On The Road Again and Book Review

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!

blog 11

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.

Battle Creek (3) Blog

The town is so pristine and inviting

Battle Creek (1) Blog

Fantastic downtown

Battle Creek (6) Blog

Amazing fountain and relief sculptures in its central park

Battle Creek (5) Blog

and great bike and walking paths

Battle Creek (8) Blog

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.

Kalamazoo 3 Blog

Kalamazoo 4 Blog

In the city’s square Joe found dozens of plantings with topieries. Here are a few.

Kalamazoo 6 Blog

 

 

 

Kalamazoo5 Blog

Kalamazoo 8 Blog

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

Marshal 1 Blog

The Old Stone Barn, now the City Hall

Marshall City Hall Stone barn blog

A quaint downtown with the National Museum of Magic and a preserved and operating turn of the century United States Post Office

Marshall 3 Blog

and the Honolulu House

Marshall Honolulu House blog

If you you have the opportunity to visit South Central Michigan, don’t hesitate and go visit some wonderful people and memorable places.

________________

BOOK REVIEW

16158542Thank 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.

Leave a Reply