Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Zombie Night

The Zombie Pub Crawl 2 rocked. Here's the pictures to prove it.

Stan and Jesse getting ready at Paul's house.

Paul was totally screwed.

Lisa gorges on human flesh before "the gathering."

The gathering. 350 zombies strong.
Walking in a zombie horde down the middle of the street was one of the best times I've ever had.


Stan is the cutest zombie ever. Note his human flesh snack.

I had Paul's cat for a snack.

My spray bottle of blood was the hit of the crawl.

Stan brains are the tastiest!!!

Unfortunately our batteries ran out at Elsie's while we were zombowling. Things got more drunken crazy after that. And I have the bruise of all drunken bruises to prove it.

Missed out? Drink Like a Pirate Day is Saturday starting at 7 PM. We won't be there, but you should.

Monday, September 11, 2006

I still really want a dog


Is that so bad?

Should you talk me out of it?


She's one year old. Potty trained. Crate trained. Loves kids.

$315 and she would be mine.

I so want this dog.

Friday, September 08, 2006

Whatcha doin' Saturday night?

We're going on a pub crawl. You should too.

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

He's everything you want. He's everything you need. He's everything inside of you that you wish you could be.

He says all the right things at exactly the right time. But he means nothing to you and you don't know why.

You're waiting for someone.
To put you together.
You're waiting for someone to push you away.
There's always another wound to discover.
There's always something more you wish he'd say.

Too bad the things that might be good for you are the things you can't accept.

Or then again, maybe it was a wrong match to begin with.

All I know is that my best friend is hurting. Badly.

And that makes me more upset that I can say.

Monday, September 04, 2006

Aww. . . yeah.

Your Theme Song is Fight for Your Right by the Beastie Boys

"Your mom busted in and said, "What's that noise?"
Aw, mom you're just jealous - it's the Beastie Boys!"

You love to party hard and cause a little trouble...
And you're too busy getting wasted to move out of your parents' house!

Sunday, September 03, 2006

L.I.S.A.

Google results for "Lisa"
  1. The Localization Industry Standards Association (LISA)
  2. Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA)
  3. Lisa McPherson Memorial Page: killed by the Church of Scientology
  4. Error: Authentication Failed. Either your username, password, or IP addres didn't pass the authentication test.
  5. Lisa Loeb official website
  6. 19th Large Installation System Administration Conference (LISA '05)
Yeah, I still want to change my name.

Potty Training


Stan and I have finally taken the plunge (so to speak) and got our act together when it comes to potty training. We were making the whole thing way to easy on Noah: pull-ups when we went out, cleaning him ASAP when he had an accident. As Grandma Reade pointed out to me on Thursday night, we took away all of the consequences and expected results. Ugh. This parenting thing takes way too much work.

After my pep talk from Reade, I kicked myself in the ass and started on Friday. We made a chart for Noah. Every time he goes to the bathroom he gets a smiley face and a treat. He needs to stay dry for seven days and then he gets the mega prize: Sponge Bob Legos.

One day dry, six more to go.

Awesome.

Saturday, September 02, 2006

Where Babies Come From (In Germany)


Oh my goodness.

I especially love the picture when the baby is born.

Cre-eepy!

Friday, September 01, 2006

Squid Soap

Squid soap is the awesome. Someone buy it for me, please?

The child puts a "squid ink" mark on their hand(s) and then washes it with the soap until the mark is gone. It teaches kids to wash their hands the correct amount of time. Genius. Pure genius.


Monday, August 28, 2006

Brokeback Lizard's Super Troopers

This is for Peanut and Weirdo.

Saturday, August 26, 2006

Bored update


Tonight I got my nose repierced at the Ink Lab. After 12 years of not having my nose pierced, I was a little nervous about my memories of the pain level. It hurt a bit more than I remembered, but it was fast and I love it.

Noah said it looked good and then he asked me if he could kiss it. I have the best child EVER.

Religious people are crazy insane.


  • Pajama top with breastplate of righteousness and belt of truth hem
  • Pajama bottoms with wings of peace to cover feet
  • Helmet of salvation
  • Shield of faith pillow
  • Sword of the spirit (New Testament)
  • Activity coloring book

I would never, EVER buy this for Noah. And I would certainly not mistake putting this farce of a pajama set on my child and magically think that their childhood will be okay, even though I am an abusive drunk. Okay, maybe I am projecting a bit much, but this is still CRAZY INSANE. And I will be buying it for Jesse for Xmas.

