Just Another Day In Paradise!

These are my roots and this is what I love

Cause everybody knows me and I know them

And I believe that's the way we were supposed to live

Wouldn't trade one single day in small town USA

-Justin Moore, Small Town USA

Living in rural Michigan, we are surrounded by dozens of small communities who love to celebrate "special" days or weekends. From July 1 through Labor Day weekend, one is never surprised to find the roads blocked and traffic halted or re-routed to accommodate a parade. 

We celebrate Founders and Heritage Days. We also love our Cherry, Blueberry, Potato, and Sunflower festivals. We worship Hummingbirds, Trout, Lumberjacks and Baby Food, too. Every day we wake up breathing is another day to be thankful!

So, we pull out the horses and the tractors, grab our candy bags and head into town. We wait to wave to our friends and neighbors. We wouldn't trade one single moment of this. 

And after the parade, it is time for truck pulls (I admit, this makes no sense to me, but, I guess it's like weightlifting, only it costs more when you blow up the truck, and that seems like a perfectly good waste of shopping money). But, hey, it makes all these folks happy. 

And at the end of the day, we top it off with a good oldies or country band (in the beer tent, of course) and a fireworks display.

And, most importantly, laughter with old friends. Life is good. 

Speaking of Springfield.

I recently had the opportunity to visit Springfield, Illinois for the second time in my life. The first time was almost 40 years ago, when my father took my sisters and I to visit Abraham Lincoln's home and tomb. A lot has changed since then.

Home to more than 120,000 people, Springfield truly is the land of Lincoln. Community leaders and visionaries have done a remarkable job of not only working to restore their city, but in also dedicating their efforts to teach the true story of Abraham Lincoln and his role in American history. 

The city also boasts of being a home to midwest value. I would agree. Hotel rooms and restaurants are reasonably priced; bus services to historical areas will cost you a whole $1 and when you get to your destination, most are free. 

I've heard the best things in life are free. I think many of them might be in Springfield!

Click here to visit the Springfield Visitors Bureau website.

Click here for Historical Sites in Springfield, Illinois.

For more images from Springfield, click on the montage below to visit my flickr photostream.