Monday, May 30, 2022

Minneapolis to Celebrate Annelies

I flew to Minneapolis to celebrate my baby turning 20. What? How did that happen? I think I said that about Paradis' birthday as well. It felt so good to be back in the air. 



For this visit, I kept it a secret from both girls. It was so stressful. I felt as if I was living the "Big Lie". I had to create a lie that one of my government customers put an app on my phone shutting off my location services, so they couldn't see I was in Minneapolis. Annelies said that made her suspicious. But she was so happy I was there. 

I just love this kid. She requests her cake each year and this year it was "Congratulations you beat teen pregnancy". Brilliant. 



On my last visit, I didn't schedule many activities. But this visit was longer and therefore I got to see some friends. 





I spent a day with my girls at Paradis' pool, which is where I lived for three years. It was fun to be back. Annelies grilled and we had a traditional Minnesota Memorial Day meal. 









I also attended the Minnesota State Fairs Kick-off to Summer event. The State Fair started the event during COVID and I am glad it has continued. 









I also placed a couple hundred flags at Fort Snelling with Flags for Fort Snelling. I have done this event for a couple years and find it rewarding. 





I was scheduled to fly out Monday evening, but there is a pilot shortage right now and mixed with a storm my flight was getting delayed every hour. So I rescheduled for the following day and stayed overnight with Anna. I love that my job gives me that flexibility. 

My next return to Minneapolis will be over Labor Day, to attend the Great Minnesota Get Together (aka State Fair). It will be nice to get back and attend one of my favorite activities.  

I hope you are doing something nice in your life. - Rae Ann

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Tuesday, May 10, 2022

Minneapolis to Celebrate Paradis

I flew to Minneapolis to celebrate Paradis, as she turned 23. Yikes, how did that happen? It was my first visit since moving to California. 

It was a miracle, but Annelies and I managed to keep it a secret. She was so surprised when we woke her with our birthday cake and song tradition. 






It was a short visit, and I worked during the day, but I was able to squeeze in some fun. 







I miss my girls, friends, and many things about Minneapolis, but it felt right getting on that return flight back home to California. Life is an adventure. I hope you are doing something adventurous today. 

- Rae Ann

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Sunday, May 1, 2022

Bainbridge Island

I burned up the last of my COVID credits with a trip to Bainbridge Island. Henry and I flew to Seattle Friday night and returned Sunday. It was lovely. 



We caught a late ferry from Seattle to the island. I will never tire of this view of the skyline and Ferris wheel. 





We stayed at Marshall suites, where I stayed years earlier on a trip to my favorite knitting store. I also visited with my girls when we had taken a cruise to Alaska. Much has changed since those visits. The knitting store is closed. My girls are grown and out of my home. But the island remains charming. Bainbridge is a pretty sleepy town. Most everything closes at 9pm. No Lyfts. But it is very walkable and everyone is so friendly. 

Saturday was a mellow day. We grabbed lunch at a grocery store and broke a few rules with our wine (check out the sign in the window). We visited the Historical Museum and learned about the Japanese internments that occurred during WWII. Another sad part of our history. 



We had dinner at Restaurant Marche’ and wonderful cocktails at Hitchcocks. 





Sunday we hopped back on the ferry and back to SEA-TAC.  







Spring had sprung and the flora was all waking up after winter. It was just beautiful. 









I hope you are enjoying some beauty around you as well. - Rae Ann

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