Typical Memorial Day weekend weather here in Minnesota . . . rain, rain, and more rain, and lots of clouds. I long for a sunny beach . . . 3 ½ months and counting to my Carolina trip.

I did get out and about for awhile on Saturday and went hiking at William O’Brien State Park in Marine, Minnesota. Even though the sign on the office door said that the campground was full, it seemed very peaceful and quiet . . . a few hikers and dogs here and there.

I hadn’t been to Marine in quite some time, so before heading home I stopped for lunch at the Marine Landing (http://www.menupix.com/twincities/restaurants/405135/Marine-Landing-B-O-T-M-Marine-Saint-Croix-MN), had a BLT, and a nice view of the St. Croix River from their deck.

I had read in the newspaper awhile back about a chocolate shop (www.stcroixchocolateco.com) that had opened in Marine, so I wasn’t leaving without a stop in there for a bit of dessert!

I just happened to glance over at my bookshelf and noticed a book – Minneapolis/St. Paul Quick Escapes – that I forgot that I picked up at a library book sale last year. I will have to peruse through it to find some things to keep me busy around here for the summer while I’m waiting for that trip to the beach . . .