So many good deals, so little time in my life for so many massages, breweries and bistros. But, a person has to try, right?
As it happens, the one item that caught my eye was the discount for the night lighting of the Minnesota Model RR Association.
It is an offering from the group that happens during the winter months. Some of you may know that I do like model trains and when I retired I planned and still do plan on setting up a display downstairs. Of course that was before I took all my tools down there and kind of left too little space for a display that would fit my "vision."
Oh, yeah, I was talking about Groupon, wasn't I. It is surprising what a 50% off coupon will drive a person to do. And speaking of driving, that is what we did. After all, what is a mere 80 miles to go see a bunch of "toy trains" right? It happens the model train museum is in Saint Paul. the viewing started at 6PM. But, I will get back to that in a while.
I have learned over time that our trips need to have an actual plan about them before we go. So, parts of the plan included a place to stay, a place to shop, places to eat, and places to rest. It seems like the resting places are becoming more important as we age.
the Holiday Inn Express in Roseville was gifted with our presence this time.
It will be gifted with our presence in the future as well. A friendly staff, clean rooms, AYCE breakfast and good "age related" discounts combined to make this a great place to stay. And the bonus was that it was centrally located to all of our adventure spots.
The Friday night portion included a stop at the Roseville Mall. One might wonder why we (I) would choose the Roseville Mall. It might have had something to do with the Apple Store there. Of course there are many other stores there, but don't ask me to name any of them. Joyce might remember, but for me the rest of the mall was just a blur.
It takes a bit of creativity to figure out what to do from the check out time of 11AM until the Model show 6PM. We decided to go back bit in our history and visit places we had not been in a while. But, first, even though Joyce does not enjoy surprises, I thought if it involved chocolate, it would be okay. Just Truffles.
The young woman asked if we wanted them gift wrapped, to which Joyce replied, no they are not going to last long after we get back to the car. The double chocolate never had a chance. We no sooner had our seatbelts on and it was history.
Recently the primate exhibit at Como Park and Zoo had a newborn orangutan.
It had been quite a few years since we had been there. We were pleasantly surprised with all the improvements that had taken place. Inexpensive entertainment is a key drawing point. Free if you want it to be, and recommended donations of $3 for adults. With that a person can enjoy a really well maintained zoo and a really really maintained arboretum.
It is easy to spend hours there.
Did I mention that we were actually there to see model railroads. It did not disappoint. In the daylight, what has been done with the displays is amazing. Many of the historic landmarks are incorporated in the main layout, which is huge by the way. One of the architectural elements was a very realistic replica of the building in which were standing. But, when the sun goes down and the lights turn on, there is a totally different feel.
Oh, and Liam, Thomas the engine, invited me to fire him up and let him travel the tracks for a while. As a matter of fact, there were quite a few chances to run model trains around the tracks.
And to think, it was a chance encounter with the Groupon Fairy that lead us to a great couple of days away from Peaceful Pines. Now, did I see a groupon for hot rock massages....................