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

I'm bored.

I need to shake things up.

I am going to get a tattoo in Hawaii when I visit little sis (either in November or February) but I am in need of something NOW. I'm jonesin' for something, but am not sure what.

Should I . . .
  • Get my nose repierced?
  • Pierce my ears somewhere not yet pierced?
  • Get a tattoo before Hawaii?
  • Buy some funky ass shoes?
  • Commit a minor crime?
  • Cut off all of my hair?
The opportunities seem endless, but unfortunately, my imagination is handicapped.

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Some men know how to tell it like it is!!!

"Far from spreading freedom and democracy in the Middle East, the Bush administration has watched while extremists grow stronger, Iran goes nuclear, Iraq falls into civil war and oil and gas prices skyrocket. Simply staying the course is unacceptable,"

- Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid of Nevada told AP.

He forgot to mention Katrina, but otherwise, Harry nailed the situation. At least someone is speaking the truth.

Bad Art


Enjoy. The Museum of Bad Art.


Monday, August 21, 2006

I want this dog

My mind is telling me now is not time for a dog. But my heart wants, wants, wants this dog:


Lucille is a two year old chihuahua beagle mix, 9 pounds and cute as heck. I'm overwhelmed by the cute that is this dog. If life was fair, it would be mine. But Noah is too young, our yard is not 100% fenced in, dogs are expensive and they poop. A lot.

Hopefully in a few years when we are ready for a dog we will be able to find one just as cute and perfectly sized. Sigh. . .

Saturday, August 19, 2006

Dave & Courtney's Wedding

Here's some shots from the wedding.

Stan's Family with the bride.

Noah and Monica

The Most Handsome Keathly Family.

Momma and Noah on the Dance Floor.

Stan!

Friday, August 18, 2006

The Zombie Pub Crawl has Upped the Ante

Last year I missed the Zombie Pub Crawl so this year it's my turn to dress up and get wasted.

But now I have to choose, join the Pirates or the Zombies.

Saying "Arrr!" all night or moaning.

Wearing black eye makeup or green face paint.

Drinking rum or bloody looking Cosmos.

Votes anyone?

Thursday, August 17, 2006

This is for Jacquie

Angry Alien Productions does your favorite movies in 30 second clips.

They star (are you sitting down Jacquie?) BUNNIES.
Check it out.

Bunny Raiders of the Lost Ark

I can't decide which I like better: Jaws, Brokeback Mountain or Reservoir Dogs. . .

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

OMFG



I know I only posted like, two minutes ago, but then I found THIS.

Is this really legal on MN beaches? And can we say "Brazilian wax job?" Repeat after me class: "All hair go away!"

If so, I should totally be able to ride around with my 4 year old on a scooter. If a cop pulled me over I would just say, "Hey! Look at this picture of the bikini I wear at Calhoun Lake!" I would totally get off without a ticket. Seriously.

At least you'd know it wasn't a dude trying to look like a lady. . .

Monday, August 14, 2006

Happy B-Day Pooper!

Happy Birthday to my favorite brown eyed monster pooper.

"Mom? My diaper is full."

Rockin' the 'gosh 'b-gosh.

Chick magnet.

Thanks for putting up with me for 11 years (and counting). You are more than a best friend. You are family.

So here's to you!

Let's rock this one out, shall we?

Thursday, August 10, 2006

Pride? Who said I had any pride!?!

Courtney and Dave are getting married tomorrow. In celebration, I am posting the pictures of moi from her bachelorette party.

They had these "Girl's Night Out" dare cards. Please, like I have any scruples about embarrassing myself.

First dare: Flash your panties out the window.

I know it looks like I'm taking a crap on the window, but I'm really just flashing my grandma panties. . . to Hennepin Avenue.

Second dare: Order a drink while putting on lipstick . . . badly. This one was actually a lot of fun. And no, he didn't actually lick me.


I don't have a picture of the third dare, so here's a picture of Courtney licking a beer bottle.

Let's just hope the wedding reception pictures are half as fun. . .

Life is not a movie.

This morning I was driving Noah home from his sleepover and we came upon an accident. A car had flipped over and was sitting on its roof. There were glass and toys all over the road. It had just happened. There weren't any police or rescue there yet. People were cautiously approaching the car while others were standing there, clearly in shock.

