Don't Mess with the Mitten!

Is a sign we see in Michigan.

Yes, there is a town called Kalamazoo and it is the prettiest place on the planet

 

42 rears ago, Karen lived here for a year as an exchange student and had a very good time.  

As the wine flowed at dinner last night we reminisced that in that year Karen:

• kissed the cutest wrestler on the team
• got sent to the Principal's Office once
• TP'd  houses on Halloween (sorry)
• practiced Chinese Fire Drills in downtown Kalamazoo
• met an amazing group of girls who showed me how to do all of the above!

It has been 42 years since we last met at age 18 - soooo, that makes us all 40 right?

Its been a while since Karen sang loudly in the car. This , today, all day.....

I was born in Michigan,
and I wish and wish again
that I was back in the town where I was born.
There's a farm in Michigan,
and I'd like to fish again,
in the river that flows beside the field of waving corn.... (Repeat many times )

What we learned today in Kalamazoo:

We can buy interesting things

And we found a police car with flashing lights!

What Karen learned today - friendships made in Kalamazoo 42 years will withstand distance, nations and time.  Thank you Linda, Nina and Vikki!

What Wendy learned today - Judy Garland sang the Michigan song soooo much better!