On my meander through a residential neighborhood, found an old-fashioned Italian deli where I sat down for lunch, listening in on local chatter. Two large meatballs in tomato sauce with bread and butter served on real dinnerware was about $8.
Category: Living
A Taste of Somewhere Else
On the way home from a dental cleaning and checkup I realized the bus would stop opposite moto-i. I had to get off and enjoy a very serviceable bowl of tonkotsu ramen, my go-to comfort food. Maybe it was a reward for not having to see the dentist again until April 2025. I’m proud to… Continue reading A Taste of Somewhere Else
A Fleeting Display
Last weekend there was a street art festival on Nicollet Mall in Downtown. The sidewalk chalk art had survived quite well when I reviewed it today, minus crowds.
Elevating the Ukulele
We try not to miss Jake Shimabukuro when he’s in town. His musical style has grown increasingly complex and interesting over the years. He began the evening with his composition, “Sakura, Sakura” played Koto-style (Japanese instrument) on the ukulele. Later he played a piece that opened him to a wider audience in 2006, an interpretation… Continue reading Elevating the Ukulele
Old Dell, New Tricks
Our 14-year-old Dell was slowing down, so I gave it a new lease on life today by dual-booting Windows 10 and Linux (Ubuntu). Running Linux, it’s blazingly fast and handles almost everything Dwight and I need. Total outlay: $0.00 + too much of my time.
Industrial Entanglement
While cycling on a public road, I spotted this tangled industrial scene and stopped to capture it. A security guard told me to stop, threatened to call the police, then gave the middle finger when I said “go ahead.” I doubt anyone at General Mills will be upset with this photo of their grain silos.
Two Wheels to T2
Today was the day for my annual bike ride to the airport. My route included Fort Snelling State Park, which reopened this morning after flooding had subsided. I turned around at Terminal 2 and took the LRT home. I’ve never actually flown out of this terminal because I favor airlines in Skyteam or Star Alliance… Continue reading Two Wheels to T2
Bugs, Bills, and Beer
Over a welcome beer at our local, Dwight described his time at the greenhouse battling pests and mold on these grapevines. Meanwhile, I’d been caught in a Catch-22, ping-ponging between a vendor and Amex over fraudulent charges. Eventually, Amex took responsibility and issued a refund, leaving me free to enjoy my beer.
Can’t Cycle, Can Canoe
The cycling and walking paths beside the channel connecting Lake of the Isles and Bde Maka Ska were underwater this morning. I knew from experience my feet would have been submerged even on a bike, and the water’s resistance would have been a challenge. Meanwhile, the canoeists seemed right at home.
Optimism in a Black Box
On my random cycle ride down the Mississippi: a motorcade of black SUVs left Eastcliff, temporary home of our Governor, escorting Tim Walz to MSP. We’re delighted with the choice of this former high school teacher whose values align with ours. He’s authentic.