The Post-Bennett Era

 

In these new times we're living in, The Post-Bennett Era, things look ALOT different. Take for instance, our menu board. Notice that absolutely nothing is written upon it. Bennett would have none of that. Every meal must be pre-thought out and planned a week in advance. He HAS to know what he'll be eating, and when, at all times. I have accommodated him for 18+ years.

And now that he's off at school with "the best meal plan ever" (unlimited food, whenever you want it), I've gotten a little lax in our meal planning, with the menu board as evidence. Many nights the three of us just rummage through the cupboard and fridge and piece meal something together. Often, it's tea, toast, and eggs. Our friends refer to this style as "Choose Your Own Adventure" night, which we've been happy to adopt since it fits our lifestyle so well. Sometimes, it's nothing.

We've always referred to Bennett as the glue of the family. Apparently, he's also the one who keeps us eating and eating on time. Although, don't be fooled, he cooks none of his own food (with his famed lunch quesadillas as the lone exception). Maybe saying he's a great Food Supervisor would be more appropriate. All I know is, we never saw this coming. I used to be as addicted to eating every two hours as Bennett is. I needed to know exactly when I was eating and what it was (I wonder where he got it from?). But now-a-days, I truly don't care. Meal scheduling, planning, and timing is like a story from yesteryear that sounds vaguely familiar. And I'm loving it.

Fargo In Fall

 

We got to go see our boy! I just love this kid so much. He is so much fun to hangout with, talk to, listen to, play with. He planned all kinds of fun activities for us.

 

 

The Plains Art Museum is always one of the top spots on our list of favorite places to visit. Every time we visit, we're blown away by the incredible exhibits. And it's FREE! Not only do we appreciate all the art, but we love how they recycled the building and added stunning architectural features. Even the building is a piece of art.

 

 

Downtown Fargo is such a fantastic, vibrant place to wander around. And the food! Oh my goodness...we sure ate good on this trip. Gavin and his friends are constantly exploring the local food scene. And we certainly reaped the benefit from all their "research trips." 

 

Gavin recently changed apartments. He moved into this lovely building just last month with his friends. He's such a happy camper now. Free laundry, awesome few from the 5th floor, friends and games always at hand, his own room, and lower rent. What's not to love?!

 

 

 

He even utilized his space to maximum efficiency making me one happy space planner. Most everything he had in his old, efficiency apartment actually fit into this one room.

 

 

 

This is the side opposite his bed. Yes. He does have 3 computer monitors. And a shelf full of awesome books. He's definitely his mother's son in that regard. And his father's son on the computer front.
 

 

Gavin took us on a tour of NDSU that no one else has ever gotten to enjoy, except maybe the custodial staff that work in this basement. For his job, he is forever being sent to the most obscure places around campus to look for electrical boxes and switches (he works for Network Engineering). This was one of the places he's had to go a few times. This basement is so creepy and old. We were the only ones down there. It's the type of place you wouldn't be surprised to find a dead body. It was super fun. We got to see the rest of the campus too, but this was by far the most memorable.

 

 

We also got to experience the Red River Farmer's Market - masks and all. I was surprised, the news is showing ND spiking in Covid cases, but everywhere we went in Fargo, people were wearing masks.  

 

 

We spent several hours walking along the Red River that separates ND from MN. On our way to the river walked through Island Park. It's an old park with giant pines and maples. Super peaceful. But we were super surprised to come across this very old commemorative statue of the Civil War.

 

 

This is the trail we followed for our 3 mile trek along both sides of the river.

 

 

This is a dock on the MN side.

 

I really love how much Fargo-ites (?) Fargonians (?) Fargo people appreciate art. Here we found Paul Bunyan and his oxen.

 

 

And the famed Bison that ND was once famous for but sadly, there are no more.

 

 

Also on the MN side of the Red River in the town called Morehead, Gavin showed us this brand new amphitheater that was just built. It was so visually appealing.

 

 

And the sound quality was incredible. You could stand on the stage and just talk in your normal voice and the person sitting in the last row on the back could hear you perfectly. I hope Gavin gets to see a concert there before he graduates. 

 

 

 

Before leaving on Sunday morning, Chuck got to play Smash Bros with Gavin and Collin. This appears to be a very serious activity.

 

 

And we were lucky enough to get to hold Oogway, Collin's pet turtle. They even take him to the park for "walks." Apparently, Oogway likes to sit in the window and watch the cars go by. 

 

Time in Fargo is always special because we get to share it with Gavin!