I thought this was inspired, though I hope no company policies were violated! Today I found a stash of free Delta earbuds in our building’s workout room, likely left by a neighbor who works for the airline. Instead of complaining about people playing music out loud, you can simply hand them a pair. Even if their phone doesn’t have a jack, it’s a positive way to address the behavior.
Category: Living
Goodies at the museum
Our local farmers market is a more modest affair during the winter. Instead of being outside, it’s held in the lobby of the Mill City Museum. Picked up bacon sausages from a local farm, along with some crusty bread and savory croissants from a small local bakery.
LEGO welfare check
Dwight had minor hand surgery this morning (carpal tunnel release). Some time after he disappeared into the den this afternoon, I decided I’d better do a welfare check. Despite the surgery, it turns out he’d been busy staging this LEGO Christmas village.
Neighbors
Picked up a coffee at Open Book, with its welcoming marquee, before catching a bus to school. The route passed the second marquee in Cedar-Riverside (“Little Mogadishu”). In my first class, I worked with Somali-American women studying to be Certified Nursing Assistants. In the final class, students marked the end of the semester by bringing an abundance of delicious Somali food, including, of course, the obligatory sambusas.
Tail end of our trip
At Palm Springs PSP, enjoying the warmth for a little while longer. Behind us, a Delta tail peeks out through desert vegetation. Delta’s nonstop PSP/MSP service makes this an easy warm-weather destination for us.
80 degrees and a cold one
One final hike in the hills above Palm Springs: the South Lykken Trail. It was dry, dusty, and hot (80s), but offered great views and a well-maintained path. We took a Lyft to the trailhead and walked back into town from the finish. A beer at Blackbook never tasted better.
A moderate dose of Christmas cheer
Tonight, the sold-out A Swingin’ Little Christmas, starring Jane Lynch, famous for her enthusiastic tyranny (Glee, Best in Show, etc.). The show delivered talented performers and reasonable doses of holiday schmaltz. This was a chance to experience the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre, which just reopened this month after a major renovation.
Neither up nor down
Hiked one-way with city transit at each end. We marched (kinda) up a hill, gaining a total of 1,300 feet. Here, we’ve wandered across the high ground and are part-way down the next hill. Palm Springs is spread out below us, as we watched landings and takeoffs at PSP (top-left).
Mid-century modern: serious business, except when it isn’t
Mid-century modern is taken seriously in these parts, except when it isn’t. Walked through neighborhoods of homes, some that once belonged to Hollywood royalty, generally left undecorated for the season, presumably in pursuit of consistent taste.
Hiking an oasis
Granite walls gradually closed in as we hiked a shaded trail up a canyon to this spot. The trail must’ve crossed the stream a dozen times, giving us multiple opportunities to balance on slick rocks. Although we were surrounded by desert, the stream fed one long oasis, a winding line of palms.