Explored St. Paul’s Highland Park neighborhood. Found some gems: the former Hollyhocks Club, a 1930’s-era gangsters’ hangout; impressive landscaping and construction at the former Ford Plant; the 1871 Mattocks School, a one-room schoolhouse, now a Spanish immersion classroom.
Category: Minnesota
View from an Abandoned Truck Scale
On my somewhat random ride, stopped to nose around the exterior of the long-abandoned Fruen Mill. Here, I’m looking up, standing on a truck scale where cereals were loaded.
Five Watt Mouse Door
Finally noticed this mouse door near the entrance to Five Watt Coffee. It’s probably been there for years, so much for mindfulness. The local artist, Mows, has hundreds of these doors with different designs, placed around the world through collaboration and travel.
Old Muskego Church
On our cycle ride, the 1845 Old Muskego Church, the first Norwegian Lutheran church built in the United States. Chatted with a worker restoring the exterior using logs rescued from a barn from the same period. He unlocked the door so we could see inside. Click through for photos of the wonderful interior.
Tree Tunnel
Cycled along a lovely rail trail from Hopkins to Wayzata on Lake Minnetonka. Fresh cinnamon rolls powered the ride back.
Common Ground
Looked up at a Downtown sidewalk reflected in a mirrored canopy: two men playing a supersized game of chess, me, my bike, sidewalk art, all reduced to a common visual style.
Nordeast Safari
Giraffe House, spotted on my cycle ride through Nordeast Minneapolis. A baby giraffe is hiding behind a tree.
Being in the Moment
A recent article in the local paper declared the Twin Cities to be “a hotspot for labyrinths.” This morning, I sated my curiosity by visiting one at Bethel Lutheran Church in South Minneapolis. A nearby sign suggested walking the pathways while meditating. I got back on my bicycle instead. I’d consciously been in the present… Continue reading Being in the Moment
No Adult Literacy Services Here
Wrote to each Hennepin County Commissioner asking them to right a wrong. The $67 million (annual budget) county public library system no longer provides GED and ESL adult literacy services. Recent immigrants have lost an important step-up in life, and I now need to go elsewhere for expert assistance with tutoring. Franklin Learning Center (Minneapolis)… Continue reading No Adult Literacy Services Here
On High Ground
Not exactly the source of the Nile, but interesting nonetheless while cycling with a friend through Reservoir Woods Park. An image search for this 30-million gallon tank, part of St. Paul’s water system, brought me to photos of Mongolian yurts.