We had delightful guests staying with us this past weekend who were here for the Mason Jennings concert, including Mason Jennings himself! The concert hall at St. Scholastica was packed. We really enjoyed the music and getting to know Mason over the breakfast table. There are many such great musical events in Duluth and we've recently discovered the local website http://www.twinportsnightlife.com/ for finding out about what's happening here.

The Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra definitely has a new sound! The first rehearsal with the new shell was incredible with an amazing sound filling the hall. The violins were actually told to play softer so as not to cover up the winds. Much tuning and adjustments of the large 3 ton acoustice panels will need to be made before the sound is just right. Not only does it improve our sound, but it looks beautiful. I'm looking forward to our first concert this Saturday night and the reaction of the audience.

The boys, Jim and Peter, are taking advantage of the gorgeous fall day to take one of their last sails of the year on Lake Superior. I'm heading up to Hawk Ridge (sailing is not my thing) with the dogs to check out the hawk migration. Yesterday was one of the best days of the month so I hope to see some kettles today. Check out http://www.hawkcount.org/ for migratory counts all over the country, including Hawk Ridge. From the looks of it, Duluth is one of the top spots in the country for viewing hawks.

As our teenage son, Jonathan, went off to school today dressed in his bathrobe and pajamas (it's dress your "Dream Job" day for Homecoming) we wondered if he wants to sleep the rest of his life, be a mattress tester or have lots of dreams. No wonder he's having trouble deciding on a college!

That's all for now from the good life in Duluth.

Joan and Jim

We're excited about letting all our friends in on the wonderful things we enjoy in Duluth. Our intent is to get some news up here at least once a week. We're dipping our toes into the blogging world, we'll see how it goes.

The leaves are just starting to turn and looks like we're in for another gorgeous fall. With the recent rains, the waterfalls up the North Shore are spectacular.

The bird count is going on at Hawk Ridge and on a good day you might see thousands of hawks, eagles, osprey, etc. Birding experts are generally available on the Ridge to answer questions. It's a great way to spend the afternoon, if only for the Superior view.

Hard to believe that we're already planning the Holiday Tour on Dec. 2nd. It's the first time all the eight Historic Inns of Duluth will be on tour together, decked out in their holiday finery. The Ellery House family string quartet will be playing at our inn. Check out our website for more information: www.elleryhouse.com

Joan plays first violin in the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra and is busy preparing for the upcoming concert Sept. 29. They've remodeled the stage and the shell for optimal acoustics. This will be the first time for the new sound and Joan's excited and hopeful that for the first time you might be able to hear the violins over the horns. www.dsso.com for more information.

That's all for now on the good life in Duluth,

Joan and Jim