Today is/was The Downtown Haunting. Actually I'm not sure what they call it BUT from all the happy faces and big smiles I'd say it was a very happy day.Here we have one happy girlWe also had Sisters and little BrothersCrowds EVERYWHERE.Sistersand Moms.A lot of fun and a lot of candy for all. 10/28/2022

Oh NO! We received snow before Halloween again.It's always kind of a crap shoot as to what kind of weather the kids get for Halloweening up North here. Reflecting back to my childhood and even through the years of my children I'd say it's been pretty 50/50 as to the number of years with and without snow on Halloween. My son Timmothy reflects that he did NOT remember very many with snow.The snow may not be as much of a bummer for the kids, after all they still get a ton of candy, as it is for parents who want everyone to see how cute the kids costumes are (hard to see under a parka, stocking hat, and mittins. 10/24/2022

I'll have another post when everything is complete but I wanted everyone to know that The End Is Near!The Gallery is really shaping up.No pictures of my office space yet. It is such a mess that I went into panic mode looking for my notary stamp for a closing tomorrow (remember that I am now making a living as a notary... having my stamp is helpful) 😂.  10/11/2022

Timmothy's first cartoon, made specifically for the Northern Sentry newspaper will be in this Friday and every Friday there after.The Northern Sentry is the official newspaper for the Minot Air Force Base and is delivered to every occupant of the base, those serving the base that live in town and to many subscribers all over the USA who have served at the MAFB.As Timmothy's father I have to ask, pretty good for a 20 year old man, don't you think? For those of you who do not know his story, Timmothy was diagnosed with high functioning autism yet he has been on the honor role every year, published two comic strip books, and is now published in two news papers (one daily). 10/05/2022

We could use some rain around here (the Minot ND area). It has been a very long time since I remember a real "Thunder Boomer" and frankly I love a good rain storm.Unlike Joe in Timmothy's comic strip, I actually sleep better when a good rain comes in the middle of the night. I wouldn't know if the rain made me go to the bathroom, I get up most nights any way to do that.If there is anything making me walk around like a Zombe these days it's the experience of moving my business. Just like the home owners who list with us or the home buyers trusting in our word I wonder if the move is what is best for me and Timmothy. And then there is the cleaning, painting, and do I need an electrician or not.At the risk of droning on I just want to clarify a couple of things. 1) I am in a commercial bui... 09/30/2022

Scandinavian heritage is a big think here in Minot North Dakota, so much so that we host the largest celebration of Scandinavian heritage in America. That celebration is a four day event called the Horsk Hostfest and it encompasses the largest and many other building of the North Dakota State Fairgrounds.Because it is a four day event and many visitors what to be present for every minute of it the fair grounds set up facilities to accommodate hundreds of campers and motor homes.It really is great entertainment with free entertainment stages set up and running the entire four days. Here are this years top headliners (not free).Not Scandinavian? Neither am I but I've enjoyed this festival for years. The festival had taken a two year break due to covid but it's sure to make a terrific come... 09/27/2022

After months and months we're in. This was a Million Dollar remodel and worth every penny of it.Yesterday was our "soft opening" , you can imagine how excited we were. It's not quite finished. In this picture you can see that we have not put up the 12' rugged cross we just had received.Prior to the remodel this was a very narrow hall way lined with closets. This will be a fellowship area next to our new kitchen. It will be great for coffee and conversation before and after worship.The kitchen is compact and oped to two areas including the fellowship area pictured above.This was an absolute total remodel taking the building down to the stick walls AND even replacing an exterior wall and adding reinforcing beams that went 6' into the ground on top of cement pads. There are areas that I di... 09/26/2022

Today and tomorrow, September 15th & 16th, the "Friends of the Library" are having a book sale at the Minot Public Library. This would be a great time to stock up for your winter reading and videos. Everything is sold by good will offering. In addition to books and videos there are CD's, DVD's, games and puzzles.I was there early this morning and picked up a several books and videos. I am most looking forward to watching my Simpsons and Alfred Hitchcock videos. 09/15/2022

I am getting too old for this.I am at that age where I really had hoped to never make another move either at work or at home again. At least this move is an office move within the same building so no packing or shipping will be involved.As you can see from the picture at the top of the post I have some prep work to do painting and filling in holes and cracks. The good news is that I am more than doubling my space and my rent will be a quarter of what it is now.Obviously the down side is the decent DOWN the steps and that there is no elevator available. More GOOD news is that the Art Gallery can use all walls down the steps, in the halls, and of course in the office and the gallery area it self. The feature picture at the top really only shows about half the space of the new Gallery (tha... 09/12/2022

Hoory! It's Fall Clean Up Weekthis coming Sept 19th - Sept 23rdI am so ready for this! I need to get rid of a couple of large copiers, some furniture, and other odds and ends.The City is VERY specific as to what day they will be at your house. If you put it out a day late it will sit there until YOU remove it. Here is a map/schedule for you:For more information you can click here to go to the City's web page on this matter. 09/02/2022

The key word in this post and the above poster is "BY" and that it is NOT in the park. The event is held next to (North) of Harley's and across the street (East of) Marketplace Foods in the Arrowhead mall.Eagles Wings Church is just far enough off of the road that it is easy to miss. I have not attended this church but it has a very good reputation in the community.Who doesn't like free food, Daryl's Racing Pigs, bouncy houses & classic cars? I recommend you go and have a GREAT time! 08/26/2022

