Family

is an amazing thing. Even though I haven't seen most of these folks for 10+ years, I feel right at home, and wonder why it's been so far between visits.

I've had a great weekend so far. We started off Friday with some shopping at the Mall of America. Wow. What a cathedral to consumerism. More stuff than I could ever imagine. I walked 2 of the 4 levels, not going into any shops, and it still took me an hour. I did, though, stop by the Apple store, and get a better set of ear-plug style headphones. Etymotic ER6. They come highly recommended on Sport-Touring.net, so I'm hoping they'll be more comfortable under my helmet.

After the MoA, we headed over to Tom and Michelle Ray's house. Tom's my cousin, but I'd never spent much time with him. What wonderful people, and a great place for a party. Much of the Ray clan gathered there eventually, and I had a great time reconnecting with my family.

Saturday we headed out to the Wirth's (Rosie and Trav) cabin near Pine City. It's right on a great lake, about an hour and a half north of the Twin Cities. Rosie is one of my Dad's older sisters. It's a wonderful cabin, and a great place to spend the day. The kids played in the water most of the day, Trav took us out on the pontoon boat a couple times, and the adults hung out, played games, and enjoyed some great food. Glorious weather, too. You couldn't have asked for a nicer day. It was wierd, though, not to be one of the kids anymore. I've become one of the old folks. Wow. At least I'm not responsible.

Today we're off to a Twins game with a smaller group, then Tim (my brother), his family and I will head down to Albert Lea, MN, for the night before heading on down to Clearfield IA tomorrow. From there I'll head back out on the road by myself. I'd planned on seeing the Black Hills, and it looks like I'll be there in the middle of Sturgis Bike Week. Since I won't be able to avoid it, I'll have to embrace it.

Woooweee! I'm headed to Sturgis on a jap bike!