In Minnesota

So, the day is here...today was the first day of a seventeen day trip with my dad in the twin cities of Minnesota, the north shore of Minnesota, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and whatever else lies along the way. Although, it isn't a typical spot for most to consider vacationing, every year my dad and I venture out, it always seems to be better than the previous visit.

For the first few days, were are going to stay with my dad's college friends, Mike and Carol, who live in Apple Valley, about ten miles south of the twin cities. Susan, their daughter, who is also 20, currently lives an hour and a half south in Mankato, Minnesota. She attends the Minnesota State University at Mankato and is working close to campus for her summer job. We were hoping she would venture up tonight, but since she has been feeling sick, it's more likely that Mike, Carol, dad, and I will take a jaunt down to see her tomorrow (Saturday).

Times have certainly changed, as before, there would always be a ton of people over the house to hang out with. But, now that all three of Mike and Carol's kids have moved on to, essentially, their own lives, not as much is happening in Apple Valley. They finished putting a great addition onto their house a couple of years ago, but it gets limited use due to the kids being away almost year round. Susie is the closest of the three daughters, the other two, Kate and Anne, living in Washington, D.C. and Ohio, respectively. A few of Mike and Carol's well-know and ever-present neighbors have also moved on and are seen far less. Many of the friends I ended up making out here seem to mostly be in other places, and Susie is not around to call them over to hang out. While, I consider a lot of people out here my friends, it is always hard to approach someone that you only speak to once a year. Well, I can hope I'll see some of them by the end of the trip.

But, while I am reminded of the sometimes harsh reality of passing and changing of times, the half day of the trip so far was enjoyable. As I said in one of my past blogs, Mike is a very funny guy, and the trio of my dad, Mike, and I seem to make a pretty good comedy team...we always seem to have fun together. When Carol joins in, my dad and I seem to tone it down a little, but Mike certainly doesn't. Oh well...just makes his bit that much funnier.

As soon as I experienced my first few hours here this year, it is obvious as usual, how much different the midwestern lifestyle is than the one I live back home. Even living in the city, people here seem to be much more laid-back and carefree about life. Everyone still works hard, but perhaps people are much better at putting things in perspective in this part of the country and looking at the big picture. No one seems stressed out while shopping for groceries, and there aren't many people who will give a wait staff too much flack. It's a good feeling when you know that something can happen in the middle of Super Target, and you can turn to the person next to you and make a joke, without feeling awkward. So what if you don't know the person. Just not a big deal out here, not nearly as out of the blue as back home.

I have a very comfortable bed here, and am very surpised I haven't dosed off quite yet. I'm going to bring my camera along with me tomorrow, and I'm sure that a relatively normal day will turn into a great one rather quickly. I miss Bridget a lot...not seeing her is probably the one big drawback to this vacation, but she knows that I really do cherish my time out here, and I will always have some time during the day to chat with her about the trip on the phone. So, until I get another chance, adios amigos!