The Nelson Dream Home

You always hear "the view from the backyard is amazing," but I would say it was nothing less than extraordinary. In fact, it was mesmerizing. I don't really know how else to describe it. I could sit for hours (and did) just looking past the row of birch trees at the Mackinac Bridge, not just in the distance, but up close and personal.

Maybe what made it better was the fact that Lake Michigan was also directly in front of me. Gulls swooping down and plunging into the water to grab a fish or two, a swan swimming by. I took it all in, but the Mighty Mac took center stage. It didn't matter if the sun was rising behind it in the morning, high above it at noon, or painting it a bright orange as it set, the bridge was the focus of my attention.

I know where I got this obsession with the bridge. Sure, it's an amazing piece of architecture, but some might not see the shear beauty of it. I've seen the adoration for the bridge from my Michigan History teacher in 8th grade. In fact, my teacher loved (and still loves) Michigan. She had a contagious love for Michigan and the history that formed it. But, when it came to Mackinac Island and the Mackinac Bridge, there was something different. There was a gleam in her eye, a smirk in the corner of her lips that told us all that she loved the island and the bridge. I know where I picked up that love for the bridge.

Thanks to Bert and Chris for opening up your dream home to Tonya and I, even if it was only for a couple of days. Thanks Mom #2 and Michigan History teacher for your love for everything Mackinac. You still have the gleam in your eye and the smirk on your face. I'm so happy you are living your dream!