Little Trips

T and I had the most marvelous time in Minneapolis....Owatana...this weekend.   Thanks to an understanding and gracious supervisor, I was able to take the entire day (Friday) off from work so that we could leave a bit earlier and make the trek.  

The roads were a bit frightful for the first 30 miles, but after that they were fine.   Of course, the brutal cold and the wind were another thing.   Despite that, we had a great time.   

We've been going to the Gopher  State Archeological Society's annual show for the last 15 years or so.  It had been a  time to get away from the farm for at least 24 hours (when we were ranching/farming) and to show off part of T's collection of artifacts.   It was probably our only time away from the farm.  

He looks forward to it every year - and so do I.  We've met so many wonderful people through the years; there's always a comradery amongst collectors and like-minded people.   They're always so supportive of each other's collections, finds, trials and tribulations.   They speak their own language of hammers, axes, Clovis points, bird points, grinding stones, dovetails, patina, pottery, beads, bone owls.  And of course, each can't wait to show the others the "find of a lifetime."

T's collection is just as good, if not better, than a lot who display there.   It's so fun to watch him meander around the room and visit the other tables.   Of course, I'm along to mind our own tables, which allows him to leave and do his visiting.  I don't mind at all.  In fact, I enjoy it.  I've learned a thing or two throughout the last 29 years.  I can hold my own when visitors come to our table and ask questions.  But T is ever watchful and is quick to return to the table if he notices a crowd gathering around our display tables.   When it's quiet, I have my nose stuck in a book.

There are very few wives that come with their husbands to these shows or auctions.   I wouldn't even dream of not attending with him, unless there was a conflict in schedules (as was the case last year).   I enjoy it as much of he does, and I'm quite proud of him and his knowledge on the subject and his collection.  

Perhaps the best part is the uninterrupted driving time.  Other than the occasional ccellphone call, it's just the two of us, alone.  Sometimes we talk, sometimes we don't.  We figure out some problems, sometimes we create them.  But most importantly, we're communicating and we are together.