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Sounds like you have a pretty good plan MGD. You might want to try and visit the TC area in the winter to see what it's like, if you haven't already. And you might want to try and pick up winter coats, boots, SNOWPANTS, gloves and hats now that the season is winding down and stores (here) have everything marked way down. My wife always buys the kids new coats this time of year for next year, because most of that stuff gets destroyed by kids in one season. You can probably find stuff online if you're not going to be in Michigan any time soon.
And the pictures posted on this site don't even come close to showing the beauty of the Grand Traverse area (not that the pictures are bad). You'll have a lot of fun just exploring the area.
THANK YOU! That is something I had not thought of (and that's why I made the post, cause I know there are always things that need to be planned for that a person in the middle of a crisis might be too stressed to think of)...
Thank you for the link and the online shopping idea. I am not sure if I could pick out my right size online for things I've never bought like snowpants...but if the men's sizes are straightforward that might work.
I will see what I can afford once money comes in. I'm not above heading to a salvation army or whathave you for winter necessaries either, although I think the main outer pieces need to be very good to survive the winter walking around, from what I'm reading...
I have lived in maryland snow before, although my body is now spoiled from years of florida weather...but north florida gets 4 seasons, it's been down in the teens here sometimes, so we're nothing like central and south florida. My detroit friend says the snow is "not that bad" as what I'm hearing...but who knows, he's FROM detroit, michigan snow isn't going to seem like a big deal to someone who grew up in it. lol.
Yeah I wish i could afford to go up and take a look...i can't. That's why i'm doing as much research as possible ahead of time. The college (don't know why i kept calling it university, just habit) even has an online view of the apartments...that place is like an answer to prayer. lol.
THANK YOU! That is something I had not thought of (and that's why I made the post, cause I know there are always things that need to be planned for that a person in the middle of a crisis might be too stressed to think of)...
Thank you for the link and the online shopping idea. I am not sure if I could pick out my right size online for things I've never bought like snowpants...but if the men's sizes are straightforward that might work.
I will see what I can afford once money comes in. I'm not above heading to a salvation army or whathave you for winter necessaries either, although I think the main outer pieces need to be very good to survive the winter walking around, from what I'm reading...
I have lived in maryland snow before, although my body is now spoiled from years of florida weather...but north florida gets 4 seasons, it's been down in the teens here sometimes, so we're nothing like central and south florida. My detroit friend says the snow is "not that bad" as what I'm hearing...but who knows, he's FROM detroit, michigan snow isn't going to seem like a big deal to someone who grew up in it. lol.
Yeah I wish i could afford to go up and take a look...i can't. That's why i'm doing as much research as possible ahead of time. The college (don't know why i kept calling it university, just habit) even has an online view of the apartments...that place is like an answer to prayer. lol.
Yeah, Traverse City snow and Detroit snow are completely different. I think it's more like Grand Rapids (lake effect snow from Lake Michigan).
You might be able to pick up some good used clothes at places like Goodwill. There's no shame in that. "New" doesn't always mean "warm" and/or "built well." I'm always amazed at how fast kids go through winter clothes, but I guess that comes from them wearing it every day.
Yeah, Traverse City snow and Detroit snow are completely different. I think it's more like Grand Rapids (lake effect snow from Lake Michigan).
You might be able to pick up some good used clothes at places like Goodwill. There's no shame in that. "New" doesn't always mean "warm" and/or "built well." I'm always amazed at how fast kids go through winter clothes, but I guess that comes from them wearing it every day.
Yeah very true...but I am thinking the kids' clothes will be too worn down to be much protection for them if they get theirs from goodwill...will Target have winter clothes for sale in May?
Considering we will have to be outdoors waiting on the bus, i don't mind skimping on sweaters and under-layers, but i am thinking i should not play myself at all with the outer main gear...you put snowpants in all caps and that never even crossed my mind, i figured wool pants and jeans and thermals would do it...so if i'll be outside more than average due to no car...excellent quality jackets and snowpants and snowboots are top priority...
Lol at the change in mindset from "if it will be a cold or just chilly winter" to "Detroit snow vs. TRAVERSE CITY snow"...seems like I'm moving to another planet. But thank god the option is there, else we'd be lost.
Actually you can find some very good sets of outerwear at places like Goodwill or Salvation Army, even childrens sizes. My Cousin and his wife live in the TC area and she gets most of their kids winter stuff at yard sales during the summer as well. Most of the stuff she finds are brand new or IF worn, they are worn very little. Snowpants for the kids without a doubt. If you plan on playing outside with them during the winter, you will need a set as well.
My wife is an RN, and even during these tougher times in Michigan she can go where she pleases in the state for a job.
I think there is a 7-11 right across from the campus (someone correct me if I'm wrong) so you could always go there for milk, bread, eggs - everyday items.
You will love TC! My parents live there and I recently got married there - so much beauty all over TC! The downtown is great too - oh, now I want to move there!
Yeah very true...but I am thinking the kids' clothes will be too worn down to be much protection for them if they get theirs from goodwill...will Target have winter clothes for sale in May?
