from Minnesota

Dorothy and I did the unthinkable and downsized big time this year, not just our home but we are also attempting to simplify our lives.  We were just a couple of "empty nesters" who wanted to have a whole lot less house to maintain, fewer hobbies and looking forward to more free time when not at work (we are still looking for the "free time" but haven't found it yet).

So we went in search of just the right place (of course neither one of us had any idea what that really was?).  We just told our real estate agent, we wanted two bedrooms, no snow to shovel or yard to maintain and the "setting" had to be compelling for us to leave our wonderful home and friends behind in Eagan.  Well, she came through and found us a perfect place on Lake Minnetonka, which is about 30 minutes west of the Twin Cities. 

After finding a place, we put our house on the market (the kids haven't forgiven us, especially Kristi).  It sold in 4 days, which started the "Great Adventure".  Then we spent the next few months figuring out...what do we do with all the stuff we have and can't take with us?  Fortunately, Ken Jr. was moving into a new place, but that only made a small dent.  Finally, we decided to have an Estate Sale selling most of our belongings and starting over.

Of course both of us had to give up some long time hobbies because we just didn't have the room in our new place.  So, the Aspen Valley (my Model Railroad) was the first thing to be retired along with my woodworking tools.  As for Dorothy, she did her part by giving up Lighthouses and thinning out her Christmas collection.  Don't despair we both still have many hobbies to keep us busy, who knows I may even become a boater or a fisherman but I'll NEVER take up Ice Fishing!

Before the "Great Adventure" began, we squeezed in a short vacation to Colorado in April visiting Kevin and spending some time in the mountains.  April is a very peaceful time in Colorado, but the weather can be a bit unpredictable.  Of course it snowed on us a couple days, which didn't dampen our sprits.  The mountains are beautiful with newly fallen snow, but we could have done without the Blizzard going over Vail pass. 

Kristi is back at at UMD (University of Minnesota Duluth) she is currently majoring in psychology.  She enjoys college life and school, but from what we can tell she spends most waking moments with Matt her boyfriend.  We are looking forwarded to having her and Matt home over winter break and the holidays.  Matt is a real gentleman and has become an extended member of the family.  She hasn't seen her new room yet, I'm sure she will spend most of her break unpacking and settling in.

Kevin continues to call Breckenridge Colorado home (for the time being). The big news in Kevin's life is he is planning on moving to Germany after the first of the year to join his significant other (she is from Germany and they met in Breckenridge a couple years ago).  His current plans include going back to school and possibly working as an English instructor for twenty something German students.

Ken and Rachel became home owners this fall and now live in Farmington, a wonderful community, 30 minutes south of the Twin Cities.   The only down side for us is the grandkids are now an hour away, but Ken and Rachel enjoy having their own place. Of course Ethan and Sara continue to grow up far too quickly.  Sara is six now and going to school.  Ethan spends the days with his mother at the pre-school where she works.  Ethan will be two in February and I know Ken Jr. has a birthday party planned for him at Disney World in Florida.

Ken Sr.
December 2003