Saint Paul - Lara's last supper before heading home

It was the hottest most humid day of the summer and we planned a bbq before Ed and Lara headed home.  Unfortunately, we spent much of the night inside waiting for the mega storm to clear the air so we could all sleep. 

Stillwater - more Cirque de Soleil wantabees...

New strap right next to the deck.  So both access and an audience readily available throughout the day. Jimbo has achieved 5 full steps - with witnesses...or so he says.  

Oops - let the cake roll but don't spill the wine...

Good thing we went for the rock solid ice cream cake to celebrate John's birthday. It rolled real well when Margie was asked if she needed help and oops over the edge the cake went - but at least she didn't spill the wine!
Oh by the way, don't tell John...

Stillwater - Lara does Minnesota too!

Ed and Lara have now come to enjoy the wonders of the Minnesota summer.  Lara noted that if she lived on a lake she would never leave...sounds like Jimbo.
Always easy to find enough family to join the party and Friday was no exception - and perfect weather always helps.  We came from many directions despite the excessive road construction we are enjoying this summer.
Jimbo has installed his own strap between the trees and has mastered the first 5 steps...hmmm will he make it to the other end before summers end?
And more birthdays - this time John Sandor got to celebrate his big day. 
Christopher made a new friend  - Jack the dog.  And was the perfect partner for throwing the ball over and over again until both were satisfied.

Saint Paul - Christopher does Minnesota

Christopher, with Mom and Dad, was the most recent arrivals for a summer visit to Minnesota.
Unfortunately for all the camera was in the work bag and you will all miss out on pics of the parks, museums, zoo and dinosaurs we found around the Twin Cities.

Minneapolis - Tommy and Eddie change colors for a day and cheer on the TWINS

After the big storms from the night before it took until mid-afternoon for the clouds to finally break and for the sun quickly warm things back up.
Tommy and Eddie took in all the sites and activities at the new stadium. 
And it was a nail biter but the Twins came out on top at the very end!

Charlotte moves on

Tried to get a walk in between the storms today.  Headed towards St Kate's and the art fair. 
I find the chapel at Saint Catherine's to be a very interesting building.  I would have expected a chapel at a woman's university to have a feminine feel but once you step inside you discover it is a very cavernous, spartan and simple experience.  Thought I may be able to capture a few pics but they stopped me before I could get the job done - oh well.
My backyard neighbors for 20 plus years Charlotte and Margaret now reside on the campus at a retirement facility.  I stopped to say hello and learned that Charlotte after 91 years has left planet earth for eternal life.  She had a great run and unfortunately the body slowed down as the mind stayed sharp.
Margaret and her have been connected since they met in college - in her words she is now "existing".  Tough days ahead for her.
We had a great connection and many good times across the back yard.  No worries about Charlotte - she will always leave me with great memories and many warm thoughts.   I can only hope I can make the walk to the post office that she did when I am the age she was when she did it - or that I make it to that age!