Barb's Blog

After a wonderful time with Bill & Erin at the cabin they headed down to Brainard on Saturday for the baptism of their new god child. I know how busy this summer has been so far for them. It was great having a little of it to share!

Sunday, after sprucing up the cabin, I took time to bike down the trail one last time, and walk around the cabin for one last look at the beautiful location Grandpa MacDonald picked back in the 1920’s. We’ve been blessed with a beautiful place to spend with family over four generations.

Zac and Bun picked me up  and we headed down towards Nisswa where we met up with Jody at a nice little coffee shop.

By the time Jody and I got through the “Sunday-coming-back-from-up-north” bumper to bumber traffic, and back to her place, Marilyn was there and Mark had burgers ready to throw on the grill.

Jody and Mark have a couple of new family members I needed to be introduced to. Meet Satch in his summer hair cut!

Jody and Mark have been taking Satch to puppy school. Here’s Jody showing off her new boy.

I love Jody and Mark’s backyard! Between the tyle work, grill, grassy area, and flowers, it’s a wonderful place to relax on a sunny afternoon or quiet summer evening.

But that’s not all! Meet Sugar,  Jody’s parrot. She found him at a nursing home. The care Sugar was receiving wasn’t the best. After some complaining, Jody ended up taking him home with her.

Jody’s been working hard to train Sugar not to bite as well as to feel comfortable in their home, and learn a few new words.When you walk into the house it’s not long before you’ll hear: “Jody”, or “Hello”.

Monday morning we walked up and around the cornor to a wonderful little coffee shop. Great coffee, yummy rolls, and nice ambiance. I love getting my sister fix!

Monday was a busy day. After breakfast Jody took us to her work place. Drat! I didn’t have my camera with me so I couldn’t take pictures of the beautiful building she works in or some of the many great people.

We headed down to the St. Croix River and found a nice little place right by the water to eat at called “The Dock”. (Notice the paddle wheel boat in the background.)

Once again, no pictures for Tuesday. Another beautiful day in the city. Low humidity and a nice breeze. We ate breakfast in the back yard then out for a little more shopping in her neighborhood. We all scored finding wedding and baby gifts and a few things for ourselves.

Once again, Mark treated us to an early dinner of porkchops on the grill. After we ate and a few hugs, Marilyn headed back home.

Jody and I made a mad dash for some quick showers and headed to an awesome musical called, “The Doves”. Once again, no camera! Drat! This was a story of a Motown “has-been” group that makes a come back after many hassles getting back together. The actors were incredible and the music all Motown classics. I loved it!  It was the icing on the cake to a wonderful time with Jody, Mark and Mar in Minneapolis. Another leg of my brief vacation over too quickly. Jody and Mark were wonderful hosts. I hated to leave.