I have been in Minnesota for five days now and it has been a lot of fun being in Minnesota with no responsibility, and nothing but time to do what I want to do. I have been lucky enough to spend time with my family, and that time is very special. We have been apart so long now that that the the stories we share are about us are years old and probably stale, but family bonds are strong, and very special. I have been lucky enough to spend time over meals, talking with Cousins, Aunts and Uncles, Children and Grand Children. These are always very special times for me. The meals and conversation bring back memories of meals and celebrations when I was a child. I hope the have the same fond memories.

I look on Lake Superior and the Duluth with new eyes since I have been away the most part of thirty years. I now truly feel like a stranger in the city, and see the ’sites’ just like the ‘tourists’ next to me are seeing them. As strange as it sounds being away from where I grew up all those years ago has given me a new appreciation of everything I left behind. I now look at all the things I did not like about growing up here with new eyes, and a new perspective. I still know I never could have spent my life here, but it is refreshing to be able to look upon the sites and people, knowing that for the first time I am seeing the positive side of life in the Duluth area. Also it is fun to show where I used to live, and the places I used to go and the things I used to do. It adds a completeness to my life in some way. I made a peace with myself the last time I was here, but this time it feels a little deeper and carries more meaning for me.

We have seen a large number of deer during our time here, both in and outside of the city limits. So many deerin fact, that it seems every new road I drive down that is even partially rural seems to have a dead deer laying in the ditch. It is too bad all that deer meat is going to waste. I am sure if there are not hungry people that would be very happy to have meat to put on the table, there are people who own dogs who would be happy to have some free dog food. I wrote a previous post about road kill deer and pet food, but I seem to be the only person around who can get excited about the idea. Not excited enough I want to move back, but excited enough it bothers me to see a Deer wasted, and the meat thrown away on top of it.

I think we live on memories, ideas, hopes and dreams. At least it seems that way these last days. I know every time I come to visit that it is a possibility that this may be the last time I will see someone, or perhaps the last time they will see me. Life has no warranty, and often little notice is given that our ride is over for this lifetime. I may be more aware of this than many people, it could be one of the things that living in many different places over the years does to you. You become more aware that forever does not exist, and no matter how much we may not want it to happen, nothing stays the same, and people change, move, or grow old.

I think it is a good thing though, I hope people can learn something from the things I write. One of my cousins was laughing while telling me he likes the stories I write here about growing up. He said it gives it him a good idea how far my memories are from the truth of what really happened. I had to admit that sometimes I may leave out some detail here and there because there are some things that should not be said. I know he was thinking that it is not what I leave out, but the selective memory I seem to have about what I include. I have been told once in a while that what I remember as being true is not what someone else remembers. I am sure my version of the facts are correct of course.

In wrapping up, I have been eating way too much, visiting different places, spending time with family, relaxing, and in general just having a good time with no rush to be anywhere or do anything. I am starting to miss being home, and my at home regimen as boring as it probably is. It is always good to know that out there at some point I will be home, and grounded back into life as it is most days, which is a good life for me.