There was ample evidence of last night’s storm, which had wind gusts exceeding 60 mph, as I cycled to meet friends for coffee. Downed tree branches littered the trail, and flashing red traffic lights indicated power outages. The neighborhood coffee shop was new to us, but the coffee was fresh, the pastries delicious, and the… Continue reading A Calm Place
Category: Friends
DQ, Practically Breakfast
10:00 a.m. A leisurely catch-up with friends over ice cream. I usually go cycling with one of them, but he’d broken his fibula in a bicycle accident and is getting a plate inserted on Thursday. DQ offered a flat, accessible path from the car to our outdoor table. His wife also broke a bone earlier… Continue reading DQ, Practically Breakfast
Brews and News
Pryes Brewing Company was the perfect spot to catch up with my friend visiting from out of town. Delighted to learn he and his wife are moving back to the Twin Cities from out West and building a house downriver from us.
Exploring Minneapolis
The plan was to pedal with a friend visiting from the UK, but rain showers and lightning in the forecast threw a wrench in our gears. Instead, we opted for a long walk through Minneapolis. At the offices of Ryan Companies, an architecture, engineering, and construction firm, we reviewed this wooden model of Downtown.
Malcolm Yards
Cycled with friends to Malcolm Yards, an excellent food hall rising out of the shell of a (formerly) dilapidated 130-year-old industrial building There’s a cycle path all the way and beer is self-service (charged by the tenth of an ounce), what more could I ask? Enjoyed good company and a flavorful cauliflower dish prepared with… Continue reading Malcolm Yards
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Today: lovely spring day at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska, MN, with friends. We walked a scenic three-mile loop, chatting so much that pictures completely slipped my mind. Finally, at the end of the walk, I snapped this quick photo of tulips—they were still putting on a good show. Note to self: return for… Continue reading Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Shelter From the Storm
The odd snowflake was flying around in the wind and gathering in crevices when a friend and I entered the warmth of a new coffee shop for flaky pastries, bottomless coffee mugs, and good conversation.
Back on Track
The halfway point on the first cycle ride of the year with a friend was the remains of a bridge serving as sculpture. For all of last year, a series of connected medical problems, now mainly resolved, kept my friend from cycling. Being able to plan our next ride for next Tuesday is something neither of us takes for granted.
The Coffees Looked back at Us
On a Downtown walk with friends stopped at Gray Fox Cafe for refreshments. Their cappuccinos looked pretty fine, it almost seemed a shame to drink them.
Christmas Goodies
Grateful for friends and their decadent homemade treats from here in Minnesota and England (that wonderful Christmas cake). Not shown: the best homemade lefse (all gone).