Guess what? I am moving to Niles Township. I sort of feel like a pinball as I bounce  back and forth between Dowagiac and Niles. If you are counting this will be my  fourth address in eight months.

As a former wife once told me, I don’t ever seem to be happy unless my life is full of  stress and challenges. When work is running smoothly, she believed I’d go out of my  way to rock the boat with some new and extensive project.  She may be right.

On the other hand. I’m one of those folks that truly enjoys change.  And I’m always  looking for opportunities.

I truly enjoy my downtown apartment above the Round Oak and will miss my walks to the Wood Fire. Although, as I listened nightly to the not so light-footed kids at the dance school next door, I realized with low housing prices and record low interest rates, I could own my own place for no more than what I pay monthly in rent. I won’t miss dance lesson time.

So, I gave loyal customer Deb Floor a call and started my search that brought me to a maintenance-free condo in Niles. She sized me up pretty quickly and realized not only that I am not handy, I have no time for chores such as cutting grass.

I have fond memories of that fresh grass smell as I pushed the mower back and forth in lines that were almost straight.  Several friends have offered me the opportunity to sweat it out on their lawns.

I got to cut grass for the first time in years last summer and that invitation is still open. Please don’t contact me for offers to get behind your mower.

I hope to see you at the free Bluegrass Festival in Niles this weekend. And now, we can share a beer at Summer in the City in Dowagiac. And Riverfest will be coming your way in early August with along with a facelift. Tom Majerek invited me to participate on the planning committee. Last night, we began finalizing plans for a new car and motorcycle show for the event put on by “Bring It” creator Mark Milhander.

Bring your camera when having your summer fun and submit it to our annual contest for your chance to win $500. Go to www.leaderpub.com and click on the contest tab.

Michael Bennett can be reached at michael.bennett@leaderpub.com or (269) 687-7700.