Blakely Campout

The campouts for our den have been a lot of fun. I will say that the time spent around the campfire after the kids all go to bed have probably been the most interesting conversations. The kids love stomping around in the woods. The smores are always a hit and camping ain't camping without hot dogs. That's a law.

 

 

 

 

Make sure you ask about the bumper bar...if you haven't heard that one...you're missin' out...!

Sacramento, CA

I flew into Sacramento today. What beautiful scenery there is flying over the Rockies... Learn yet another travel lesson though... bring a jacket it is pretty darn cold at 35K feet. This area actually reminds me of rural Alabama kinda funny huh.

The school year is ending and it's gonna be harder to leave the kids during the week while they are at home (driving Annette crazy).

We drove north out of Sacremento to Williams, CA. Not a bad drive, but I discovered a universal truth.... all Pilot Rest Steps (like the one in Grand Bay, AL and in California) are loaded with IQ's less than 70. Stay away, stay far far away!

Minneapolis

I thought this might be a good way for me to keep up with some interesting and useful information gathered while traveling around the country. I have about 25 trips under my belt at this point; so I am not a seasoned traveler but not a newbie either. For instance, I can get through security without the body cavity search because I have learned which belts set off the detectors, got slip-on shoes, keep my 3-1-1 packing in check and whatever other stupid rules they develop that do not make me even a little safer. Also, when I get on the plane and there is already a passenger in the front seat wearing a coat... he is an armed sky marshal; that makes me feel safer. I am trying to weasel a camera phone out of the company, but thus far have been unsuccessful. Then I will be able to add some pictures as well. There are a couple of truths I have come to believe.
1. You get more flies with honey than vinegar, but sometimes you also end up just sticky.
2. Comfort trumps style any day of the week.
3. The earlier you start, the less Mr. Murphy and his law is able to get into your way.
4. Never check a bag that you can't live without; it may not make it.

I am sure there are others but that is enough for now.

As for Minneapolis (MSP), Delta flies out of the Lindberg terminal (not the Humphrey) and the GPS will mostly try to take you to the other. The Mall of the Americas is a truly amazing place. It's got a river water ride in the middle of it for God's sake. It's also got a lot of fine eatin' in there as well. Gas stations are another story all together. Fill 'er up on the way back and avoid the hassle.

We stayed the night in New Ulm, MN. It is a very pretty town with a strong German culture. Its sister city in Germany shares festivals, bands and other events throughout the year. Very nice in the spring; VERY COLD in January.

I'll try to keep this up a little more frequently and had a little flare at times.

God bless everyone.