battle creek: Taking a Bath in the Summer Sun - Birds in Battle Creek, Michigan - 06/22/11 04:34 AM
I was out enjoying the weekend on Sunday, and I of course had my camera with me.  I saw this Oriole taking a bath in a little stream at a mini-golf place I was at, and I had to snap some photos.  He looked like he did not have a care in the world, and was really enjoying himself.  His feathers were so colorful, I thought he would make a great post for my blog.  Here are a few of the better shots I took of him.



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battle creek: What You Can Expect in the Process of Buying a Home - 06/22/11 02:28 AM
When it comes to taking that first step with the decision to become a homeowner, it helps to have some insight on how to begin.  Too many times I have encountered first time home buyers who have been given a lot of wrong directions from well meaning people, but they could have avoided a lot of heart ache if they had consulted a professional like a REALTOR®. 
I recently was working with a young lady who was very excited to buy a house in the same neighborhood as her family.  She had gone to her credit union and was told she … (0 comments)

battle creek: Krystal Falls Golfland in Battle Creek, Michigan - 06/21/11 02:28 AM
If you are looking for something to do outdoors in the sunshine, then taking a visit to a local putt-putt golf range might be just what you need.  This past weekend I went to Krystal Falls Golfland in Battle Creek, Michigan with my little brother from the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program.  We were on our way back from a dog show in Kalamazoo, and we got the idea to go have a little fun outdoors.
He suggested we stop at Krystal Falls Golfland, and so we were off.  There are 18 holes at Krystal Falls Golfland, and they are located … (2 comments)

battle creek: More Classic Cars & Trucks from the Cerealfest 2011 - Battle Creek, Michigan - 06/18/11 08:34 AM
I posted photos last weekend of some of the classic cars that were on display at the Cerealfest in Battle Creek, Michigan held on June 11th.  I went through my photos and decided to post the remainder of the ones I took pictures of that were in my collection. 
Many of these cars will bring back memories, and I think that is why generations of people are still attracted to them.  They are a more than a piece of history, they are a testimony of the artistry and craftsmen from another era.  Many of these designs are timeless, and I wish … (2 comments)

battle creek: Sometimes you have to dance... Cerealfest 2011 - Battle Creek, Michigan - 06/17/11 01:42 PM
I have been blogging this week about the annual Cerealfest that is held in Battle Creek, Michigan.  The 2011 Cerealfest was held last weekend on June 11th. 
During the event there was a large stage that was set up across one of the streets, and throughout the morning of a series of performers were presented. 
I happened by during one of the dance groups, and had my camera handy.  I managed to get a pretty good video, and some still shots.  If you look at the crowd, there were a lot of them dancing in the streets along with the performers. 
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battle creek: Cerealfest 2011 - Battle Creek, Michigan - 06/17/11 03:32 AM
The annual Cerealfest was just held this past weekend in Battle Creek, Michigan.  It is an event that has gone on for over 100 years now, and it consists of the three cereal companies (Kellogg's, Post and Ralston Foods) serving free breakfast cereal to thousands of people. 
The event includes not only cereal, but games for the kids, booths with a variety of venders, a classic car show and a center stage where entertainment and broadcasting occur. 
This year there were also other food venders brought in, and the festival included all of McCamly Park downtown.  This was due to construction … (7 comments)

battle creek: Children at the 2011 Cereal Festival in Battle Creek, MI - 06/16/11 06:46 AM
Now that blogging has been a part of my life for over a year and a half now as a local Realtor, I am constantly looking for things to write about.  Sometimes photos are the best way to tell a story.  This year I took some time like I do every year and visit the cereal festival held downtown in Battle Creek, Michigan.  This year, I took over 300 photos and shot a lot of video, which I intend to create into something for my YouTube channel in the coming weeks. 
As I was going through the photos, I realized that … (6 comments)

