hey, California

I started making this list four years ago, with Kathy, when we both lived in the sunshine state.  For those of you who aren't familiar with the Bay Area, there is no summer there, and we both missed it desperately.  There's something about the ephemeral nature of summer that makes things sweeter then they would be if you could have them year-round.  That's why, although I remain a California girl at heart, at this time of year I never fail to appreciate certain things about an East Coast (or Michigan) summer.  Here are the top 10:

10.  Seasonal fruits and vegetables, especially tomatoes ...

9.  ... and all the things you can do with them.