Last night we watched fireworks exploding over St. Anthony Falls from our balcony. This morning, a crashing then scraping sound piqued my interest during my neighborhood walk: a vehicle had dragged a traffic light into an intersection, but thankfully, no one was hurt. Meanwhile, here in the courtyard of the Mill City Museum, lively salsa music accompanied a free dance class led by an upbeat instructor.
Category: Seasonal
Independence Day 2025, foundational principles
When I became a US citizen, a conservative neighbor gave me this Uncle Sam figurine holding a slogan that ignores the beliefs of millions of Americans. Today, I substituted words that would have resonated in 1776 and align with our Constitution.
Favorite summer activities
Despite temperatures in the high 80s, we enjoyed a relaxed bike ride down one side of the river to Minnehaha Park, returning on the other. We stopped at Loons Coffee for a cuppa and to pick up freshly roasted beans. Curiously, an out-of-season theme of small Christmas trees and a poinsettia was emerging inside. Still, folks were enthusiastic about sharing their favorite summer activities.
Our annual petal pedal
I swore up and down we were still early for our annual tree blossom cycle ride today. It was slim pickings: if there were petals, they were usually on the ground. Over lunch at Longfellow Grill, a quick photo search for last year’s blossom cycle ride showed us to be about five days too late.
Signs of spring
It’s finally springtime in Minnesota. When I came home from an appointment, tulips had magically appeared on the kitchen island and this bathroom. Tonight we’re firing up the BBQ for the first time this year–Dwight’s roasting squash.
A day to hunker down
Earlier rain has given way to a gentle dusting of snow, making it a perfect day to stay in and plan upcoming travels.
Cherry blossom time at Himeji Castle
The cherry blossoms have opened at Himeji Castle, Japan, prompting an update to our LEGO model today. When I visited exactly a year ago, the blossoms were late, allowing me to experience the castle without the usual crowds.
Snowbirds ready for annual migration
Plants drippered, fridge tipped, bags packed. Ready for an early morning departure. (The Vikings stadium roof is visible through the far window, glowing blue. The lighting is dynamic; for example, during the Christmas season it features a candy cane design.)
Frozen air, still water
Sub-zero (Fahrenheit) sunrise this morning. The Mississippi was unusually calm, mist rising from the near-freezing water. Another day to stay inside.
Time to get ready to be snowbirds
Woke up to Gold Medal Park, Guthrie Theater and Mill City Museum in a snow globe. A perfect day to stay in, ride an exercycle, and start packing for our annual snowbird trip. New this year: we’ve arranged for bikes, so I’ll be gathering our helmets, locks, and some tools.