Not-So-Typical Teenager

I'm proud of my son just because he's my son. But he recently did something that made me even more proud to be his dad. Something no other teenager would probably even consider. I'm not sure most adults would either. He orchestrated a trip to Michigan all on his own to help his grandfather who is recovering from brain tumor surgery. He squared things with his school so he could take the day off. He told his mom this was something he really wanted and needed to do. He brought a tear to his grandmother's eye when he told her his plans. He told me this was something he had to do on his own. He searched out flights and made the reservation — for one.

I don't think I have ever felt so proud.

The Not-So-Great Pumpkin

When I lived up in Michigan I could drag Linus out of the pumpkin patch by his blanket and have my choice of great pumpkins to carve the first weekend in October. The air was cool and crisp and conducive to big orange gourds with gaping holes sitting out on the porch for weeks at a time. But now I live in Florida and have only about a two hour window of opportunity before my creation begins to fester and rot into a big moldy blob due to the heat. My pumpkin will never see the darkness of Halloween night if I start carving today. Boo!

Sugar and Spice and Everything Deadly

A message to moms and dads in Battlecreek, Michigan with teenage boys:

Just read an article about a 17-year-old girl who killed a 448 lb. bear with a bow and arrow on a recent hunting trip. If she can keep those paws off of her imagine what she could do to your son. By the way — she gutted it, too.

Cross that Bridge When You Come to It

Residents of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula are known as “Yoopers.” Their Lower Peninsula neighbors are commonly referred to as “Trolls,” because they live under the Mackinac Bridge. Also known as Big Mac, the Mackinac Bridge is an astonishing 8,614 feet long including the anchorages. That makes it the longest suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere. In a supporting role, the main cables are made from 42,000 miles of wire.

Just across the bridge is Mackinac Island, where residents still travel by horse, carriage or foot. I highly recommend a trip to the Great Lakes State — and not because I'm from Michigan and extremely biased.

Joan Jett in Petoskey, Michigan

I love rock and roll, Michigan and daring outdoor adventures. So I'm especially excited to see Joan Jett play the Odawa Casino Resort in Petoskey, Michigan on July 10. After the show, I'm heading to Mountain Run at Boyne for another awesome Bluegreen vacation. One of my favorite activities is hopping on the ski lift with my mountain bike and plummeting down the slopes. If you love adrenaline surges, this better be at the top of your "must try" list.