June to early July 2012

On May 26, 2012 Danette flew to Fargo to be with her mother and father in Fargo, ND.  Danette’s father had been ill for some time.  Jim drove to Fargo, ND pulling the Casita camper and arrived Memorial Day.



Church and Pastor Bill, June 15

Dad, June 5, with intarsia he made for
Fargo Redhawks and donated
to head coach.

Parents grand and great grandchildren

We spent the next three plus weeks in Fargo.  Danette’s Dad passed away the early morning of Monday, June 11.  While this time was sad and emotional for the family, it was tempered by the great 84 years of life he, Sam, had lived.  The funeral was a great celebration of life which included 150+ people.

Mom, Darline, with niece and nephews



Tom and Kris home WI

Jim's family

June 20, we drove toward the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers and camped along with MN and WI borders.  We took the scenic route south to Jim’s brother and wife, Tom and Kris, place in Rising Sun, WI (south of LaCrosse).  Jim’s cousin and wife, along with his sister and husband, spent the weekend with us.  We went to a wine and beer festival and enjoyed time at the house.

southern MN

Left WI and camped overnight in MN at an old Sioux Indian reservation area, which is now a state park. 



Scott Maurer with golfers

Adrian, ND

ND rain and fields

Took a scenic drive toward ND and went to Monpelier, ND, which is south of Jamestown.  We saw the cousins and participated in the Dally Cup golf tournament on June 30.  Scott, Danette’s cousin, was the organizer and is also Mayor of Montpelier.  60+ people attended and we stopped at three bars after the tournament, with the Dally Up being the final stop.

Jim grilling for 20 guests

Deb, Teri, Viki at MN winery

We stopped to see Danette’s mother, Darline, before going to lakes.  It was difficult to leave Fargo after spending so much time with family.  July 4 week we spent at Deb Anderson's, my best friend, cabin along with her two sisters, Teri and Viki, near Detroit Lakes, MN.  Saw some good long-time friends, and Uncle Marv. 

Jim and Sandy relaxing

Biking by Paul Bunyan

Next adventure will be toward Brainerd.  Remember the movie Fargo and the wood chipper!  After that, north to Canada.