And now - summer begins!

"So as we remember the brave souls who died for this country, enjoy the heck out of this weekend. This is the start of summer in Minnesota. And as most of us know, as slowly as winter goes in this state, summer goes by very quickly."

For those of us who are still foolish enough to live in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, Memorial Day is a right of passage. It really is the start of summer. Many folks venture up north to open their long abandon cabin; some brave souls go to one of our many wonderful state parks to camp; and others (like myself) just enjoy the wonderful weather, and count the unlimited shades of green, which are now appearing in the yard.

Hold the phone Bird! What you mean summertime? Did you not look at the temperature gauge this morning? It was 35 degrees! With colder weather to the north of us! Yes, yes, - I know. In my long life, I have lived through some real stinkers on Memorial Day weekend. Cold, rain, even some rare flakes of snow coming down. But this time of year, weather can turn on a dime. It may be 35 degrees this morning (and Mom is worried sick about some of her more fragile plants), but it is going to be a scorcher by next Thursday.

Someone asked me a few years ago, why I continue to live in a frigid, high taxed state such as this. My answer would not be the same today, as we now have grandkids. Prior to grandkids however, I would always gave the same two reasons for living here - May and June.

I love these two months in Minnesota. The state is so wonderful during these two months, it is like Minnesota is apologizing for November thru April. Everything is all things new. Spring literally is bursting out all over - it is laying down a green carpet for summer to entertain us on.

We do however, need to remember this weekend is much more than just picnics, family, fishing, and hiking. It is also a time to remember. Countless thousands of young American men and women gave their all, so the rest of us could have the freedom to enjoy this weekend. Memorial Day is the one weekend of the year, that we honor only the fallen. The ones who went to a far away land, to fight for our (and others) freedom and liberty, and never came home. May God rest their souls.

So as we remember the brave souls who died for this country, enjoy the heck out of this weekend. This is the start of summer in Minnesota. And as most of us know, as slowly as winter goes in this state, summer goes by very quickly.

What is the lessons learned? Each day, every day these two months, enjoy them and live in the moment. Way too soon we will be digging out our sweatshirts and jackets again. Way, way too soon...