It made me think of a motorcycle accident I saw. The bike was under a car and there was a sheet covering a body on the road.

This scene in a movie might make me sad, but in real life I felt stricken.

This morning I got smacked in the face with reality. I would have preferred coffee.

Monday, August 07, 2006

Goth Make-up Tips

After all, even one lame looking Goth makes them all look bad.

Makeup Tips for the Bleak
by Lord Damien Star
[taken from Ghastly Magazine, Issue 3]

Done badly, Gothic makeup and dress can look painfully stupid. The following are some suggestions for how to do it well.

1. Whiteface should create the illusion that you really are that pale, and not that you have a bunch of makeup from Wallgreen's caked all over your face. If you have dark skin, don't try to do whiteface unless you're going for a very stylized harlequin look or are willing to put makeup on all exposed skin areas. Try using a base just one or two shades lighter than your own color, and then put white powder over it. This will give you an ethereal, almost grayish cast.

After spending money on a decent base, take the trouble to apply it evenly. It's appalling how many Goths overlook something so basic and vital to their entire aesthetic. Equally bad and unfortunately as common is the tendency to overpowder and to end one's pallor at the jawbone. Such mistakes are just inexcusably stupid. Don't make them.

2. On the subject of eyeliner, liquid is better, but if your hands shake, by all means use the most expensive pencil you can afford. Cheap pencils go on faint and will smudge after an hour. Do something original with your eye makeup: cobwebs or bat wings drawn across the cheek look silly on anyone over the age of fifteen. On those under fifteen, however, such adornments are sure to attract the lecherous attention of jaded Goths in their late twenties and early thirties who will probably give you free speed if you prove sufficiently pliable.

3. Find a shade of lipstick not everyone else is wearing. Theatrical supply stores are the best for really deep shades of congealed-blood red. Apply it with a lip brush for a more precise and severe effect.

4. Strive for originality in your costume. For those doing vintage looks, realize that both the eighteenth century and the Victorian era have been done to death. The Twenties, Thirties, and Forties are largely untapped by Goths and have great potential. One could dress as an emaciated, opium-addicted flapper from the Aleister Crowley set or pose as the Black Dahlia, a would-be actress from the Forties whose gimmick was that she dyed her hair black and would wear only black clothing; her ghastly mutilation and murder remain unsolved to this day. Also remember that black is not the only color. Deep blues, grays, and greens, as well as blood-red, purple, and ivory, can be equally striking.

5. If you have scars on your wrists from suicide attempts, by all means display them proudly. The same goes for bruises, cuts, and track marks. Abscesses, however, should always be coyly veiled in filmy black fabric.

Your Gothic look should be as opulent, decadent, and original as possible. If you're not up to making the necessary effort to carry off this most high-maintenance of affectations, try wearing plaid shirts and listening to Nirvana instead.

Saturday, August 05, 2006

OK GO - Here it Goes Again

They were here 5 months ago at The Quest. Damn.

Thursday, August 03, 2006

Folow up Letter For NNO

Hello Neighbors!


As I write this, the day after National Night Out, the sky is blue and the weather is beautiful. Note to self: next time postpone the event if it's raining! Despite the rain, we had a record turn out for National Night Out and earned bragging rights as the toughest block in the neighborhood.


Here are the Winners from our Games:

Angie and Yolanda each won a $5 gift certificate to Dabble in the pass the orange contest.

Yolanda won the egg relay race and distributed the 10 MN Twins vouchers.

Max won the checkers competition and a $20 gift certificate for Snap!

Mike and Peggy won 30 minute massages from Keathly Massage in the water balloon toss.

Noah won dance classes from Zenon Dance Company in the coloring contest.


The food was paid for by donations from residents, Target and Cub.


Special thanks to:

Mirellia for too many things to list.

Mary for contacting local businesses for donations.

Jesse and Angie for setting up their tarps and for use of their grill and coolers.

Michelle and Jesse for grilling.

Carol for use of the tables (and making such delicious beans!)

Harvey, Stan and Mike for keeping the tarps up!

Mike, Harvey, Mirellia, Jesse, Angie, etc. for helping with setup and tear down.

All neighbors for their donations, assistance, food and willingness to party in the rain.


