REDISCOVERING NATURE AND THE BEAUTY OF THE TWIN CITIES!

 

 

 

 I have truly been on a mission lately--to once again discover the wondrous natural beauty which abounds everywhere in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul.  Yes, it's a

 

traffic nightmare at times, as most big cities are, but it's also an unbelievable treasure. As I ready myself to move to another fascinating region of the U.S., I am making one final trip down memory lane.  I hope that you'll

 

enjoy it as much as I have. And I will continue to add other nature photos as time marches on.

A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR PRESCHOOLERS!

Recently my four-year old grandson Ben joined the ranks of graduates--a unique and very special class of preschoolers who wore their own colorful caps and gowns.  The room was full of proud and excited parents, grandparents, friends, and dedicated, smiling teachers. Who could not break out in a warm smile watching these young, confident kids?  After some uplifting music, each one of the kids marched to the front of the room to be introduced and answer the all-important question--"What do you want to be when you grow up?"

After listening to their diverse and thoughtful answers, I was "proud as a peacock," as my mother used to say!  Somehow I have an idea she was there in her own unique and mischievous spirit. And boy, she must have loved it!  There were wanna-be firefighters, teachers, princesses, dragon masters, snow boarders, scientists, police officers, dentists, and doctors--including a "baby doctor" and a "big people doctor."  And since we live in Minnesota, where it gets plenty cold, there was also a hockey player, a female snow plow driver, a snow boarder, and  a meteorologist.  I'm not sure what the future surfer had in mind--maybe it's about living in Hawaii. I could go for that myself! And not to be forgotten, President of the United States of America, and somebody's "boss." But perhaps the one that got the biggest laughter and applause was "a dad." Plain and simple!

This was a day to be remembered and shared with my

 

little buddy Ben and his mom, my daughter.  One day Ben will move forward without me, but I hope he'll always have fond memories of our special day together!!