Every winter I get a little surprised when the temperature drops and I have to scrape off my windows. But the Christmas decorations are up and the annual parade was last night so the time is near. We have a wonderful woman who will house sit for us and take care of the dogs so this year we will fly to Minnesota rather than drive. I’ll miss that cold windy sprint across Wisconsin (Ha Ha).

Brian and Jen are in the final throes of a major addition and remodel project to there Minnetonka home. They are supposed to be moved back in before we arrive. I took a week off in the beginning of November to help them paint before the floors and trim was done. I think they have been able to cover my mistakes by now. I had a wonderful time with them, Jen’s family and of course, Grandson Matthew. Matthew treated me like a king. One morning when I took a break, I stopped at Great Harvest to get some coffee and a cinnamon roll. I brought it back and shared it with Matthew. A tradition was born, Matthew can’t say Grandpa with adding “cinnamon roll”. We, or at least Carol depending on the timing, are looking forward to another visit to Minnesota in January when Jen is expecting twins, the other reason for the addition. I may skip it due to work and the stress of delivery. I almost missed Brian’s birth trying to figure out those booties they have you put on.

Carol and I did ride the BMW to Minnesota this summer. It was a great trip, we both made concessions. Carol didn’t ask where we were or how far we were going and I didn’t stop at any places that had “greasy” in the name or we couldn’t see through the windows. We mailed clothes ahead so we didn’t have to be concerned with packing. Carol decided that she really did was a scooter to ride around Sanford. When she signed up for the riding course, I figured she was serious. Rather than have her take the course on a motorcycle, which I think is to heavy for her, I decided to trade in my cruiser and get a Vespa for her. Tradition dictated the Vespa. Vespas and Cushmans were a what I saw in the ‘60’s. We got a 200cc model, which can do 75 mph and not get run over by other traffic. Her normal route wouldn’t take her over 35 mph but the rest is there if she needs it. I have ridden it more that Carol and it is fun and convenient. Just hop on and go.

Merry Christmas,
Richard and Carol