Wonderful Day

We had a wonderful day today with our friends, Lowell and Bev from Akeley, MN. They drove us up the North Shore where we had lunch at Rustic Inn. We walked out on the breakwall at Two Harbors and watched the ore boat, Arthur M. Anderson, depart. We were given a personal tour by architect, David Salmela, and his wife Gladys of their black box home and office in Duluth.

Hiking and Pot Luck

Last night after salsa dance class we enjoyed games with Larry and Leslie. This morning we had the usual aerobics class then an excellent hike on the Superior Hiking Trail led by Kathryn Schultz.

Our apartment bldg. had a pot luck dinner Wednesday evening.

Click on picture. hike video

Summer on the Lake

Friday we had a hike with Tim Bates in Hartley (again) video. Yesterday we went to the rummage sale at First United Methodist Church, the Park Point Art Fair, and the Scottish Highland Dancing Competition video then tried to see the HOG (Harley Owners Group) parade of thousands of motorcycles but we along with many others seemed to be on the wrong route. Tonight we will attend the Grandma's Marathon volunteers party.

Fun Fun Fun

We're still busy having fun. Yesterday's hike was through Bagley and Hartley. (video) A group of seven went to Bridgeman's for a Walleye dinner yesterday. Tonight is dancing class and a faculty recital. video

Grandma's Marathon

Jane played tennis this morning then we went to Grandma's Marathon and I made this video. (Click here) Also, here are pictures from newspaper: (pictures)

Twenty-Six point Two Miles

Tomorrow is the big race. Seventeen thousand runners are in town for the 31st annual Grandma's Marathon and the Garry Bjorklund half-marathon. We did our volunteer work yesterday so tomorrow we can just watch without responsibilities. We had a good hike (video) this morning after aerobics so now it is resting time before we go over to Larry & Leslie's for supper and games.

"Summer Camp for Seniors"

Jane calls it summer camp for seniors. The fun is in full swing. We had a great hike today (click on picture). Salsa dance lessons, ballroom dance lessons, aerobics. water aerobics, yoga, trip to see Peregrine Falcons (see videos). There is more to do than we can fit in. Click to see hike video.

Favorite Songs

Galaxy Song
Nobody Cares About the Railroads Anymore

Getting back into the swing

I'm happy to report my health is fast returning to normal. We went to our first aerobics class today but I had to take it easy. Yesterday we attended a panel of three writers discussing The State of Publishing. It was most enjoyable. You may have heard of Robert Olen Butler, Honor Moore, and Ted Kooser. We heard Mr. Kooser up here last year and also in West Palm Beach.

Back on the shores of Gichigami

We arrived at our summer home two days ago -- June 5 -- about noon. Thankfully, it was a good and uneventful trip except during the last part of our trip when I became ill with a severe gastrointestinal disorder which has left me quite weak and slowed our getting settled-in. I'm hoping to be back to normal in a couple of days. The weather has been quite cool requiring heat and blankets. We're glad to be here and see old friends again. We thank the six Evergreeners who hosted us so graciously. We will be in touch with you.

Monday - Stillwater, Minnesota

Jere and Dawn Fetter (click on picture) hosted us again. They are our longtime Evergreen friends from years back and they always make us feel at home and feel wanted.

Sunday - Roscoe, Illinois

Gary and Mary Ann Ackerman (click on picture) gave us a spacious room with a view to beat any we've seen. We could see both up and down the Rock River. They took us to dinner at La Casa Grande then on "the tour" which was also grand. They are motorcycleists as were our hosts on the previous night.

Saturday - Columbus, Indiana

Scott and Christi Reynolds (click on picture) hosted us in their rustic log home deep in the forest. It was hard to find but was well worth the effort. They were both very interesting and will be fondly remembered.

Friday - Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Buzz and Mary Corley (click on picture) provided a wonderful king sized bed and fun conversation especially about Mary having lived in Palm Beach. We've almost forgotten about that mulch (manure) pile in the driveway.

Thursday - Fayetteville, Georgia

Mam and Dom Prudente hosted us graciously in their lovely home and took us to a great restaurant called TERATHAI (click on picture).

Wednesday - Ocala, Florida

Retta and Ed Black (click on picture) hosted us generously, gave us "the tour" and dined out with us at Panera Bread. Ed even insisted on helping me clean the lovebugs off our car. What great hosts!