Another return to Minnesota.

I write this post from my study in Prior Lake, MN, our summer residence. It’s with much sadness, each spring, that we say goodbye to all our Florida friends. However, in four short days on the road, we get to say hello to all our friends up here.  We are certainly very lucky people to have so many wonderful friends in both locations.

For 26 years we have been making this trek. Time passes so quickly. It’s hard to believe that we have actually made the trip that many times. I was 51 years old and Joe was 49 that first year in Naples. We were “the babies” in our small golfing community of mostly retired folks. Joe was retired. However, I was  writing books and speaking, leading workshops, etc.; but the times away from my work were glorious. Sun and warm weather can’t be over sold.

This year’s trip south included the newest addition to our family, Nellie, a yellow lab. She was just 6 months old when we drove south. She turned 1 year on April 7th and is now a 58 pound “puppy.” We are thrilled to have become parents at this time in our lives. I have never had children and neither one of us ever had a dog before. Dozens of our friends were aghast at our decision. We are so glad we didn’t pass up this opportunity.

Our education about life would have been short-changed if we had passed on the opportunity to give Nellie a home. She has taught us patience, unconditional love, and being fully present to the moment. I don’t think I ever appreciated what living in the Now meant until Nellie came on board. With her, there is no other time.

One of the hardest things about this transition between Naples and MN in the spring is the adjustment to the weather. Cool and rainy isn’t my favorite experience. However, hot and muggy isn’t either and that’s what we were getting more of on a daily basis in FL.

Getting reorganized isn’t as quickly accomplished as in the earlier days, either. But it’s always been my motto to focus on one thing at a time which helps me maintain my peace of mind. So far, so good on this return.

I am simply so grateful to have my life. I have been so blessed throughout my life, even in the early years when I was far too self-centered to take notice. I was not an easy daughter to raise but I did have parents who never shunned me, even when I occasionally shunned them. Those of you reading this post who are in recovery can probably relate. My journey was bumpy but God never left my side. Nor did my family. It can’t get better than that.

Enough of my rambling for now. I am simply so glad to connect with you. Here or through one of my books at or one of my workshops. Let’s stay “tuned in,” okay? By the way, check out my event section on my website to see if there is a program you might be interested in attending.