First Day Follow Up...

(My new school)

The woman who knew Dad, her name is Meg, said she called her sisters and told them that she ran into Father Gernes' daughter. They were SO pleased they just squealed and then reminisced about that old town priest...

I also told her that I had talked to dad and he remembered her family very well and was sorry to hear her dad had passed away. This news touched her so much she nearly cried. Seriously.

She then told me that me and my boyfriend were now a part of the adopt-a-Minnesotan program and we were welcome at her home to have dinner with her and her husband anytime. She gave me her info and told me to call with any questions about the area...did I need the name of a good dentist?

Two other Minnesotans also work at my school and were eager to connect with other MN's. One was from Anoka but had been living in FL for nearly 30 years, she is the gym teacher at my school and offered to help out in my classroom on the first day. So, we love her.

The other one was an older lady who said that her uncle used to own the A&W stand in Winona-- Dad? Sonia? You might remember such a place? I think it is where dad used to buy the root beer which he would then spike with booze bought over the border (in Wisconsin).

I was also invited to a "ladies night" happy hour in a few weeks, and made friends with another teacher who lives in St. Petersburg (the school is in Tampa) so all in all it was probably worth it to be a little late! No pretenses here. hee hee