But too damn bad, 'cause I think they're funny.
 Click for Video - .wmv Click for Video - .rm |
Minnesota is almost over. I can't believe how fast the time has passed. I assume it's because we didn't do a Palooza this year. We visited the Mall of America, Water Park of America, and even the Spam Museum. Sharon also celebrated her fortieth birthday.
We always hit the Mall of America when in Minnesota. It's one of our regular haunts. And, since there's no tax on clothes, we always fluff up our wardrobe. Right next to the mall is the new Water Park of America. It's one of the states' largest indoor water parks. They have some really cool slides, but my favorite part is the water jet surf bowl. I went on it twice. Once to learn how it works and once to try some fancy stuff. I got a video of the fancy stuff. I almost got the body roll down.
The second week we were in Minnesota we went to visit the Spam Museum. It's about an hour south in Iowa. What a cool place! I know it sounds kinda silly, but it's quite fun and very informative. Everything you ever wanted to know about the history of Spam is housed beneath one roof.
 In front of the Spam Museum |
 Click for Video - .wmv Click for Video - .rm |
When you first enter the museum, there's a movie that introduces you to Spam and all the people and countries that love it. We sat down and waited for the movie to start. As we waited, we conversed about the fact that two years ago or so, we were visited by the Spam-Mobile. We went out of the front gate to do a radio promo and wandered over to the truck to get some samples. As we approached we noticed a video crew. They said they were recording stuff for spam. "...who knows, you might make it into the spam museum..." he said. We put on our game face and mugged for the camera with Spam in hand.
We'd always wondered if we made it in or not. Here was our chance to find out. The movie started and was fun and silly to watch. After a few minutes they cut to a segment about the Spam-Mobile. They showed it driving through Charlotte! Then, they showed it on the festival grounds. I thought, "Holy-crap we might be in this!" Then we saw a bunch of our friends, and Louie of London Broil juggling Spam. How cool is that?! Then just before the end of the segment, there it was, a shot of the three of us with Spam. Wahoo!!! We've been inducted into the Spam Hall of Fame! Well, not really but it's still pretty cool. The rest of the museum was cool and informative, but nothing compared to our moment of Spam fame. Â [The video clip above is a different 'cut' of the SPAM movie than appears in Ronn's recent journal, BTW - AB]
Lastly this month is Sharon's Birthday. As you know, September is a busy birthday month for us. Last year I celebrated my 40th, so this year wasn't important to me. This year was all about Sharon. This is her 40th year. I've always wanted to surprise her with a nice party but she's very resistant to surprises. So, it dawned on me to have a party for her in the guise of a party for myself which is three weeks before hers. That works out well since it's so much earlier than hers and hers is too close to the end of the Minnesota run. I also caught wind that her favorite aunt/surrogate mom was gonna be in town. Kathy (her aunt) was tickled to be part of the surprise. So as people arrived to our friend Omar's house (where we were staying), Sharon had no idea that it was a party for her. (Although I think she had some suspicions.)
 Happy 21st Sharon! |
 Sharon's 'Tink' birthday cake |
 Sharon's suprise guest: her Aunt Kathy |
 Cute Puppy B-Day Cards |
 Minois in her heavy coat |
I'm sorry this journal was late. I just have been spending all my free time on the new Dungeon Museum in Louisiana. Next month's journal will be all about the Dungeon and its construction. Don't be surprised if it's a wee bit late as well. But I promise I'll try!
