The weather today was GORGEOUS! I know you southerners have had some days in the 80s already, but holy cow 62º here today felt absolutely outstanding!
The morning started with hanging some "espresso" colored fiber roman shades that we picked up at Lowe's this weekend in our kitchen/dining room. I'm not exaggerating at all when I say I typically put on sunglasses in the mornings in the kitchen. Hopefully tomorrow will be a little better. :) We love all the windows, but the sun can get a little intense at times. I am very pleased with how these turned out and might actually see if they have some big enough for our big windows in the main living area because we are still being blinded in there. I tried to find a picture online of what I put up, but no luck....
Anyway, by mid-afternoon Connor was beyond bored with me so we took off for a walk. This is the first time I haven't bundled him up in the stroller and no fleece cover was necessary! Then, to top that off, there were a bunch of the ladies from our street out with their kids too. I got to meet Shelly who lives directly across the street and has 2 older boys and then 5.5 month, Emma. I also saw Tammy again, the firecracker/social organizer of the neighborhood who has organized a monthly bunco night for all the women. We chatted in Shelly's driveway for a bit and then Holly came out with her 11 month old, Peyton and we did a little 30 minute walk and got to know each other. Add these new neighborhood friends to Chris (and her 3 month old little girl) and Linda that I met yesterday and I'm well on my way of having MORE than a handful of friends! Almost all of the women stay at home and Tammy was already talking about planning daytime summer road trips to fun places around here to introduce me to Michigan. :)
Although we've only lived here for a very short time, there is a lot about Michigan that reminds me of living in Germany, and a few surrounding countries. The weather is very similar (except we didn't have 
much snow the year we were in Deutscheland). A lot of the people seem to have those roots too...or Dutch. Holland, Michigan is just down the road too, so I'm already planning on 
going to the Tulip Festival this spring (Tulip Time 2009). It is like a mini Keukenhof I think! Then, there is Frankenmuth that is on the other side of Michigan that is apparently like a mini-Germany and it is an awesome place to go around Christmas. Although I'm glad winter is on its way out, I'm glad to have that to look forward to. There are also a lot of vineyards here (who knew?!) and even lots of cherries and cherry wine. All of that reminds me of Germany too. Then, to top it all off, we have to pay a "bottle deposit" on our cans and bottles.....just like in Germany! You get the money back when you take the cans/bottles back, but I haven't had to sort like this since living in Europe. The only difference is that it is only for carbonated beverages and you can do it on Sundays without getting scolded. ;)
Anyway, we are having a good time so far. I've come to grips with the fact that the house isn't going to be perfect in 2-3 weeks like in our other moves. Connor just won't allow that, so I'm getting to things as I get to them. I'm sure Brian would appreciate the office being organized soon so he can work in there inste
ad of from the couch.....it is next on the list. I did order a slew of seating the other day from Target and I can't wait for everything to come in. I ordered 4 counter stools for the kitchen, 4 bar stools for the basement bar and 8 dining chairs that match the counter stools (even though we don't have a table yet). No picture of the chairs because they are just a chair version of the top stools.
I have found a table online that I think I like, but I want to go to the store to see it in person. It is an arts & crafts style, trestle table. The website doesn't have the dimensions of the table, but I think this picture shows it with 2 leaves in place. We don't have a separate dining room per se, so we only need one table and we want one that fills the space nicely and can accomodate quite a few people (since we know so many people and always have such a houseful of guests ;). Once I get all the chairs in and after I go see the table in person I'll have a better idea. In theory, I like it. I know it is/was risky buying so many chairs without a table, but I really wanted the stools and chairs to match, but the table that went with the chairs isn't awesome or big enough....so I'm winging it. Plus, I got free shipping, 15% off, then an additional 10% of that!Ok, that is all of the house updating for now. I should be sleeping, working, organizing, or at least watching some of my favorite Monday night TV. Oh well.
One last note. Although I thought I was immune to picking up accents, I've already caught myself picking up a few midwestern vowell sounds....kinda scary.... (think North Dakota and tone it way down)
Tschüss
3 comments:
oh man, I want to come to Tulip Time! This year it's the week I graduate, which means I'll be finishing up with finals and generally prancing around in my cap and gown.
I'm glad you've met so many wonderful friends! Can't wait to come visit...
We have those same stools from Target, and they are really comfy! You will enjoy having them.
Looks like you are getting settled, which is great to hear. I want to live on a street with instant friends- that sounds wonderful!
this is sooooo crazy!!!!!! it's like you're living my childhood all over again! esp since ALL of my relatives live in michigan! My dad was born in Holland/Zeeland- and my grandmother still lives there. She worked at Dutch Village for years (gotta take Conner to that- i think it was much better years back, but if i'm correct, should still be there- they have a little 'village' for kids to walk through with swings, etc). My aunt Jackie (Dave's wife) always dances in the Tulip Time parade- she wears real Dutch wooden shoes and does her little dance in authentic clothes! COOL! Somewhere on the Lake Michigan side there is an awesome place that you can go ride on the sand dunes, etc. (i think it's Silver Lake)- LOVED doing that as kids. Both of my parents families always go to Dummin (sp?) Island to go fishing.
My mom was born in Essexville/Bay City- and we ALWAYS traveled to Frankenmuth to walk through the village and go to the Christmas store!!!! So definately a must :) At some point you have to take a trip up to Mackinaw (sp?) Island. It's beautiful!! Think that'll keep ya busy :)
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