This past week was a perfect reflection of what I love about my life: its diversity and the wonderful people I get to connect with. If you know me, you know I’m a true extrovert—the opposite of my wonderful wife of 48 years, Roxie. I thrive and get energized from being around people.

My week kicked off with some family time. I headed to the Montevideo vs. LQPV volleyball match to watch my granddaughter, Gretta, play for Montevideo and it was fun to see her on the court, especially since a friend from our church, Adelyn, was on the opposing team.

​Tuesday was a day I won’t forget. I was invited to the Montevideo Veterans Home to visit with a resident named Paul Staggs. We had never met, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. When I entered his room, he greeted me with a big smile and a firm handshake. As we talked, I learned Paul had worked in radio for over 60 years and was even inducted into the Minnesota Broadcasting Hall of Fame. He spent 15 years at WCCO radio, and we instantly hit it off! We shared stories about our broadcasting careers, high school sports, and even some of our favorite “radio bloopers.” It was a truly pleasant visit, and I left with a new friend, promising to come back soon. The Montevideo Veterans Home is an amazing place.

Thursday brought more volleyball action with a matchup between Canby and Dawson-Boyd. I always enjoy visiting with Lancer Coach Jenai Wright and her staff. I also saw my friend Molly, who was a line judge. We had a good laugh remembering her catching the bouquet at her sister Abby’s wedding last weekend. She joked that she “boxed out” well and that Coach Chad Johnston would have been proud! It was great to see all the young Dawson-Boyd girls running on the court—Coach Hailey Gritmacker said they have over 70 girls in the program.

​Friday was a long road trip to Springfield for a huge football game. Both the Dawson-Boyd Blackjacks and the Tigers are state-ranked. Duane and I had a great view from the press box, but the Blackjacks didn’t play their best game, losing 34-7.

Saturday was a full day with my Coaches Show on the radio and two community events: Canby Fall Fest and Appleton’s Applefest. Even with a little rain, it was a fantastic time. In Canby, someone noticed I wasn’t wearing any Canby apparel and suggested I grab some from Canby Drug and Gifts—so I did! I have a Canby Lancer cap now. The car show there is always amazing.

I made it to Appleton just in time for the parade. The Appleton Community Initiative committee did a wonderful job organizing Applefest this year, and it was great to visit with so many people.

We capped off the week on Sunday by driving to Minneapolis to celebrate our son-in-law Seth’s graduation and work promotion. Seth recently earned his master’s in finance, and we’re incredibly proud of how well he’s doing.

As you can see, this week was packed with new experiences and great people—exactly what an extrovert thrives on. I can’t wait to see what next week brings.