It had been raining overnight, but it stopped just in time to hop on a train to Fort Snelling and meet up with a friend. We then cycled a loop via downtown St. Paul, taking in each side of the Mississippi. In St. Paul, we refueled at the legendary Cossetta’s, with its extensive selection of… Continue reading Pit Stop at Cossetta’s
Category: Minnesota
Coming Soon: New Mouths to Feed
Across the river from our home there’s an eagle’s nest. It was empty last year but on our walk this morning we spotted an eagle’s head peeking out. Sometimes one of the eagles swoops right past our apartment at eye level.
Simple Rigs on Stone Arch Bridge
Walked as far as I could across Stone Arch Bridge to see what was going on with the restoration. What I saw was quite low-tech: wide frames on wheels on the bridge deck supported and counterbalanced platforms that raise and lower, much like the system used by window cleaners on tall buildings. Below, a pontoon… Continue reading Simple Rigs on Stone Arch Bridge
Sunday Afternoon Concert
This afternoon, a relaxed chamber music concert highlighting members of the Minnesota Orchestra in smaller ensembles. The program was a mix of old and new, with a modern socially conscious American piece by Kevin Puts, Credo (new to us), sandwiched between works by Rossini and Brahms.
Last Ride Before Repairs
During my bike ride, paused on the Stone Arch Bridge to take in this much-photographed view. Starting Monday, the bridge will undergo maintenance and repairs for the next two years, with half the bridge closed at a time.
Where Stairs Don’t Lead
During my walk through the University of Minnesota’s East Bank Campus, I decided the stairs looked safe to climb. After all, it has been an unseasonably warm winter; no ice or snow impeded my ascent; my mind wandered to past climbs to Buddhist temples. At the top, of course there was no temple, just a pleasant plaza lined with picnic tables waiting for winter to end.
The Coffees Looked back at Us
On a Downtown walk with friends stopped at Gray Fox Cafe for refreshments. Their cappuccinos looked pretty fine, it almost seemed a shame to drink them.
Rx: Comfort Food
Early lunch at Al’s Breakfast counter: corned beef hash with a runny egg on top, hot off the griddle, fueling up between whole-body scans. Note the “mouse door” behind the folding blackboard sign.
Downtown in Miniature
While exploring Downtown with a friend, peered through a window of Ryan Construction, spotted this wooden model of Downtown. The receptionist happily waved us through the lobby and summoned the model builder for an enthusiastic conversation. Hennepin Avenue Bridge is front left; the model includes our home (just off-camera).
On a Clear Day…
The mist that had lingered for days finally cleared this morning. With a squint, I could see seven Mississippi bridges from our home.