Breakfast time at Holiday Inn Express is a simple pleasure to begin the morning🥰

This morning, I tried my favorite way to eat the hot biscuits again. I split the biscuit and sandwiched a grilled sausage patty inside. I settled at the window-side counter seat to savor my breakfast.

Hehe, it kinda looks like a cute little burger, doesn't it? ^^  And it pairs so well with coffee! ♡

Of course, the biscuit is also delicious with butter and syrup ♪♪♪

The cinnamon rolls, diced potatoes, omelets — everything pairs so well with coffee, making it a morning full of treats!

This time around, I zoomed in on the hot biscuits — one of Holiday Inn Express's warm food highlights.

After enjoying breakfast as usual, I returned to my room. The personalized “GOOD MORNING” message is still on the TV screen. Let me take a commemorative photo!

On the upper right side of the wall, you can see the slightly wrinkled wallpaper that I cropped out in my previous room photo post.

As I mentioned in that previous post too, fixing this wallpaper crease would cost almost nothing and dramatically improve the hotel's image. It's such a shame because the room has such a nice, calming atmosphere otherwise.

Little details like this can make such a big difference. Even so, I had a wonderful stay — stay tuned for my Birmingham walking tour next😊

Rose (Eiko)

Soft Snow, Soft Slippers, and a Soft Heart

❄️ A Gift Waiting in the Snow

When I visited Collie in Michigan last year, I saw his old pair of slippers at home — they were completely worn out, with some parts almost coming apart. They were the men’s house slippers I’d bought at a shop in Narita Airport ages ago. Collie smiled and said, “I really like these, you know.^^”

I was so touched that he’d kept using my gift for such a long time🥺  But… it’s been, what, 17 or 18 years?? Can you believe it? So from Japan, I searched online for a pair of men’s slippers as similar as possible and decided to send them to him.

He said, “You don’t have to get. I still use the previous slippers you got me, even if they’re old.”  I couldn’t find the exact same ones, but I told him, “Wear the old ones as long as you love them, and then enjoy the new pair whenever you’re ready😊”

And that’s how the slippers I ordered through Amazon.com finally made their way to Collie’s home.

Collie:

I haven’t been home for a few days. Today, I came back just as the sun had set. It was the first day above 0 degrees Celsius in about 22 days. The snow was soft, so I started shoveling because it would freeze again at night. While I was by my rear door, I happened to notice a package there. An unusual spot... but when I looked closer, I realized it might be from you.

Rose:

Your slippers must be happy to have been found by you. Were they resting near the rose bushes? Maybe the Amazon delivery person thought that, with all that snow around, the spot would be a little more hidden from the street.

Thank you Rose! 🤗

They are great👍🏻 !!!

Collie 🙋‍♂️⚘️

A few days had passed since the delivery, but I was so happy to know the package finally reached him safely. I didn’t tell him right away—it was snowing so much in Michigan, and I didn’t want him to have to go all the way back just for that.

I'm so touched that he's used those slippers for so many incredible years. And I also think the new ones would make a lovely next chapter.

But apparently, Collie hasn’t even cut off the tag yet...😅  Maybe the transition to his new slippers will take a little while—and that’s okay.

Collie... From now on, all your slippers will be there to welcome you home every time you return.

Love isn’t about grand gestures, but about

the little moments that keep our hearts connected.

May your Valentine’s Day be filled with warmth, kindness,

and the simple joy of loving and being loved.

Google Duo's Magical Animations: Cat-on-Head Moments Close to My Heart

Google Duo's cat animation feature: 

A comical animated cat clinging to my head, moving its head and expressions

Remember Google Duo's magical animations? I used to record my own videos using the fun animation feature and send them to Collie—pure joy! Here are some screenshots I captured back then. Sadly discontinued now, but let's cherish these memories. What was your favorite Duo moment?

My favorite was the cat animation. When I tapped the cat icon🐱 during recording, a cat would appear, clinging to my head, and move its head while changing expressions!

The Google Duo app featured playful effects for video messages. When Google Duo was integrated into Google Meet in 2022, Duo's core features were temporarily carried over within the Meet app but were gradually phased out.

The comical cat expressions were so much fun! I took the video in February 2025. The animation effects were still available then, but sadly, you can no longer send personal animated videos like this at all today.

Look at the cat rubbing against me! This one is my absolute favorite. (Sorry about the apron-over-bare-skin look in the Collie video—I was just goofing around in my room😅)

Apparently, the reason Google Duo disappeared wasn't because it was free, but because video messages were a niche feature limited to some users. For us in a long-distance relationship, Google Duo was such a convenient feature... That's why I'm cherishing these memories.

Today, I've shared these precious memories to save those happy times. Thanks for joining me in reliving them—let's cherish our Duo memories together😺✨

Love, Rose