When I saw this camper set up in the park I was curious as to where they came from. Even though the park closes at 10PM and they will have to leave I thought it was great that they totally set up with their gas powered generator, awning out, and even bringing the canoe. Once I got close enough I could see they were not from out of State... they were from right here in Minot.I thought, that is a pretty good idea, to get the most out of your new camper. Made me wonder where I/we could set up in town for the day.Some other pics from our walk yesterday.Just a note: I had to walk from park bench to park bench and take about a 10 minute break at each bench due to my current medical situation. It was hot out (90 degrees) Baby doesn't always have her tongue out that far. It was a perfect day. T... 08/15/2022

Route 316Our church, Grace Lutheran, is a small "new" church in town with limited volunteers so when we hold Vacation Bible School it is BIG, One Day event (and just half a day at that).The theme this year, Route 315, is a take-off of Route 66 but of course it's Route John 3:16. Just like last year Timmothy and I volunteered to be the food and snack masters.The church was very well decorated (hard to do when we are in a complete remodel of the church building, inside and out) with all the hallways made out to look like highways with signs and scenery.Everyone had a great time.Timmothy and I got to be the first ones to every use the new, almost completed, kitchen (during the remodel). I wanted to note that a couple of things from my RE career came in very handy. For open houses I had pur... 08/14/2022

As far as the picture above, wonder where all those thistles come from, well, here is THE thistle factory.Now here is what is REALLY disgusting.Come on! Graffiti on the Woodland Trail. If anyone should be nailed to a tree it would be the clown who does graffiti on trails made for us to enjoy a little bit of wilderness in the midst of the city.BTW check out these weeds behind Timmothy and Baby. Keep in mind Timmothy is 6' tall.Last of all here are some pretty weeds. As long as they are not in my yard they are pretty.  08/09/2022

Well, I can show you what happened to the stinky dog.As far as that "free" dog I guess I could show you receipts for the dog bed, the tie out cable, the two toys, treats and more that all added up to nearly $100.00.Considering Baby came with a kennel (living room type to sleep in), water & food bowl, a collar, and some towels I guess we got off pretty cheap over all.That being said I want to once again reiterate that if you rescue a dog from Minot's local animal shelter keep in mind your total cost will more likely be $300.00 or more when you consider the $100.00 adoption fee and just the sparse list above if you were also to buy the things we got free from Babies previous owner.If you have children and you are just scrapping by financially consider the costs of owning a dog before you ... 07/31/2022

We had lots of fun yesterday at the 2022 North Dakota State Fair. We arrived around 1:00PM and stayed till 8:00PM. I would have loved to stay longer however I am still suffering sever leg pain and just couldn't do it. Your continued prayers are appreciated.The good old fashion Merry-Go-Round.Tea Time. Look at the smile on that childs face.Lots of rides with "G" force.and MORE "G" force.Long lines. This was Military Day and the rides were free.Lots of critters. We love the Bunny Barn but we also went through all the livestock barns which is a BIG part of the 4H shows that hundreds of youth participate in hoping to "show" a State Fair champion.We also walked through the "Old Settlers" display (live reenactment) which was fun. Just so you know the following display was NOT a live critter.O... 07/27/2022

Today was the day of the BIG parade!It was a grand parade with approximately 200 entries. There were marching men, cars, girls, horses, Big equipment and much much more.Lots of marchingLots of Cars. New and  vintage.Lots of pretty girls.Lots of horses. Not pictured but present were the Budweiser Clydesdales.Farm equipment big and small.  07/23/2022

I am always showing pictures and videos of Minot ND during a blizzard, I thought it may be a good idea to let you know that no blizzards are predicted during the North Dakota State Fair that will be starting this Friday 07/22/2022. So come to Minot this weekend or coming week and I will give you my personal guarantee that you will NOT experience one of our North Dakota blizzards while you are here. 07/21/2022

Sometimes We ScreamSometimes Out of AnguishSometimes Out of DelightYesterday I gave you a "heads-up" on this Saturdays North Dakota State Fair Parade. Today I am going to encourage you to find some time in the next two weeks to relax .... and to SCREAM at The North Dakota State Fair itself.I love the Fair. It means we are at the pinnacle of summer. It means bright colors, large crowds, fun sounds (love a calliope once a year), and fun food. I love seeing kids and parents have family fun.There is plenty of screaming at events such as the races and live entertainment at the fair.What ever it is that makes you scream and relax I am sure you will find it at the North Dakota State Fair.The copyrighted comic strip, Titus & Philemon, used by/with the permission of it's creator Timmothy N. Timm... 07/20/2022

One of our favorite events in Minot ND is the North Dakota State Fair Parade. The North Dakota State Fair is the largest event in the State of North Dakota, it brings hundreds of thousands of visitors, not just from the area but from all over the USA.The NDSF Parade starts this Saturday the 23rd at 9:15 AM on the corner of Broadway and Burdick.The parade usually has 200 to 300 entrants and goes on from 9:15 AM to (approximately) 2:00 PM. Here are a couple of tips:Come and set up early! We bring lawn chairs, a cooler, and sun umbrellas. If you like candy bring a LARGE bag.WARNING!!!EXPECT TO SEE A BOOB OR TWO... NOT THE KIND YOU THINK 😂I see tempers flair every year when some inconsiderate boob comes late, butts in, stands right in front of you and your kids where you have been waiting f... 07/19/2022