“America, you great unfinished symphony, you sent for me. You let me make a difference. A place where even orphan immigrants can leave their fingerprints and rise up.”— Alexander Hamilton

I was having a pretty tough week last week and just when I needed it I got an invited to go see a play.  I was at work on Thursday afternoon when I got an unexpected text from a friend saying she had an extra ticket to see the play Hamilton on Saturday would I be interested in going. I did not even think about it I just said yes! It was exactly what I needed to get my mind off of life.  

I had not been to a play in theater district of Minneapolis since I had retired from my job at Carleton in 2018. I realize now how much I missed going to plays. I love the Orpheum Theatre.

It was a great night going with a friend and meeting two new women. We went out for supper before the show and had great conversations.  It was also the first time I have driven up to the area by myself. I have been to many shows in the area but have always had someone else with me. I was proud of myself for getting there, finding my favorite parking lot, walking and finding the restaurant and getting back home all on my own.  At 61 years old I figured it was about time to get over my anxiety of driving someplace on my own. 

 

The play was GREAT!! I would recommend it to everyone. Go see it!! Thank you so much to my friend Colette for the invite and the great company. 

Get out of your comfort zone....

Sharon  

"Life is full of challenges, but I always have the Three Ps: Passion, patience and persistence. And the fourth one is pizza.- Butch Hartman

 

Last night we got to watch Rick be inducted in the Minnesota Archery Hall of Fame. I was so proud of Rick and all of his achievement. His passion for archery and coaching goes above and beyond. 

We had to gather things for a display at the banquet. It was so fun going though everything and hearing all the stories that go with all the trophies, medals and pictures. They were not just things but memories.  

  Ricks passion for archery has been passes on to countless kids and adults throughout the years that he has helped by coaching them, helping with their equipment or just giving them an encouraging word.  

Rick and his son Jese. Jese introduced Rick and had us all in tears. And when Rick gave his speech we all had more tears. 

We were all so lucky to be able to watch Rick be inducted. He was so happy and humbled by being nominated and then to be inducted. It was an honor of a lifetime for his dedication, passion, patience and persistence in shooting and coaching archery. 

Congratulations Rick! I am so lucky to have you in my life

Sharon  

“Here is a great day, here is a perfect choice! A camp in nature! What else do you need? You don’t have to dream because you are in a dream now!” – Mehmet Murat ildan

 

Last weekend we did our first every winter camping trip. I know it is really spring now but we had four feet of snow on the ground and then temps got down to 17 degrees...so it was like winter. 

We went to Jay Cooke State Park in Carlton, MN It is just south of Duluth. It was so, so pretty and we had so much fun. 

We went on a couple of hikes with the dogs. As long as we stayed on the trail all was good. One foot off the trail and you sunk up to your knees...

Otis who never wants to hike in the summer acted like a puppy! I guess he is a winter camping dog. He usually is dragging behind me as we hike but not this time. He was the leader the whole time. He was like a different dog. 

We did run into a couple of very icy spots and may have had to slid down a couple hills on our butts. 

But the funnest part of our trip was the birds. We stepped out of our camper to go on a hike and the chickadee's and nuthatch's just started to fly down to us. I told Rick to hold out his had and one just landed right on it! 

We went and got a tiny piece of bread and crumbled it up and then they had a feast.

It was just so fun to have them just land in our hands. 

We were so happy that everything worked great in the camper van...her ever changing name is Ida at the moment. She kept us warm and cozy. I would do winter camping again in a minute. I am already thinking about where we can go next winter....

So in this endless Minnesota winter you can always find a little joy...

Sharon