These are a few of my favorite things

There is a certain poetry to Michigan.  The simplest activities in the state can lend itself to unforgettable memories and the most beautiful refrains of free verse.  Perhaps that is why "Pure Michigan" commercials and radio ads captivate me.

There is nothing like fishing--wading hip-deep in a swimsuit in the Pere-Marquette at dusk as brown bats dance all around snapping up mosquitoes.

There is nothing like sitting in a tree stand on the edge of a harvested field watching the red sun set through the naked tree branches.

There is nothing like lying in the cool oasis of trees on one of the Sleeping Bear sand dunes overlooking Lake Michigan.

There is nothing like driving to your grandparent's northern home on Christmas Eve in a blizzard with a hot cappuccino in your hand.

There is nothing like seeing the Bay City fireworks festival with your friends, family, and a bag of St. Laurent Bros. assorted sweets and treats.

There is nothing like jumping off the dock of a cottage on one of Michigan's many inland lakes in the middle of a blazing June day.

There is nothing like trying the Michigan-made delicacies of Pinconning cheese, Traverse City fruits, local grown grilled corn, and freshly deep-fried Munger potatoes.

There is nothing like the game of trying to navigate and avoid the many horse "gifts" left around Mackinaw Island.

There is nothing like a Michigan Deer Camp.  Enough said.

There is nothing like cheering for a failing Lions, a nostalgic Tigers, a competitive Red Wings , or a Mo-Town Bad Boys.

There is nothing like Cicadas lullabying you to sleep in your sleeping bag underneath a cloudless, starry vista.

There is nothing like a tropical Tawas Beach to rid the children of excess energy on a long road trip.

There is nothing like riding an ATV or dirt-bike for the first time on a back-woods two-track.

There is nothing like going sledding with a bunch of friends after the first snow on the biggest hill you can find.

There is nothing like hearing a Christmas handbell competition at a Lutheran church.

There is nothing like taking a trip over to Canada, stepping out of the car, and going back to MIchigan just for the fun of it.

There is nothing like a casual boat ride on a quiet river.

There is nothing like sitting a rowboat on a still lake fishing for panfish.

There is nothing like being responsible for flipping the canoe or kayak.

There is nothing like seeing your first elk in Gaylord.

There is nothing like trying to make your first S'more and turning your marshmallow into a flaming comet.

There is nothing like a rag-tag pickup game of street hockey with kids around the block while pretending to be Chelios, Yzerman, Osgood, or Shanahan.

There is nothing like a high school football game underneath Friday night lights.

There is nothing like watching Michigan films and understanding the jokes.

There is nothing like going to the local corner store on a warm summer's night and picking up a cone of your favorite ice-cream.

There is nothing like being asked where your from and then pointing to an exact location on your hand and proudly proclaiming it.  You literally know your state like the back of your hand.

There is nothing like the smell of freshly cut cedar logs and a warm pot-bellied stove as you walk inside from the winter wonderland.

There is NOTHING like Michigan.