Let’s be honest: I’ve been neglecting the blog. Not for lack of things happening—though I suppose not much has felt all that blog-worthy. It’s just that this stretch of summer feels like one long, slow exhale. A bit wilted. A bit tired. Kind of like my garden. Yes, most of the plants have survived, thanks... Continue Reading →
Saturday Check-In – A Higher Perch, Purple Cauliflower, and Pup Cups
This morning, Baby Robin was back—and looking a little more grown up already. I didn’t see how it happened, but suddenly there it was: perched on a low, bare tree, holding its ground with the confidence of a bird who’s figuring things out. No frantic wing flaps, no ground scurries—just sitting calmly, upright, and higher than I’ve... Continue Reading →
Backyard Adventures – Baby Robins, Garden Rescues, and the Magic of Home
After all the miles logged and trails explored, some of the best adventures happen just steps from the back door. Since returning from the North Shore, I’ve been doing what I like to call CPR for the garden—reviving, replanting, and trying not to take the carnage too personally. More than a dozen pepper plants were potted, and... Continue Reading →
Tuesday, July 1 – Fire Alarms, Empty Garden Centers, and a Steak Dinner for Two
This morning started with a jolt—and not the good kind that comes from coffee. Around 3 a.m., I woke to the sound of a blaring fire alarm next door. Heart racing, I jumped out of bed, threw on pants, grabbed Kenobi, and ran outside. Kenobi was confused but cooperative, which is honestly all I can... Continue Reading →
Monday, June 30 – Road-Weary, Rain-Soaked, and Home Again
Let’s be honest: we did not want to leave. Monday morning was slow. We dragged our feet—and paws—getting up late, taking a leisurely loop around the Sheraton’s dog path, and barely making it to breakfast before the doors closed. (Kenobi handled the delay with his usual charm and patience, though he did shoot me a... Continue Reading →
Sunday, June 29 – Sunny Skies, Splashing Tails, and a Stroll Down Memory Lane
After a full night of deep sleep and stormy dreams (thanks, tornado sirens), Kenobi and I slept in until after 9 a.m., which may be a record on this trip. We woke up slow and happy, the sun already high and the skies perfectly clear—a true Minneapolis summer morning. We made our way to Rustica Bakery, because... Continue Reading →
Saturday, June 28 – One Last Look at the Lake & Back to the Cities
We woke up Saturday to a quiet, softened version of Lake Superior—gray-blue, misty, calm. The wind and waves from the day before had settled down like they knew it was time to let us go. I sipped my coffee slow, soaking up the cabin’s stillness, while Kenobi stretched and gave me that “we’re not really leaving, are we?”... Continue Reading →
Friday, June 27 – Rainy Skies, Cinnamon Rolls, and the Slow Fade of Adventure
Today was... quiet. Uneventful, honestly. The kind of day that makes you stare out the window and wonder where the time went. We woke to the sound of steady rain and Lake Superior’s waves crashing hard against the shore. Fog pressed in around the cabin, and the cold, damp air made sure I stayed wrapped in my hoodie... Continue Reading →
Thursday, June 26 – The One Where Things Didn’t Go as Planned (But Still Kinda Did)
Thursday rolled in a little slower than the days before—and I honestly didn’t mind. Kenobi and I started with our morning “business” walk down to the Hovland Dock, coffee in hand, lake breeze in our faces. A loon drifted by on the glassy water… and, of course, I didn’t have my camera. Cue dramatic sigh. Turns... Continue Reading →
Wednesday, June 25 – Waterfalls, Wrong Turns & Wild Northern Trails
Another early morning wake-up (surprise, surprise), and I decided it was time to head into uncharted-for-me territory: the far northern trails. Most hikes I’ve done in this region are based near Grand Marais, but since we’re staying in Hovlandthis time around, it only makes sense to explore what the real North Shore has to offer. The original plan? Hike the Mount Josephine... Continue Reading →
On the Trails with Kenobi 