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Once again we are entering the unknown. Not so much me, well a little, but Shanna. Yesterday she tendered her resignation, today was her last day at the employer that drew us to Minnesota. It's been a good two years, but time and opportunities now draw her to another employer. No, we aren't moving, at least not this year, there will be chances for that in the future. Her travel will probably be about the same, and she's still trudging through school. As with any job change there are pluses and minuses. Of course we hope that the pluses outweigh the minuses, we'll know in a few months. But for now, there is nervous excitement in the air.

Congratulations Shanna. We are behind you.

My weekend jaunt

The first weekend in August I went camping. I wasn't exploring the forests or waterways of Minnesota, I went to Arizona to revisit my past. Every August for the past eight years or so there has been a cross country bicycle ride from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon that raises money for Toys for Tots. Those that have riden or supported the ride know it lovingly as "Fat Tire". The Arizona Xterra Club supports the riders, they sit throughout the 60+ mile trail and help those in need. I decided to show up unannounced, surprise a few old friends, and enjoy the festivities.

And how, might you ask, was I able to do this? With the support of my wonderful wife. The ride coincided with her last weekend before starting the fall term, she had frequent flier miles, and was willing to watch kids for the weekend while I play. As I said, wonderful wife.

The departing flight was late, the rental agency did not have my vehicle, but it turned out to be a great weekend. I met up with a non-Xterra or camping friend, Mike, and dragged him along. I surprised some friends, drank some beer, enjoyed some campfire and got extremely dusty. This was fixed when I arrived back in Phoenix by a dip in Pam's pool. There was way more I wanted to do, especially visit some family and eat at Los Dos Molinos. But time was limited, sacrifices were made.

I also performed a solemn and sad task. Saturday morning I went to Grandview Point and scattered the ashes of Rocky and Natasha to the winds. I sipped a beer, offered up the contents to their spirit, and remembered their life.

Summer has come and gone

It all happened in about five weeks. June & July were very cool here in Minnesota, not that I was complaining. The high temps were in the 70's, the evenings were up 50's to low 60's. Lovely window-down weather, awesome play outside weather. And then August arrived and warmer temperatures. And Shanna returning to school with Galen to start soon after. Summer was nice while it lasted.

OK, I know it's not really over. Tomatoes are just beginning to ripen, mosquitoes are biting, the windows are closed and the AC is on, and the sweet corn is delightful. Galen still has one more week at the YMCA summer camp. We have things to do and food to eat.

And play, we still have more play in our future...