Category: Living

Portals to the Imagination

Spotted these tiny houses on Nicollet Island on our Sunday morning walk. The little door and windows on the left definitely look like a “mouse house” by local artist Mows. The house on the right is likely a mass-produced fairy house.

Afterglow

Afterglow, back home from a Minnesota Orchestra concert.

Categorized as Arts

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.

Pioneers and Soldiers Memorial Cemetery

Every Thursday, on my walk from the bus stop to the school where I volunteer, I pass by Minneapolis’ oldest cemetery, Pioneers and Soldiers 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.’

Categorized as War

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

Starting Low and Slow

Prepared a dry rub and applied it to baby back ribs which I then placed in an oven at 250°F. Low and slow. This was a chance for a slow cycle ride, ducking occasional rain. As the afternoon progressed, the sound of thunder intensified, prompting me to crank harder on my return home. Back home…… Continue reading Starting Low and Slow

Happy Grass, Smart Watering

Relaxed day: walking, reading, troubleshooting, …. Here I’m troubleshooting a plant watering schedule on a Hubitat home automation hub. I finally set up schedules for a water pump that irrigates the long line of grasses on our balcony. Back in the day, a plug-in mechanical timer would’ve done the job.

Finding Inspo

Took in some of my favorite sights on a Nordeast Minneapolis bike ride. Between Bauhaus Brewery and the headquarters of modern furniture company Blu Dot, this silent gantry crane nods to the building’s industrial past. Last year this scene inspired me to create a LEGO gantry crane.