2022 Trip to SD & MN

I've been too busy to keep up with this blog so here goes for happenings of the past several days. Thursday was my day in Pierre with an evening of fun for my high school class reunion. For the day's activities I tried to get my steps making up for two long days of driving and very little walking. I took my camera and walked to the South Dakota State Capitol. It was a one mile walk one way. Even though not as hot as Texas it was still hot so I stayed on the shaded side of the street. I toured the grounds then did a self guided tour inside the Capitol. Those buildings are always so grand with marble staircases, statues, and stained glass, etc.
After lunch I walked two blocks to the Missouri River and explored the park and bike path. By the end of the day I had >20,000 steps!
For our 50+1 year HS Class reunion we met in a conference room at an Italian restaurant. My room was at a hotel across the parking lot from the restaurant - very convenient. Our graduating class was 54 kids (there is some discrepancy around that but close enough to 54) We know 5 have passed on. Twenty were able to attend our reunion. It was fun to reconnect and catch up. Appearances really haven't changed for some while others were harder to quickly recognize. I was very thankful for Name Tags. We talked long into the night (11 pm for some of us who are no longer teenagers) and met for coffee/breakfast the next morning. It was hard to pull away, so much yet to be discovered.
I left Pierre Friday morning and drove across the glacier flattened plains to my hometown of Highmore. I just wanted to drive through for old times sake. It's a small community with not enough lodging accommodations or meeting places for this reunion. I headed past my old home and down familiar highways, reconnecting with the geography. The scenic route along the Missouri is always a favorite drive of mine.
My brothers and I were able to meet for lunch in Mitchell then I drove on to Sioux Falls to see my girlfriends. We had a lovely dinner and evening together visiting and catching up.
On toward Minneapolis on Saturday morning. Gassing up at Sam's Club is still the best option. Gas prices are 20-30¢ cheaper than other stations.
I stopped at Blue Mound State Park in Minnesota. Hiked a couple trails. Saw bison in the far distance but didn't walk closer to get any good pictures. It was hot, sunny with only one trail in the shade of the trees. Saw the native prairie grasses and Sioux Quartzite stone.
Finally made it to Minneapolis. Checked in with my mom. She is back in her apartment after about 7 weeks in the rehab center. She is doing well though becoming more frail and has mobility issues. Her mind is still pretty clear.
Today was a pool party to celebrate Father's Day at my sister's. Yes, it was hot but nice to be in a pool. Enjoyed good food and visiting with family.Read more