White Dove of the Desert, San Xavier del Bac Miracle

Glen Creno reporter from the Arizona Republic greeted the Blue Garter Girls from Mankato, Minnesota. "Why are you visiting this mission today?"

Karen Anderson had the answer at hand. "This is the most ornate mission in the United States. It is the most elaborate and significant example of Spanish Colonial art imaginable. A true treasure. We are so lucky to have the opportunity to visit."

Hostess and Blue Garter member Sharon Watson drove the seven friends visiting in celebration of their 70th birthday to the mission today, Friday, August 27, 2010. Traveling from four states to reunite in celebration of their 50 year friendship the friends shared their story as published in Amazing Attributes of Aging;Silly and Sacred Stories of Blue Garter Friends. A complete story of this "miraculous" encounter will be found in the Labor Day edition of the Arizon Republic.

Mrs. Minnesota and Our Amazing Connection at the Dam Store

Our Dam Store Centennial book signing was another in a year long string of successes. The idyllic setting framed by Minnesota's finest summer weather. Visitors to the Rapidan Dam Park roamed the green under clear skies; all were warmed by unfiltered sunshine. Our booth connected us to friends, family and the gorgeous and charming Mrs. Minnesota. Soon to be seeking her next title of Mrs. America; we wished her the best.

Oprah should be so lucky! Local visitors reminiscing, laughing kids hanging out of the Wells Fargo Stage wagon; waving to their friends and family. Delighted children catching illusive cat fish; even winning unexpected prizes. We all ate homemade pie and fresh hot beef sandwiches the size of a grizzly bear's paw and washed it all down with an old fashioned root beer floats.

Our new purple "Amazing Aging" hats were a hot item. Self publishing is where the action is!

Dam Store Connections

Publishing and marketing are the twin partners to writers.

Amazing Attributes of Aging; Silly and Sacred Stories of Blue Garter Friends will be featured by Jim Hruska, the infamous proprietor of The Dam Store on Saturday, August 14, 11 am to dusk.

The serenity of the lazy Blue Earth River settlement at Rapidan, Minnesota will explode in centennial celebration. This 100th birthday party commemorates both the completion of the Rapidan Dam and the Dam Bait Shop. Thousands of loyal Mankato area fishermen, friends and family are expected to congregate to just have fun in the sun. Activities are planned to take guests of all ages back in time. The dam was built in 1910. It continues to supply hydroelectric power to the area today. Kid's fishing contests, voyageur canoe rides, Well's Fargo Wagon trips, antique car shows, music, artists, writers, and the raffle of a stunning quilt, hand made by the church ladies are some of the promised event features. The Hruska family will have loads of their special pies and hot beefs to satisfy the appetites of everyone in the crowd.

Our booth will feature Blue Garter Friends' memorabilia, books and our classy new purple AAA logo baseball caps. We hope to see you at the reunion!