Sunday Thoughts October 19, 2025

      Has anyone heard or know anything about Coffee with Ritter? We're a small blog community and I regularly read her Saturday posts but it's been a few weeks, and now her blog is down completely. She's had some hard times, but seems like such a lovely caring person. I hope the nasty trolls left her alone. If you're reading posts, Ritter, know you have people concerned and rooting for you. 

     Every day since I got home has been perfect Minnesota Fall. It's almost a message to say, "See, Minnesota is wonderful. You don't need anywhere else." I had so much indoor stuff to do but managed to get a good walk. Fall colors are mediocre again this year because of the unseasonably warm September, but I still enjoy the walk by the pond or the rivers. 

     My older daughter had something fall on her toe so she decided to not come for the Vikings game but spend the day icing it. I'll meet her to get the dog in the morning. I missed that goofy guy. Before her battle with a picture frame, she and her dog got in several walks themselves. He's so handsome in his adventure pack as we call the dog harness. 

     I'm helping the youngest get her violin and guitar to the repair shop too this week. My friend that started a community orchestra has encouraged her to jump back in, regardless of her rusty skills. I think it'll be a nice fit for her. She's had a really busy fall work schedule. Besides doing environmental education and several school field trips a week, she's been assisting with controlled prairie burns. 

     I had some pictures of her leading a field trip on a hike through the different biospheres at the eco enter but too many people to blur. You can't see any faces in the above picture. 

     Thank you for all the good thoughts, recommendations, and cautions about future  snowbird plans. Nothing will happen purchase wise before I start drawing my pension in another six years and maybe not at all. Trips likely won't exceed 6 weeks at a time, more likely two week blocks but good to have real world opinions based on experience. I can say I'll rule out anywhere you can't swim or wade into the water at the beach.  Knowing where pools are pretty much closed in the snow bird months is useful too. I haven't really explored the southwest much, but haven't ruled it out. I found the mobile home retirement parks my in-law bought and stayed at for a decade was not my cup of tea, but I  can't dismiss other options.

     I'm trying to create an online trip journal for family and friends. The freebies are quite full and limited, but I suppose will do the job. I could do a private blogger with a different email I suppose. I can always just send a few emails with pictures or a Whatsapp Community. Just a few people have wanted to be kept posted but I also want to capture for myself too. I've probably spent too much time on it; it's not too deep, as the young people say, to over think it.