Blogs from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, North America - page 9

You know that feeling in the pit of your stomach when you have screwed up and bad? Like an upset stomach but harder, like there is a weight in there. Usually caused by yourself. Like when you do something that is completely moronic and you can’t take it back or fix it? And when it is 110% your fault. Yeah, I am hoping that feeling will pass soon. The last day of vacation started off great. We were up early and had everything cleaned up at the house and packed. Did a couple of errands before heading to the airport, including mailing the keys for the rental house back to the owner (remember this). The check in for the rental car was smooth, no line up to check our bags, and remarkably, all of our bags ... read more

The location of this year's AAPA meeting. ... read more

Readers of my blog know that I think visiting other countries and immersing oneself in their culture is truly a wonderful thing and something I love dearly. However, taking the time to see your own environment is equally important. Whether it's having your adult children bring pumpkins over to your house to carve (and maintain a family tradition), taking the time to visit a small local festival, or exploring your own state and appreciating the beauty of Autumn, taking advantage of local opportunities is important too. I hope these photos give you a sense of Minnesota this time of year. We are blessed to have four wonderful seasons. OK, I admit that winter loses its appeal after four, five, or six months of snow and cold, but it makes us appreciate the wonders of spring, summer, ... read more

We got into the campground near the twin cities, Minneapolis, St. Paul, on the 7th of July. We spent three days there visiting with Sharyn"s family. We went to dinner with Ted, her brother, the second night. The Next day we joined her twin, Shirley, youngest sister Patti, at brother Jim"s Home. Brothers Barry and Dave also were there. Barry is a twin to the oldest sister, Barb, who could not attend. Various spouces were also there. During the day on the eighth while doingm a little maintenance on the camper, I hit my head and required 6 stiches to fix. Except for the embarassment, all is well now. We left the cities for Peqote Lakes, MN. We always rent a cabin on a nice fishing lake where my family went for vacations, starting when I ... read more

Winter is in full swing here in Minnesota. I love that we have had two big snowstorms already in December! and we're in the midst of the Christmas Blizzard of 2009. I don't need to dream of a white Christmas, it's here! I've been home in Minneapolis for over a year now, and thought I'd blog about my transition back home and what's next for me. I have many blog entries to type up from my travels in 2008. One of these days I'll get around to typing up my travel journal. Meanwhile, some insights and highlights from 2008-2009. I left China at the end of August 2008. After several weeks traveling thru Russia via Trans-Siberian train, then crossing Europe to visit friends in Germany, Scotland and England. I finally hit US soil on 1 Oct ... read more