Considering we will have to be outdoors waiting on the bus, i don't mind skimping on sweaters and under-layers, but i am thinking i should not play myself at all with the outer main gear...you put snowpants in all caps and that never even crossed my mind, i figured wool pants and jeans and thermals would do it...so if i'll be outside more than average due to no car...excellent quality jackets and snowpants and snowboots are top priority...
Lol at the change in mindset from "if it will be a cold or just chilly winter" to "Detroit snow vs. TRAVERSE CITY snow"...seems like I'm moving to another planet. But thank god the option is there, else we'd be lost.
Not to turn this into a snowpants thread, but oh well. The elementary school where our kids attend REQUIRES snowpants. They don't want the kids sitting around in wet clothes all day after playing out at recess apparently. But with snowpants, we don't bother having them wear thermal underwear. They'd just get too hot sitting in class anyway.
They will have a great time in the snow.
The places where we get most of the kids' clothes are Target, Children's Place, MCSports (they have an online store), and garage sales.
Also, do not let the winter scare you. Yes, it's cold and snowy but thanks to Lake Michigan, Traverse City does not experience the severe cold that you'll find in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, etc. During severe Arctic outbreaks, those areas can get down to the -20'sF. Traverse City proper rarely drops far below 0F thanks to Lake. Inland 20+ miles, yes , it can get that cold. The town does not shut down due to snow or cold either. Also, the summers up here are probably the best in the lower 48 in my opinion. Sunny skies almost constant from June through September, comfortable temps and humidity. If it does get very hot & muggy, rarely will it last more than a couple of days. Also, unlike other parts of the Midwest, severe thunderstorms are very rare up here as well. Again, thanks to the Lake. In short, good decision you are making and best of luck
Also, do not let the winter scare you. Yes, it's cold and snowy but thanks to Lake Michigan, Traverse City does not experience the severe cold that you'll find in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, etc. During severe Arctic outbreaks, those areas can get down to the -20'sF. Traverse City proper rarely drops far below 0F thanks to Lake. Inland 20+ miles, yes , it can get that cold. The town does not shut down due to snow or cold either. Also, the summers up here are probably the best in the lower 48 in my opinion. Sunny skies almost constant from June through September, comfortable temps and humidity. If it does get very hot & muggy, rarely will it last more than a couple of days. Also, unlike other parts of the Midwest, severe thunderstorms are very rare up here as well. Again, thanks to the Lake. In short, good decision you are making and best of luck
I usually don't agree with a lot that Peter B says, but kudos for a fine post and one that is right on the money about the area. TC is a great place, and a good place to raise a family.
Actually you can find some very good sets of outerwear at places like Goodwill or Salvation Army, even childrens sizes. My Cousin and his wife live in the TC area and she gets most of their kids winter stuff at yard sales during the summer as well. Most of the stuff she finds are brand new or IF worn, they are worn very little. Snowpants for the kids without a doubt. If you plan on playing outside with them during the winter, you will need a set as well.
My wife is an RN, and even during these tougher times in Michigan she can go where she pleases in the state for a job.
See what I mean...as the sole breadwinner in my family, that's the kind of job I need right there...
Thanks for the news on Goodwill etc.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MichiganMovesSouth
I think there is a 7-11 right across from the campus (someone correct me if I'm wrong) so you could always go there for milk, bread, eggs - everyday items.
You will love TC! My parents live there and I recently got married there - so much beauty all over TC! The downtown is great too - oh, now I want to move there!
Good luck to you!
Thanks for that heads up on the 7-11!
Got married...sigh...maybe I will be so lucky. To remarry that is.
Also, do not let the winter scare you. Yes, it's cold and snowy but thanks to Lake Michigan, Traverse City does not experience the severe cold that you'll find in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, etc. During severe Arctic outbreaks, those areas can get down to the -20'sF. Traverse City proper rarely drops far below 0F thanks to Lake. Inland 20+ miles, yes , it can get that cold. The town does not shut down due to snow or cold either. Also, the summers up here are probably the best in the lower 48 in my opinion. Sunny skies almost constant from June through September, comfortable temps and humidity. If it does get very hot & muggy, rarely will it last more than a couple of days. Also, unlike other parts of the Midwest, severe thunderstorms are very rare up here as well. Again, thanks to the Lake. In short, good decision you are making and best of luck
Great news! And good to know I may actually have a good shot at being able to STAY there with the RN training!
(It's also only 7 hours from Toronto...whenever I get to do a road trip again that's ON the list! I love road trips!)
I usually don't agree with a lot that Peter B says, but kudos for a fine post and one that is right on the money about the area. TC is a great place, and a good place to raise a family.
lol! I have seen the hard time he gets on the board about his ideas for "progress"...
Maybe I will meet some of you who are there at some point after I get there.
Glad to know my research skills that can't seem to get me a job at least do me a great job on planning ideal places to meet my variety of needs. (rolls eyes at self and the at-the-moment-useless-bachelors...I know it will come in handy later on though)
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You'll have a lot of fun just exploring the area.
The elementary school where our kids attend REQUIRES snowpants. They don't want the kids sitting around in wet clothes all day after playing out at recess apparently. But with snowpants, we don't bother having them wear thermal underwear. They'd just get too hot sitting in class anyway.
