Wednesday (July 16th) was my last full day in Michigan, with Mari and Bob. Mari took me to Holland, Michigan, to visit the Windmill Island Gardens. It is a beautiful place to visit anytime, but oh my goodness, how absolutely lovely it must be in the Spring when the tulips are blooming!!
It was so interesting to explore this Dutch-inspired garden that centers on the De Zwaan Windmill (which means graceful swan or bird). The windmill is the last one that was allowed to leave the Netherlands (in 1964), rebuilt in Holland, Michigan, brick-by-brick. It still works and still grinds flour (though we didn't get to see that).
The gift shop was amazing! There were wooden shoes in my size (!!), but I decided to forego that fashion statement! LOL I did get candy and a couple of small Delft blue ceramic figures to bring home. I could have gone a bit crazy, but I really have stopped bringing keepsakes home that will just be tossed someday. These blog posts and my wonderful memories are all I need to hang onto!!
When we left the Windmill Island Gardens, Mari took me to downtown Holland to see the Wizard of Oz displays that are in a park there. Part of the book was written in Holland. What Mari didn't know ahead of time is that I have had a "thing" about The Wizard of Oz since I was a very small child! Back in the day, it was only on TV once a year. I missed going to a birthday party one time, because that was the day the Wizard of Oz was on TV!! Another year, a friend invited me to her house to see it because they had just gotten a color TV. I still get goosebumps when I remember how it felt when Dorothy opened the door in the Land of Oz, and it is IN COLOR!! I loved seeing this...
That was just so fun!! Thank you, Mari and Bob!! My time with them went by so fast, but I am so blessed to have them as friends. I hope they allow me to offer them some hospitality here in Lakeland someday (soon!)!!
Just a note... Mari posts a recipe on Thursdays, and I have saved many of them. She is a great 'cook' and our meals at their house were wonderful. You can follow Mari HERE.
They took me to the airport on Thursday, for my flight to Illinois, and time with dear friends, Elaine and Jim (and Bella!)! Check in tomorrow for the start of my time in Illinois!!
Thanks, Terri, for all the smiles. I visited Holland, MI when I was a kid.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Holland is even lovelier in tulip season. I'm so glad you had a wonderful time with friends!
ReplyDeleteI've had such fun seeing your photos from our time together. It was an absolute blessing to enjoy those days with you! And now I'm looking forward to your time with Elaine and Jim!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you got to enjoy it all with such wonderful friends!
ReplyDeleteThe Wizard of Oz was my absolute favorite when I was a kid, too, Terri! Oh, yes, what a special night that was for our family every year. I, too, was so surprised when I finally saw it on the color TV for the first time. Wow! I loved the Holland windmill gardens and could envision the acres of gorgeous tulips in the spring. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteThat was so interesting for me to see - as my maiden name is Holland. I must have some of that in me! You had the greatest vacation ever. I wonder if they actually wore those wooden shoes or were they for decorations only?
ReplyDeleteWoW, what a great trip you enjoyed. The old windmill story was so interesting and the grounds so pretty. I also enjoyed the Wizard of Oz photos, I'll be singing the Yellow Brick Road all day. :-). Welcome home and welcome back to blogland. Sending ((hugs)) and blessings your way. So good to have you back.
ReplyDeleteMari sure planned a perfect agenda, didn't she? Seeing "Oz" up close and personal had to have been a thrill!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful places to visit!!!! I tried on a pair of wooden shoes once and was surprised how comfortable they were!
ReplyDeleteYou sure did have a great time with Mari, and they showed you so many beautiful places and things! I remember when the Wizard of Oz came on once a year. I know we watched it, but it never was my favorite thing to watch. To this day it gives me anxiety! I guess as a child I just didn't understand it all and it made me very anxious, so that has carried over when I think about it. LOL. But it looks like a beautiful place, and even has the Yellow Brick Road! I'm sure it was an interesting and fun place to visit. I loved seeing that Dutch Windmill and all of that! I know I've seen pictures of Holland, MI, in the spring at tulip time. It really is an amazing place!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful trip with us. I enjoyed it all! (except for the scary tree/monkey). LOL. Just kidding.
ReplyDeleteHi Terri. It's so cool that you were able to visit Mari! She is one of my favorite bloggers, and such a kind person. Glad you had a nice time and saw some interesting things. Have a good week. See you again soon!
ReplyDeleteoh my goodness! I want to go see all of those statues from the Wizard of Oz. I loved the movie as a child and I've seen Wicked on Broadway in Birmingham at least twice and I've seen the movie . . .how fun!! Thank you for sharing with all of us!
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