Fish, no Walleye.

Walleye is the king of fish in Minnesota. And the best way to serve it, for us Minnesotans is fried. Yummy. Our last night at their house, after the great walk, was a dinner with ex co-workers and friends. I couldn't believe they came and shared a meal. A meal we all got to take part in, the guys grilled, the gals worked at the salads, and Kristie fried walleye. Oh my gosh.

The meal was not just the food, but the friendship we had that night. The laughs the food and the dessert, no pictures of that, private joke. We even shared a bottle of wine my brother bottles.

We were on the last days of our vacation, and yet we were once again enjoying, laughing, and eating way too much. Lots to remember from the area we called home for over 20 years.

Carol

What, exercise?

Kristie and Joe treated us as tourists. But maybe they knew by this time in our vacation we need to get off our back sides and walk. These mines in Crosby have lots of trails, this is just one of the many. I have to say, that all the years we lived there, this is another thing we had never done. Thanks guys for MAKING us go. Not really, we were willing.

That evening we knew of the benefits to the walking that afternoon. I will write more about this in my next post. I have to say, it warmed my heart and brought so many laughs and memories to an already great vacation.

God Bless everyone.

Carol

How did we miss this?

This massive group of water are formed from mines in Crosby, Minnesota. John and I had never been here. Can you imagine, living near here for 20 years and not seeing this. Shame on us. Sometimes being close to beauty and too busy to enjoy it, is a sin.

God Bless everyone on this beautiful Sunday. Prayers for those in the path of Irene.
Carol

We make ourselves at home

One thing about having us for guests is that we know how to relax. Our next stop was Joe and Kristi's, they started out my bosses and turned into our friends. What an unexpected blessing.

The story goes, ours that is, that we arrived before they came home from work. So, John and I decided to enjoy their deck, we always carry wine, two crystal glasses and fine hors d' oeuvres. I bet you didn't know these were hors d' oeuvres? John and I pride ourselves in good wine and finger food when traveling. Not to say the napkins, yes fabric. Oh my.

Just because they weren't home doesn't mean we had to wait to start the party. When they did arrive we welcomed them as if they were the company. Lots of laughs and memories made.

This was just the start to a fine visit. What great friends we have.

Carol

Garden of peace and love.

I have to say that my family knows gardening, planting and harvesting. Maybe it's because we started out as a farming family. I don't know if green thumbs are inherited or just developed, but the gardens my brothers and sister has, would make my dad proud.

I wish I could take pictures of how beautiful Vern and Dorothy's property looks. It's spectacular and this one picture only shows a small part of their creation. One thing I know is that they work hard at making every inch beautiful. As Vern digs up plants, splits them and finds a new place for the new plant, Dorothy does the weeding. Dorothy pulls each weed with loving care from the garden, to help the beautiful plants grow and bloom. Their ability to grow a beautiful garden is a reflection of their marriage.

I often sit with them and realize the love they have for each other. It's as beautiful as their gardens.

Carol

No tears over spilt wine.

Why you ask? I think five minute rule works for wine also. While setting up for the picture, someone, who knows for sure, spilt some wine. As we sat and laughed about it, we realized if I took a picture fast, we could, and would reclaim the wine. Great to the last drop.

As I always say, anything can happen at our next stop. Vern and Dorothy's more to come. Kevin check out what made it to Minnesota. Sweet, right?

God Bless my family who are also my friends.

Carol

Breakfast with B&J.

No that doesn't mean breakfast with butter and jam. It's Bob & Joni. No matter our differences one thing remains, our love for family and that makes us love one another. Bob and Joni have gone through their lives with many ups and downs, none of them breaking their bond. They celebrated their 50th anniversary this summer. Their love for each other is overshadowed by their love for the family.

In all families there are members that are not best of friends, what ever the reason, it matters even less as years go buy. I know in my case that I can be a pest, talkative, and probably annoying. And yet my family still loves me for me. They look beyond the face value and find the positive. I told a family member once. If not for being together as family, you would probably not like me. Because of what I believe it makes us complete opposites. But that's what family does. Breaks the walls of indifference. Isn't that great?

