About 10 questions regarding Cathy's trip to Minnesota, for the2nd time this year

Cathy spend the weekend coming and going to Minnesota! Let's find out more!

1. Cathy, why did you go to Minnesota AGAIN?
To a wedding, of course, my nosy friend! My BFF's youngest son was married in Mille Lacs/Onamia.

2. Where/what the heck is Mille Lacs?!
It's a beautiful area about 2 hours north of Minneapolis, my geographically challenged friend. On an Ojibwe Indian Reservation, there's a big casino and resort. There's also a big lake. And did I mention the casino?

3. Okay, we'll bite on the casino. How'd you do?
Your concern is appreciated, my thoughtful friend. I'm chicken to play 21 and I suck at slots. Even penny slots. In other words: I did badly. But it was fun trying because they have free pop.

4. Free pop? Weren't you too sloshed from the free booze?
Unfortunately not, Kemosabe. Mille Lacs is a dry county. I mean, desert dry. Nada. Smoking at the casino--okay. Drinking at the casino--doesn't happen.

5. So how cold was it in Minnesota? We're sure winter has hit up there.
Not so much, my meteorologically inclined friend. While no record warm temperatures were set, it was a balmy 66, although much more cloudy with more chances for rain.

6. How about the fall color? Past peak?
I'd say, just at peak, my nature-loving friend. Many more reds and yellows than we see here. Also, more evergreens of the pine persuasion.

7. Okay, so you flew into Minneapolis. We know the airport is right next door to THE MALL of America and your personal Mecca, IKEA. Did you bite?
Fifty-fifty, my shopoholic friend. Indeed we could not pass THE MALL without a short lunch stop at Bubba Gump's and a quick dart into Marshall's. So sadly, IKEA must wait for another day.

8. In this time of financial crisis, how do you gauge the mood of the traveling/gambling public?
A discerning question, my inquisitor. Airports: busy. Airplanes: VERY full, to standby levels. Mall: Busy. Casino: Packed. Topics of conversation: Anything BUT the value of one's 401K.

9. And how was the wedding?
Tip-top and smashing, Miss Manners. The bride and groom, teachers both, were young and beautiful; the bridal party a fun-loving bunch; the families pleased with the union; the ceremony, heart-felt and joyous; the reception, a damn fine party. And did I mention the cake?

10. So, was the manic pace of the trip worth it?
Any trip that includes a visit to the Mall of America and wedding cake, my solicitious friend, is more than worth it. Plus, we saw two windmills on the way to the event. And, we got to dance to Hey, Ya! Now that's my kind of reception.

About dancing at weddings

How most of us are so awkward at it.

And lots of us don't care, and dance anyway. Although some just won't dance.

How pleasant it is to watch someone who dances well.

How sorry I am that I know what liturgical dance is.

The pleasure of watching children dance--the wild abandon of it, the concentration they give it, the joy it gives them.

How beautiful a bride looks as she dances, white dress flowing, smiling, laughing, secure knowing all eyes are on her.

How people enjoy dancing in groups, whether to the Electric Slide or the Hokey Pokey.

When a slow song starts, all the recreational dancers sit down, and all the couples jump up.

People still dance to YMCA, but groan as they do so.

Twist and Shout, still gets people on their feet. 

Dancing with the Stars does not seem to have improved the quality of dance at most informal functions.

One should probably really give more than one dollar during the "Dollar Dance" at a wedding.

The amount of time before the groom and his party remove their tux coats is directly relational to the amount of alcohol consumed before the dancing begins.

It's all about the DJ.

It's extremely difficult for anyone to dance to "Sweet Home Alabama."

"Dance as if no one is watching"-type dancing should probably not be attempted ... in public.