At 4:40 pm, we picked up our dear friend Sue. Sue and Chip were our beloved friends and neighbors in our old lives. Chip sadly passed away a short time before we left Minnesota. Losing him was heartbreaking for Sue, us, and many who loved this special man dearly. We were with him on his last day, May 31, 2012, only five months before we left Minnesota to travel the world.
We recall him being happy about our upcoming travels, but he was also sad about the prospect of us being gone. He and Sue were a daily part of our lives, with some of the best memories of our lives. He and Tom shared the same birthday, December 23, and we often spent the birthdays together. I recall making birthday cakes, with half of each celebrating our exceptional husbands.
We have stayed in close touch with Sue all these years we’ve been away, and most often, when we were in Minnesota, we made time to get together. Last night was no exception, and dear next-door neighbors Nelleke and Dave were included with us. We had quite a close neighborhood with many great memories we’ll always cherish. Now, everyone has moved away except for Nelleke and Dave.
The conversation was delightful and only as intimate and meaningful as one would have with long-term friends. Of course, they were concerned about my upcoming surgery, asking me many questions with answers I freely shared. Over the years, we have all had trials and life challenges, and we have never failed to share them. That closeness is a treasure in this “hustle and bustle” world, often with little time to get together, let alone have time for deep conversations.
The food at Jimmy’s Kitchen & Bar was excellent as always, although a little pricey for our objectives. It was almost $200 for Sue and the two of us. But it was a special occasion, and we didn’t mind the expenditure.
Back at our hotel, by 9:00 pm, we streamed an episode of a show, and before we knew it, we were off to bed. I was thrilled to have a good night’s sleep and feel refreshed and energetic today. Yesterday, I started walking outdoors and hope to increase the distance daily.
After writing about how little I’ve walked or exercised in the past week, I am working hard to motivate myself to do more. The sidewalks at this hotel are uneven, but I am doing my best to be sure-footed. Minnesota’s winter frost and summer heat often result in uneven walkways and sidewalks, which are repaired infrequently.
Nothing much is on today’s agenda except for Tom returning the current rental car for another by noon, and then before 5:00 pm, he will leave to drive north to grandson Vincent’s trap shooting event. I will stay behind since attending this event requires standing for extended periods, not something I cannot do with ease.
Yesterday, I had an idea to contact Marriott Bonvoy, the rewards program for Marriott Hotels worldwide. After some time on the phone, they were able to get us a better price for this hotel, saving us over $1200 for July and August since we already had a great rate until June 14, when we’ll leave to drive to Milwaukee, returning here for the new booking from June 16 until August 25, when we begin the drive to Cleveland Clinic. What an unexpected break!
We’ll be back with more tomorrow.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, May 30, 2014:
