Our WILD Minot weekend

Well, Jennifer, Jodi and I just spent an interesting and very fun weekend in Minot, North Dakota. I never knew (or remembered) that it was so close. Only a 4 hour drive and most of it is driving in Canada! We almost didn't get to go. A huge blizzard roared through Minot on Thursday and we were scheduled to leave Friday morning. I, ever the optimist, was sure it would all be over and ok by Friday. Fri. morning I got a call from Jen saying Sandra wasn't going as some of the roads were closed. I went on the internet and saw the blizzard had indeed moved on and a couple of roads around Minot were closed and others were in "winter driving condition". Well, for us in Saskatchewan, winter driving condition is the norm. So, after many phone calls back and forth, we decided we'd go and see how it was. We didn't hit any snow or ice or anything until about 10 miles outside of Minot and we only had to slow down a bit. I was glad it was 4-lane by then, so we didn't encounter anyone coming toward us. We even saw a snowplow on the highway - always a good sign. We found our hotel all right, but the Minot roads were a tad bit scary, as they don't clear very well or sand very much. Plus, Minot is in the hills and there were quite a few to navigate. Fortunately, Jen is a pretty darn good driver (I won't say excellent, as she would probably think I was lying! I tend to make noises she doesn't appreciate) and we saw some very smooth maneuvering by her that would have made her father so proud!! The shopping was fun and exhausting, but I really enjoyed seeing all the things that are available that we don't get up here. I especially liked the SuperWalmart and the Weight Watcher products they sell. I got the yummiest yogurt ever (only 1 point per carton!) and some cakes that rival twinkies and hostess cupcakes (only 1 pt each). I also got "my" iced tea at the restaurants and one morning I splurged and had country biscuits and gravy at Perkins - my all-time fav! I also have to say I had a wonderful shower in our hotel. I say this because in the 5 years we've lived in this apartment I have never had an enjoyable shower. For some reason, they insist on both the hot and cold water being softened and the water leaves you feeling slimy after putting soap on and trying to wash it off. So, that shower was a highlight!! Being with my girls was another highlight, as we hadn't had this time together for a very long time and it was good to reconnect. I realized we all sound alike when we laugh. We definately have to do it again. I bought one work shirt for Dale (afraid to buy more in case he didn't like it or it didn't fit) and wouldn't you know, he really likes it and it fits good. Haven't been able to find good work shirts up here since Mark's went out of them, so now we need to find someone who is going down and would like to buy some for us. Coming home we were very tired and didn't talk much like on the way down, so Jen and Jodi started playing 20 questions and after awhile they let me do one, but it was too hard, so I think they didn't want me to play anymore. We got a bit of grief at the border, but finally got through and were home in good time on Sunday afternoon. Thanks girls for the fun weekend!! I loved it!