It started with a chance to spend time with family, the Paschke clan, and raising money to continue the fight against Parkinson's disease. Being able to do the walk with cousin Jeff was especially precious as we have many similar experiences to share from our health challenges. (Unfortunately, I didn't get a group picture to include. I'll try to do better in future blogs. 😃) After the walk it was time for a bike ride around Lake Harriet and along the Minnehaha Parkway to take in the beauty of spring along the trail. From there it was off to Christy's for a nap (yes, I admit to daily naps!) and supper, then down to Woodbury to watch my nephew Nate play goalie for the Woodbury lacrosse team.
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| Spring has sprung on the Minneapolis bike trails. |
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| Save! Way to go Nate!! |
Mary performed with the St. Francis Chorale on Sunday. Much practice time goes into getting ready for this performance and I thought this was one of their better ones. My wife does love to sing! Unfortunately she has had to battle through some respiratory stuff to do it, which is why she wasn't able to join me on Saturday.
The annual Kreb's Cycler's fundraiser for MS TRAM took me to Rochester for a few days of just fun with my friends there. As I arrived in Rochester on Wednesday evening, I found flowering trees in full bloom everywhere. Found enough time before the sun set to get in a few pics of the trees at Bro Paul and Sis Sue's home, which is where I was staying. Sis also had me try out her new accordion - I made noise; getting actual music out of it will be Sue's responsibility.
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| Everybody polka!!! |
The next morning it was time for a bike ride with friends on the Mayowood trail, where the bluebells were starting to fade a little, but still, the bloom was impressive. Hope Mary can share in the beauty next year!
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| Sue, Paul, Warren, Doug, and Dudley joined me for the ride and lunch. |
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| Bluebells surround the Mayowood Trail for just a short period of time each spring. |
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| Mother Nature wasn't the only one adding her touch of creativity. |
The next morning was another ride on the Mayowood Trail, this time with friend Matt. Matt decided that I had to experience riding a fat tire bike just once, so we switched bikes for the ride. Wouldn't want to ride one on a longer ride, but I can see where it would be fun off the paved trails or during the winter. Besides another view of the bluebells, we were able to watch three deer up close near the trail.
After the ride, we helped Dudley unload some tables from the night before and then the three of us enjoyed some root beer. That was supposed to be the end of my Rochester visit, but just a very slight twisting of my arm had me sticking around to ride again on Saturday. (I'm retired, might as well make the most of my new found freedom!) That meant a nice supper out with the Sue, Paul, Ann, and Warren on a beautiful evening. Which was followed by an impromptu chasing of a hot air balloon on it's journey from start to finish. Followed by my first taste of Flapdoodles ice cream. 😋
Saturday was another bike ride with the Outspokin' group on the Douglas Trail. Unfortunately it marked the last day of business for Better Brew, the regular refueling spot for rides to Pine Island.
Returned home to Little Falls just in time to head to Bowlus for supper to plan a biking weekend with friends there. Another night of sitting outside having supper with friends; sucks to be me. 😏
Mother's Day had us heading to the Cities. The Jester family was kind enough to invite us over for lunch. Then Mary, Christy, Caleb, and I got in a round of mini golf. Caleb avenged a previous loss. 😃
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| A family gathering for Mother's Day. |
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