I have lived in MI my entire life. Thankfully I have been able to travel a decent amount the last 5 years or so. Before that I had only really done the standard issue annual family trip to Florida. People in Michigan seem to love that state. I don't know if it's a peninsula thing or what. I think MI is second only to FL in number of registered boaters. Maybe that's it?

Anyway, it was years before I realized that MI really only has 2 seasons and that's what this icon is all about. Orange cones, and snow. Both clad in gray because we only average about 55 days of sunshine a year in the mitten. Mind blowing.

I'm fortunate to live in one of the more beautiful areas of Michigan, but I have always looked west to the oceans and mountains. It's where my heart lies. As long as I can remember I have been told and felt in my heart, that out west (particularly California) is where I belonged. All the states out west hold a special place in my heart as I have tried to visit them all.

"The left coast is the best coast!"

"Dreams come true in the west!"

Sammy and I are hoping to make a move soon to the wild west for a new adventure together. Until then, don't think we don't know how good we have it here in Northern Lower MI. I still get plenty of waves in the water and hot laps on the hill!