Stillwater MN - Cheikh gets his first Cashman Christmas

Christmas Eve in Stillwater has become a bit of a tradition.  This year a bit of a new twist.  Some chose to celebrate in Rochester and the rest of us continued to hold court in Stillwater.
Still a great night - and Cheikh's first Christmas in Minnesota.
If you get a Grandma hat it is a successful Christmas - mission accomplished!

Saint Paul MN - Cheikh hanging out downtown Saint Paul

Had to head in to the office for a bit so Cheikh came along.
Took a bit of a tour through downtown and the skyway and then wandered up to the Capital to show that off a bit as well.
Plenty to show off in our river city.

Toronto Ontario - Always lots of Christmas Cheer

Decided on a quick trip to one of my favorite spots on the map.
Always enjoy it a Christmas time.  I am not a big shopper but I love The Bay - and at Christmas time they don't disappoint - make it special like Dayton's or Marshall Fields, in my Chicago days, used to do.  As it is day to day the rest of the year.
And the prices fall in a place you can spend a bit of money if you feel inspired.
Not seeing lots of big Christmas anywhere this year with retail - but found a few trees and other moments while in Toronto.

Rochester MN - Another day, another wander through Saint Mary's

Another day sitting.  And by late in the day I just needed to move.
Made my way to the chapel - where I spent many an early morning years and years ago.
And to other corners of he complex as well.

Inver Grove Heights MN - Hanging out with Gina and Mike

We are back to hockey season for Hunter.
Met up with Gina at the game in Saint Paul on Thursday and again on Saturday in IGH - Mike was free to join us as well.
New team this year and so far not on the winning side - but the season is just beginning.

Rochester MN - Hanging out around Saint Mary's

Been hanging out at Saint Mary's a bit lately.
It was interesting, when I came to the main elevators in the original lobby how many memories it triggered.  All very positive and unlike the usual kinds of things you would think about when you think of hospital memories.
Back in the day I served mass early in the morning - and then went down to the basement and ran to the other end of the hospital for free breakfast - passing the morgue and many other "interesting" spots along the way.
And there were concerts in the main lobby for Christmas and other days.
And there were all the events in the old Saint Mary's auditorium.
And so on and so on.......

And a quick trip down to "Mayo Central" before heading out.