No, while we’re in the US, our daily posts won’t be exciting and exciting to our readers. Since we have lived in Minnesota most of our lives, we aren’t going sightseeing and searching for fascinating photo ops. Also, without a camera and only my phone, taking photos isn’t as fun for me.

Again, today’s photos are not so exciting. Today, I will order the new camera to be delivered to our mailing service in Nevada, which we’ll pick up along with other items awaiting us, including a few replacement credit cards for those expiring in the next 12 months. We also purchased Tom’s new Cole Haan shoes and computer backpack at the Samsonite store in the Eagan Outlet Mall.

I had purchased a new travel bag for myself at the same store, but once we got back to the hotel, I noticed I’d made a terrible mistake. The bag has a hidden handle and wheeling feature, which I didn’t want. It’s a bag, not a suitcase. Today, we’ll return it when the mall opens after 11:00 am. I don’t know how in the world I missed this fact. I suppose my brain is still off-kilter from all the traveling and activity. I will select a more appropriate bag when we return it in a few hours.

Last night, Greg and the three grandchildren met us for dinner at Champs Restaurant in Eden Prairie. Afterward, we headed back to our hotel for a quiet evening with a plan to get some sleep. Alas, sleep was elusive for me, and I awoke again at 4:00 am, never returning to sleep. Once we return to South Africa in 19 days, we can get back to our usual routine. Most likely, it will be this way during the remainder of our time in the US.

I have been texting back and forth with our dear friend (and property manager) Louise in Marloth Park to hear how things are doing there and chat with one another as we often do daily. Hearing from here keeps me connected to the bush. Our dear friend Kathy, who soon returns to the bush and will be there when we return, had a birthday yesterday, and I had a chance to talk to her, much to my delight. Friends Linda and Ken and, of course, Rita and Gerhard stay in close touch too, all of whom and more, we’ll see when we return.

But, it’s lovely to spend time with family, although challenging at times to work our visits into our grown children’s busy schedules. Just because we’re here doesn’t change the work and family responsibilities that keep their calendars full.

We are so used to a slow and easy pace. We’re often surprised by how packed everyone’s day-to-day schedule can be. But, we lived here, lived this life, and we know and appreciate how entire life can be with endless responsibilities and activities. We do our best to be available when family members are to spend time together.

We continue to feel relieved that we received the vaccine on July 1 and had no ill effects. Also, as each day passes, we are grateful that we didn’t contract Covid during our three days of travel. Most likely, if we’d been exposed, we’d have symptoms by now, but we’ve heard it can present up to 14 days after exposure.

Are those stories we’ve read about people becoming ill from the vaccines, exaggerations, or facts? Then again, if one million people get any vaccine, some will become ill, and some will pass away. It’s a sad reality. We were concerned when we had to get the yellow fever vaccine before we left the US in 2012. I was sick for a few hours, and Tom didn’t feel up to snuff for a weekend.

I understand and appreciate the hesitancy by some over receiving the vaccine. On the other hand, the world will never reach herd immunity without more participants. Each person has to decide for themselves, considering the restrictions they may encounter without being vaccinated and the possibility they or their family members will become ill with Covid-19.

We decided based on our desire to continue to travel, which would be severely impacted if we failed to get the vaccine. Plus, I must admit, it will feel good to have less anxiety about either of us getting the virus, or if we do, the case would be less severe. I do not doubt that an annual booster will be necessary. Hopefully, there will be less confusion and difficulty in people getting the boosters. Only time will tell.

Off I go, folks. Have a pleasant day! There’s “other fish to fry” on the agenda.

Photo from one year ago today, July 7, 2020:

“In Kauai, Hawaii in 2015, when this albatross, Nash, was preparing to fledge. This looks scary,” says Nash. “It’s a shame I’m having a bad hair day for my first journey.” For more photos, please click here.

Each time we return to the US for a visit, we find ourselves caught up in shopping, which neither cares to do. It’s incredibly annoying when visiting the shops in person as opposed to shopping online. As far as a camera goes, I believe I’ve located a good option Amazon.com.

Most likely, I’ll order the camera in the next day or two, and it will be awaiting us at our mailing service in Las Vegas, ready to pick up along with some other mail we’ll be collecting at the time. Of course, we’re only purchasing items we can’t find in South Africa and items we must have.

This morning, after uploading the post, we’ll be heading out to a nearby Outlet Mall where dozens of discounted designer-type shops have excellent prices on their quality items.

Today’s primary goal is to visit the Cole Haan shoe store in the outlet mall so Tom can purchase a few pairs of replacement shoes that have “bit the dust” almost nine years later. It’s hard to believe those shoes lasted as long as they did, as we traveled all over the world.

Sure, we both could use some new clothes, but with weight restrictions for our upcoming international flight returning to South Africa, we do not want to pay for overweight luggage. It defeats the purpose of getting reasonable clothing prices in Minnesota, where there’s no sales tax on apparel. For that reason, we’ll make any purchases while here in Minnesota rather than in Wisconsin or Nevada.

Yesterday afternoon after Tom’s delightful visit with daughter Tammy and her partner Tracy, he returned to the hotel to pick me up. He had to turn around and head back the same way from whence he’d come through more rush hour traffic. We were on our way to Andover to visit his siblings and significant others.

We’d planned to play dice or cards with the six of them, but once we were seated around Collen and Gene’s big dining room table, the conversation, laughter, and reminiscing superseded anyone’s interest in playing cards. Tom, as the youngest in the family, is often odder for good humor among family members. Now that I’ve been around for 30 years, there were many stories I’d heard in the past and some in which I participated.

The next time we see them will be at a barbecue on Thursday at Mary and Eugene’s home, also in Andover. We’ll bring some food to eat and to share. There’s no doubt that once again, the conversation will be lively and animated.

Tonight, we’ll meet up with Greg’s family of five for dinner at a favorite restaurant in our old neighborhood, Maynard’s, located on Lake Minnetonka. Our dinner is reserved for 5:00 pm, to be followed by Miles’ baseball game at 7:15.  Here again, we’ll surely enjoy fun and lively conversations with Greg, Camille, and three of our grandchildren, Maisie, Miles, and Madighan. It’s lovely spending time with our family members.

Time is passing quickly. In 10 days, we’ll head to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 12 days, we’ll be on our way to Henderson, Nevada. In a mere 18 days, we’ll begin the long journey back to South Africa. Do we miss the bush? Of course, we do, but for now,  we’re living in the moment, wrapped up in spending time with family and, if time allows, a few friends.

After another good night’s sleep, feeling like our “old” selves once again, we’re holding up well with all the activity and look forward to each new day.  Please, stay with us as we continue on this lovely, fulfilling family visit.

Stay healthy and continue to observe Covid-19 protocols suitable for your location!

Photo from one year ago today, July 6, 2020:

TThe exquisite Sofitel Metropole Hanoi was a fantastic hotel in 2016. The master bath was huge, with double sinks, a private water closet, and a glass-enclosed shower. Every possible lotion, potion, and amenity was provided. For more, please click here.