Last week I had a Skype session with Keri Jaehnig of Idea Girl Media. We went to school in Michigan before we both moved away. Naturally our conversation took on the what-do-you-like-where-you’re-at-now direction.
I sipped my sweet tea and listened as she told me about her new digs, and I thought, surely I could come up with at least five things to like about Ohio. Can’t I?
Let’s test this theory . . .
5. Ohio State University. I mean the colors alone are worth loving this Big Ten university. Am I right? Red and white. It just screams Christmas all year ’round. Don’t get me wrong, though. I live for the yearly battle against UM. I’ll forever be maize and blue. As my friend Cyle and I discussed at Blue Ridge, ’tis far, far better to be from Ohio and drive north to Michigan for schooling, than it is to be from Michigan and head south of the border.
Santa or Ohio? I get confused . . .
4. Buckeyes. Not to be confused with edible chestnuts, buckeyes are “moderately toxic”. Your stomach will not be your friend if you ingest these lookalikes. Buckeye trees once populated Ohio’s lands, and were made even more popular during William Henry Harrison’s 1840 Presidential campaign. That’s cool. I’m just a fan of that dark brown hue.
Chestnuts or Buckeyes?
3. Fireflies (Lightning Bugs). During summer breaks, we would drive south to visit family in Toledo. We loved starting the trip at dusk, as thousands of lightning bugs lit up the fields. I couldn’t find a decent firefly photo, but here’s an awesome firefly in a jar craft that Dot and I did several years ago.
Fireflies in a Jar (Craft)
2. Cedar Point. This amusement park is home to one of America’s largest Ferris wheels. I’ve never been on the Giant Wheel and given my fear of heights and propensity for quick-onset vertigo, it’s a good chance I never will. Still, I have many marvelous summer memories of my times at Cedar Point, from the amazing food venues to my first roller coaster, Blue Streak.
Cedar Point Giant Wheel
1. But the best reason to like Ohio (and you can’t tell me y’all didn’t see this one coming), is that the longest it will take you is about five hours to get from the southern most part of Ohio up to Michigan.
The Mitten of Michigan.
And there you have it. Five reasons why this former Michigander will always like Ohio.
So, what do you like best about your neck of the woods?
Enjoy this music video from Owl City: “Fireflies”
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Dear Michigan . . .
Destination: Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan
Destination: Mission Inn [“Tell ‘Em Tony Sent Ya”]
Molly,
Thank you for staying connected with me, and for writing this post – I’m smiling from ear to ear! So happy we had a chance to catch up and exchange thoughts about our Michigan days.
Ohio does have many redeeming qualities. Truth, the state nickname is, “The Heart Of It All.” Strong agricultural research here, big city life, home to several past US Presidents, and it does border the Great Lakes, so some extra points by default.
Did you know I live just 20 minutes or so away from Paramount’s Kings Island Amusement Park? Host to “The Beast,” roller coaster. Which is almost across the street from the Western & Southern Open – Where the world’s best tennis stars compete for a major cup. Pretty cool to “star watch” for those that go or volunteer.
Seems like I’m selling you Ohio…
But at the end of the day, my Michigander roots bring me memories of summer days by the “Big Lake,” Saturdays exploring the cultural neighborhoods of Detroit, the unique blend of industry & education found in the awesome mitten, and the delicious apple cider only found near where we attended school. It’s Pure Michigan, Baby!
Thanks for writing this post Molly!!
~Keri
Keri recently posted..Four Tips To Maximize Revenue From Your Social Strategy
Now I’ll have to do a post-Five Things to Love about Michigan. I don’t think that will be too hard.
Molly Jo recently posted..My Jamberry Video
My province, I like the vast differences in how the landscape unfolds from one part to another.
Sounds intriguing, William. What do you like best about your province?
Molly Jo recently posted..My Jamberry Video
Hello Molly!
I am a fellow Michigander and love your list. I found you via our mutual friend Keri
Smiles,
Dawn
Indeed, Dawn. We are on Facebook, first connected through Keri. I like your posts. Thanks for stopping by. What do you still love best about Michigan? I’m building a list . . .