MJ Travel: 2021

Road Trip - June and July 2021 - Part Two

Minnesota has relatively recently become a family stop. Three of my nieces have made western Wisconsin and the Minneapolis area their homes. Visiting there is always full of family fun. Of course the cutest photos are of my great nephews and niece! My youngest great nephew is only a few months old. It was such a treat to meet him and see how he changed in just the short time I visited. This part of my road trip connected me to family and friends. Scroll through the numerous photos and get a sense of family, friends and my road trip fun!

The photo above could be titled "The Three Leos"!

Now there is a story!

My nieces and me! I love these young women and I am so proud of them!

While at my niece's home we played a quick game of croquet. One of my great-nephews beat me! This sweet four year old whispered to me during the game that when I left his house he was going to give me a toy! Such a sweet gesture of a child trying to ease the pain of loosing for his great aunt. If only we all had such caring hearts and if only losses could be soothed so simply. This is the toy he gifted me as I left his home. I had to send him a photo of me and the smile it put on my face. What a precious memory.

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While in Minneapolis I drove to the location where George Floyd was murdered. Most likely not on the city's tourist website but perhaps it should be included. As I walked through the area I tried to picture what it was like the day it happened. Difficult to imagine for someone who has never witnessed a murder scene. I am sharing some photos in hopes that these tragedies are not forgotten and that somehow lessons are learned.

The stream of vapor was not visible to me when I took this photo. While viewing photos I quickly noticed this mysterious phenomenon. It's meaning also a mystery but certainly thought provoking.

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My road trip eventually took me to Wisconsin and visits with family and friends. As with most families our visits have been limited since the Covid virus pandemic. The pandemic has made us even more aware and thankful for time with family and friends.

The Two Bobs-another story!

Traveling means relaxing, exploring, and learning. Travel provides opportunities to experience old and new activities and adventures. Learning and exploring are just two of my favorite aspects of travel. Or as we like to call it; adventuring! Learning as a result of observing, participating, attempting, and maybe just enjoying!

I have always wanted to try welding. Well thanks to my brother's creativity and a "beer-thirty" conversation I learned to weld! Yes, those are mittens covering my shoes because one shoe now has a hole from a spark!

My first creation-and the park bench in the distance-well a future project! It eventually becomes a gorgeous dining table!

A recipe card holder-of course it is! My second welding project.

Beer-thirty!

Bread baking lesson with my sister-in-law's homemade jam.

Local Farm Stand

Breakfast with fresh ingredients from a local farm stand. The yolks are the same color as the sweet potato.

Yep! Tractor driving lessons!

Cutting lawn on this bad boy as the sun rose.

Lake Michigan Car Ferry

Manitowoc, Wisconsin

The photos below are from a walking tour of part of the historic Lock System on the Fox River.

Learn more; Fox Locks

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All this and more during a road trip from Arizona to Wisconsin. Always more to see and learn no matter how many times you have visited an area. If travel plans are not in your future be a tourist in your own area. I bet there is a lot of fun right around the corner!

Another walk and another "Lock House". If this trip created an obsession it is "Lock Houses"!

Learn more; Lock Houses

A local high school team won the state sport trophy. Their bus stopped at a concert I attended. Everyone applauded the team as they took the stage. Really a wonderful moment to experience.

While in Wisconsin my brother and sister-in-law were on a road trip (yes it runs in the family) and entrusted me with their beautiful home. I have a lot more to learn but my house-sit on their rural property was an amazing experience. Here are a few more photos from that stay.

Starting the next project!

A Wisconsin tradition!

Witnessed a marriage proposal at a local coffee shop!

I was given an incredible gift created by the young couple in the photo below. The light box has photos from my past travels 3-D printed on the surfaces. What an inspiration for more travel and what a treasured gift!