September was the most relaxing month we had all summer and we needed it. We completed all
of our primary health care which we do mostly in Minnesota, met with Larry's niece
Patty her family (our soon-to-be first house guest in Ajijic). And best of
all, enjoyed lots of time with our Minnesota kids and grandkids.
On Denise's birthday, we enjoyed the evening at Red Barn Farm near Northfield, where
they roll their own pizza dough and grow all their organic vegetables and
meats. Bring
your own drinks and come early because the once a week event fills up early.
Clara, wearing the yellow helmet, played a three on three scrimmage game of ice
hockey and both her team mates and competition were all boys. Both her
skating and stick handling have improved tremendously.
Ajijic
friends Gary and Kay, met up with us at the University of
Minnesota's 1,000+ acre Landscape Arboretum where we walked and drove through dozens
of display gardens that thrive in northern climates.
The
Arboretum's latest effort is on creating awareness and research on
pollination. This center features displays on honey bees, Monarch butterflies
and other pollinators and the adverse effects of chemicals that are
destroying many of these little creatures.
This is one of dozens of hybrid apples that the U of M holds patent on.
This one is juicy and sweet with a hint of spices.
Chase turned nine years old and wanted to hang out on the lake with a couple of
his buddies. Here we are at Knotty Oar Marina, just finishing pizza and on
to cake.
Saturday morning includes a long-standing tradition, which is a
pontoon ride to Lakefront Park, a walk to downtown Prior Lake, shop at the
farmers market and then on to Edelweiss Bakery for treats.
Watching these kids practice, you'd think they were heading off to the NHL.
Click below to view Chase.
Halloween in September is what greeted us at a birthday weekend getaway at
O'Neil Creek Campground near Chippewa Falls, WI.
The kids had a hay-day playing with all the Halloween props that were scattered
throughout the campground, along with some trick or treating.
The haunted house was tooooo scary for the kids to go into while the lights
were flashing and the load music and screams filled the air. But the
next morning when everything was quiet, they went through it three times.
The campground is located on O'Neil Creek which flows into Lake Wissota just
north of Chippewa Falls. Earlier we rented tubes and all went tubing
down the creek (without a paddle).
Chippewa Falls hosted their annual Oktoberfest the weekend we were there and
the kids got all dressed up.
The event was held at the Northern Wisconsin Fair Grounds. Chase won the door prizes--a kite!
Grandma taught Clara how to dance to some German Polka music. Denise and Chase were doing some
version of Rock & Roll!
We
ended the day at another cool Farm, this one specializing in "organic
hamburgers." Their dog greeted us as we walked up the driveway.
We went for a short hike through the rolling hills that made up their farm.
We picked apples that the kids fed to the pigs located in the red barn.
After the kids returned to the Twin Cities for work and school, we spent a few
extra days exploring the area. Like touring the 150-year-old Leinenhugel
Brewery!
We enjoyed the views during an afternoon hike around Lake Wissota State
Park. The weather was great.
Our
niece, Nancy and Jeff met up with us for brunch at Mystic Lake Casino.
Nice catching up!!
Larry spent an afternoon with Chase at the front entry of Wal-Mart, as we did
his sworn duty to sell popcorn. He set a lofty goal, and met it!
Good for you, Chase!
The
white squirrels are back. We took this picture in Denise and Craig's
backyard as this darling creature raced around.
Clara started her first year of middle school and decided to take up the
flute. Surprising how easy it is for those kids to pick up on stuff.
Time
for us snowbirds to head south. This was our last day in MN. We
celebrated Craig's birthday early and bid them all farewell, until next summer.
September's web page includes September 1 through September 30.
