Minnesota's State Code Should Be: BRRRRRR

So here's the deal. We left Wisconsin and we followed the snowy road Northwest to our final destination for the day: Grand Rapids, MN. It was a balmy 10 degrees when we arrived with about 5 inches of snow on the ground.

L: What is this? Why, the Welcome to Minnesota sign! R: And this? Evidently, the SIDEVIEW of the WTM sign. Photos comliments of Tara Giordano. Thanks, Tara!

Tara, Andrew and I took off into 'town' to do a little exploring...and soon came to found out that the real claim to fame is that it is the birthplace of Dorothy herself, JUDY GARLAND! And not only that, but luck would have it that the 'homestead' - the historic house of her birthplace (which is now a museum...) is right next door to the Country Inn & Suites that we are staying out. Evidently, the Garlands chose to build where they did because countless numbers of guests could come visit and stay here at the Inn. Well, that...and there is a Target and Applebee's across the street. Judy loved her riblets and Asian chicken salad. Oh - and Tara loved the yarn store in town.

So here is the big downtown area of Grand Rapids. This building, the old school, is now a building with local artisans shops. Yarns, fabric, quilts, etc. You want it? They've got it! PLUS - Auntie Em's Coffee Shop and Oz Gift Shop. The blessings never end.

So that's it. As an homage to our host, the great state of Minnesota, we are sitting in my room tonight watching the mocumentary, DROP DEAD GORGEOUS...which takes place in beautiful (yet fictional) Mt. Rose, Minnesota. And if you're going to ask if we're loving it, we'll answer in the language of the locals: "Yah! You betcha!"
3 shows tomorrow...the fun seems to never stop!


L: Here we are, enroute to Grand Rapids. PLEASE NOTICE ME READING! I started the new book last night, read our WHOLE trip today and FINISHED it! SO GOOD! R: Eric mistakes Tara's new scarf she just knitted for a hat...and promptly tries it on. Lookin' good.

So...we found some holiday fun on our little jaunt around downtown today. Here Andrew, Tara and I show off the sexy reindeer antlers we found at Claire's in the hoppin' mall here in Grand Rapids.

And what entry would be complete without an ART shot? By Matt. Of Matt.

Found on the list: SIGNS YOU KNOW YOU'RE IN MINNESOTA:

This sign is on the front door of our hotel...