Duluth and Northfield, Minnesota to be exact.
It was a great trip, and I always see the area with a different set of eyes each time I visit...
***
Friday, August 12th...
The redeye to MSP...
My plane landed at 6:30 AM...I hopped in my rental car and made the trip to Duluth to see my cousin Russ Stewart and his lovely wife Danielle...the drive to Duluth was partially interrupted by a 1/2 hour nap to compensate for the 2 hours of sleep I had the previous night...I can't sleep on a plane for the life of me...probably because I am flying it subconsciously.
Russ had to work the better part of the day, so I did some exploring prior to our get together...
The lighthouse and Lake Superior held my attention for quite some time...
Then, it was time for lunch...
After lunch I headed down to Sky Harbor Airport...
...and checked out the float planes.
Afterward, I finally met up with Cousin Russ and his lovely wife, Danielle...
...and we ate sushi until it poured out of our ears.
It was a lot of fun to see Russ and Danielle. Russ and I are second cousins and the same age within about a year of each other. Russ is from the Stewart side of the family and we rarely, make that never, spent any time together until this past weekend. It was like meeting a long lost brother to some extent. Meeting Russ and Danielle made me appreciate the family members I have all the more...it's time to start staying in touch.
After dinner, we headed up to Russ and Danielle's place, a 100+ year old home they are renovating along the hillside of Duluth. I didn't take any pictures, but trust me, this is a labor of love for the both of them. A home built 100+ years ago surpasses much of the quality and workmanship we see nowadays...bullet proof foundation, strong walls, great character...very similar to the occupants who now live in it. It's like the house was built for them...waiting for Russ and Danielle to occupy it someday.
After hugs and handshakes, it was time to hit the road and commit myself to the 3 1/2 hour drive back down to Northfield...with radio blaring, a cup of coffee, and the windows rolled down, I headed south...
***
Saturday, August 13th...
9 hours of sleep sure beats 2 hours of sleep...
Like I said, each time I visit Minnesota, and Northfield specifically, I see the area with a different set of eyes...
This time I zeroed-in on the little alleyways of my hometown...
The riverfront area in Northfield has been rejuvenated with walkways, restaurants, and pubs in the last couple decades...one can still escape through an alleyway, though, when needed...
Later that evening, I met up with good friends Jeano and Karin...I couldn't ask for a better threesome...
; )
We had a few beers at The Cow, slayed the pinball machines at The Rueb-N-Stein, then ended the night with pizza at Basil's...a perfect evening with the best of friends...
***
Sunday, August 14th...
Although Grandma's birthday is on the 15th, we decided to bring in year number 91 on Sunday instead...we all brought little gifts and cards for the woman affectionately known at "Gaga"...
Mom, Dad, me, Uncle Mike, Aunt Wendy, and Cousin Stewart ate grilled chicken, corn on the cob, and salad, then wolfed down icecream cake in honor of "Gaga"...
***
Monday, August 15...
The last day of my 4-day adventure was spent killing time with family and dreading getting back on an aluminum tube bound for San Francisco. For how close we all are, we live very far apart; but it is by choice, and I wouldn't trade where I live for anything. I've always wanted to live on either coast, and that is what I got.
Happy 91st Birthday Grandma Nancy!
Thank you for a nice visit...I love you all and hope to see you soon!