To awaken to the gentle sound of waves lapping at the shoreline.  The distinctive cries of the seagulls on the slightly northerly wind.  The chatter of the arrogant, offended grey squirrels bounding through the treetops of cedar and red pine.

Ahhh…now this is the life!  The northwoods of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula have always held a particularly dear place in my heart.  This is where, as a family of six, we spent weeks each summer, and often a weekend eat month for most of my childhood years.  Days spent exploring acre after acre of wooded wilderness, swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking along the sandy shores, lined with grassy lowlands.  Nights spent reading and playing board games as a family.  Yes, this place is truly special.

This Labor Day Weekend has been no exception, although it’s been a little shorter than I would have liked.  But it’s been very pleasant, wonderfully relaxing, and…