In about two weeks we become snowbirds, which means it’s time for the ‘Clustering of the Rolling Plant Racks’ and the ‘Tipping of the Fridge.’ Our plants are now all connected to the drip irrigation system, while some are also periodically misted. Tonight’s dinner features carnitas I made and froze a month ago; other delights will be making encore appearances in the coming days.
Category: Living
Travel wabi-sabi
In a moment of boredom, I mapped out the Japanese prefectures I’ve visited (blue), many of them multiple times. While I’ve traveled through the yellow prefectures near Tokyo, I don’t count those. The younger me might’ve felt the need to visit every prefecture to ‘complete the set,’ but these days I embrace the imperfection: a bit of travel wabi-sabi.
A morning of fine print
Spent most of the morning reviewing our insurance. I confirmed our home’s “All Perils” policy doesn’t list covered events; instead, it only lists exclusions. For example, damage from a burst pipe is covered simply because it isn’t excluded. I also checked the fine print for our 2026 health plan to confirm it provides worldwide coverage and purchased an annual medical repatriation subscription, something we had allowed to lapse during the pandemic.
A tool for protected speech
A shiny whistle arrived today for my daypack. Three short blasts: ICE nearby. One long blast: ICE is detaining someone.
12 Months of Microposts: 2025
Since 2013 I’ve been posting something positive (usually) about each day. In recent years, each December, I’ve selected one Micropost from each month of the past year to include in an omnibus Post. The main theme of this Blog, “Journeys,” is what primarily inspires my choices for Microposts. I’m grateful my health journey continues to…… Continue reading 12 Months of Microposts: 2025
Icy ascent to bus number 7
My hiking pole came in handy for boarding the bus, as I climbed onto the icy hard-packed snow left by a snowplow. Eventually, this snow will be loaded onto trucks and taken to a snow-melting facility.
Navigating negative space
On a cold day like today, with sidewalks slick from yesterday’s snow dump, I’m a part-time fan of the 10-mile Minneapolis Skyway system. At times, it feels like sensory deprivation while navigating twisting tubes through and between buildings. Today, I found myself imagining its odd lines at a more abstract level, then asked AI to do the same with a photo I took. Click through for the original.
White spaces
The world gradually turned white as snow fell all day. Indoor activities won out, including this jigsaw puzzle featuring the art of Keith Haring. Once we’ve assembled all of Haring’s instantly recognizable symbols, the white space between the symbols will be a bigger challenge.
Next stop: the world
Family get-together at Misono. This was one plate among many. It’s definitely American sushi, but I’d like to think even Japanese people would enjoy it. Enjoyed the company, including my nephews, now 17 and 18. I encouraged them to travel to Sweden, Hokkaido, or beyond… I’d gladly pay for their tickets.
Hue and haze
Inside, colorful American Indian mosaics and artwork blend traditional and non-traditional materials. Outside, the world fades to grey in the mist. This morning at the Walker Art Center.