A Minnesota Update:)

I figure I should probably join the update bandwagon. I returned from my travels through Europe shortly before Halloween, so just soon enough that I got scheduled for the education portion of the zoo's Halloween event that happens the two weekends before Halloween. Luckily it didn't entail too much, just talking about turtles and reading a story during which a visitor gets dressed up as a frog. I did spend 1 night dressed as a gorilla though greeting visitors as they entered. So by the time Halloween came around, I was all Halloweened out and spent the night catching up with friends. I know things were quiet in terms of trick-or-treaters at the house as well.

I am still at the zoo where I am covering two maternity leaves during the year which means I get to teach classes for school groups, lead tours and of course test my patience during the weekend birthday parties. The best part is it means I get to handle a few more animals other then just the snakes and bugs such as a parrot, Tegu, Chinchilla and armadillo. It's really not THAT exciting, but it is the only exciting thing about the new position so I'll take any excitement I can get:) I am looking forward to being camp director again this summer so I can put off any decision making regarding what it is I really want to do for a little bit longer!

Other news on the home front, John has moved into an apartment in Minneapolis fairly close to Mary's apartment. Joe seems to be enjoying school and says "wud up". My parents are currently out in South Dakota for the weekend - my dad and Nelli are hunting with people from his work and my mom is visiting the relatives out there.

Funny story regarding hunting - my dad spent a weekend in October hunting with the dogs up at the cabin. He saw a few grouse but didn't manage to get any. On Tuesday, when I was up at the cabin, the contractor brought in a dead grouse that had just flown into the side of the cabin (yes the side, not even into the windows!). He cleaned it and sent it home with us so we could brag that the dogs managed to get a grouse without him. The next morning another one flew into the little cabin. So currently the hunting season tally is --> Frank 0..... Cabin 2.

I figured I should share with you the pictures of Glenda's place where we stayed in Dublin since my mom still hasn't gotten over it:)

This is looking at the wall directly across from where we slept

Looking to the right.... If you look closely you can see the door that leads to the rest of the house on the right side of the picture

Looking from the church into the rest of the home

Our beds - I got the bed, Carl had the mattress on the floor

View of the kitchen/living room - we never saw the bottom of the table, sink or counter tops

I am sure my mom will update when she returns with news of how the South Dakota relatives are doing. We're looking forward to a relaxing Thanksgiving here with everyone and my Dad's mom and sister.

Keep the updates coming and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

--Anna