Saturday

Today we went to the thirty-third annual Judy Garland Festival in Grand Rapids. In the evening we had Mary and Evert House over for Mexican Train game and Evert won. Munchkins Video

This week

Tuesday we toured the waste water treatment plant. Wednesday we attended a reception at the Tweed Museum, participated in the potluck dinner and then went to the baseball game between The Duluth Huskies and the La Crosse Loggers. Today (Thursday) we visited the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum and later attended the the faculty recital at at The Weber. music program

Hiking the Forest

Today we had twenty-four hikers on three trails in the Donald D. Ferguson Demonstration Forest near Two Harbors. Watch Video

Grandma's Marathon

We watched only a few minutes of Grandma's Marathon at mile 22 near the rose garden when the leaders passed.
Short Video

Flowers

These dandelions are everywhere now. I did a little work on this one. More Flowers

Miscellany

There has been so little time to write, I've neglected to list our activities: This evening after a "grill out" at our apartment complex we went to an art opening downtown. Yesterday we attended the Swedish beginning-of- summer celebration at a Lutheran church. The 4 mile garage sale on Park Point was last Friday. We've twice attended the Unitarian church. Tomorrow we are volunteering for the 32nd annual Grandma's Marathon. The race is Saturday with over 17,000 runners. MARATHON

Monday Hike

Thirteen participated in today's cool and breezy hike along the Lakewalk. Watch Video also CLICK PICTURES TO ENLARGE

Fathers Day

I'm remembering my father today, now gone for 12 years. He was very hard working, honest, unselfish and he always tried to be a good father. To a very great extent I am the product of his example except that I am less hard working, honest, and unselfish. I remember when I was probably 6 or 8 he built me a very nice desk. He made me stilts. he took me fishing and to baseball games even though neither of us cared for fishing or baseball. He tried so hard to do the best for me. Having been born when my mother was age 41 was probably a burden but I never thought I was. And like so many sons, I didn't fully appreciate him until much later. I never told him I loved him. I realize now how lucky I was to have such a good father.

Glensheen Centennial Celebration

We spent a great part of the day here on the grounds of the Congdon mansion.
The weather has improved.

Weather Report

Since we arrived ten days ago, the Cold, Rain, Fog -- on and on -- every day is getting to us. Infrequent brief views of blue skies remind us of what can be. We lucked out for last Monday morning's hike when it was a perfect day before the return of the expected rain. I got these few pictures during the brief clear times.

Monday Hike

Twenty-two of us had a nice walk this morning on the Osaugie Trail in Superior. Following the walk we had lunch at Culvers. Watch Video

Friends Along the Way

These pictures help to illustrate what makes our travel so enjoyable. To enlarge, click on them. Also: Additional pictures and Evergreen pictures

...and 1,969 miles later...

Our luck continued through 1,969 perilous miles when we arrived yesterday before noon at what has become our second home --- our summer camp for seniors. We always feel lucky to reach Duluth without any mishaps.
We had eight overnight stops with family and friends. It was wonderful seeing all those old friends again. This year we made a new friend -- Pat Reed in Tullahoma, Tennessee. We liked her immediately.
The weather today was cold -- in the 40s -- and overcast. Last night we slept under multiple blankets. But we know how glorious it will be. The flowers are everywhere -- blooming trees, tulips, lilacs and so many more.

Farewell To All

Farewell to our Florida friends. We leave tomorrow for our sixth annual summer retreat in Duluth, MN. We'd recommend it for anyone. Click here for information.
This afternoon we attended a performance of "I Never Sang For My Father" presented by The Village Players. We thought they did a very good job on this emotional drama.

Dining Out

Louise hosted dining out tonight at Someplace and we all had a good time.

Walking in Palm Beach

We had fourteen walkers on Lake Trail in Palm Beach. We walked from The Sailfish Club to Wells Road. This is our last walk until fall. View Video

Leslie & Larry Chlebeck Visit

Larry & Leslie arrived Friday night. We did sightseeing and games Saturday.

One Book, One Community

Last night we attended the "Read Together Palm Beach County 2008 FINALE" at the Harriet Himmel Theater. Palm Beach Dramaworks performed scenes from the book, The Memory Keepers Daughter. The author, Kim Edwards, spoke and took questions. They also offered a free buffet dinner.

The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Last night, Sweeney Todd opened at "The Kravis" for a one-week run. The seats were not half sold. Many, including me, didn't care for the story but I enjoyed the unique production which had all the actors also perform as orchestra members. Although one can't come away humming the tunes, I like Stephen Sondheim's music and lyrics a lot. The lyrics were difficult to hear but very clever, I thought. I enjoyed the production but wouldn't call it a "must see."

Tropical Punch...

...and Judy Show.

With a little polishing, a journal of our Costa Rican holiday with its six travelers of disparate personalities could make an award winning comedic screenplay. For the principals, enjoying the humor, may require the detachment of passing time.

We enjoyed the adventure of exploring in a different culture. Since we were only on the Pacfic coast, there was much of Costa Rica we didn't get to. Una semana en Costa Rica por $ 350 proved to be a fantasy.

More Photos