September 24, 2014. Happy birthday to me!

CAMPGROUND:  2nd night at Autumn Woods

LOCATION:  Rochester, MN 

WEATHER:  Slight rain most of the day. Highs in 60s

George had tests all morning at Mayo Clinic, where we both worked 13 years before retiring.  This is inside the Gonda Building, where he had appointments

The glass sculptures hanging in the background were  designed/built by the famous Chihuly.  They are really beautiful.

Mayo believes that the patient should be surrounded by beauty and comfort when here.  There is a piano in this atrium and patients/employees/guests are invited to play.  

Mayo is huge and keeps on growing.  It was just voted America's best hospital.  There are about 50,000 employees.  While I worked there, I was responsible for determining their wages/salaries.  It was a very stressful, but rewarding job, thanks to my staff and co-workers.

We read in the newspaper that Rochester will be facing a unique problem soon......not enough workers.  There is a huge initiative to make Rochester a Destination Medical Center.  Plans are to completely rebuild the downtown area, creating more jobs all over.  Pretty exciting.  (Maybe we sold our house too soon/too cheap?)

We had lunch at a new craft beer bar called the Thirsty Belgian.  Very good.  We did shopping.  (George was thrilled to get a 25% off senior discount at Goodwill!)

I received nice calls, emails, and Facebook birthday wishes.  Thanks, all!

To Rochester readers:  We need to stay another day to hear back from some tests.  If you are around, and can make it, please join us at the Thirsty Belgian at 5:30 on Thursday.  

DINNER:  We went to one of my favorite Rochester restaurants, ZZEST, for dinner.  Daughter Alexis and friend Graham joined us.

Great food and service.  They gave me some free birthday ice cream!