Minnesota Nice

Mr. M, the girls and I have had the pleasure of spending time at our lake place this summer. I bought a little plaque that now sits on a bookshelf there that reads, "Heaven is a little closer in a home on the water." I've come to believe that over this summer. There is something so peaceful about looking out over that water each morning and watching the moonlight dance across the gently rocking waves in the dark evenings of northern Minnesota.

A couple of weeks ago we finally had everything ready to put the boat in the water. So we loaded up and headed over to the nearest entry point. We pulled in and immediately saw 3 kayaks sitting on the landing. Mr. M got out of the pick-up and headed over to ask them to kindly move so we could get the boat put in. Conversation ensued and when the girls and I arrived on the scene he introduced us to Bowman, Max and Rob (David is also pictured at this link but I didn't see him).

Here they are!

Turns out these three were on Day 4 of their journey down the entire Mississippi River. I've heard of people doing this but never had I met any of them. These guys were from the South (Ole Miss and yes, ma'am) and very excited to hear that they may see some wolves on the next stretch of their journey. They gave us their card and the girls and I have been following their journey ever since.

They are challenging themselves in their "yaks" and raising funds for ICM in Oxford, Mississippi and The Gardere Community Christian School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The video on their homepage tells all about it.

Take a minute to check out their website here. You can also "like" their page on Facebook and get updates and GPS locations as they stop each day. They were planning on spending 60 days on this journey.

They are nearing the end of the "Minnesota" leg of their journey. Last week, while at the lake, I read this list on their blog and had to chuckle. It's always fun to read an outsiders view of my home state.

Top 10: Facts about Minnesota
10. “Minnesota Nice” is just as amazing, if not better than southern hospitality. On the reals.

9. Every, repeat EVERY Minnesotan who has a lawn facing the river keeps it manicured to perfection. Yes, everyone. It’s almost creepy.

8. Minnesota is the only state with portages. Thank the Lord.

7. If ever you are in a shortage of Christians, they all happen to reside in abundance in northern and central Minnesota. Take your pick.

6. Violent thunderstorms will appear out of a clear sky.

5. Ice fishing tournaments and snowmobile races do exist.

4. More marriages are ended here over fishing-related disputes than alcoholism.

3. It’s ‘you guys’ not ‘y’all’ and ‘soda’ not ‘coke’.

2. They actually care about the environment and really enjoy being outside thus their public parks are off the chain.

1. Indians, pow-wows, gatherings, totems, and talismans are all real and still exist today.


Perhaps you can even donate to help their causes. Or if you have friends in the areas they will be journeying through let them know. Spread the word!!!

Charleston...more information

I was just catching up on a few blogs and came across this post on Charleston at domestic ease. Check it out here.

Makes me want to head back there sooner rather than later. ***sigh*** I may not have mentioned this before on the blog but after a day of walking around that fair city I let Mr. M know that some time in our distant future I wanted to rent one of the quaint row houses for a month or so and spend time getting to know every nook and cranny, museum, restaurant and cafe of this wonderful place. I kid you not I felt like I was walking around in some period movie for a week. Charming! Sweet! Beautiful! Click the link above...look at the pictures...I think you'll agree.

Something fun to do

For several years now I've had the opportunity to travel to an occasional conference with Mr. M. Since he's working I usually have a day or two on my own. There is always a wonderful group of wives looking for things to do. However, when I get away on these rare trips I'm happy to spend a few hours on my own as well. I think I've mentioned it before but its bliss to have only yourself to get ready, sit peacefully and watch the Today show in bed, order room service or shop.

We found ourselves in Washington DC a couple of years ago. I had just received a new camera for Christmas and really didn't know how to use it. I found a few books but I need hands-on training to figure things out. So while getting ready for our trip I looked at the Washington, D.C Convention & Visitor's Bureau's website. I found a link to Washington Photo Safari and checked it out. It sounded perfect...a walking tour of our country's capitol, a lesson on how to take great pictures and a guide with much more experience than me who could help me figure things out. So I signed up!

Dave was great and the time flew by. There were only 2 others in our group so we were able to ask any questions we had. We also got lots of first-hand knowledge and trivia about the city that I may not have gotten otherwise. There is something about the perspective of a local resident.

