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A break from the war

Although our thoughts are constantly with our men and women across the sea, itís so very hard to hear about death and fighting every day, especially in this season of new life. This weekend there will be two opportunities to take a break from the war for a couple of hours.
Thereís a place not far away, where you can immerse yourself in wonderful spring sensations. Do you know how good the earth smells when the warm sun melts winter snows deep into the soil under the layer of last yearís leaves? Thereís a wonderful surprise under that carpet of winter leftovers where wildflowers and fungi wait to emerge. Look around you and see the buds sprouting on the branches. What greater assurance is there that life goes on than to see trees that looked dead in their winterís dormancy burst with leaves each spring?
Although weíve had some warm weather, the air will probably be crisp Saturday morning as you arrive at Wild River State Park. You might even see your breath. Listen carefully for the geese overhead, some nighttime stragglers might be calling, ìweíre back, weíre back.î Look for the robins - theyíre back too. Theyíll be about the tasks of pulling up worms and staking out nesting sites. You might even be welcomed with a ìhello, hello, hello,î from a vireo or chickadee.
As the sun rises in the sky and begins to warm the day, look for the glistening of morning moisture on a faded leaf or in the outline of a spider web.
And then, as you arrive at the Friends of Wild River State Parkís annual pancake breakfast, get ready for a taste sensation that will blow your mind. You are about to experience one of the greatest joys of living in Minnesota in the spring as you pour pure, amber-colored maple syrup over a stack flapjacks, lift that fork to your mouth and dribble that sweet sticky nectar over your lips. Top it all off with a cup of hot coffee and life canít get any better.
The event at the state park, which starts at 9 a.m., is free, but you are asked to become a member of the Friends group, memberships will be available before and during the breakfast at $10 for individuals and $20 for families. The Friends support the park through fund-raisers and projects and participate in a number of programs throughout the year.
Your other cost will be the park sticker needed to get into the park, $4 for the day, or $20 for one that will admit you to state parks across Minnesota for one full year.
You might enjoy this outing so much you wonít want to leave, but Iím suggesting that you head back west on Hwy. 95 when you leave Almelund and stop at the North Branch High School where the Community Connections Expo will be underway, running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Get ready to find out what the North Branch area is all about, to meet people, be entertained with a spring fashion show, practice a golf swing, get lots of free stuff and ... sign up to win $1,000.
Whatever is happening in the world, it will still be there when you return home. But Iím guessing that if you and your family participate in one or both of these activities, youíll enjoy yourself for a few precious hours, and that is much needed at this time of trial.

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