battle creek: Classic Cars at the Cereal Festival 2011 - Battle Creek - 06/12/11 01:19 AM
Yesterday the city of Battle Creek held its annual Cereal Festival, and at the festival were a series of classic cars from different eras on display from the owners.  I had to take some time and snap a few photos.  Some of the car owners had some pretty funny props with their cars, and those were amusing too. 
Approximately 10,000 people visit the cereal festival each year and take part in the free cereal donated by Kellogg's, Post and Ralston Foods.  Volunteers serve the cereal, milk and if you get there early enough, bannanas and pop tarts. 
This year, I have … (11 comments)

battle creek: A Coffee Addict Following the Coffee Truck - 06/03/11 03:03 AM
I have long been a coffee drinker in the morning.  To me, no morning is complete without a good cup of coffee.  My wife is Colombian, and thus is a bit of a coffee officianado.  We pay extra for the whole bean coffee which we grind ourselves.  Of course, we like it strong as well.  Recently on my new diet, I have to drop out the use of cream in my coffee, which is fine.  Now I am accustomed to my strong cup of black coffee to get me going in the morning.
A few weeks ago I had to leave … (10 comments)

battle creek: Sweet Rocket Returns to Southwest Michigan - 06/02/11 03:20 AM
I have a fondness for herbs and plants.  I have my own small green house in the back yard, and although my schedule tends to prevent me from doing as much as I would like out there, I still benefit from the rewards of my perennial herbs that return each spring.  Sweet Rocket grows wild in Michigan, but it was originally brought over from Europe in the 17th century.  
It's official name is: 'Hersperis Matronalis'.  It has numerous common names including: Dame's Rocket, Damask Violet, Dame's Violet, Dames-wort, Dame's Gilliflower, Night Scented Gilliflower, Queen's Gilliflower, Rogue's Gilliflower, Summer Lilac, Sweet Rocket, … (4 comments)

battle creek: Children at the Binder Park Zoo - 06/01/11 04:40 AM
This past weekend I went to visit the Binder Park Zoo here in Battle Creek for the first time this season.  I enjoy seeing the animals, and birds, and took a great deal of photos and video.  However, one of the most fun parts of my visit was to take photos of the children visiting them zoo. 
The Binder Park zoo has so many things for children to do in addition to just seeing the animals.  They can attend a discovery theatre and interact with the animals first hand in a special show held periodically throughout the day. 
They can also … (1 comments)

battle creek: Storm Damage in Battle Creek - Memorial Day Weekend 2011 - 05/31/11 05:00 AM
This past Memorial Day weekend Battle Creek, Michigan and many other areas in the Southwest part of the State experienced massive damage from an instense thunder storm that came through the area.  Tornado syle winds were a part of the tirade of winds that accompanied the storm. 
The good news is that the community is organizing and breaking out their chainsaws, clearing roads, etc.  The local power company, Consumers Energy has a massive amount of service trucks working to restore power neighborhood, by neighborhood. 
There are a tremendous amount of trees down, and many that were extremely large.  You can see the … (3 comments)

battle creek: Fresh Peanut Butter & Battle Creek, Michigan - 05/28/11 04:00 AM
Do you like fresh peanut butter?  Have you ever had it?  At Horrock's Famers Market in Battle Creek, Michigan they have a fresh peanut butter making machine that is one of my favorite items to stop at.  You can put your container of various sizes right under the machine, and push the button and watch the peanut butter be made before your eyes.  I find this very cool.
The following history of peanut butter I found on Wikipedia:
"A U.S. Patent issued in 1884 to Marcellus Gilmore Edson of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, for the finished product of the process of milling … (8 comments)

battle creek: The Calhoun County Challenge: Let's Lose 100,000 lbs! - 05/27/11 03:06 AM
Calhoun County has a County-wide initiative that kicked off earlier this year to have residents lose weight.  The goal County-wide is to lose 100,000 lbs.  To date, as of this writing, combined participants have lost a total of 12,800+ pounds!  This is a healthy and fun initiative, and encouges adults of all ages to lose weight, exercise and eat healthy.
After many weeks of delay, I have finally decided to take the challenge myself.  I am not too proud to admit that I am overweight, and that I need to do something about it.  I am boldly taking on the challenge … (7 comments)

battle creek: The Newly Remodeled Battle Creek Central High School - 05/26/11 03:25 PM
Over the last year or so the Battle Creek Central High School here near dowtown had been expanded with new classrooms and a gymnasium.  The project also renovated the football field.  It was quite an amazing transformation, and I drove by it yesterday and snapped this photo.  Battle Creek Central High School has a very good performance record academically, and it had often been regarded as a older school in the area.  Now with its new facelift and expansion, it is quite the facility.

