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Monday, August 9, 2010

Why I love Michigan!

Recently, Joanne of Blessed asked a question of her readers. She asked if they could live anywhere, where would it be?
My answer was - "I would stay right where I am, in Michigan!"
It made me think that I should share with all of you why I love Michigan.
I live in southwest Michigan, about 20 minutes from Grand Rapids, and 15 minutes in the other direction is beautiful Lake Michigan. It's one of the things I love about Michigan.

We are surrounded by the Great Lakes. We have 3,200 miles of shore - more than any other state except Alaska.

We also have the most lighthouses, 115 to be exact! This is Hollands Big Red Lighthouse, on a really windy day, last year.


I love the beautiful sunrises...

and the glow that comes at sunset.


I love living in the country...


but being able to get to the city in a short time.


I love the fact that Michigan has four changing seasons, with different weather in each.


Spring is my favorite season. It's wonderful to feel the warming temperatures and see the budding leaves...


and then enjoy the beautiful Spring flowers.


Summer brings green trees...


walks along trails in the woods...


and time spent at the beach.


The cooler temperatures of Fall, brings the crackle of leaves underfoot...

and such beauty to the trees!


Then comes winter, and although I am not a fan of the cold weather...


the beauty of the snow is undeniable!

Last, but not least is the thing I like best about Michigan - it's family!
We are blessed to have all of our family living within 20 minutes of us.
(except for Andy at the moment)
Here are several of Bob's nephews and a niece.

These are all the kids on my side.

So, there you have it. These are several of the reasons why I love Michigan!

27 comments:

Unknown said...

Love all your pictures, we do have it pretty nice here in Mich. I like it all except the winter part but have to agree it is beautiful!1

Heart2Heart said...

Mari,

OK you've got me sold. Sounds like a truly wonderful place to live. Love everything you have captured here and since I love winter, I'm in.

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

Nancy said...

Mari, you make me want to come for a visit....a beautiful state and your pictures are absolutely breath taking....

You are so blessed to have all your family so close by.....

Great post.....you could work for the state travel department....

Aspiemom said...

You sure make it look enticing! I didn't realize you are so close to both a beach and a big city!

Your pictures are really beautiful. The state is beautiful, but your photography skill really is what brings it out.

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Hi Mari Sweetie...
What a beautiful share. I love it. I can see why you are so in love with Michigan. You have the best of all Seasons.

I have never visited your beautiful state but I have got to tell you, I love lighthouses and how beautiful the walks are that you can take there. Mari it is breathtakingly beautiful.

Oh thank you so much for sharing with me sweet friend.

Have a gorgeous Tuesday. Many hugs and much love, Sherry

Justabeachkat said...

What a great post Mari about your HOME! I've never been, but it sure looks beautiful. And so does your family.

You are blessed my friend.

Hugs,
Kat

Karin said...

Except for the beach and lighthouse photos, all the other scenery photos look similar!!! What a beautiful world God has created - and you have wonderful family close by! What a blessing!

Mike Golch said...

Great photos,I admit i'm a little jelous,But I'm a Buckeye True and True!

Rose said...

thanks for your comment on my blogre nature. love this post. looks like Michagn looks beautiful. I bet it's cold. I, also love the spring. great photos of family. take care. Rose

Rebecca said...

Mari, The state should HIRE you! I miss Michigan. Before we moved to IN 6 years ago, we lived just outside of Lawton. Kalamazoo was our closest "larger" city. I loved the nature trails - even in the city! South Haven was our nearest access to the BIG lake and we loved to go there. Of course there were many other lakes all around us. We lived in vineyard country and I loved their beauty and the smell of grapes ready for harvest.

I'm NOT a winter person, so I didn't look forward to winters. But they're not a whole lot better down here.

Hootin Anni said...

Mari...this was one awesome share you posted!! And I'm with you, Michigan is one fabulous state. Not to mention the blueberries. LOLOLOL [my MIL and her infamous Michigan blueberries sold me on the state!]

Yep, there's no place like home. And your home is filled with beauty AND love of family.

Momma Roar said...

My dad was in sales when he and my mom were first married and they lived in Ann Arbor. They came back to their families in PA when my brother was born.

But, I could have grown up in Michigan! They loved living there too!

I like PA for many of the same reasons you like MI. The changing seasons are one of my favorite things too!!

Thanks for sharing!

Debbie said...

Goodness, Mari. The chamber of commerce should put you on the payroll! You make even a diehard southerner like me want to move there!

septembermom said...

I love all the pictures. I'm putting Michigan on my travel list! It looks beautiful. Great pictures of the kids too.

TJ said...

Mari, I can understand why you love Michigan. Since we visited your area this past weekend, I can agree with everything you said. The beach I saw was beautiful. All the little resort/tourist towns were exciting. Would love to go back, maybe a girls trip, and visit the little shops and just sit on the beach. I thought about you a lot on this trip and wondered if you had taken pictures of some of the things my eyes had seen. Then I thought - yep, I'm sure she has - her pictures are always so beautiful.

Marie said...

I can see why you love where you live. Thanks for sharing the pictures. Great family, also!
Love,
Marie

Unknown said...

You make me want to live there too, except for one thing - family! Mine's all here in No. CA with me and I love it that way! We do have some beautiful areas where I live too, so I'm blessed!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful pictures Mari!

Betty W said...

I guess family is the biggy. If not I´d consider moving over there. You really make a beautiful tribute to where you live and I should put it on my "must visit" list.
Very nice!

Jenny said...

What a lovely photo essay and tribute to one of the most beautiful states in the union. TG's only brother lives in Temperance, Michigan (basically the Toledo, Ohio, area), and they love it too. I always enjoy visiting.

Brooke said...

beautiful! sounds to me like i shouldn't believe a word of what my ohioan inlaws have said about michagan!

Cherdecor said...

You did a great job at giving us a glimps of the delights of Michigan! I love experiencing all the seasons too. The photographs of your children are lovely. Family just makes it all the more beautiful!

Just Mom said...

Absolutely beautiful photos!

Anonymous said...

Your photos are amazing. You could make a Michigan calendar!!!


I'm in total agreement with you. I heard Lindsey say many times how much she loves Michigan while she was here.

We are so blessed with a beautiful area here in W Michigan. I love every reason you listed and think I'll be staying here forever unless the Lord says otherwise!

Raise Them Up said...

I was thinking just like Rebecca! Michigan would do well to hire you to make their travel packs.

I loved every one of your pictures. One of these days, I would love to go north to Michigan to explore all those light houses!

Kayren said...

Still in love with your snow photo!

Sue O said...

Lovely photos Mari. I guess I will have to put Michigan on my list. i feel the same way about Oregon. Aren't we lucky to live in places that we love?