Visit the website for the Northeast Citizen Patrol. All types of volunteer work is needed and donations would be greatly appreciated. Help support this great organization that is working hard to make your neighborhood a safer place to live!


Yolanda is going to keep us all in touch with a neighborhood e-mail group. If you would like to be included, please e-mail her at: womacky4@yahoo.com. She will keep us posted on news in the area and send out any news/information/invitations you would like shared with your neighbors.


Let's all keep in touch and have a great summer!

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

National Soaking Wet Night Out

I tell ya, nothing brings neighbors huddling together under a tarp like National Night Out. Or was that the rain?

When we were setting up the two tarp tents the rain was light and misty. When we got to the third one, the one we had covering part of the street, it was heavier. At dinner time, it was pouring. And still, no one left. They huddled together under the tents, ate the food and stuck around to play games. I had to convince people that it was okay to go inside our house to hang out/eat. Finally, some listened and hung out where it was warm and dry.

We had a relay race where you had to hold an egg on a spoon while you ran, a "pass the orange" game where you passed it back and forth without using your hands and a checkers tournament. The most ironic game of the night was the water balloon toss. At that point, we were pretty wet already, so everyone went crazy and it turned into a water balloon fight at the end, in the rain. Yes, it was awesome.

Our neighborhood rocks. We party hard. No matter what the weather.

Monday, July 31, 2006

Mmmm . . . smoking.

A couple weeks ago I went to a Bachelorette Party for Courtney. I smoked a little over a half a pack of cigarettes. A HALF A PACK. People, what was I thinking? I am still coughing and hacking up crap from the resulting cold.

I looked up some information to help keep me from doing this ever again. Because logic always wins out when you're drinking.

WHEN YOU SMOKE:

Within a few seconds of your first puff, irritating gases (formaldehyde, ammonia and hydrogen sulphide) start to work on the sensitive membranes of your eyes, nose and throat.

As you puff away, you erode the natural cleansing process of the lungs. Your respiratory rate starts to increase, making your lungs work harder. The gases from the cigarette harm the tissues of the lungs and the airways. This causes you to cough up more mucous. The excess mucous is a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses, making you susceptible to colds, flu, bronchitis and other respiratory diseases (ergo: Lisa is deathly sick).

Farther down, inside your lungs, the smoke weakens the free-roving scavenger cells that remove foreign particles from the air sacs of the lungs.

From the moment the smoke reaches your lungs, your heart is forced to work harder. The heartbeat may increase by as much as 30 percent during the first 10 minutes of smoking.

While you are smoking, your blood pressure increases, putting more stress on heart and blood vessels.

When you smoke, carbon monoxide - the colourless, odourless, deadly gas present in car exhaust - passes immediately into your bloodstream. Carbon monoxide binds to the oxygen receptor sites (haemoglobin) and "kicks out" the oxygen molecules in your red blood cells.

Haemoglobin - the protein that feeds oxygen to organs and cells - binds itself preferentially to the carbon monoxide and can no longer carry oxygen. This means that less oxygen reaches your brain and vital organs. Your body cells need oxygen for energy so your energy levels are reduced.

After approximately 10 seconds of lighting up, nicotine has been absorbed from the lungs into the bloodstream and has been transported to the brain. It stimulates the central nervous system, increasing the heart beat rate and blood pressure: raising the heart's oxygen requirement (So it increases demand while decreasing the amount of oxygen. Nice).

If this doesn't help, somebody just cut off my index fingers so I can't hold the cigarette. That would be much appreciated.

Sunday, July 30, 2006

Happy Anniversary!

Thanks to Mama Reade and Papa John, we had a fantastic anniversary. They took Noah for 24 hours starting at 3:00 PM on Saturday. Noah was practically pushing us out the door, yelling, "Goodbye!" over and over again so we would just get the hell out already.

We went shopping for some adult entertainment and then were off to our hotel room. As promised, I immediately started filling the cheesy 80's wine colored jacuzzi for a nice, relaxing soak. Our room at LiveInn Suites was a party room: two TV's, two king sized beds and a jacuzzi. All for $95. I could just picture the beer parties. As a matter of fact, I still think I smelled them a little bit too.

We had dinner at Kincaid's in St. Paul. Amazing service and great food. We spent three cents over our gift certificate. Awesome. I had the rock salt roasted beef. Anything + salt = yummy for Lisa. Stan had the halibut cheeks. Hee, hee, cheeks. . .

