First day of Autumn is Sat, Sept. 23, but we've felt the cool and rainy weather most of the week.  The sun did shine on Wed. so we managed to get some outside packing and preparations accomplished for our move next week.  It's time to move south.  BTW, gas is down to $1.99 in Des Moines.

Clouds look like snow; 20 degrees lower today than yesterday!  Last week we visited our 38th state and capitol:  Minnesota.  The Cass designed edifice displayed beautiful marble stairways with a gold quadriga (four-horsed chariot) just below the dome.  St. Paul's Cathedral reminded us of St. Peter's in Rome.  We spent five hours at the History Center reading and learning about MN, past and present, experiencing a tornado, and so much more.  We drove down Summit, Selby, and Grand Avenues with majestic homes and shops; we walked the Stone Bridge and toured the Mill City Museum, the beginnings of General Mills;  and then we walked, shopped, and played at The Mall of America.  Last week was great - the beginning of our autumn travel.  Tonight is the Adventureland appreciation dinner and then we have one more weekend of work.