We just returned from visiting the Cal-Co Quilters, http://www.calcoquiltersguild.com/, in Battle Creek, Michigan. What a fabulous guild. Natalie had everything organized quite nicely. I do appreciate a good program chair because it makes my life a lot easier.
It was my first trip out since surgery and things went very well. I am so happy that Joe went with me. I don’t think I could have lifted all the luggage, boxes, etc. on my own. And, it’s good to have someone keeping an eye on me so that I don’t over do it. While I was teaching, Joe went exploring. He’s sharing some of the wonderful sights around the area in this blog.
On the long drive across the Ohio Turnpike, I made Joe slow down so I could take a photo of the Cheez-It car/truck. So, there were ten cars backed-up behind us……Hey, I had to get my picture!
Battle Creek Michigan is known as “Cereal City, USA” and what a wonderful town. Upon entering the town is a great monument to one of its residents and great American hero: Sojourners Truth.
The town is so pristine and inviting
Fantastic downtown
Amazing fountain and relief sculptures in its central park
and great bike and walking paths
While I was teaching for the guild, Joe said he had to visit Kalamazoo about 20 miles west. He said the city was great and its Institute of the Arts and central park a must see.
In the city’s square Joe found dozens of plantings with topieries. Here are a few.
On our drive home many of the guild members suggested we visit Marshall, the county seat of Calhoun County and I am so happy we stopped.
They have a “dancing waters” fountain which is lighted in the evenings
The Old Stone Barn, now the City Hall
A quaint downtown with the National Museum of Magic and a preserved and operating turn of the century United States Post Office
and the Honolulu House
If you you have the opportunity to visit South Central Michigan, don’t hesitate and go visit some wonderful people and memorable places.
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BOOK REVIEW
Thank you so much to those of you who recommended reading “Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown. I had a hard time putting this book down….loved the style of writing and the content. The story follows one of the rowers, Joe Rantz. There is background information about the other rowers as well as the coaches and the boat builder. It is amazing what these boys went through in their personal and rowing lives. The odds they had to overcome seemed insurmountable. Impressive accomplishments. Thanks for taking me on the journey. I felt like I was there with them.