Why Minnesotans are their best selves in early August

It’s a watershed moment in beautiful Minnesota: The first 2 weeks of August.

The MN State Fair is set to start, school days are a distant memory and not yet on the horizon. Most summer youth sports have wrapped up, and there’s time off before fall action begins.

At this moment, in this state — Minnesotans are their very best selves.

Our annual flowers are flourishing … even though we’re dead-heading the damn petunias twice a day.

We’re eating fresh sweet corn and BLT’s for every meal … and the ridiculous zucchini harvest hasn’t peaked yet.

Our sunburns have faded to tans. It’s acceptable to wear white shorts … even the elders look acceptable in faded 1987 World Series muscle tees.

Thanks to all our lakes and rivers, we’ve been in, on and next to water a lot … we’re dreaming about when we’ll get to skate on it.

The sting is gone: Our Twins are who they are … and Target Field is still a sweet spot.

The Vikes look to win the Super Bowl … training in ‘Kato has big promise.

We know the sneaky side roads to avoid construction … and drives behind a snow plow look inviting.

‘Haven’t worn Uggs for a few weeks … hear the new colors will look good on us.

We’re accustomed to the mingled scents of sunscreen and bug repellent.

A perfect combination of optimism and realism. That’s Minnesotans. And right now, we are our best selves.