The family of one of my friends has been so generous to host a few lake-side reunions for my close group of friends who met in college at Miami University at their cottage in Michigan. The cottage is located in the ‘middle of the mitten’ on the quaint Lake Margarethe. The site is dotted with pitch pines that reach their branches out like fireworks and invite you to relax in their presence. The infamous ‘orange crush’, a practically antique pontoon boat has taken us on rides around the lake on unpredictable rides, with cruise stops at a beach across lake and a small canal that meanders through several private properties. From nights spent on the dock star-gazing to afternoons kayaking, this was a place where our friendships extended beyond our college years.