It is nearly impossible to go a day without being reminded of the economic hardships being played out around the world these days. Spending the 4^th of July weekend up in Northern Michigan on a beautiful lake with friends, unplugged from the daily news and digital media was just what the doctor ordered. A respite from the gloom and doom and an opportunity to again, find some always needed time to reflect.

But after just 24 hours of lounging lakeside and making my first of several trips to the country store for homemade ice cream, two things became very clear.

First, times are really tough and people here a much as anywhere else in our country have felt the real pain of the economic meltdown with much of their livelihoods depending on the Detroit automakers and tourism. The number of homes, boats, cars and other belongings for sale along every roadside tells the story all too well.

Secondly, we will get through this tough time and bounce back stronger for it. The resilience, the optimism and genuine belief that good news is just around the corner made itself into every corner store conversation and BBQ debate.  These folks are resilient and I believe reflect the heart of what has made our country great. They are still making the most of what they have, taking time to enjoy the summer sun and beautiful blue lake water and will be damned if they are going to wallow in their personal misfortune.

There are some better and some worse years up here but from what I could tell this weekend, they are all shades of good.