March 24 – April 1st, 2007
Returning to Colorado: On the Road Again
As we leave Grandma’s and Grandpa’s house it is a cloudy, rainy day and the windshield wipers are working overtime. Cars whiz by splashing water everywhere as we head South on Highway 35W. I recognize the exits as I remember the many people and locations where I played table tennis, went to college, and grew up learning to be independent on these roads.
The Week in Pictures
Since our camera has random memory card errors, I grabbed Grandpa’s camera as we toured the city with our family. Dad reminded me that photos are free, so we took over 100 during the week. It is nice that we can store them on everyone’s computer to improve our memories.
Minnehaha Falls
On Monday, the weather was warm like summer, but there were still hints of snow in places. The Falls still showed frozen chunks of water, but mainly the water flowed strong and loud. While walking on the boardwalk toward the Mississippi, I tried to imagine how beautiful these dark spindly trees would look with large green leaves. Unfortunately, the boardwalk ended before we reached the Mississippi River. Next time, it would be fun to find a path that reaches all the way to the Mississippi River.
The statue Minnehaha and Hiawatha, was very impressive. Although, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow never saw Minnehaha Falls, his poem, “The Song of Hiawatha” was inspired by stories and images of Minnehaha Falls. The Longfellow House is a 2/3 sized replica of the Longfellow’s Home in Cambridge, Massachusetts. We made a quick stop at the Longfellow house which was a very interesting old yellow house with historical information inside. Information about Minnehaha Falls found here.
Minnesota Zoo
Two years ago at the zoo, we took the Monorail around the zoo because the weather was cold and snowy. This year we were able to walk. There were many interesting animals in large free roaming spaces. The funny part was that the prairie dog exhibit was probably our favorite. The animals were close and so social. We watched what looked like an argument between two prairie dogs. One mischeivious fellow kept kicking dirt at the other. In Colorado, prairie dogs are often thought of a nuisance because their populations are intruding on our human areas. At the zoo, they are such interesting creatures.
I would like to visit this zoo in the summer months. An amphitheater with a Birds of Prey show and the Farm Animals would be in season. Next time, it would be nice to see the entire dolphin show from a better seat. Checking dolphin show times before leaving home would be a good idea!
Table Tennis
Dad and I ventured out to play some serious table tennis on Wednesday night. I was highly impressed with Dad’s ability to compensate for his loss of depth perception. I know his eyes are improving every day. With a little more healing and practice, he will continue to enjoy the sport. He tells me that his friends enjoy practicing with me, but I know they were mostly interested in seeing him again 
Mall of America
On a rainy day, this is a fun place to visit. Between themes, the amusement park inside the mall is not yet decorated as the newly planned Nickelodeon. We did have fun spending our 24 coupons on bumper calls, balloon rides, and the ferris wheel. The Rainforest Cafe is back! So, we had to eat amongst the apes, parrots, and fish during lunch. We are not big shoppers, but there are so many distractions, this is a different kind of shopping trip. We did manage to find plenty of things to buy and fun to have.
Minnesota Children’s Museum
We visited the traveling “Bob the Builder” show at the Children’s Museum. Memories of infants and toddlers were everywhere as we watched our little cousin explore the golf ball apparatuses, the ping pong ball waterways, and the bubble areas. We even stopped at the “weather” room only to find the thunderstorm cloud exhibit was broken. It is fun to spectate at the museum, but our family members are quickly outgrowing the exhibits.
Time at Home
Sharing piano with Minnesota neighbors was very fun. Many favorite times were spent at home in the home I grew up in. Highlights included making plans and meals with Mom, celebrating a birthday, practicing yoga together, working out at New Brighton Recreation Center in the early mornings, reading Dad’s book on building boxes and seeing his newest creations, watching photo slide shows, sharing blogs, being with my brother’s family, and getting to hold my baby nephew!