Small Town - Bright Lights - Stillwater MN

We live in historic Stillwater, the birthplace of Minnesota. It is a popular tourist destination. Each Christmas, our downtown is bustling with visitors, immersed in finding treasures in the unique local shops. The restaurants are filled with hungry, happy shoppers. The pubs are popular with locals and those returning home for the holidays. It's usually the perfect spot to run into old friends; but this year it's quiet. Eating and gathering establishments are closed due to the Covid pandemic. People have been encouraged to stay home. On most days, Stillwater is a barren ghost town. Late in December, our city decorated downtown for the holidays with a special light show. Chestnut Street, which leads to the historic lift bridge, is closed off and illuminated with magical color and flair. Music is choreographed with dancing lights. Visitors can wander through the city streets and along the scenic St. Croix River with distance separating their shared connection. A food truck offers snacks and hot chocolate. The goal is to bring a bit of cheer to our Hallmark downtown during a gloomy 2020 holiday season. 

Chestnut Street Winter Wonderland

Frozen Dave

Frozen Beth

Stillwater Lift Bridge Illumination

Frozen snow covered St. Croix River

Beth by Stillwater Lift Bridge

Stillwater Light Show, Chestnut Street

Light Tree

Chestnut Street in Lights

Father Daughter Pose

Blustery Light Show

Changing Colors

Stillwater Christmas Tree, Lowell Park

Water Street Inn Holiday Highlights

Dancing In The Street

We find ourselves drawn back to the lights often; making our way downtown over and over to wander around with other hearty folks. The festive atmosphere and fresh air are delightful. It feels good to be outside. The lights and music make us smile and dance in the street. Winter arrived the week before Christmas, bringing substantial snow. Downtown Stillwater is a winter wonderland. It helps us forget, for just a moment, the curse of 2020.

Tis The Season - Merry Christmas - 2020

December snuck up on us this year. There hasn't been much snow and the weather has remained mild throughout fall. Our first major storm arrived early in October with 10 inches of the white stuff accumulating in one snowfall. We thought it was an omen for a rough winter but the weather settled down and delivered near record highs in November. It looked like we had no hope for a white Christmas.

Our favorite holiday tradition is the lighting of Keewatin, our 23 foot sailboat that sits in our driveway looking spectacular in her holiday finest. People can't wait for us to flip the switch on Thanksgiving. Cars stop at the end of our driveway to gaze in delight at the lights. This year Dave lit her up early. We needed that brightness and glory in our less than merry world.

Our 2006 Christmas Card

We look forward to gathering with our neighbors each Christmas. Usually we have a party or stoop on our porch if the weather permits. This year was different. We haven't spent time with our friends in months; managing only whimsical waves or quick chats as we pass each other from a distance. Determined to connect, we packed up holiday gifts and headed out to deliver them. Each bag included a special beverage, tailored to each person's taste, and a note asking that everyone meet us outside at 6:00 pm for a toast. A winter blizzard brought a foot of fresh snow overnight, making our world sparkle in white. The snow squeaked under our feet in the frigid temps. As we gathered under a clear sky, you could feel the joy and excitement that we shared. Illuminated by the glow of Keewatin's lights, we toasted the holidays and our friendship; delighted to have found a way to celebrate together. Dave brought sleigh bells which he jingled with enthusiasm! It suddenly felt like Christmas Eve in the neighborhood! We didn't last very long in the bitter cold but we shared a heartwarming moment that will become a cherished memory.

Stooping with our neighbors, December 26, 2019

This year has knocked us all down a bit but it has not broken us. We are eager to welcome 2021 and we look forward to spending time with family and friends; as well as exchanging warm hugs once again. It's quite possible that we will make our Christmas Eve toast a new tradition.

Cheers

We wish you Peace, Joy and Good Health!

 Merry Christmas!

 

The Great 2020 Pause

Talk of a vaccine against Covid 19 is heavy in the news these days. At least three pharmaceutical companies are close to releasing a version of the booster. Astra Seneca, Pfizer and Moderna are in the running to be the first allowed to offer their product to the public.

Our country has been in some form of shut down for almost a year now. A vaccine should raise confidence for those on the front line in essential jobs as well as those at the highest risk of dying from this virus. However, many Americans are hesitant to be among the first to receive the shot. The level of distrust in the safety of it matches the level of skepticism that has surrounded the entire pandemic. People just don't know what to believe.

I have to admit that I am among the skeptics. I listen to the statistics and the hysteria presented in mainstream news and I'm sick to my stomach. I'm no expert on math or probability but it doesn't take a statistician to see that the numbers just don't add up. In response to the daily announcements of the newly diagnosed cases, hospitalizations and deaths, I find myself with only questions regarding the details of these catagories. What does this all REALLY mean?

We are approaching the holidays, a time when families gather from across the nation. College kids make their way back to home cooking and the familiarity of tradition. Many families plan warm destination trips, choosing to spend their holiday time off the grid. Folks drive long distance to be "Home for the Holidays". None of these plans are recommended at this time. Minnesota has joined many other states by enacting stay at home orders, disguised as firmly suggested requests. We sit before our television, listening to our Governor repeat the dire numbers as he chastises us like we are insolent children, telling us over and over, "I know this is hard!"

It's been eight months of masking and social distancing, shutting down commerce, education and travel. Does this all just end once we oblige to the needle, take our medicine and pronounce we are now safe to share our breath with others? The lasting effect of this pandemic and the consequences we've endured during this 'pause' in our old normal, will live long after the virus has been halted in it's tracks with a vaccine. Many businesses will never reopen, the homeless will not magically be able to afford a warm place to lay their head, and our economy will suffer for years as though we've gone through another great depression. The vaccine is just the beginning.

I plan to be vaccinated as soon as it is available to me. That may take a while since the vaccine is being rationed in the United States. I'm not 100% certain about the safety of it, but I want to be able to say that I have taken it, I am safe and I won't make you sick. I want my life back. I want to move forward. I guess we have to start somewhere.

Doing our part until we are taken off of Pause