M – Memory and Mackinac Bridge

Memory – on a pretty regular basis I get a pop up from my computer that tells me that I am out of virtual memory. I’m sorry to say I get the same message from my brain these days also. There is just not enough virtual memory or speed to access all that unique information that I have retained over the years. Important things I remember like how to catch Northern Pike, how to tape a sprained ankle on a hockey player, how to test the hardness of metal or how to twirl a fire baton. So the next time you want to roast a marshmallow over a flaming baton, give me a call.

Mackinac Bridge – The big Mac is one of the world’s longest suspension bridges connecting the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan. From water line to waterline it is 5 miles long making longer than the Golden Gate and the Oakland Bay Bridge. The Mackinac Bridge was built in the 50s and my great uncle Camie helped build it. Not only did he help build that bridge, on the day in 1958 when the bridge was dedicated he did a hand stand on the top of one of the towers that are 552 feet about the water’s surface. I have driven across this bridge more times that I can count. I grew up in the Lower Peninsula but I had aunts, uncles and cousins that lived in the Upper Peninsula (UP) and I went to college in the UP. I always love driving on the center lanes that are metal slats because you can look down and see the water below. Someday I may be there on Labor Day to do the bridge walk. If you ever watch Modern Marvels they often talk about the Mighty Mackinac.