“Oh, it’s soh good to be back in Minnesohta” (said with a true accent).  Land of big cars, big lanes, slow drivers and friendly (most of the time?) smiles!  Every weekend has been filled with walks to nearby parks, finding gems of coffee shops tucked in unknown corners, being with friends and hosting a few surprisingly fun get-togethers at our house.  With a grill and a fire-pit, we are officially living a Minnesota life!

Anodyne, near Lake Harriet.  A cup of Au Lait and a good book on teaching.

Anodyne, near Lake Harriet. A cup of Au Lait and a good book on teaching.

We have officially moved *back* across the country 2 times: once in my little VW bug and a second time in our moving truck.  The route from Atlanta to Minneapolis is ingrained in our minds, I honestly believe we could do it without a map at this point.  With one more trip (in my husband’s car) over labor day, including a pitt-stop in Greenville, South Carolina for an aerials workshop, we will officially be Minnesota residents!

With April at Drumbone, African Drumming at Hamline University

With April at Drumbone, African Drumming at Hamline University

Aside from fixing up the house we’re renting to own in South Minneapolis, I have had the opportunity to attend “Responsive Classroom” training, planned my school-year based on Kodaly methods (with some exception of ELL and Responsive Classroom training), and taken on African drumming through “Drumbone”, a group based out of Hamline University on Tuesday nights.  I hope to continue my learning of drumming so that I could take it to my classroom, though my bruised thumbs think less of the training.

Picnic at Lake Harriet Bandshell with Robert Bell jazz music in the background

Picnic at Lake Harriet Bandshell with Robert Bell jazz music in the background

As training takes a precedence over my week days, my evenings will continue to be spent in Minnesota-summer bliss.  Picnics at the lake, walks near the Mississippi and time with friends have all made this move back home a very special event.  Now I’m off to set up my classroom!