Benziger babes

My First Days of School, by Theo  My first day of homeschool was the day after Labor Day. It was good. We did some math. We did some reading. We did some Prodigy. We watched Wild Kratts. I liked it. Daddy was my teacher and Mommy was my teacher, too. We had noodle bowls, hot dogs or sandwiches for lunches. We went for walks to Tischer Creek and Hartley. It was good.  My first day of real school (2nd grade) at Congdon Park was September 24. We got up. We ate breakfast. We went to the bus. I forgot my jacket. I got to school. My teacher's name is Miss Cuneo. My class is next to the computer lab. I have a blue locker. There are 12 kids in my class, 5 boys and 7 girls. We had to do some math and reading. Then we had recess. Daddy brought my jacket just in time. Then we played tag in zone 2.  We had lunch in the cafeteria. I sat by my friend, Harrison. Everyone knows COVID is going on and we have to wear masks. We have to sit 6 feet apart for social distancing.  Then...

Sunset at the cabin Up North It's the pace people go to escape, A place made up of cabins, pine trees and lakes But no matter how far you drive There's no sign to say "you've arrived" So just follow your heart til you find That special place that bring your piece of mind As you breathe in the air and unwind Your cares are all left behind It's no mystery where the northwoods start When you arrive Up North you'll know In your heart. -Suzanne Kindler Most people growing up in Minnesota have an idea of what it means to be "Up North" but we all have slightly different definitions. To some it is a direction; to others it is a special place in the woods; and to some it is a feeling you get. "Up North" to me used to refer to driving nearly three hours north on highway 169 past the giant walleye statue near Lake Mille Lacs and then the leaping deer statue in Deerwood on our way to my grandparents cabin on Velvet Lake in Crosslake, MN. "Up N...