Greetings from MN!

Well, what a treat to have this up and running! Thanks, Carter, for following thru with this!

The MN State Fair just finished- and it continues to be an amazing event. An interesting fact- in terms of per day attendance, it is the largest event of it's kind in the English speaking world; the MN Great Get-Together had an average of 125,000 people every day..compared to 2006 numbers for Walt Disney Workd ast 46,000 or Disney land at 40,000 per day.

Of course, we like to go at "low tide" times- and watch the free music (ask Curt about the "Spam-ettes!!") the people watching, the amazing "Miracle of Birth" with hundreds of baby ducks, cows, lambs, horses, sheep and piglets being born over the 12 days, and the great displays. The creative arts building is of course a favorite- and I wish I could share that with many of your creative family members. I wouldn't be surprised if Mr. Curt submits his mango cutney or other surprises next year.

Saw Thekla the other day- her new apartment reminds me of the many years gone by! The first day of school has such poignant memories for all of you- doesn't it? From Preschool to college- I have enjoyed the stories from you all!

As you know, I have been helping out as a supervisor at the hospital since July; feel like I am either sleeping or working nights all the time. The work is challenging- and the emergency codes/transfers are all too frequent!! Meanwhile, Curt has been canning and processing everything in site- 6 dozen ears of corn yesterday. (That's a hell of a lot of corn- let me tell you!) Hopefullly, I'll escape this weekend and join Andy and Mike up at the cabin this weekend. I need a break from the city, work and all responsibility!

Saw Dad recently; he is doing well. Has had some challenges with his menierries' (sp) and eye sight- other wise, status quo.

Thanks, again, Pete and Jo, for the great reunion- and to Jim for the awesome t-shirts. Love from Merry