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.

Categorized as St. Paul

Tree Tunnel

Cycled along a lovely rail trail from Hopkins to Wayzata on Lake Minnetonka. Fresh cinnamon rolls powered the ride back.

How We Spent July

Finally completed a Web page about the family trip to Spain and Portugal in July. The carousel at the top has long-form posts, and the timeline, below, documents something about each day. Click through for a link.

Sights, Sounds, Tastes

Dwight’s in Fargo visiting his mom, so I “went” to Japan. After age gyoza then tonkotsu ramen with a side of Japan Times at a local izakaya, walked back past wedding parties striking poses, and sports fans in no hurry to get to the game. Back home, streamed an emotional, visually expressive manga movie filled… Continue reading Sights, Sounds, Tastes

Categorized as Japan

Spain and Portugal Vacation Pix

July 2022, we had a family vacation in Southern Spain and Portugal: my partner and me, our two teenage nephews, and their parents. We’ve traveled many times together, so this was an easy, mostly relaxed trip. You can find further trip posts, including daily microposts, here. 1. Nerja,Spain We arrived Nerja, Andalucia, on-schedule after an… Continue reading Spain and Portugal Vacation Pix

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.

A Trip to Asia

Craved Japan, cycled to masu for comfort food. Japan is still closed to independent travelers: I’ve cancelled 3 trips to Japan in the past year and may have to cancel a 4th in October. Just in case, I’ve also booked a nonstop to Seoul in October.

Categorized as Japan

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