[malamute]

Originally Posted by upkiller

I totaly disagree with winters are easier than heat. You can go outside when the sun goes down, when the sun goes down up in north MI it gets colder and colder. and all you want to do is crall under a blanket and sleep till spring.
I have lived in both places and heard all the arguments, people that say I can always put on more threads are either mentaly unbalanced or the misary loves company type.

I agree -- except that I think it's individual preference. I think some people actually enjoy being cold and can't handle temperatures over 70 degrees too much. Or -- maybe they don't feel the cold but really feel the heat.

I'm a heat lover myself. I cannot stand being cold, I don't enjoy it but I don't find warm temperatures to be uncomfortable. I love balmy evenings, I like hot sun, it's never too hot when you wear cotton and are drinking an iced tea. For me to have the temperature highs for the day be in the 50's or 60's is winter enough but I do like living near the mountains where you can drive up and enjoy snow for a day or two.

More than the cold though is the lack of sun -- I don't mind having every day filled with sunshine -- although a cloudy dreary day now and then is fine.

And for me spending money on heating and airconditioning isn't something I enjoy, I'd rather have it for things that last, and I prefer open windows most of the time.

[PJ2483]

I just moved back to michigan from Austin! All I can say is... I am glad to be back! I welcome you to Michigan! I have to agree with the other posts, my favorite winter activity has to be sledding with hot chocolate! As far as driving goes, get a window scraper, warm up your car (actually, a remote starter would be best to have installed) and take it slow and you will be fine! Good luck and welcome to Michigan!


PJ

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[U2gurl]

Just a little update....so we are about settled in finally! We love our cute home in EGR and we survived this horrendous winter. People keep telling us that we made it through one of the worst winters they had seen in Grand Rapids. I feel like such a trooper! I went through the winter with no wrecks and even learned that my 4 wheel drive was very trusty too! I am loving this beautiful warmer weather, it kinda reminds me of being back home in San Antonio, well not quite but hey I'll take the 70 degree weather anyday over the 20's!

I have been jogging the beautiful Reeds Lake trail, trying to get in shape for boating season. The hubby and I purchased a boat and are looking forward to taking it out soon. I'm still a little home sick but I try to fly home once a month or so to see my family.

Friends! We need to make friends soon...it gets a little lonely and I am used to being around my girlfriends, and the husband/wife friends my husband and I had back in Texas. I'm hoping to meet nice couples to hang out with, BBQ and do corny stuff like play board games together, dinner parties, etc. we're boring! Other than that we are loving East Grand Rapids life.

Thank you again to everyone who offered all your great suggestions and tips to this once clueless Texas girl.

[SweetBeth]

I'm a Texas girl too, I'm moving in a few weeks to the Novi area. It was nice to see this thread with all the advice.

I grew up in San Antonio (6th-12th) I still keep up with my friends there. San Antonio is a wonderful place.

I would love to read more about your experiences.

What was your biggest shock?? Anything?

[Bydand]

U2gurl, and SweetBeth, they biggest shock is yet to come. Wait until you see the farmers markets this summer into Fall when the fruit and veggies are in season. I have lived in Texas and the thing I missed most was the fruit.

SweetBeth where you are not in Michigan yet, get ready to see a LOT more lakes and rivers than you are used to. Michigan, even in the urban areas, has a real water "culture." Not like a beach scene in every town, but water affects the climate and culture more than in Texas.

[PFS123]

My wife and I are from Houston, Texas, and she especially, is used to that Southern Hospitality. After we get to Michigan, we might have to have a Texan get together.
Phil

[Paddington]

Originally Posted by U2gurl

Hello everyone, my husband and I are relocating to Grand Rapids in a week. I have lived in HOT humid San Antonio my whole 27 years of life and I am scared to death of the snow and winter driving in MI!! I am supposed to drive in snow? I barely know what snow looks like! Anyhoo just a few questions for you Michiganders. How difficult is snow driving?

Depends upon your car and driving skills.

Does the city ever shut down due to poor driving conditions because of the weather?

Rarely.

Any tips for a Texas girl?

Yeah, no one cares about how things are done in Texas or "down South", so don't waste everyone else's time by giving long lectures about it. Also, ditch the goofy cowboy hat and boots, unless you want to get laughed at.

[U2gurl]

Beth I think the biggest change for me was the looong snow filled winter. It does give you a reason to stock up on cute coats!

Bydand, we are looking forward to going to the farmers market, I think there is one right near us here in EGR. And all the beautiful lakes, I'm definitely excited about the warm weather!

PFS, I miss the southern hospitality too! However there are many wonderful, nice people in our neck of the woods. My only complaint was that we didnt get the nice neighborly introductions that we were used to in TX. I'm thinking about baking cookies for our neighbors and introducing myself to them.haha

[nycjefftrain]

u2...just so you know....I believe ALL neighbors appreciate cookies....would you be my neighbor?? yum....

Also, the last time I had a neighbor bake me cookies was in Michigan....

[SweetBeth]

Originally Posted by U2gurl

Beth I think the biggest change for me was the looong snow filled winter. It does give you a reason to stock up on cute coats!

Bydand, we are looking forward to going to the farmers market, I think there is one right near us here in EGR. And all the beautiful lakes, I'm definitely excited about the warm weather!

PFS, I miss the southern hospitality too! However there are many wonderful, nice people in our neck of the woods. My only complaint was that we didnt get the nice neighborly introductions that we were used to in TX. I'm thinking about baking cookies for our neighbors and introducing myself to them.haha

I am big into greeting new neighbors. I'll normally bake fresh bread and make something to go along with it. We also give our new neighbors our contact information and the names of our kids and dog. It is amazing how people respond to a genuine welcome. The neighbors we have welcomed in this way have become some of our closest friends. I have also learned from experience that some people will not welcome you into the neighborhood for personal reasons. They could be going through a personal crisis at the time or maybe they know that they will be moving soon. Growing up in the south has taught me a lot about hospitality.