Category: Living

Hanging by a Thread

While chasing down a rattle, Dwight discovered we’d probably driven from Up North with an important bolt missing from the roof bike rack. Replaced the bolt, grateful we didn’t do any hard stops followed by my bike running down the windshield. Note to self: check bolts.

Unfortunate Airport Code

Just booked a flight from Fukuoka to Sapporo/New Chitose for a trip next summer with our teenage nephews and their dad. We’ll have rail passes, but it’s a 1,200 mile journey by bullet trains. The boys will have a field day with one of the airport codes.

Categorized as Plan

Heartland Trail

After cycling 20 miles along the Heartland Trail, it was time to enjoy this view then cycle back via a small-town bar for lunch. One of the first rail-trails in the country, it’s an easy ride, no serious climbs, shaded by forest most of the way.

Classy and Thoughtful

A neighbor parked in one of our spots. Today, when she saw the note on her car, she realized her error, bought us a gift card for a nearby wine store, and wrote a contrite apology note. Classy, plus she couldn’t have thought up a more useful gift.

Japan Occupation Photos

Started digitizing and (digitally) pinning photos to a map of Japan. Dwight’s uncle took the photos when he was a soldier in the occupying army when World War II ended. We may visit some of the locations when we explore Japan with our nephews (13 and 14).

Tasting the Air

As I pedalled I could taste the air. Because of Canadian forest fires, exacerbated by drought, we have the poorest air quality ever measured in Minnesota. Meanwhile, another mile of shale oil extracted from the Bakken formation of North Dakota made its way east.

The Tasting

A friend asked us to sample two types of brownies baked by his wife, then choose our favorite. They got shaken in my backpack on a cycle ride, but that didn’t affect the experience. Halved each to be sure we each sampled each type. Concluded they were equally good.

Categorized as Eat