After breakfast at Dunn Brothers on Sunday we were off to pick up Noah. As soon as he saw us he got mad and started pouting. Grandma Reade and Papa John had done so well that Noah didn't want to leave. After a half hour, he finally acknowledged our presence. A little while longer and he said he would go home with us, as long as he could come back to Grandma's SOON.

Now, back to reality. A messy house and a National Night Out BBQ to pull off in two days. Even so, it's nice to be home with my guys.

Thursday, July 27, 2006

Hmm . . .

$320 for a split queen box spring.

Do I really need the ol' box spring? Or would sheets of plywood do the trick?

I love the new bedroom upstairs but hate the unyeilding bitch of a stairway.

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

I Didn't Know You Could Do That With A Penis

"Noah, honey, please don't pull out your foreskin and pinch the end shut when you pee."

"But Mom, it makes a penis balloon."

"Yes. It does. Call me crazy, but I don't like balloons filled with urine."

Monday, July 24, 2006

R.I.P. Chirpy

Saturday afternoon: baby bird #3 on the deck. We managed to keep him alive for two days but forgot to take him out of the direct sun so he died.

Oh well, at least Jr. is still safe at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. We did our part to keep one alive this summer.

I would have driven Chirpy to the WRC as well, but life got in the way. Water pouring through ceilings, digital phone and internet down and $860 in plumbing bills plus $250 for a new vanity will do that to a girl.

Even so, I won't be surprised if I hear a chirping ghostly voice in the middle of the night. . .

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

The Continuing Saga of the House Sparrow



The first sign of the house sparrows nesting on top of our roof was the little blue eggs smashed on the deck. We realized that they had rolled down the roof, vaulted off of the gutter guard like an old school homemade skateboard ramp and ended up pulverized smack dab in front of the sliding glass door. Perfectly positioned for us to step on.

The second sign was a baby bird that made the same perillous journey with the same results. It made it out of the egg just in time to get pushed out of the nest and take it's one and only swan dive to earth. It was Noah's first animal funeral. We introduced the idea of "bird heaven." I don't know what he thinks of that idea, but since I don't even know if I believe religion anymore, we'll save that for another post.

The horny little birds got another batch of babies hatched last week. Proof positive: the baby bird on our deck. This time it was alive. I called the Wildlife Rescue Center in St. Paul and they told me to bring it on in. I put in in a shoe box lined with napkins and placed the box under our plant light so it would stay warm. Stan and Jesse saw it before I left. Stan, ever the optomist, said, "They'll probably just flush it." But low and behold, they put the little chirping ball of skin in a tiny nest in an incubator. In 2-3 weeks they'll let us know if it made it, and they even hold release parties so people can see the animals they saved scurry back into nature.

I don't know if we'll go so far as to attend Jr.'s release party, but it is nice to be able to change the subject to bird #2 when Noah asks, yet again, if we can dig up the bird to make sure it's dead and not just sleeping.

Friday, July 14, 2006

NOAH'S BIRTHDAY PARTY!

It was almost a month ago, but here's the pics from Noah's birthday party. Stan and I made the cake. It took a lot of time to decorate, but we think it turned out pretty well.


And Noah got his long awaited Spider Man costume from Grandma Nancy.



He was a very happy boy at the end of the day. Next is the big "5"!

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

I Heart The Internets

14 days apart was torture. I will never leave you alone again. I hearts you internets.

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Jesse's 15 Minutes of Fame

Jesse was part of a story in the Strib.

He's so cool.

Monday, June 12, 2006

What Should We Get Noah For His Birthday?

The Little Tikes Jump N' Slide for $230:Or the Step 2 Naturally Playful Woodland Climber for $240:
Record your votes in the comments!

Sunday, May 28, 2006

Trully a Sign of the Apocolypse


I saw two women pushing a stroller down St. Anthony Blvd. last night. As a "cute baby alert" flashed through my brain, I saw that they were actually out walking their cat. In a stroller. Yup. They were exposing their housecat to the outside world via a $90 stroller. I still can't think of it without shuddering. They probably have daycare for the cat too. And a provision in their will. Creeeepy.

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Bwuuucaci

If you don't watch LOST, or if you didn't watch the last episode of the 2nd Season, so not read this blog entry.

OMFG.

