MOTHER'S DAY and BEN'S BIRTHDAY in MINNESOTA

Victor came to Minnesota for a week and stayed with Ben. I do believe that they had a good visit!!  I am sure that with the computer connections that we all have, everyone is but a touch away usually. But an in person visit is always welcome!!

Today, May 17th,  Gary got Ben to go with him for some shopping.  I believe that they went to Blick Art Supply store.  So I'm hoping that they find other places to stop also, as I am enjoying the quiet here!!  I also got overripe bananas from Ben to make into Banana Bread.  So I hope to get that done while they are gone. 

We have been back in the Bible Baptist Church here near Farmington and getting re-acquainted with people there. Our first Sunday back was the day after their Ladies Luncheon, so we got the benefit of the decor.  

We have enjoyed more opportunity to chat with the pastor and others who understand our lifestyle. 

Thrift Stores in Hastings. 
Their buildings are so well
cared for, much like in 
Red Wing. 

Gary and I continue to go thrift shopping and make an occasional stop at Treasure Island Casino.  I have learned to take along a plastic glove!!  I do feel safer that way!!  At the Thrifts and Antique Stores I just do not touch unless I intend to buy.  I am still looking for a porcelain ring dish with a post in the center for my rings.  After having my diamonds reset in new mountings, I've decided that they will endure much longer if I do not wear them when doing rough work, especially in my flower beds in Florida.  I did find some porcelain boxes, but not the style I want.  So will keep looking.  I also found a box of 60 porcelain thimbles, so kept what I wanted that referred to things we had seen in our travels and shared the rest with Gary's cousin. I have decorating to do when we get back into our condo.  Victor has been using it since he sold his house, but imagine that he wants his own place soon.    

While Victor was here, he and I went to Honey Baked Ham and stocked up on bacon and got most of what we needed for Mother's Day dinner and for the guys to use for the week while he was here visiting.   

We got Ben a Carrot cake for his birthday the following Wednesday.  We combined that with Pizza Hut pizza.  What a combination!!

Happy Birthday, Ben!!

Victor visiting with Ben

So that sums up what we have done while here.  We have one more week to go, then will hit the road for Indiana where we will spend a few days visiting.  You all take care and stay safe.  We have heard of several Covid cases in the church we attended in Wauchula, Florida so are glad that we are not there now.  They have cancelled all church services/meetings for the past week.  So they are being cautious for their people.  I appreciate that and I am sure that others do also. 

See you Ohio friends in a couple weeks!!

DESTINATION FARMINGTON, MINNESOTA

 It has been a long slow trip north, but interesting!!  We finally arrived and have spent Sunday afternoon with our son, Ben.  It is always great to see him.  He seems so much happier with his job as it is now.  I am amazed at the number of years that he has had with this company!

Our last stop was with Gary's cousin and some of her family in Wisconsin Rapids.  That was great!! As we neared the Mississippi River, things began to look more familiar.

Mississippi River view from
southern Minnesota

Minnesota that is!!

Home!  Wherever we are parked.

Our first activities here are the same as many other locations.  Thrift Shops and Rummage Sales!! We don't buy much, but I do latch onto any Miche Purse wraps any time I find them.  I found the purse at a yard sale at Wauchula, Florida with three wraps and have found three more wraps since. 

Our next activity to keep boredom at bay!!  Casino penny machines.  There is one at the river straight east of us. Treasure Island Casino. We've stayed at their RV park in past times through this area. Too bad we did not make connections for staying at the Fairgrounds where we are now.  It is very neat and open grounds, but also so close to Ben's apartment. 

Ben is to stop by today when he leaves work.  So plan to fix his dinner.  It is a little overcast today, but not sure if the rain will hit us or just in the area.  We'll see.

I will keep you updated as we visit the area.  We do not plan to go into the big cities because of all of the riots in those areas, but we should find other things to do. Many suburbs!!

You all stay safe and healthy!! Love to all.