If you are making a move to the Battle Creek area, give me a call.  I … (9 comments)

battle creek: Buying HUD Homes as an Investor - 05/26/11 01:51 PM
Buying HUD homes as an investor requires some patience, and perseverance.  The first time an investor approaches the process, they may not realize that when a HUD home first comes on the market it is available only to owner occupant bidders.  So as compelling the home may be to consider buying, it may not be available to you as a bidder. 
As a Realtor, I stay on top of changes in the buying procedures for HUD homes.  Buying HUD homes as an investor is a great game, but it must also be played with common sense.  If you do not educate … (4 comments)

battle creek: Buying a HUD Home in Battle Creek, Michigan - 05/18/11 06:08 AM
Buying a HUD home in Battle Creek, Michigan or anywhere requires that you work with a local REALTOR® that is registered to submit HUD bids through their brokerage and HUD.  As a local REALTOR® who works with a lot of first time home buyers, as well as investors, I can tell you that HUD homes offer a few advantages. 
To begin, when buying a HUD home in Battle Creek, Michigan as a first time home buyer, you are given a unique opportunity over general property investors.  HUD places a property for sale on the market for a reserved period when they … (4 comments)

battle creek: Life in Battle Creek, Michigan - 05/17/11 05:56 AM
Life in Battle Creek, Michigan is perhaps similar to many cities around the country.  We have our own unique identity that sets us apart, and like any city, we have our ups and downs.  I have always looked at Battle Creek as being a survivor city, where many smaller communities may have failed, we survive. 
Bound together with a rich history in the cereal and health food industry, Battle Creek is the best known city for its size in the world.  Not a day goes by there someone around the world does not open a cereal box somewhere, and see the … (5 comments)

battle creek: New Changes in HUD Home Sales in Michigan - 05/14/11 04:40 AM
There have been some new changes in HUD home sales in Michigan.  Last October Michaelson, Conner and Boul, commonly referred to as ‘MCB' did not have their contract with HUD renewed.  Instead, two new companies are now managing HUD properties statewide. 
One is BLB Resources, and the other is City Side Corp.  There are differences on how HUD homes are found on the internet now, which make for a much improved change for buyers interested in them. 
All HUD homes for the State of Michigan can be viewed in one central location: www.HUDHomeStore.com.   In fact, you can now search for HUD … (3 comments)

battle creek: Softball and Baseball Games at Piper Park in Battle Creek, Michigan - 05/07/11 10:14 AM
I live across from Piper Park in Battle Creek, Michigan.  It has its benefits, as it is a wonderfully kept city park here in Battle Creek.  In the park during the warmer months, there are frequent baseball and softball games. 
In the last few weeks, I have observed a lot of teams showing up and using the field for practice.  In short order games will start to be held, but right now it seems mainly to be a time of year for working the kinks out of your batting swing, and loosing up the old throwing arm. 
People of all ages … (0 comments)

 
Michael Delaware, REALTOR®, CRS, GRI (North Sky Realty LLC)

Michael Delaware

REALTOR®, CRS, GRI

Battle Creek, MI

More about me…

North Sky Realty LLC

Address: 720 Capital Ave SW, Battle Creek, MI, 49015

Office: (269) 968-9293

Mobile: (269) 274-6102

I enjoying looking at the lighter side of life. So, this blog is about my wacky observations, my sometimes sideways point of view and the Southwest Michigan, Battle Creek Area Real Estate Market.


  








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