Volunteered at an adult summer school program teaching ELL (English Language Learning) and then PCA (Personal Care Assistant) training, which equips people to help others maintain independence in the community. Meanwhile, Dwight tackled greenhouse duty, specifically de-bugging (washing plants) in the tropical section alongside this thriving African vine.
Category: In This Together
Good Eats
Substantial dinner after planning a trip to Italy next spring with my sister- and brother-in-law: pork ribs, pork belly, walleye, roast Brussels sprouts.
Sounds of Pride
Celebrated Pride with the Minnesota Orchestra playing works by LGBTQ+ composers.
School’s Out
It was the last day of the semester, classrooms have gone silent for the next two weeks. After the break I’ll be back here for summer school. (The device on the table on the far left is assistive technology for a visually impaired learner. The tower rack in the back corner stores and charges laptops.)
Halibut and Gratitude
Tonight’s our anniversary, so I whipped up a special (well, for a Monday night) dinner. Halibut baked in parchment is so easy, yet feels a touch exotic. Accompanied by an eight buck bottle of New Zealand Sav Blanc from Trader’s we had a fine meal, grateful for our years together. The extra halibut (in the… Continue reading Halibut and Gratitude
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.
Soldiers and Pioneers Memorial Cemetery
Every Thursday, on my walk from the bus stop to the school where I volunteer, I pass by Minneapolis’ oldest cemetery, Soldiers and Pioneers Memorial Cemetery, founded 1853. In the photo three rows of weathered headstones mark where Civil War soldiers are interred. Each stone carries a name and the poignant statement ‘A Soldier.’
A Lesson in Flag Etiquette
A cycle ride with a friend included Victory Memorial Drive where the flag was at half-staff, which mystified us. On Memorial Day (Monday) the flag is flown at half-staff until noon. Later I learned that at other times only the President and Minnesota’s Governor have the authority to require the flag at half-staff, but neither… Continue reading A Lesson in Flag Etiquette
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
Thriving
Debriefed our respective days at our local bar. Dwight spent much of his day mitigating black mold at the greenhouse, oh, and spotting these native Minnesota cacti outside at the entry to the greenhouse. Seriously, they survive our winters! I shared about the vagaries of the English language, working three 90-minute classes with learners from… Continue reading Thriving