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As we try to navigate this incredibly awful pandemic and our never-ending stay-at-home order(s), I urge you to get out.  Our friends and neighbors who run the majority of our local businesses are really struggling right now.  At least with the latest change in the Governor's order we can get out and shop a tad bit more than before, but we are still very limited and if you think we are limited imagine these business owners.  Together we can help them hopefully survive this economic disaster and one day we can all sit together (close by) and enjoy some great meals as well as local shopping.

This Sunday is Mother’s Day. If I am just breaking this to you, you may be in trouble.  I wrote a few weeks ago about Easter being like no other Easter we have seen and I was right. Well, Mother’s Day has the potential to have the same odd atmosphere.  Think of it, how many families take their mom out for a nice meal? What about buying a nice present for mom?  All of those have to be thought-out and the logistics have now changed. Will we even be allowed to see our moms?  We will make it through the day but things will be different.

The one thing that will remain constant is the importance of our mothers in our lives.  If you have the opportunity to see your mother or at the very least talk to her over the phone, make sure to tell her how awesome she is.  Life can change in an instant. This is coming from someone with experience.  Don’t wait, tell your mom how much you love her.  Words mean more than a present and they last forever.

On top of Mother’s Day on Sunday there is the Minnesota fishing opener.  If you have been out on the lakes already this year, you know people are using the lakes as a getaway from our shelter-at-home.  They have been packed.  So if you are planning on heading out to one of the local lakes, pack some patience.  There are no public docks in as of yet and that clogs up the landings even more-- so tensions could be high.  Come out early, relax and have some fun. Good luck!  Send us your pictures of fish you catch during the opener. Email your fish to [email protected].

If you are like me, you have cleaned out your garage recently, or in my case three times. With all of us cleaning our garages and homes, Saturday thankfully kicks off the summer recycling days.  Saturday at Chisago Lake Lutheran Church in Center City AAA Appliance will be holding a fundraiser-disposal. For a small fee you can get rid of appliances, electronics, lawnmowers, tires, batteries, scrap metal, grills and more. The event runs from 8am to 2 pm in the lower parking lot of the church.

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