By the Lake

When you live 5 minutes away from the Pacific ocean, you don't think much about when you will see the water next. Vacation plans don't always work around coastlines or lakes, although I think it's human nature to want to be close to some sort of water. It completes the soul somehow (maybe because we are made mostly of water?).



Well that was then. This is now. We were excited to leave the heartland for a few days to be near Lake Michigan. It is one of the Great Lakes that looks like an ocean with beautiful sandy beaches and sand dunes. Swimming in the water here is not only refreshing, but practical. No salty residue to wash off afterwards.



We came over the 4th of July, and didn't see a single parade (but some fireworks over the trees from the grandparents' home). Instead we laid on the sand, played in the water, and celebrated America's birthday by the lake. Blissful.



Grand Rapids also has a farmers market that happens 4 days a week during the growing season. They are a bit behind central Ohio, so I still saw early summer produce beautifully laid out for purchase.



We were happily surprised to find gooseberries and red currants (only one bucket of each) at the market. The farmer was happy that we knew what they were! Well...of course we do.



We say so long to the lake shore for now, while looking forward to our return in a short few weeks.