July 22, 2013 Day thirteen

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A much needed hang out day in Rochester.  Patti and Dick did a little downtown shopping and then we had a berry picking expedition up into the woods.  This time we were prepared with proper berry picking containers-both black raspberries and some precious wild red raspberries were ripe.  Yum!  We took along one of Patti’s mom’s daycare children, Anika for her “very first time” berry picking.  As a six year old, she was a trooper.  

Patti is so glad that children are still growing up knowing the joys of organic, vine ripe berries picked in the sun in the woods.  

It was so nice to spend time with our nephews, including Uncle Dick having some wonderful talks with the boys as they walk through the woods. 

And there is nothing like catching some frogs (and letting them go later, of course.) The whole afternoon is one of those experiences that should be labeled “priceless”.

One more trip to the skate park and then time for another of Joan’s cooking triumphs.  This time fresh MN sweet corn along with strawberry (or black raspberry) and angel food cake.  Boy, Patti misses her mom’s homecooking!  Really enjoyed time with Mom and Dad, just relaxing.  

And Matt and Patti's dad demonstrated for us how to make handmade stress balls out of balloons and flour.  And we got to take several stress balls with us on the road.

Evening time allowed for some more visiting and then some card games.  Patti’s family is always looking for a chance to play cards.  It was been a great visit and we will be sad to go.