Peace and quiet at the source of the river

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Monday

Sunday morning I had set aside to visit the National Civil Rights Museum in the motel where Martin Luther King was assassinated. According to the brochure it was open from 10am. Unfortunately when I got there it was closed until 1pm, the time of my flight. So I only got to look on the outside. Disappointing, as Eva said it was the most impressive part of visiting Memphis. So..back to the airport and back to Atlanta...it is a major hub, this was my fourth transit there. Unfortunately I didn't have enough time to leave the airport , so I read my book. For whatever reason I was seated both flights yesterday in business class. A great improvement on sitting up the back. Especially here, where people travel so much they all have the idea of taking roll -on suitcases onto the plane..very cumbersome in the aisles and scary when little old ladies start trying to hoist bags above your head into the overhead locker.

So...I was very glad to reach Minnesota/St Paul on the upper reaches of the Mississippi river . It has its source in Minnesota somewhere. Everywhere are lakes. Connie's father and stepmother live on a lake about 15 minutes from downtown St Paul. The area is suburban, in a similar way to our place at Dolls Point. So today we are happily just pottering about the city..even going to a shopping mall. I get the impression that shopping malls are the reason the downtown areas of the cities I have visited are so deserted. According to Bill Bryson, ("Notes from a Big Continent") Americans won't go anywhere unless they can drive...even to visit their next door neighbour..let alone to the shops. It is a viscious circle really...everyone in their car ...no one walking..deserted streets..less public safety. I felt quite strange walking around the streets of Memphis yesterday morning. The only occasional other people I saw appeared to be tourists also.

So here we are having a relaxing time and enjoying simple food...fresh fruit, plain vegetables , home cooking. Rolly and Mert have 12 children and 25 grandchildren. They are very actiive ...most of the children live nearby. In fact a few of the grandchildren get dropped off here before school when their parents go to work.

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Photos

Fishing with Connie's father
Connie's father , Rollie Selz is one of the only players to have played in the all American league in both Baseball and basketball. 4 years of each. His is still full of charm and life at 84.

Loon Stalking
Here I am on their deck with a device for calling loons, the state bird of Minnesota. I need to in order to check whether Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant had their loon calls correct in "Bringing up Baby" , perhaps my all time favourite movies.

Rollie and Murt's house on the shore of Lake Owasso
With 12 children and 25 grandchildren, many of whom call in each day for before of after school care , this home is a paradise for all. The boat has been taken off its stand for the winter.

Mississippi Source
this is where it all begins, in Minnesota.