Michael knew that they would suspect them, so he led them somewhere else.

Eko was locked out of the hatch by John and Desmond.

Sun and Jin helped Sayid sail the boat to the deserted habitat of "the others."

Umm, and then "Bwa? What the?" And "God Fucking Damn we have to wait until LATE FALL to see the next episode.

I trully am LOST.

Monday, May 22, 2006

The Man

At the Alden Square garage sale last weekend, Noah introduced himself as "the man". As in, "my parents are such push-overs I am the man of the house." Uh-oh. Time to start using that discipline thing again. And yes Jesse, we HAVE TO used it in the past. Really. I think.

My surley (almost) 4 year old.

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

My Birthday Kicked Ass

After consuming lots of tequila:

And bunny cake:

I'm very surprised that we didn't find someone passed out by the firebowl in the morning. And yes, by "someone" I mean me.

Thanks to all for coming over and hanging out with me on my palindrome birthday. I won't have another one until I'm 44 after all. And a special "thanks" to Jacquie for the bunny cake and to Grandma Reade for entertaining Noah.

Sunday, May 14, 2006

Happy Mother's Day

Wow. What a picture. It's so beautiful.

This baby has woken her up every 2 -4 hours around the clock to suck on her and keep her from getting the sleep she so desperately needs. This baby has probably woken up after only 20 minutes of sleep happy and wanting her to amuse him, despite the fact that she hasn't had more than two hours sleep in the last 17 hours.

The miracle is that she doesn't beat the living shit out of this child. The miracle is that, after all of this, she still looks at the baby with love and admiration.

That is what being a mom is all about. Your kids will push you to the edge. They will dare to treat you like shit more than any other person in the world. And in return you look at them with love and admiration for the person they have become.

That, my friends, is a mom. And that is why we get mother's day.

I got to sleep in, eat food I didn't make and have my husband (my wonderful hushand) put my son to bed for me. Thanks, Stan, for giving me a day off and letting me know how much my boys think of me and love me.

Happy Mom's day . . . to me.

I Will Miss My Jesse

It is 12:30 on Saturday night. Stan, Jesse and I are hanging out. Stan is being the "backseat driver" as Jesse plays Riddick. A couple minutes ago Stan, the pacifist father of one said: "You should just shiv this guy. Have you gotten rid of the shiv? You could just twist his neck since you don't have a weapon, or maybe use a screwdriver."

Sitting here on the couch with the two of them reminds me of when Stan and I were dating and he and Jesse would be on their computers programming things that I still can't understand. With Stan, I had finally found the guy that made my best friend his best friend. Actually, he made him his brother. Jesse is family He is our brother, our son, our best friend.

We will miss him in far out Anoka land.

Monday, April 24, 2006

T-shirts I Need for my Birthday

Brendan Benson Ladies T L

Teen Girl's Squad Ladies T XL

Penny Arcade Shirt Ladies T XL


Salt T Men's L

Cinco de Mayo, I mean Lisa.
Friday night, May 5th, 7 PM.
The Keathly's house.
Pizza, alcohol and a bunny cake (thanks Jacquie!!).
Y'all are invited.
Presents a must.

Saturday, April 22, 2006

How the Keathly Family "does" Easter

It was fun to host for the holidays. We had it all.

Smoking
(Aunt Nemy hiding Easter eggs with a cig hanging from the side of her mouth was priceless.)

Drinking
(5 bottles of wine and a case of beer consumed by 10 people.)

Family
('nuff said)

Family Drama
(Not really.)

And awesome highlights.
(I did them myself!)

Best of all though, was Noah.

What an awesome way to welcome spring!

Monday, April 03, 2006

B&B&B

Stan and I escaped from our kid and responsibilities last weekend and were well cared for at the Round Barn Farm B&B&B in Red Wing, MN. It was our first vacation in five years. Five years, people! That is a long time.

A short summary:
  1. The B&B&B is too close to the train tracks, otherwise everything was perfect. You'd love it. Just wear the recommended earplugs to bed.
  2. Antique stores = Pricey junk. Shop at Goodwill instead.
  3. The Port Restaurant in The St James Hotel was horrible. All the reviews lie.
  4. We had better food at The Liberty Diner and spent 75% less for it. The special of the day was wild rice hotdish. Excellent.
We came home to a crabby kid and a broken car. Huzzah!