Someone Told Me It's All Happening at the Zoo!

We decided to visit the Minnesota Zoo. What we didn't realize was that it was gonna be so warm... and then once we got there, half the exhibits were closed... no explanation why, but truly disappointing... they should have said something upfront as you have to prepay and make timed RSVP's before you go (Covid created this situation). Still, we managed to see some critters and watched them as we found ourselves wilting with each half hour... ended up leaving after a couple hours! Still, a nice visit... Got lots of pictures... especially of the bear who we could imagine telling us "Who's the smarter one? Me in a pond, enjoying the cool water, or you humans in the sun, roasting, and watching me?"

Can you see the dirt fly as they dig their hole?

 

After 17 Months, Finally a Visit with Halley! Yeah for Vaccines and the Country Opening UP!

 Halley's birthday is July 1st and it seemed this is the perfect time to finally get to come visit!  As an aside, it ended up being the perfect time, as the Pacific Northwest was have temps in the triple figures!  Minneapolis was much cooler... who'd a thunk that would be the cast.

We were welcomed with a great thunderstorm and cool temps.  Checked in to our digs and planned on our reunion with Halley the next morning... and that's just what happened.  We had a nice meal and then went back to her apartment after we shopped for some housekeeping items she needed.  We went up to her apartment... Dad installed a shower head, Mom worked on power cords and then, we fixed her bed so it wasn't so high... Why we didn't do that years ago is unknown!

Next day, we drove to the Round Barn Gift Shop in Anoka.  How cute it was;  Found this place through a post from Katie on Facebook.  It's a cute place!  Clerk there told us of a park in Anoka next to the river... we headed out there and were glad we did.  Fun walk and got plenty of pics on this beautiful day (and that includes a bridge pic)

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A Surprise Get-Out-of-Town for Jerry for Father's Day!

 A road trip to Woodinville for a couple night stay away from home.  The Willows will be our home for the next couple nights!  BUT, before we check in there, we have some wine tasting to do at DeLille Cellars!  Karen Gimse help me set it up and it was perfect!  Found three out of four that were good enough that we wanted to buy some to take with us.

After our tasting, we had an hour to to fill before we could check in.  Across the street was Chateau Ste Michele, another winery, so we walked the grounds there.  It was pretty... but boy, oh boy, way bigger and way more commercial.  DeLille was more to our liking... still was fun to walk the area.  

Checked in to the Willows...Such a beautiful place and so peaceful.  Walked the grounds, relaxed and then had a small dinner... and more wine!  Back in the room now, plan on going out later on to see the stars.  We think we're far enough away from all the city lights, the sky should be pretty... In the meantime, a photo journal of our adventures today!

Entrance into Chateau is pretty..

The Willows!

Above/Below  Artichokes!

Our Room....