PTCPapa

I have run or walked in Ritter Farm Park scores of times in the past 20 years. I enjoy the outdoor air, the woods, the trees, the animals that live there, and am so grateful to the Ritter family that made the property available for all of us to enjoy, and to the City for gently maintaining it in its natural state, absent excessive improvements. Lakeville mows the trail shoulders as needed otherwise the trail shoulders get overgrown to heights of 4 feet or so. This is rich heavy soil. T he trees are tall and old; trails are steep in a few places, but gently rolling in most areas. Trail amenities are VERY simple, which is fine with me. A single port-a-potty, no running water, about 6 widely scattered benches, plenty of picnic tables, no playground equipment, but plenty of wildlife. I often see deer, infrequently snakes, occasional turtles, various small animals like rabbits chipmunks squirrels, skunks, rarely, a coyote, lots of birds, from bald eagles to little songbirds to wild turke...

On a gorgeous August 13 morning, Sandie picked me up at home so that I could tour the new Paragon office and hang out with lots of great work friends for lunch on a river cruise aboard the Mississippi Queen. Jesper and Bill Lunch was a banquet of fine food, drinks, and desserts, which we enjoyed while leisurely cruising the vital Mississippi, including a couple of the locks, and a great view of the Stone Arch Bridge near downtown Minneapolis. Martin met me with a huge cucumber, which made it seem just like the old days for me. Paragon occupies a bright new suite with terrific views in all directions. Mid- morning I got called into Martin's office. When I stepped in, there were already people there, and they presented me with a handsomely-framed collage capturing many of my fondest days with this extraordinary collection of work-friends. I am a blessed and lucky man!

They had such a successful first experience with the YWCA Triathlon Sprint a few weeks ago, that they signed up for another this Saturday! Running, swimming, biking machines, I tell you! Nana will babysit the grandkids. I'll join the dads to watch the race, cheer the daughter-athletes, and shoot some pictures as they swim in the St Croix River and run and bike the Willow River Park trails, near where we used to camp when they were kids. Who would've seen this coming? I love it!