June 28, 2008
On our way through Minnesota, this morning, after a quick North Dakotan visit (20 minutes), we were headed to Duluth, via Minnesota Highway 210. I asked my sister, Aunt Diane, to take a quick look at the map when she noticed, ( Oh My God, We're Passing Through Vining!), that we were traveling through a town where her friends, John & Karen Mack, have a summer home. Now, Vining is not a normal summer destination. There are sculptures, astronauts, prize cattle, beautiful lakes, purple pubs, Lutheran churches (Missouri Synod), watermelons, and the Granddaddy of all convenience stores, The Big Foot, all here for the Norwegian vacationer.
Diane's friends took us for a grand tour of the town. We saw lots of cool sculptures and actually met the artist, Ken Nyberg, at his studio. Ken was chatting with a misguided local who was sporting a Minnesota Twins shirt. It's hard to explain but they love The Twins here. Ken was very nice and had LOTS of cool welding equipment in his shop. Here is an example of his work. You may also have a piece of Ken's work in your yard but you'll have to get with him on the price. Nyberg Park (next to the Big Foot) is a magical place, especially during Watermelon Days!
Vining only has a population of 68. That is, until The Habitat for Humanity House is completed. Then the population will swell to 71.
Ken Nyberg's daughter is an astronaut! How cool is that?!!! She was up in space recently trying to talk sense to the Russians. She succeeded and is now back on Earth and waiting to return to Vining.Thanks to Karen and John for showing us Democrats around their little corner of Minnesota. Russell and I are thinking about getting some boats, dirt bikes, a few cows, and a Bobcat, then moving to Vining every summer so that we can do a complete political re-adjustment of the town. We will also hang out at The Purple Palace. Aunt Diane is looking forward to again manning the info booth at a Watermelon Days celebration soon.
Vining Rocks!
Russell, Grace, Aunt Diane, and John Alger
5 comments:
I told you to mention the stupid website dad.
http://www.nybergsculptures.com/
Hi guys,
What's up today?
Love,
The Port Huron Crowd
Hi Guys,
Just want to let you know that the smoke is starting to lift ... you can actually see some blue sky, imagine that! Flowers look great and I love Russell's crayfish, I forgot the name. I'm calling him/her "Blanch." He/she's quite feisty and playful ... is that normal?
Take it easy!
Suzanne
Hey Algerinio's,
Are you at the lake, the holy Lake yet? Let me know. We are planning on coming tomorrow, but would like confirmation, and what you need etc.
Die Oom unter Ooms
It looks really good what you guys are doing.... and the van looks even cooler!!! Have a great time and most of all: enjoy the USA!
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