A Trip to Dayton’s

Walked around a chilly Downtown, mainly indoors, with friends. At the reimagined former Dayton’s flagship department store, visited a Winter Makers Market. Tomorrow my friends celebrate 55 years of marriage, how time flies.

Guns and Murder

A light dusting of snow was forming as we walked to Theatre in the Round for an adaptation of an Agatha Christie novel. Predictably, the playbill cautioned us to expect gunfire and murder.

Grease for Peace

My friend figured out Band Box Diner is only open Wednesday through Saturday, so today was the day, in the words of the establishment’s slogan, to “Grease for Peace.” The counter seats were occupied by regulars, so we observed the scene from a table. Breakfast was good and substantial.

Enduring Efficiency

Admired the post office boxes in our 1933 Art Deco post office. They have two features that are missing from the modern boxes in our building: small windows that allow you to see if there is any mail, and they’re loaded from behind from the sorting room.

Déjà Vu?

Well, I never! On my walk today, I stumbled upon the Washington Monument right here in Minneapolis. I can’t recall if I knew about it before, but re-rediscovering things is a delightful perk of aging. I had to contort myself to take this picture then managed to return to an upright position.

Industrial Grit to Urban Chic

On a walk through the Minneapolis North Loop with friends, paused to take in this hotel/retail project. The building on the right had become dilapidated, but is being brought back to life. The old white building sandwiched between new construction was moved to this location.

Almost Home

Cycled home from the university hospital as the sun was setting after a day dominated by medical appointments. Grateful there are new options when I’ll need them. Home is just beyond the end of this tunnel.

Making Sense of Rail Car Markings

Walked between lines of rail cars parked across the river from our home. The hopper cars on the left usually carry tiny plastic pellets. “Hot 3257” hazmat placards on the insulated tanker cars on the right warn that the contents are hot and molten, probably asphalt.

Possibilities

On my walk, former industrial land awaits a new purpose. To the right, a railroad embankment abruptly ends at a stone buttress that once supported a bridge. Behind me, many of the warehouses in the Minneapolis North Loop have been converted into condos and apartments, creating a vibrant neighborhood.