Why did we move north to Minnesota in retirement. God told Crystal isn’t usually accepted well. Telling them we are seeking new adventures and places to explore works better. Telling them the doctor said a change of climate was needed for Crystal’s health works as well. By the way, last winter (our first here) was the first winter I can remember (post kids) when Crystal didn’t needed multiple trips to the doctor. She still has some challenges, but is definitely better. From what we’ve seen so far, the whole health system is better here. As we get older, that’s something to consider.
After a taxing move (a four-letter word if there ever was one) we are in a new world. We live in a beautiful country home on two and a half acres with a nice wooded area in back. I had to buy a shed for the tractor. Oh, and we have a tractor for the acre and a half of mowing. Also, with the help of two of my new friends, this week, we just switched the tractor to snow blower mode. By the way, it snows up here (duh). There is a well, a propane tank, a septic system, a water softener, a wood stove in the basement, a roadside mail box. Yes, this is all new to me. But none of that takes away from the retirement adventure.
Hastings is a riverside town right on the Mississippi, with lots of walking trails, festivals, and shops. Also, there is an actual waterfall right in town. We are only about forty minutes from Saint Paul; and there are many closer suburbs with any shopping you can imagine. We have been to Duluth (about three hours) and the north shore of Lake Superior a couple of times already. The rocky cliffs and lighthouses remind me a little of Highway 1 in California.
The airport is about forty-five minutes from us. We just got back from our grandson’s wedding in Toledo (flew to Columbus and drove), and plan a Kentucky family Holiday celebration for next month. Early next year we plan a trip to the southwest US (New México, Arizona). Hopefully, there will be many more trips in the future.
There is a really nice golf course ten minutes from here. In the summer I play about once a week. There are also ski slopes about fifteen minutes from here. I tried them once last year and want to go more this year.
The people are also very nice here. Minnesota nice isn’t made up. All of the neighbors are great, friendly and helpful. Probably our best friends are our homes former owners Gary and Molly. How often does that happen? They moved into a townhome in the city. Gary actually built this house. They love to come back to help pick apples or cherries, or just visit. Gary has also helped me with numerous projects around the house. I am in a men’s group at Gary’s church and Crystal and I go to Molly’s church (one couple two churches, don’t ask).
So now, please, don’t ask why we moved to Minnesota. All you’ll get from this point forward is ‘God moved us here’ or ‘read the blog’.
So right now, Crystal and Lisa are decorating for Christmas. We just returned from our wonderful family celebration in Kentucky, and will be spending the season at home. We want to wish all of our regular readers the merriest holiday season possible. For those not regulars: Bah Hum Bug!!! Kidding.
Below: The first is a picture of our back yard by moonlight. The second is our very own in town waterfall.
