A homecoming of sorts

We made our first visit to Michigan on 6/12-13. Tim was born in Adrian and Shana lived for a spell in Midland so we both felt right at home. Our trip fortuitously coincided with game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals at Joe Louis arena in Detroit, which sadly the Red Wings dropped 2-1 to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Nevertheless, watching the game at Blackstone in downtown Flint and Kickers, a divey sports bar just outside of town, was priceless.

Flint is in rough shape and we can only hope the economy rebounds soon so that the locals can get back on their feet. But beneath its rough exterior the city has a certain je ne sais quoi appeal. The folks we met were very friendly including an artist with a dyed red goatee who is hoping to show his work in New York and a husband and wife team who make cool T-shirts celebrating Flint (we bought the Flint River Pirates shirt).

Our workshop was one for the ages. It was held outdoors at a park in Flushing, MI. We had 10 participants, which included PE teachers, a wine expert, a firefighter, and a soccer dad. The Michigan-themed demo class featuring the music of Iggy Pop, Stevie Wonder, the Supremes, Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels, and the Detroit Cobras was a hit. Wolverine tag went over pretty well as did the General Motors relay race. Hopefully on our next visit we can stay longer and spend some time in Detroit.