Minnesota

  Once we were in Minnesota we saw where the soybeans meet the corn.... for miles and miles.

Last time we were in Iowa I asked our friends there about the "edamame".  Everyone said "What, the soybeans are just for the cow feed."  So, I introduced them all to edamame in View Point in Mesa last year.  They all said they would leave it to the cows.  So, I did a little research on the difference between the two.   The only difference is the harvest time.  The younger beans are more tender and used for edamame.  They have less carbohydrates and just as much protein.  They make great snacks!  The older beans are used to make other soy products and I guess cow feed.  Maybe I'll try again this year in Mesa and see if any of you, (you know who you are), have had a change of opinion.  :) 

Who knew they also had windmill farms here?  Not me!

 Stopped for lunch and spotted this little trailer that was obviously lowered to the ground.

The boys checked it out and found out it is a ice fishing trailer.  You drive it out on the ice, lower it down and the inside has holes that you open the hatch and drill into the ice.  You are comfy with heaters, tv, microwave, bunk beds, and all.  None of us had ever seen or heard of one.  All I know is if my brother, Tim lived in ice country Alicia would have had to buy him one of these for his 60th Birthday instead of  a new ATV.   Good thing Alicia!

We spent one night at the St.Cloud / Clearwater RV park that was only 7 miles from the home of Don & Terry O'Connor, some friends who spend the winters in Arizona with us. 

They live on a beautiful lake so they took us for a sunset cruise.

 Tammy fell in love with Oliver.

 Our captain Ben and his first mate (wife), Lisa are the O'Conner's daughter and son-in-law.

 It was a beautiful lake.  Reminded me of the good old days we used to spend on Kelly Lake in Watsonville where Donald's parents lived.  :)

This is George in the middle (Terry's Dad).  He is a card shark and likes to take our money at our poker tournaments in AZ.  We just missed Terry's mom, Shirley (another card shark), but I'll be trying to take both their $5.00 in the fall.  :)  Hi Shirley!  The grand kids, Allison and Nathan  are also in the pic.  It was a nice visit.  Thanks for the ride!  See you in the Fall!

We haven't had a very easy time getting reservations at RV parks along the way.  It seems like every one is on the road in an RV.  Especially this Labor Day weekend.  
We did get a spot in Saginaw, Minnesota at Ogston's RV park.  

We were here a couple of years ago with all these Guys...




...And Girls...

A blast from the not too distant past!

Anybody remember?

We golfed on Saturday at the Pike Lake Golf Course just down the road.  The guys wanted to play for money.  Guess who won?

What a couple of  LOSERS!  

Then we did what we do best & often..
Attention Walmart Shoppers!

We took a ride and had lunch in Duluth.  We watched the bridge go up and down to let the ships come in.
That's it for Minnesota.  Off to the next state!