Hi, I am new to this site too and to quilting.Welcome to the club. :>)
I grew up in the center of the U.P. of Michigan!! I got tired of shoveling,pushing, and plowing the white stuff for so many monthes every year! But, I do miss the Summers there, and swimming in the lakes (there are no alligator gar fish in them - like in Texas)
I am a transplant into Texas, but I love it!!! The snow only lasts a few days here!!:>)