Fall Fun

Just because it has been a couple of months since our last post, that does not mean that we haven't been busy. In fact, a lot has changed. A long term Alaska plan became a short term gig working (and living) at Montana's Warm Springs state hospital. We finally finished the relocation from MN to FL. Oh, and we solidified our plans to return to NZ (flying out Jan 10, 2016).

It is hard to believe that it has been 7 years since we last saw Craig and Cathy Coenson. They are living the Big Easy dream, and gave us a great insider's look at New Orleans. At least, the parts that we remember.

In our last bit of time in MN we also were able to spend time with dear freinds PK and Jodi.

We took a leisurely drive from St. Paul to Montana, stopping at small town cafes on the way and enjoying the fall colors on the northern plains.

Arrowood NWR, North Dakota

Mount Helena

We especially liked the laid back charm of Helena, and its proximity to very walkable wilderness.

Warm Springs, Montana State Hospital Campus

We finally arrived at Warm Springs on Friday, and took a walk around the surrounds. The campus has the feel of Kenepuru hill in Porirua, and we are interested to have the opportunity to live on the hospital grounds while we are here.

A busy July 2015

The month of July started with both of us still in St. Paul, and improbably ended with us together in St. Croix, VI.

July 12 was Richard's last day at Regions, then it was off to Florida with essentially all of our belongings. Many thanks to Adam Bell for the assist!

Here's a blurry photo of our "old" stuff in our new digs. Our first impression of Palm Beach Polo is a good one. It's lush and birdy, with white ibis, cattle egrets, storks and other large waders in abundance. We have geckos and tree frogs, and fruiting mango tree just outside the front door.

Although we had planned on spending the next year in Alaska, there was a last minute change of plans that makes it likely we will return to New Zealand early next year.

It is hard to think of a place in the U.S. less Alaska-like than St. Croix, but that's exactly where Richard ended up for a short term locums stint.

Here he is making morning rounds. . .

. . . And evening rounds.

Kristen came along for the first few days, and aside from being the world's best navigatee ladee, she took these very cool pictures from the Buccaneer, where we spent the first 3 nights.

OK, just to prove Richard is doing some work . . .

Here is his hospital ID. The job consists mostly of ER consultation, which is interesting, and the hospital staff are welcoming, friendly and helpful.

For her part, Kristen is winging it back to Minnesota for her next 7-on at Regions.

Up next? Well, it is looking like we are spending Fall and early Winter together in Montana. Stay tuned!

May Odds and Ends

This post is a bit of a hodgepodge, which is an apt description of the last month. Above, a panorama of our Minneapolis loft, home for the last 8 years, and now empty as we await closing on the 27th. The North Loop has grown so much since we moved in, and while it has become an 'it' destination, it has also lost the edge and variety that drew us to it in the first place. Sapor and Ed's Import Auto Service are just two of the casualties of 'peak Loop,' and now everyone looks like us. Time to move on, frog.

Back in April, on the last full day of our Death Valley trip, Kristen shot these amazing photos from her iPhone. Impressive!

May opened with a lot of promise for MN sports fans--the Twins went on a tear and the Wild advanced to the second round of the playoffs.

Oops, scratch that. The Wild were Booted for the 3rd year in a row by the Blackhawks. 

Still, seeing game 3 with friends Ron and Kelley Puppe was a blast, and our first time eating at Public, which has quickly become our go-to eatery now that we are living in St. Paul while we await the move to Alaska (and perhaps an interim FL home purchase).

Speaking of which, I humbly apologize for any condescending, Minneapolocentric comments I have made in the past. We absolutely love living on Mears Park, next to the new Saints stadium, farmers' market and The Buttered Tin. Also, there's still a bit of Cuzzy-Bunker's grit here.

But things are changing, growing. And that's a good thing for these amazing cities--still, we mourn the passing of such icons as Nye's. At least we got a chance to have a drink with JJ, a friend and colleague, before it closes.

What a lovely view of the Minni-apple from Nordeast!

Other miscellany included seeing Rush on their "Retrospective" (and likely final stadium) tour with Adam  and Eva.

As if that weren't enough, we also spent some time at a conference in Chicago.

And for good measure, some final photos of the loft (and of Chief, who will be staying).

You were very good to us, Minnesota, and we are ever thankful for our time in the Mini-apple.