Read the latest from Cottage Home. http://www.cottagehome.com Weekends like this one past, help me truly appreciate all the lakeshore has to offer. I would say the weather was near perfect (in my book) this past weekend; excellent and delightful in all respects. There are many things I enjoy in life, but it's hard to beat a perfect summer afternoon. Like Henry James wrote, "Summer afternoon - Summer afternoon ... the two most beautiful words in the English language." http://www.cottagehome.com/brians_blog.html#september14_09 If you are anything like me the everyday stresses of life can sometimes become too much. Every now and then I just need to get away from it all; whether I go golfing, go for a hike with my family, or head up to the cottage, getting away from everyday life can be a much-needed renewal and also a time to reflect. http://www.cottagehome.com/brians_blog.html#september09_09 Last weekend we were welcomed with over 200 friends, family and neighbors to our first gala event to raise money for the Michigan Maritime Museum while showcasing two homes on Lake Michigan in South Haven. We were overjoyed with the tremendous turnout, the weather cooperated beautifully and Michael Anne Erlewine and The Younce Guitar Duo entertained us all. I enjoyed meeting new people from the community while spending time with old friends. Not only was it a fun, relaxing evening, we were also able to donate over $20,000 to the Maritime Museum! http://www.cottagehome.com/brians_blog.html#august31_09 This past week has been an exciting time at Cottage Home. We've finished construction on the Monroe Beach House as well as Monroe House #1, both in South Haven. The completion of these two homes has been a time we've looked forward to for the past year. This coming week will be a busy one, as we finish preparing the Monroe Beach House for the Blue Green Gala. http://www.cottagehome.com/tix Earlier this summer I traveled north with my youngest son, Aaron, and his youth group to Lake City, Michigan. We went up there for four days in order to lend a hand and try to make a difference in the community. One of the projects that we worked on was putting siding on a shed for an elderly couple. One of them was suffering from cancer and didn't have long to live. http://www.cottagehome.com/brians_blog.html#august10_09 I am very excited about the upcoming Blue Green Gala at the Monroe Beach House model home on Sunday, August 23. Open to the public, the event will showcase sustainable design and living, plus two home tours, live music and discussions about green living and design with refreshments and hors d'oeuvres catered by the South Haven Yacht Club. http://www.cottagehome.com/tix As a lifelong resident of West Michigan, I appreciate the many organizations in the area that contribute to a better life on the lakeshore. One of these many organizations is the Michigan Maritime Museum. The museum is located in South Haven and is dedicated to "the preservation of Michigan Great Lakes and waterways maritime history and culture." They feature multiple exhibits and collections such as: historical watercraft, historical engines, art, tools, and ship plans. They also have a replica sailboat called "Friends Good Will" that sails out on Lake Michigan daily. I would highly recommend going out at least once on a sunset cruise; it's a great experience. http://www.cottagehome.com/brians_blog.html#july28_09 The South Haven Yacht Club celebrated its 70th birthday this past weekend. The club was established in October 1939 by a few locals who thought a yacht club would be an asset to the city in accommodating the few pleasure boats that passed by. The club has grown since then and is now an integral part of the South Haven Harbor. They do a great job celebrating the West Michigan area and everything that is right about the area. They also offer many services to others: youth sailing programs, children events, social gatherings, boat docks and fueling, and more. http://www.cottagehome.com/brians_blog.html#july20_09 This past Friday I went canoeing down the Black River with Peter Ter Louw, executive director of the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy. The SWMLC is dedicated to protecting the natural beauty of the area. Pete and I were getting together to talk about the various conservation efforts in the area and to catch up in general. We canoed about 2 miles down the Black River on the Bangor/South Haven Heritage Water Trail while we talked. We are both rather large guys so the canoe was slightly crowded with me in front and Pete in back and as we were paddling down the river my seat gave out, sending me to the bottom of the canoe. http://www.cottagehome.com/brians_blog.html#july13_09 As Americans, we often take for granted the many things we have that other people around the world don't. We have an unprecedented level of safety and freedom. We have food to eat, clean water to drink, and a great natural environment to enjoy. It's no wonder that we take a few days each and every year to set off a few fireworks and celebrate the birthday of our great country. http://www.cottagehome.com/brians_blog.html#july6_09 This past weekend driving home from my cottage on Torch Lake, in northern Michigan, my 2006 Audi A6 rolled 100,000 miles. That’s comparable to 3,000 trips between Holland to South Haven, 830 trips from Chicago to South Haven and four trips around the world. Driving the lakeshore every day for the past decade and has made me very familiar with the area, the people, and the real estate. The last three years and 100,000 mile journey has also caused me to look back on how what has transpired. My sons were in high school and starting middle school, we had just gotten a new, very hyper dog; now my sons are in college and starting high school, and our dog has grown through the puppy stage into a lazy lap dog that follows my wife like a shadow. So much can change in three years, and yet so much can stay the same. http://www.cottagehome.com/brians_blog.html#june29_09 I just returned from a wonderful trip to visit Japan with my son, Tyler, who recently graduated from high school. We had a great time visiting the many temples and gardens, and taking in the sights; I even found a residential construction site to explore while we were in Kyoto. Some of our favorite sights were: Eikan-do, the Tsukiji Fish Market, the Kurama and Kibune area just north of Kyoto where we stayed in a traditional Japanese inn called a "ryokan", and the Tetsugaku no Michi (Philosopher's Walk). http://www.cottagehome.com/brians_blog.html#june22_09 I was surprised (and pleased) that Cottage Home received the 2008 Business Excellence Award for Community Partnership by the South Haven Chamber of Commerce, recognizing our work at Deerlick Creek. I feel compelled to come clean on the recognition (and the one presented by Representative Upton and other government officials). First off, the recognition is extended to all the Friends of Deerlick Creek, as well as the many contributors and contractors. http://www.cottagehome.com/brians_blog.html#june12_09 We're very excited about our progress on the construction of our LEED Certified Monroe Beach House in South Haven. Our crew is currently installing drywall in the home and construction is on track to be completed in August. I was on the site today and found a rare moment of silence as I gazed out the windows for a wonderful view of a tranquil Lake Michigan. We're currently working out details for a special Blue Green Gala to showcase the Beach House and benefit the Michigan Maritime Museum. Contact Cottage Home if you are interested in attending this special event, or stay tuned for more information. http://www.cottagehome.com/south_haven_monroe.html