In the fall of 2010, Mom moved to St. Paul, Minnesota to live at Waverly Gardens, a lovely senior community just a couple miles from Rob and Patty.  We have had so much fun.  We've seen dozens of broadway musicals and other shows and concerts at the Orpheum (Minneapolis), Ordway (St. Paul), Orchestra Hall, Chanhaussen Dinner Theater, Park Square, Commonweal, and other theaters.

There have been pontoon boat rides, visits to the Minnesota History Museum, exploring nearby towns like Stillwater and Lanesboro, and regular excursions to Pine Tree Apple Orchard for strawberry rhubarb rollovers and apple dumplings.

I thought Mom would spend her days at Waverly playing bridge, but instead she surprised me by taking up water aerobics and tai chi.  She loved playing her piano and doing puzzles in her bright sunroom.  She was one of the first members of a new Waverly Singers choir, which grew to a group of ~40 and performed regularly.

She was instrumental in helping us bring home our canine "kids," Austin and Ginny, who are named for her and my dad.  She was there to help when Ginny broke her leg as a 12-week old puppy, and she has been our regular babysitter for nights out, although it was never clear if she was watching the dogs or they were watching her.

We've had countless great nights eating dinner out on our deck (with a little wine) and chatting around the firepit or watching movies.  And she was always happy to host us at the Waverly dining room where we could order the special of the day or "anything you want!" from the menu.

She has joined us for many lively dinners with friends and trips to visit family or explore interesting new places like our trip last summer to South Dakota to see Mt. Rushmore.

Two of her favorite places on earth were the Como Conservatory and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and we made regular visits to both to see the flowers and foliage (she called the Arb "fairyland" in the fall with the beautiful golden leaves at the start of the 3-mile drive and she loved the tulips and lilacs in the spring).  And we never missed the Macy's annual Flower Show.

I am so incredibly grateful for all the wonderful times we've had together and the joy of having her so close for the past 8 years.