Quilts, Trains, and Gardens

8/10/2019

The Old Creamery Quilt Shop in, exactly that, an old creamery in Randall, MN was our first stop of the day. Unfortunately, the coffee shop was no longer in business.

Beth liked the unique assortment of buttons.

We were both in a mood for the warmth of quilts since our Atwood Heater wasn't working this morning.

Leaving Beth to browse quilts and supplies, I wandered outside to research heater fixes. Also realized that the windshield washer wasn't working, after having our windshield replaced yesterday. I was relieved that reconnecting the hoses was simple.

After a short time I was distracted by the sound of an approaching train.

A double headed container train passed right by the van.

Before that train even ended, another train was approaching on a parallel track.

The second train was moving more slowly despite three engines working hard to pull it toward St Paul. Both trains had passed out of sight and hearing before Beth returned from the Quilt Shop.

After getting our fill of quilts and trains we headed to Munsinger and Clemens Gardens in St Cloud.

Part of the garden was formal with fountains, walls, and brick walkways.

Beth found this unique green and white beauty.

Hedges, steps and uniform plantings drew several parties for wedding photographs.

A chipmunk played in the shade of the less formal gardens.

After strolling through the beauty of St Cloud, we drove to Bayport for a visit with old friends and coworkers where we enjoyed two nights of  driveway camping.

Not having driven much today, we crossed into Wisconsin for dinner. We were thrilled to be driven as a change of pace. It was a very short drive and we  enjoyed eating with a view of the water at Pier 500. The St Croix river divides Minnesota from Wisconsin here.

Tomorrow we will explore the Minneapolis - St Paul area with friends.