Enjoying the West Side...

The west side of Michigan, as a child, was a mysterious place where our family friends lived with gardens and horses. To me, the west side of the state meant one glorious Labor Day weekend a year of horseback riding, homemade pies, hanging out in the barn and watching the Jerry Lewis telethon on a front porch swing.

Now that I live here, I am exploring even more of it all - and continue to be impressed with the beauty of our state. It's been a wonderful week or so of getting out there, finishing up summer doing the things I had in my brain as "must dos" and some surprises along the way (how did I not know Lake Makatawa with a nearby children's farm and all the loveliness of an east coast vacation?).

I said it this past weekend and will say it here. THIS is the summer by which all other summers will be compared. And with one week left of it, we are soaking it up at the pool (with TWO swimmers now!), very tan bodies, new school haircuts and last minute supplies, a football game with surprise trophies and a trip to Ludington to see old friends. Next week, everything changes. For now, I will take it all in! Thank you, summer 2010. You have been good to us!