It's summer, and I'm in Berrien Springs and actually really happy to be here. Michigan is nice in the summer--there's less snow. There is also a lot more free time, and I intend to make the most of it by living according to the three B's--Beaching, Barbecuing, and Berry-Picking.

Today I went with Greg and Melissa and their hell-dog Summer to the beach. The first beaching of the season was a bust. We showed up with our towels and water bottles only to leave 5 minutes later. Apparently whatever temperature it is on land, it's like 10 degrees cooler at the lake. There was some great surf, though (both "great" and "surf" being relative terms) and we saw some guy windsurfing. It made me shiver.

I've already been to four barbecues this summer already. In a couple weekends me and the new roomies (Stacy and Jenn) are going to have a housewarming BBQ to introduce people to our brand new wonderful house. Seth will bring his grill and his trash-talk, Melissa will make something mouthwatering, and hopefully Summer can stay on her leash and shut up.

As far as berry-picking goes, I haven't yet begun. But soon--on Sunday I'm going to a strawberry festival. I'm not exactly sure what's on the schedule at a strawberry festival, but I do expect to eat myself silly.

This is one of the things that is so great about Michigan. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a full-on Michigan fan yet. But this summer is slowly winning me over. Here's a top-ten list of what I like about Michigan.

10. The libraries--Michigan must put a lot of money into them, because all the ones I've seen are pretty great.
9. Old brick houses with big windows and porches.
8. The names: Dowagiac, Ullery, Pokagon, Oronoko.
7. Driving on fun backroads lined by huge old trees or fragrant vineyards.
6. The first snow.
5. All the available produce in the area--I can't wait to stock my freezer with green beans, cherries, asparagus, and peaches.
4. Small towns with lots of character.
3. Fall colors--one word: Wow.
2. The Lake.
1. Getting hit on by (and summarily rejecting) lots of Andrews seminarians. Such a rush. Well, kind of.

I'm sure that once winter hits, you'll be hearing about my bottom 10, Strong Bad style.