The World's Largest Ball of Twine

I might have mentioned to a few people that Jeff was going to be going on a motorcycle ride with his buddy from the VTX (Honda) board and the destination was the worlds largest ball of twin. It's not that they were really interested in seeing the boxed up ball of bailing twin, it was just a point to check out and a reason to ride. It's a little more than 80 miles as the crow flies, but we all know that motorcycles don't just go from point A to point B the direct route.

The following information will better describe the actual site and the history to the Worlds Largest Ball of Twin.

For many years, the world's largest twine ball has resided in Darwin, MN. It weighs 17,400 pounds, is twelve feet in diameter, and was the creation of Francis A. Johnson. He started wrapping it in March of 1950 -- four hours a day, every day. Francis lifted it with a crane to continue proper wrapping. For 39 years, this magnificent sphere evolved at Johnson's farm, and eventually moved to a circular open air shed on his front lawn.
Francis died in 1989; the city moved the ball into a special city lot across from the park. The gazebo that shelters it today allows viewing from all sides through Plexiglas panels, but you have to crouch close to a vent for a good whiff. The town's "Twine Ball Days" festival is the second Saturday in August.

I'm sure it's quite a site to behold.

Short three day weekend

Jeff and I really enjoyed seeing Nora and Robins for dinner. The ribs were a bit over cooked but it made the meal easy to chew. Vickie, Josh and Ridley all as a happy little family; I like this having Josh able to join in some of the weekend activity's.

I got to Sheboygan with a trailer of furniture and a truck of kitchen wares. Char's apartment is very nice and quite comfortable. I liked it. It a good neighborhood and shopping is close.

She and the boys seem to be settling in just fine. I'm sure it will be even better when she gets the rest of her furniture. This is a (new) start. Enjoy your new pad.

Robin and Nora are in Washington DC getting their apartment set up for the next year.

Josh and Vickie will be moved into their place by Halloween.

It was great to see family during my short visit home, I am really looking forward to the next time we have another chance to hang out together.

Labor Day weekend

Wow, where did the summer go? It wasn't as bad as last year, I missed the entire summer last year. Perhaps it was writing this blog that helped keep the fun times in mind.


Josh and turtle

Robin will be flying in this weekend to attend a wedding, so we will have and opportunity tonight to get together with him and Nora (Robins girlfriend) and Josh will be able to join us now that he has a different work schedule; and of course Vickie and Ridley.

Sunday morning I am going to head to Sheboygan with a trailer full of furniture for Char. It isn't all of her stuff, but at least she will have a bed to sleep on. I wish I had more time because I fear that I'm not going to see everyone that I would like to. I will spend the night with sister Doris and head back to Stillwater on Monday. I'll be back there in Oct. for the family get together.

Vickie and Ridley making bubbles with the bubble gun

And I just wanted everyone to see that Ridley enjoys the bubbles almost as much as I do. I will need to make more bubble juice; we went through both bottles! Ok, so I went through two bottles of bubbles.

We hope everyone has a great Holiday weekend. Be safe and have fun.