Where did the summer go????

we just got back from our last summer outing. B starts school on the 17th. we went back to Lanesboro, MN again. saw tim in Rainmaker at the Commonweal Theatre . it was even better the second time around. i love that play.... a healthy slice of real life. we rode bike and tubed down the Root River. we took a side trip to LaCrosse, WI to scope out the bike trails there to see if Alice (my recumbent bike) would be able to handle the non-paved surface. on the way back we stopped in Houston, MN for supper at "Through the Grape Vine" - a German restaurant. i had smoked porkchops and REAL hot German potato salad. the kraut was excellent and jeff's schnitzel was incredible. the only thing missing was kuchen for dessert. the owner (and chef) said she used to make it, but can't anymore due to carpel tunnel difficulties. bummer! my sweet tooth didn't suffer much though, we had pie.... not once... but twice (yes, my brother, Tom, twice) at the Aroma Pie Shop in Whalan, MN. it's right on the bike trail... a little too handy! all in all it was a great way to end our "official" summer. even though it's off to school for B and Mar, summer continues with ripe tomaotes and BLT's! isn't life grand?!?!?