Bob is my brother, but after all these 50 years and some, Joni is now my sister, not sister in law. How can someone remain with the title of sister in law after all these years. I like calling her sister, it feels good.

I wrote a post about mom making a quilt. It was May 8, 2009, the title was Pieces of fabric sewn into love. Just look under 2009 and find it there.

I love my family and this breakfast was the best. We also celebrated Dar's 39th... birthday again. By the way she didn't share the cupcake. Naughty girl.

Love you all

Carol

Para what?

One thing my brother is, is resourceful. As we pondered over the problems of the world, not, he brought this thing out. It's a parachute. A guy was really cleaver and re marketed these for covering a porch or where ever you would like more shade.

These parachutes didn't make the cut when inspected. When he put it up, I had to giggle, than was surprised at it's beauty and function. Wow, what next, I just looked at Gene and said...I am impressed.

So I leave you with this. He, my brother, not only can grill but can find something this clever. When you sat under it, it felt so graceful. The wind gave you a feeling of what it would feel like if you jumped from a plane. Without the fear of God striking you.

This was a great day.

God Bless those who visit my little blog.

Carol

Steak fry and laughs.

Gene is known for his steak fries. Every year, Dar and Gene host a steak fry for the family. It has become an event worth waiting for. Because we weren't going to make it this year, they decided they could make a personal steak fry available to us, only us, so we wouldn't feel left out.

As I took a picture of my husband frying mushrooms and onions, it was brought to my attention, by my brother, that he has been left out of my blogs regarding him being the chef and maybe I should think that over. So here it my little effort to make it up to my dear brother.

Gene you may have been left out, but you are truly the king of the grill.

Love you

Carol

Marv & Diane's little slice of heaven.

I won't have to say a lot about this home, it's warm and inviting. The home is surrounded by beauty, from it's flowers to the pond that many creatures call home. One thing about staying there is you have many hours of looking at the pond from the upper deck. It is their favorite place to be. And as always, the topics are fun and the birds flutter in and out as we drink our coffee and laugh.

It's hard to show how wonderful it is with pictures mostly because a camera never does it's job. But sit back and enjoy. Thanks to my brother and sister-in-law for the opportunity to relax. I'm hoping they did.

God Bless those who travel through my little blog.

Carol

Always room for more family.

I wanted to post this picture because I believe this is an important part of the first visit. This is the better half of Kass, and we took a great picture. Even Austin is in a photo mood.

By the way, don't we look good? It's always about me.

Carol

With arms open.

We are always blessed to be loved by family and friends. Our first stop was at my husbands daughter. We found a quiet bedroom awaiting us. And a dinner to die for being grilled. Settling is was easy, if nothing else, due to a glass of wine.

Kass and family have a great patio, and that's where we spent many hours enjoying each other. Laughter abound and the welcome mat was surely out. This was a wonderful time. How can one say thanks.

This fun photo is John, his niece and daughter. Oh yes Austin. Not sure why he has to go through this.

God Bless those who travel though my little blog.

Carol

Isn't our country beautiful?

I have to say yes..however, I know other places are beautiful also. But I truly believe in our moments and sharing them. I am very blessed to have these moment and to recognize them for what they are. Beautiful. I also find that I am always learning.

The biggest lesson this vacation was, that not everyone has wi-fi. Oh my gosh. I am usually the last one to get anything technical. I left home with a new laptop, believing everyone was much farther ahead of me. Well as I found out my family isn't there yet. So, my wish for blogging as our vacation took place didn't happen. I know that I could have ventured out and found some. But I was on vacation to hug, talk and listen to my love ones. So no venturing out. But here I am with photos and stories. To make you smile. I hope you enjoy the trip. The first photo is from the Tennessee rest stop coming out of South Carolina.

I could swear this was a real cabin. I wanted to sit and enjoy the rockers. But that was just for looks. But oh how wonderful.

God Bless those who travel through my little blog. Welcome to my little world.

Carol