I loved running on the country roads in the early morning. Four miles on mostly gravel roads went really fast on Saturday morning. Saturday was so beautiful, we just had to go outside. We flew kits in the backyard, over Champ’s pasture and the unplowed corn fields.

We got lots of Lily time. She entertained us by making her “puppy noise” and playing with her new toys. (I had to get her some Target stuff since her dad works at a place that shall remain nameless!)

On Sunday, I had time to run about two miles before we went to Harvest Church and saw the church family I grew up with. I love what they’ve done with the place. They removed the choir loft to make room for the worship team – four vocalists, bass and acoustic guitar, and a steel drum player with an electronic drum machine! I’ve never heard their style of “Awesome God.”

We also had a nice surprise at a local repair shop. I like to get my car fixed in New Hampton whenever I can because 1) the mechanics know/trust/respect my dad, so I don’t feel like they are lying to me and 2) the prices are so much, much better. So, after driving in an unplowed alley during a Minnesota winter, my muffler lost some support and was making quite the loud banging/knocking noises.

When went to pick it up and I grabbed my checkbook. He said, “Oh, it was just a broken weld. We tacked it (the muffler) back up. No charge.” No charge?! That does not happen in Minneapolis.

I love going home.