Kruse-a-Palooza Wrap-up!

Doyle and l left out early on Saturday (July 10th) for the annual Kruse-a-Palooza in Minnesota. We stopped at our favorite place along the route for breakfast, Peggy's, in Clinton, MO. Then we were on the road with only gas stops the rest of the way. The last couple of times we've made the trip we have figured out that this is what works best for us. It cuts off quite a bit of time and we are always so anxious to arrive in Slayton.

Here are a few of the highlights of the trip: Of course for Doyle the golfing is the best, not only because it's one of his favorite things to do, but because he gets to play with family. They can all play horrible but he is happy to have the time to spend with his brothers and sisters and their families. For me, it's about being around family that accepts you for who you are, and loves you anyway! We once again stayed with Betty, Bruce, and TJ. They spoil us with their hospitality and I hope that they know how much we appreciate them. We toured Shetek Lake on the Why Knott again this year, but this year the weather was perfect and the open bar didn't hurt either. The ladies had a garden tour of each one of their gardens. It makes me want to start a garden of my own, but then I'm not sure if I'm ready to commit the kind of time it would take. The vegetable garden is enough right now. We did something different this year by touring a micro-brewery, Brau Brothers Brewing Co. in Lucan, MN. It was a fantastic time, a special thanks to our nephew, Bryan for setting it up. If you ever see Olde 56 Lite beer, try it, you won't be disappointed. The sisters and sisters-in-law got together and went out for lunch one day at the Grain Exchange, it was so nice to get out and enjoy a carefree lunch and a few drinks together. My sister-in-law, Twyla and I took a little side trip on Thursday afternoon to the casino in Flandreau, SD (can't remember the name, but it belongs to the Yankton Sioux tribe). Lorie put on a fireworks show for the little kids in the back yard one evening. So many little things happened, whether everyone was involved or just a few. But most of all the best times are just sitting around either in the breezeway, the "big top", or around the fire pit enjoying each other's company. In the end that's why we all go, to just be together, no matter what we're doing. It's nice to be a part of something that is so simple but means so much to so many.


Of course no Kruse-a-Palooza could happen without Leon and Lorie. They go above and beyond each and every year. They open their home without a second thought, and I know that there is a lot of work and money that goes into such a big gathering. No matter how many times you tell them "thanks" it can never be enough. They are very special people and I love them both!!!


Lastly, our trip is a time when we can enjoy and reconnect with all the Kruse's. It's nice to be able to walk to Mildred's apartment and bring her to and from Kruse-a-Palooza. It's nice that although we live over 700 miles away (and don't get to see everyone often enough), when we park the car and get out everyone greets us with a hug and a smile. It's special to me that for some unknown reason Twyla has taken to calling me Jessie June, and I like it. I guess that as we get older the "little" important things in life rise to the surface!!!