It's been awhile

The past month has been full of turmoil and mixed emotions. Losing Dad continues to be a daily challenge. I am grateful for the many years he had, but they will never be enough for me.

I have made a couple of trips to Daytona Beach recently and enjoyed my get away as well as new photo opportunities. I also spent a few hours in St. Augustine, as well. I drove US highway A1A, made famous by Jimmy Buffett in several songs and an album title.

It's hard to miss Minneapolis this time of year, especially with the heavy spring storms as well as soaking, heavy snowstorms that always seem to occur during winter sports tournaments. The warmer temps are just a tease this time of year. It is absolutely gorgeous weather in Florida in March and April. Temps are in the low 80's, the sun is bright and warm, no rain for days at a time and leaves are opening and flowers are blooming. This weather is the reason people move here.

Commute

Minneapolis traffic














Florida traffic

The commute is not far for me, but the scenery is so, so boring. I am so tired of seeing power lines every where I look. I don't know why the power lines seem so much more visible to me in Florida then they were in Minnesota, but they are everywhere. There is also a lot more litter along side the road and streets here. This stretch of road pictured - US highway 19, is the deadliest road in the country for pedestrians. People are always trying to cross the road and sadly, each time I see someone trying to cross, I am reminded of the arcade game of Frogger. Now the local press is stating that this same stretch of road is becoming a favorite area for pedestrian suicides. Unfortunately, it also is a favorite route for many senior drivers, but that is another topic that I am not ready to tackle yet. I promise I will try to lighten up the next topic that I self debate. Have a great night everyone!!!

How it began

My first memories of Minneapolis date back prior to the completion of Interstate 35, when we traveled up to the area via US highway 169 or 218 from our home in Iowa. Each summer, we went to Twins games in Metropolitan Stadium and then to the family cabin up at Lake Betsy by Kimball. The older I grew, the more frequent my visits to Minneapolis became. When I was in my 20's, I moved to Minnesota. My visits to Minneapolis now could happen in just about an hour, with no advance planning. I love Minneapolis. I cannot say that enough. The culture, the sights, the beauty, the activities, the people, the lakes, the hills, the sports, the concerts, the shopping and even the hospitals. I'll elaborate more on the hospitals in the future.
In December 2005, I left Minnesota for the beaches of Florida to be with my family and assist my elderly parents through this phase of their life. Now, at 3 years gone, I am so homesick for Minnesota - Minneapolis - that I am spending my days reading Minneapolis blogs, newspapers, Cities 97, MPR websites for every bit of Minneapolis I can get. Now I had 85 degrees here today and Minneapolis was in the teen's somewhere, but oh I miss it. I spent the afternoon at the beach, with my bare toes firmly entrenched in the white sand, dreaming of snow. The walks in the skywalk system. The orange glow of the street lights, reflecting off the new snow. The IDS building and Foshay tower. Tonight, I am ending my first blog entry recalling these visions.