What defines us...

by Mary Reiman

It’s been a long time since I’ve seen...and heard...the loons in Northern Minnesota. Last week we joined friends who make that journey every July. I can see why they are drawn to the area and I’m so grateful they asked year after year until we finally made the trek with them to that special slice of Americana. 

From the sunrises,

To the lake,    

  

To the turtle races.  

Truly...a perfect vacation in the heart of the Chippewa National Forest.

Vacation was made more special as we stopped in Southern Minnesota on our way home. My sister had her bags packed and joined us for the rest of the journey.

She has been in Minnesota as long as I have lived in Nebraska. She raised a family. She worked. I worked. We usually met in the middle for holidays with mom and dad. 

Yes, I have written about her before, but she’s never stayed at my house for more than a day or two. 

Not until this week. A week of great joy!

We went to the farmer’s market and found beets. Yes, we now have pickled beets!

We drove around Lincoln and laughed about all the cones.

Yes, they are back in full force, aren't they? (And did we ever determine where they are stored for the winter?)

We wandered around shops. There's no one more fun to shop with...she notices everything and I see her brain spinning as she thinks about how it will fit with her decor.

We had dinner with friends, compared book titles....and talked...and talked...and talked. 

 

My heart is full of love and admiration. She's a fabulous woman, with a heart of gold. 

I wish she had stayed longer...and missed her as soon as her husband met us in Onawa for their trip back home. So many more things to do, places to go, stories to share. Next time....

And now, I am attempting to balance the relaxation of my week with the overlying cloud of the continuing mayhem. Another protest. Following the legacy of John Lewis as he described the need to make 'good trouble.' 

To show we care. To show our state senators that the funding for NPR and PBS is not "reckless spending." It is an important source of local programming in our state. How can that be called reckless?

And funding for U.S. food aid overseas. Wasteful spending?

Compassion for those in need of food and medical resources and a safe place to sleep in our global community. How can that be described as wasteful? We can not/must not stop asking...as a country, what IS our moral compass?

It seems the ups and downs of our weeks do define us....and drive us.

July has been a time for travel, family and friends in my world. I know how lucky I am to be surrounded by such goodness and love.

It has also been a month to continue giving voice to our frustrations, fears, concerns for our country, for our democracy.

How do we balance the anxiety of the world with our daily lives?  At this point, I believe it is staying informed, watching, listening, learning, asking questions....and making good trouble.