From JuJu with Love

People ask me all the time how I survive winter in Michigan. And honestly, when the temperature drops below zero and the wind is howling, I sometimes wonder the same thing.

But then there are mornings like today.

The sun is shining, the temperature has climbed above freezing, and Maizey and I head out for a long walk across the golf course behind our house. Fresh snow under our boots, quiet all around, and a tiny snowman someone built in the middle of the course, just sitting there making people smile as they pass.

Three peaceful miles.

A happy dog burning off energy.

And time alone with my thoughts.

Around our neighborhood, Maizey is the real celebrity. People know her name like she’s the mayor of Bloomfield Hills, and I’m usually just introduced as “Maizey’s mom.” And honestly, I’m perfectly fine with that.

These walks reset both of us. She comes home tired and content, and I come home calmer, clearer, and grateful.

The truth is, I stay in Michigan because it’s home. My family is here — my sister, my niece, my aunts, uncles, cousins — the people who make up the fabric of my life. That’s what keeps me rooted.

But days like this remind me how much I truly love experiencing all four seasons here. Sure, I could spend winter on a beach in Florida. But then I’d miss mornings like this. And honestly, I’d take a sunny, peaceful winter walk in Michigan over a 90-degree, humid August day in the South any time.

Winter here isn’t always easy. But mornings like this remind me why I stay.

And why I love it.

With love from a snowy Michigan morning,

Juju ⛄️