In Michigan, you often see signs listing the population count below a city's name as you enter the city limits. Out here, it's all about elevation, as we were startled to discover driving down to Parker last weekend to visit Jim's sister. I have no idea how many people live in Arvada, but I now know that the city is 5,344 feet above sea level.

Midwestern reality check: The summit elevation at Nub's Nob, our favorite ski resort in Michigan, is 1,338 feet. Our little hometown of Northville, which boasts of having the highest elevation in Wayne County, is a whopping 980 feet above sea level.