Up early and on the road.
Today was the day we would drive from Iowa up to Rochester MN where
Patti’s family lives. Just before we
got to the Minnesota boarder, we made a bathroom and gas stop at Boondocks Café. This place was literally out in the middle of
nowhere, or in the “boondocks” as the word is used in the Midwest. It was a funny way to start our morning.
It is always a joy to cross into Minnesota, the state were
Patti lived for over 25 years and Dick for 10 years.
Minnesota farmland goes on for miles and miles. And, when you can see the dirt, it is the
deepest, richest earth that we know.
Good food grows here!
We arrived at Rochester to stay with Patti’s mom, Joan. This is our first visit back since Patti’s
Dad, Harold, died 6 months ago. So there
were mixed feelings as we were so happy to see Patti’s Mom, sister, Paula, and
brother Perry, as well as sister-in-law, Jodie, and nephews Josh, Matt and
Jackson. So nice to see all of them….some
of Paula’s family were at their lake cabin for the summer, and we will see Patti’s sister, Peggy and her
family later on this trip in Texas. Seeing
family is always great! And there is
also a deep feeling that we all really miss Patti’s dad. His love and influence still are at the
center of our family and our hearts.
One of the joys of the house where Patti grew-up, is that it
is situated across the street form a 2000 acre wooded park. Each day that we will be in Rochester, we
will go for at least one, often two, walks “in the Park.” Walking, talking, enjoying each other’s
company and being in the woods. Priceless!
Across from the family home is a tennis court that Patti's father had
been instrumental in being added to the park. It was fitting that the
family dedicated a bench overlooking the courts. It was important to us
to stop by and experience memories of him. What a fine man!!
One of the unexpected things that has happened this last
year is Patti’s mom has gotten an IPhone.
She has become quite an accomplished texter as well as really good at
playing word games on the phone. Go,
Joan!
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