Happily, we headed off on a long weekend in the cities. We, along with Ape & Jesse and Trisha, met up with the Stepecs for some relaxing, galavanting, and of course lots of good food. We made it to the zoo, the Mall of America, out for dinner, and played rounds of Apples to Apples and Loaded Questions. It was a great break!
I’m normally embarrassed to tell people how many computers we have in our home… seriously, it’s ridiculous. BUT – lately I’ve been realizing just how much the tech geek stuff has rubbed off on me. I won’t pretend to know much about technology, but I do enjoy learning. Tonight I decided perhaps it’s gone a bit too far, as I was cracking jokes with Bill about Claris Works and Netscape Navigator. (Anybody even remember those??) I think it’s time to step away from the MacBook and plan some more outdoor adventures. 🙂
Bill and I had been planning a weekend camping trip for several weeks. We went on a hiking trip last fall, and while it was pretty, the colors just weren’t as bold as we’d hoped. So, we decided we’d have to go a bit earlier this year. It seemed perfect as the leaves were really changing last week. We were excited to get out into the quiet woods!
We kept watch on the forecast all week and were certain it was going to change for the better by Friday afternoon. As we drove from our schools to meet in Tower, the temps were cool, but the sun was shining. We dropped Bill’s car off at my grandparents then continued our drive together up to Ely.
We had to make a stop at Piragis to grab a couple of last minute items. The sky got darker, the temperatures colder. We made the decision to stay in Ely for the night, as there wasn’t much daylight left when we were finally ready to head to the Moose Lake entry point. After a night in the comfort of a local hotel, we awoke to a white morning.
We headed out anyway.
The waves were moving quickly and carrying us outward. We decided it’d be a good idea to try paddling back into them before we got too far away. The boat rocked and water splashed over the bow. It wasn’t long before we realized that not only would the trip back in be a difficult paddle if the waves continued, it wouldn’t be a safe decision to keep going. So, we turned around. It wasn’t an easy decision to make (I made Bill make the call), but I do think it was a wise one.
Our spirits were up from time outside and an hour long paddle, so we decided to plan for a different kind of weekend fun. We stopped along the road back to take in all of the fall colors. And we went and had tea at a little place I’ve been wanted to check out in Ely.
We extended our outting with some appetizers in Virginia before heading to a movie. Then it was home for the evening. I curled up in bed early and Bill watched the Wild play. All in all, I’d say we had a pretty good camping trip.
For now.
Bill got our new washer installed Wednesday night, but we’d forgotten to get a plug for the dryer. Today he wired it in as well… so, doing laundry is kind of fun. We didn’t spring for the super-fancy models, but this pair is a definite upgrade. Washing clothes no longer makes our house sound like it’s about to take off, and the dryer doesn’t take an hour and a half per load! Having laundry capabilities is sort of critical for us, as I seem to have a lot of mishaps (see below) that necessitate a good washing.
Having a guest staying here has motivated us to take advantage of some of the beautiful fall afternoons. Inkari has been wonderful to have around. She’s probably sick of answering all of our questions, but I’m learning a lot about Germany. I’m quite anxious to take a trip there… hopefully soon!
We’ve been trying to get out on the lake – except for when it’s super windy, like tonight. One evening we took a hike through the woods at a place we call “Slim Chance”. We came upon a beaver dam and decided to cross it.
It was no problem on the way over…
On the way back, however, I ONCE AGAIN misjudged my foot placement and ended up sinking right into the nasty muckiness. Ugh.
Go figure!
What a crazy week! There was something out-of-the-ordinary happening every evening this past week. It was wonderful! The constant go caught up with me last night, however, and I must’ve fallen asleep within seconds of my head hitting the pillow. I must’ve slept hard, because I was raring to go at 4:30 this morning. I’ll get these weekend routines down soon!
Today was special because we got to celebrate my Grandma Aune’s birthday. All of the Aune granddaughters, my dad, our hubbies, and the babies went to visit with Gram and Gramp. They LOVE seeing the babies, and I don’t think they mind the rest of us too much, either. 🙂 Of course, our time with them is always special, as they have been such an important part of our lives.
After the celebrating wrapped up, it was time for Bill and I to get the house in order. Our dryer’s heating element went out last weekend, and after weighing out our options, we decided we’d probably be best off to get a more efficient washer / dryer set. So, the laundry piled up all week long (with a head start from the loads that weren’t finished last weekend… and the pile’s still growing). We decided that we could at least get the old machines out of the way so that the new ones can get right to work when they arrive this week. The old ones went to share the remainder of their days in the appliance section of “Shopper’s City”. And yes, I had to take a picture, because it’s just kind of a sad sight to see all of those tired out appliances… and well, because I take random pictures sometimes.
After the dump, it was time for a little more frantic cleaning… then off to pick up our house guest from Virginia. We’ve got a teacher from Germany staying with us for the next 10 days. She will go to Virginia school with Bill each day to meet up with the other teacher in their group and the 18 students who made the journey to Northern MN! We are hoping for nice weather so we can get Incari (I’m sure that’s not spelled correctly) out on the lake.
Now I’m off to bed to try to catch up on my magazines before my eyes refuse to stay open.
Some days are just meant to be celebrated with a Dairy Queen cake.
Yesterday was a workday. Bill and my dad were busy insulating underneath the house. We’re hoping their hard work will pay off in the form of uninterrupted water through our pipes this winter. Fingers crossed!
My little buddy wanted to get some work done around the house yesterday, as well. He insisted that we take care of some laundry. So we did…
After laundry and other housework, the poor guy was tired.
Miss Kate joined us for a while as well… she helped Auntie April catch up on some correspondence.
Of course there was more swimming and just general hanging out, too. It was what a Saturday should be.
It’s been hot and humid around these parts… perfect for swimming! We’ve been sure to get out and enjoy each day after work, and did lots of playing on the lake all weekend long. I know this weather can’t stick around much longer, but in the meantime, it’s been wonderful!
Are you sure you have to leave so soon? Is there anything I can do to convince you to stay just a bit longer? 6:00 is so early! Wouldn’t you like to ask for a later departure time? I look so forward to our time together all year long, and it seems your visits go faster every time. We have such fun together; I’m dissapointed that you have to go. Please come again as soon as possible. Much love… Erin.
