Minneapolis–Saint Paul

I was born in Duluth MN, and have lived in Burlington VT and Fairbanks AK. Winter sucks in all of those areas! Fairbanks was the only place that I remember seeing electrical outlets placed on posts at every type of outdoor parking places in regular housing streets, lots and carports. There are quite a few of those in Minnesota, for good reasons. -30 degrees in the winter is not unusual.

Heavy snowfall is very common. They make box-like snow "shovels" that are about the size of a grocery shopping cart - you push it three feet and dump it to the side...while it is 10 degrees outside....or you buy a massive snow blower and/or an ATV with a big blade on the front of it.

Minnesota is a nice place for a late spring/summer/early fall home. I'll be up there for a weekend next month. I'm looking forward to spending time in the Brainerd Lakes area. I'm not looking forward to the traffic in and around MSP during that trip.

It would take a boatload of money for me to move there, and it has nothing to do with taxes or politics.

Still chuckling.....I took my daughter with me one trip. She wanted to see the Mall of America. We got forced off the Interstate near Tomah due to heavy snow. Diverted, we ended up back on the Interstate shortly.....it was all pock marks of snow. Like driving over a set of railroad tracks, only for miles at a time. Got into Minneapolis, did a quick job I had to do, came out to find a flat tire. Heavy snow, heavy wind and cold, and here I am changing a tire. Got to the hotel that night and I asked the guy behind the counter if they had jumper cables in case I needed them in the morning. He chuckled and said it wasn't going to be that cold overnight, only -10 below. Let me see.....-10, 40 mile and hour winds, about 9" of snow.......OH I forgot to mention, my daughter was on spring break! Nothing like a little winter weather in mid April.

Too cold for this Chicago guy.

It's official. I'm moving to the northern tundra of Minneapolis Minnesota. Burr.

PJ, let me know when you want to do our cocktail bet. I'll be back and forth for the next 5 weeks, then up there permanently.

Stay warm.....I hope you are an outdoor enthusiast.

Good luck! Some folks don't seem to mind harsh winters...and winters in Minnesota are harsh! I was born in Duluth and still have quite a few relatives who live in the state. Some of them own tractors that they use to plow their own properties in the winter, by necessity! I wouldn't mind having a summer home on a lake in the Brainerd Lakes area, but you couldn't melt and pour me into anywhere in Minnesota in the winter!

I'll be flying to MSP next month for work in Brainerd. I do enjoy visiting there this time of year. The locals talk funny. Sometimes it's like being on the set of the movie Fargo, which was mostly shot in Brainerd!

Thank you everyone. Does anyone have an extra pair of ear muffs for sale?

Ask a Minnesotan....you won't need 'em,it'll only be 15 below tonight!

The move is nearly here. The house painter (indoor only since the outside is brick) arrives Thursday and will complete the job after I depart on September 2. The pruning and mulching guy arrives this Saturday. Carpet cleaners and full house cleaners arrive about September 8 and 9. I'm renting a truck, but have hired three guys with moving companies to load the truck in Indy, and three different guys to unload the truck in Minneapolis area. I have a 500 sq foot clay brick patio, which is laid in sand, and I completed needed maintenance on that the past few days...................leaving this old man with blisters and a sore back. Moving is coming along well, but it certainly is no fun.

I'm giving my Atlanta based boy my car, since I get a company ride. He's flying in from September 1. I'm taking both of my two boys to an Indianapolis Indians game on the 1st. I've infrequently seen my Atlanta boy since he moved 18 months ago, and I'm really looking forward to hanging with both of my boys the night before my move.

I'm going to enjoy the first few days with the new company, as I'm booked to play business golf on September 8, 9 in southern Wisconsin, and another round of business golf on September 15 in eastern Minnesota. Wish me luck that I don't play like a hack.

Good luck on your relocation, and enjoy the time with your sons.

Good luck, Boiler. Nice having drinks with you the other day. I'm sure you'll do fine up there