It's good to be back home . . .

Home, bed, shower were a welcome sight when we arrived in Spring Lake last Friday after 5 weeks out of the country. Home for a couple weeks before we head out again (not so far away this time).

I love where I live. Although the Adriatic Sea was beautiful off the shores of Croatia there's nothing like the sandy beaches of West Michigan (which I recently heard is the softest sand around). I can get a "mini vacation" at the beach anytime just minutes away from our home. (Now if we could just keep the EColi levels down for safe swimming it might bring the tourists back who come on the recommendation that Grand Haven is one of the top 10 family vacation spots in the country. You would think with the Eco focus these days someone would make this dilemma right. Sorry, had to vent my frustrations with that.)

I went out to Rosy Mound Natural Area on Tuesday. If your willing to take the .7 mile hike to the beach, it proves to be a quiet, more isolated place to soak in sun, read a book, walk the beach and just relax. The hike itself is picturesque as you walk through wooded dunes (plus good exercise with it's over 400 steps). Close to the end of the trail is a beautiful overlook that takes in the foredunes below and Lake Michigan beyond.

In Stari Grad we totally missed sunsets due to the location of the town on the island. Dennis and I saw a beautiful sunset right off our own Grand Haven pier when we walked out to the lighthouse Sunday night.

I love where I live . . . I love my friends, my neighborhood, my community, and my church (looking forward to seeing everyone in Sept.). It's good to be back home - a place to belong, a place of familiarity, a place to settle in, a place to call home. I love where I live!