Fast forward to this past winter. We were heading to Charleston, South Carolina. I always search for "City X photo tour" when we're heading to a new place. Sure enough, a lovely woman in Charleston was doing the same thing. So I signed up!

This time I recruited a friend and fellow farmer's wife to tag along. We ended up being the only two members of the tour that morning and had a BLAST learning about the history of Charleston.

The beautiful ironwork that has become a signature of Charleston.

The beautiful gardens.

And this beautiful, mossy tree that was so charming to me.

The moral of this story is simply to check out what is offered locally. I highly recommend these photo tours. You get great pictures that YOU took. A local resident shows you the city and tells you the 'insider' information.

With gratitude

I've had the good fortune to travel quite a bit over the years. I love soaking in a new place. It gives me such great perspective. Usually I end up loving the place I'm visiting but end up being very thankful for where I live and returning home. Hopefully I'll have the opportunity to do more traveling in the future.

Places to go, people to see!

With gratitude,

Something about a fair

There's just something about a county fair. Each summer we take the girls to this little county fair near by. It's small, full of enough rides to keep them entertained and busting with people Mr. M and I grew up with, stay in touch with or just see once a year as though no time has passed.

Sometimes the pictures are all you need to see. I hope you all find a fun summer fair. Remember its not really a fair without...

...a parade

...a bag for the candy (you have to be prepared)

...a princess...a REAL princess

...a game

...a ride on the choo-choo train (notice the fish)

...a red car that goes fast

...and a snack, of course.

Small town days

Mr. M and I were lucky enough to grow up in a small town just north of where we currently live. He works there every day and the girls and I make the trip often. We're lucky enough to have family on both sides of the family there so it's a no-brainer!

Recently we joined a few others (really more than a few...I suppose a few hundred) to celebrate this great little town. A place where you know those who live there. A place where I grew up riding bike over to both of my grandparents' homes. A place that will always be a bit of home no matter where I go or what I end up doing.

Miss A and I began the day bright and early to walk in the inaugural Relay for Life walk/run. I really should have taken a picture or two (bad mommy blogger!). You'll have to use your imagination but it involved Miss A on rollerblades with a pink Barbie helmet. She skated the 1-mile loop (a.k.a. was pulled by Grandma and Mom) while my mom and me walked. We may have finished near the end of our division (you are really slowed down when you have to pull a 5 year-old, ocassionally on gravel) but we got medals!

Then it was time to get ready for the parade. Miss A rode in the back of a shiny black pick-up with me and Miss K got to ride in a tractor with Mr. M. She was most excited to throw candy although I have a sneaking suspicion more ended up in her mouth than out the window!
We ate at the park, watched some dancing, played at the playground, got temporary tattoos, saw kids of all ages race tricycles down Main Street and capped off the night with some great fireworks.

Let's get this parade going.

Riding with Mr. M in the "tacter"

A view from the box...as we rounded the corner Ally said, "Oh Mom, there are thousands. Hundreds!"

A wonderful day in a wonderful place.

Fave read

I'm not much of a reader. I attribute it to the fact that I'm still getting over the abundance of college reading and I find it difficult to focus on reading when I'd rather be multi-tasking (doing something with my hands), catching up on my latest DVR'd TV shows or have someone talking my ear off. Usually its a 5 1/2 or 2 1/2 year old with a urgent need for a drink, a snack or a toy that needs extra attention.

In February my hubby and I were lucky enough to go to Charleston, South Carolina. He had meetings to attend. I got to spend days roaming through the city, taking pictures and enjoying southern hospitality. The first morning of our trip I lined up a photography tour of the city. Joyce led a friend and I through town and helped us capture some great photos of this beautiful city.

By the time I returned to the hotel I was determined to return one day and rent a beautiful home in downtown Charleston for a wonderful vacation. I figure it will give me time to really experience all there is to see and soak up in the beautiful cobblestone streets, the gorgeous architecture, wonderful food around every corner and the rich history that this city has.

Back to reading...I just finished "South of Broad" and its great. I had a tough time putting it down! Pat Conroy does a wonderful job of describing the city and way its citizens live. It was also a treat to read street and house names that I recognized and had visited. So much fun! 

So, if you are looking for a fun summer read and have (or wish to) visit Charleston pick up this book and enjoy. You'll find a wonderful story of friendship in a storied city.