Road Trip-Fall 2015 Minnesota

Have you noticed that many family days, homecomings, reunions and gatherings occur in the fall? As an educator these events were never on my travel calendar. School was my priority for so many years when it came time for the fall season. One benefit of retirement is the opportunity to travel in the fall and include these fun activities in the itinerary. The Minnasota segment of my road trip had two events that were definitely on the "must do" list. My niece, Hannah, is in the Air National Guard. Family Day is scheduled each fall, this was number one on my Minnasota list. Number two on the list was NPR Prarie Home Companion's Street Dance and Meatloaf Dinner hosted by Garrison Kellior. 

Enjoy the fun through the photos. Three nieces and two great-nephews who live in St. Paul, a niece from Chicago, my brothers and sister-in-laws were all part of the formula for FUN! 

My St. Paul adventure started with 3 brewery visits. We patronized a wide range of establishments. Urban Growler is a craft beer brewery, Surly Brewery is a large operation and we took a tour and finally Bang is an organic microbrewery. Now that is a great way to start! 

The following photos are a few shots from the family day at Minnasota Air Guard. We are very proud of Hannah and her service to our country.

Prairie Home Companion Street Dance and Meatloaf Dinner was next on the agenda. 

Learn more; http://prairiehome.org

My brother, Bob, and I went earlier in the day to save a spot by placing chairs and blankets where we wanted to sit. Bob and his family have attended for several years so he had a perfect location chosen!

It is difficult to explain the Street Dance experience. As we waited for Garrison Kellior to start the outdoor program we lisented to the show that was taking place in the Fitzgerald Theater. The first segment of the show we heard was an interview with Minnasota's State Teacher of the Year. Very relative since two of my nieces are special education teachers.  Was impressed by the interview and it was a great start to our evening. Once Mr. Kellior was finished with the program indoors he came to the outdoor satge and started with the traditional sing-a-long. The entire show was something to experience. Dance contest, Loon calling contest, musical performance by JD McPherson, and enjoying it all with family was a very memorable time! Learn more about the band; http://jdmcpherson.com

Lean more about loons; http://www.loon.org/voice-loon.php

Mr. Kellior is retiring soon and I was curious to see how the program would end. It was quite magical. He walked into the audience with Goodnight Ladies sing-a-long. As the song trailed to an end he slowly disappeared further into the crowd and seemingly vanished in the sea of fans. 

Wisconsin is next on my itinerary-hold on to your hats! Here we go.......

"A family is but an earlier heaven."

~ George Bernard Shaw