A few of my favorite things

(This post's artwork courtesy of IEM. He took this photo of Sawyer by himself.)

This list is in no particular order...I'm just brain-dumping.

1. The Ann Arbor YMCA (www.annarborymca.org)

The facility is brand-spanking new and just wonderful. It is convenient, clean, and EPM actually enjoys going to the ChildWatch program. I think she misses her time at GSL back in Memphis. Plus, I'm working out regularly for the first time in four years.

2. Sweetwaters Cafe

And what better way to wind up a workout than a quick stroll over to Sweetwaters for a nonfat vanilla latte. Any addiction to caffeine that I overcame during pregnancy and nursing is back with avengence.

3. The Ann Arbor Farmers Market

Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, it's great to go and just stroll.

4. Wolverine Football

OK, Michigan football has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember (that and knowing to loathe Ohio State and Notre Dame) but it really is exciting to be here in A2 during this winning season. Plus, IEM knows how to sing the fight song. Of course the first time he sang it, instead of "Hail to the conquering heroes" it was "Hail to the concrete mixers."

5. Gorgeous fall weather

What can I say. It's cloudless and 62 right now.

6. The Arb

This is such a great place to enjoy the outdoors. The trails to the river are easy and it's great for running.

7. The Ann Arbor Park System

I'm telling you, you can't spit without hitting a playground in this town. All have new equipment, are easy to get to, are clean and safe.

8. Trader Joe's

I think I'm going to have to bribe my neighbor to send me care packages from TJ's once we leave. I love it so.

9. A real old-fashioned downtown Main Street

IEM and I think that Main Street A2 looks like the Main Street depicted in Richard Scarry's "Cars and Trucks and Things that Go." If you haven't had to read that book 30,000 times in the past two years, then imagine a Norman Rockwellian setting and you'll get the idea. Well, maybe Norman Rockwell meets SoHo.

10. Walking around town

So easy to do. And I love being close enough to walk to get IEM from school. We'll see how long we can keep it up as the days shorten.

Thanks for stopping by.