Greetings one and all. Fall begins tomorrow, bringing summer to a close. It was a beautiful summer, and not particularly eventful for the Swansons. We mainly stuck close to home and juggled work demands as well as activities we all enjoy during the summer, including some day trips.
We spent a weekend in June in Clarissa for our annual Summerfest. This year Summerfest moved from July to June, and had a "Wild West Theme." Doc (aka DAD) was the bank manager in a re-enactment of a bank robbery which took place on Main Street in Clarissa. He was held hostage, but released unharmed. Dad's acting debut was quite a success. We also decorated our annual entry into the parade. I thought the Husqavarna looked quite authentic, but for the first time in many years, the Clarissa Dental Clinic was not honored with a prize in the Summerfest Parade. Here's a picture of our float. I'm sure you'll agree it was prize worthy, pardner.
We've been working on getting to know our little corner of the world a little better, which included a night camping a Myre-Big Island State Park in Albert Lea. Upon arrival with our gear and hounds, we decided to be adventurous and select a hike in campsite. Note to self-special gear is generally required for this activity. The hike to our site was approximately two miles (up hill, both ways...). It was a beautiful campsite, and we were right by the lake.
Mike and I were able to do some fishing, but didn't manage to land anything. Gracie had a difficult time understanding that casting was not an invitation to retrieve the lure at the end of the fishing line.
There was an abundance of wildlife, including some interesting birds. It was a beautiful park and it would be fine to try the campground again, perhaps with
a canoe or kayak.
We also took a day trip to
the Spam museum in Austin. It was quite entertaining, well, until my arch enemy Brett Favre appeared decked out in full Spam regalia. He's everywhere, and apparently likes Spam. Which is another thing that he and I do not have in common. I tasted my first Spam at the Spam Museum. It was the honey variety, skewered by a pretzel stick. It had an interesting texture... I couldn't leave well enough alone, however, so we purchased a variety of Spam, including Hot & Spicy, Hickory Smoked, and a single serve packet for the dogs. Axel and Gracie seem to appreciate the delectable goodness of Spam more than I. They are arguably more sophisticated than I am.Mike's Dad, Jerry, came to visit for a weekend in July. It was good to see him, as he hadn't been to visit since the wedding in 2005. Mike's cousins, Elmer and Diane, also joined us for lunch. It was good to spend time with Mike's family.
We were also able to take in a Twin's game the end of August with my parents and my Aunt Shelley and Uncle Denny. It was awesome. Scott Baker nearly threw a perfect game (drat that Mike Sweeney), but the Twin's were victorious. There are few things as tasty in this world as a dome dog with kraut, onions, ketchup and mustard. Yum!
That pretty well sums up the summer at the Swansons. Fall will bring our second wedding anniversary and a vacation to the Black Hills. Enjoy the wonderful fall weather, and come visit to see the beautiful fall colors unfold in the Minnesota River Valley. You'll have your own welcoming committee.
Love,
Mike, Kristen, Axel & Gracie
