Donna's Most Recent Favorite Pastime: Golden Lake
(Previously Harley Davidson - see below)

My outlook on life is to live it!

Thus it seems I often transition from one leisurely ?passion? to another. I want to experience it all. Fortunately my good husband is equally as adventuresome.

Yes, our dear Harleys took second place to a lake home that Les and I purchased in 2006. Eventually the Harleys found a new place to live and are being loved by someone new.

Golden Lake has become our ?Retreat of Choice? and the friendly people out there have become our extended family. For those of you that are unfamiliar with Golden Lake, it is the best kept secret in the Grand Forks area.

Located just southwest of Hatton and Northwood, it is only a 45-minute drive from Grand Forks. It?s really like a small town but with a great restaurant and fun people that operate it. Nearly everyone knows everyone else and we all watch out for each other.

It is Pontoon Heaven ? yes, we joined that club, too, and we enjoy hours out on the water on our Bennington. The grandkids love diving off the pontoon and we enjoy jumping in for a swim or just relaxing with good music and maybe a cool beverage.

We are often teased that the lake is so small you have to go around repeatedly to get in a good ride. We?ve learned that dilema is alleviated by driving slower and going closer to the shoreline. This also aids in poking more good-natured fun back and forth with the other homeowners.

The best parts for me are the dinners with friends and the camp fires. While this is not good for the waistline, it is good for the soul.

We have been fortunate to be included with a group of interesting and diverse people who love to laugh. Most Friday nights find us at a huge camp fire with friends that have equally huge hearts and a great sense of humor. As you might suspect, the problems of the world are often solved (?) at these most reverent events!!

Should you have an interest in a friendly summer get-away, there are numerous choices to be made. A new development is opening ? the lots are beautiful. In addition, I usually know of a few people who are selling and ready to move on to their own ?new passion.?

I think it will be many years before Les and I will find something to replace 1028 Golden Shores.

Les and Donna relaxing at Golden Lake Sunset on Golden Lake

My Previous "Passion" - Harley Davidson

Recently, one of my "upper end" clients told me when they became aware of my relationship with "Harley", they had concerns about what type of person I might be. Prior to coming to Grand Forks for their first visit, they privately agreed that the "jury was still out" until they met me and saw for themselves what my personna might be!

We have had many good chuckles about that conversation, but it seemed I should assure you that I am not a "black leather" biker-lady! Yes, I wear black leather, but for safety purposes only! You will be very comfortable with my professionalism.

Now - on with the story!

It's an addiction. Sheer addiction. If you've ridden, you know the feeling!

I've named her "Sweet Freedom" - my customized 2002 White Pearl Road King Classic. "Sweet freedom" is the feeling she brings me.

In the mid 1950's, my brother. Dan, and I virtually grew up on his rusty, old, orange Harley Davidson. He drove. I rode. "Lean with me," he would always say and off we would go. He was in high school, six years older than I, but we had a blast!

Dan was killed in a motorcycle accident when he was 31. He was a doctor, he had just spent two years in Australia. He was living in Los Angeles and negotiating on purchasing a medical practice in the midwest.

An old lady ran a stop sign; he was in a coma for six weeks. He left his wife, a young son and all of us who adored him - a man who just loved to laugh and have fun.

For thirty-three years the fear controlled me - until I got hooked again.

The Security Forces are "my" Squadron at the Grand Forks Air Force Base. In 1998 Mike Martin loaned me his wife's brand new helmet and gave me a ride on his Harley. Mike still remembers me saying, "I've got to have one of these."

Thinking I would never do it, my guy, Les, agreed to get a bike if I got one. When I came home one day saying, "I ordered a new Harley," he knew he was in trouble. He got one, too. We took the Motorcycle Safety Course and I promptly learned that driving and riding were entirely different!

Major John Moes, the Commander of the Security Forces, is our "Best-Bud". He gave me incredible advice and encouragement. John has so many Harleys, he must own Harley stock. He took me on my first highway ride and he put up with my "green-ness". I have learned so much from him. I'm so grateful for his wisdom, his patience and his kindness. (Too bad he's a Minnesota Gopher's fan.)

Les and I have enjoyed countless bike trips with John as well as many other folks. Our friend Greg, who is a mortician; the Dean of the Law School; Blair, an attorney who moved here from Seattle; Howard who owns businesses here and in Minneapolis; many of the law enforcement people; the people in the Grand Forks Chapter - just to name a few.

What great people you meet on a motorcycle. Everyone is so considerate and helpful. I am always surprised by the countless numbers of professional people who love the sport.

Now - we ride every opportunity we get. The signs are clear...a few days of no riding and I'm feeling grumpy. Once I am on the road, all is well!

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