Microblog

Made Japanese curry for lunch using odds and ends lurking in the fridge. It’s quick comfort food in most Japanese homes: curry cubes (available in Asian markets) and rice from the Zoji make it easy to assemble this dish. In Japan it’s always eaten with a

Walked across this unusual Mississippi double-deck bridge, while avoiding a chilly wind. The enclosed walkway protects students from the elements as they cross between two University of Minnesota campuses. Periodically, a light rail train rumbles beneath.

On my chilly Minneapolis North Loop walk, with temperatures hovering in the single digits (Fahrenheit), spotted a woman in a bikini walking outside. It took me a few moments to realize she was walking from a wood-fired sauna to an ice sauna.

Walked the skyways of downtown St. Paul. Ventured outside briefly to admire the Winter Carnival ice sculptures at Rice Park.

Well that’s a first: today, the dental hygienist declared my gums to be “good.” Maybe it’s the interstitial brushes I’ve been using every day for the last six months. Or, maybe, the hygienist was simply in a good mood.

Looked towards Northern Pacific Bridge Number 9, now a pedestrian and bicycle trail, from the newly reopened 10th Avenue Bridge.

Without leaving home, went on a visual journey through my body, guided by a Mayo oncologist. Like traffic lights, stopped at two bright red lymph nodes, signifying prostate cancer cells. Two additional drugs should help for a while. I’m grateful.

Assembled a kit for a friend to connect her VCR to a new television for playback. Remarkably, the AV to HDMI converter was delivered today, Sunday. I already had the other parts, so it’s good to know they’ll be put to good use

With my alter-ego temporarily banned from Twitter, established another presence.

On my walk: ice floes on the Mississippi, downriver from St. Anthony Falls.

It was a PET scan, but I closed my eyes and pretended I was on a lie-flat flying somewhere good. When the machine ejected me, I was still in Rochester, MN.

When in doubt, I can always make risotto from preserved ingredients. Previously frozen before our trip: sautéed onion, Parmesan, butter, stock. Shelf stable: Arborio rice, splash of wine, dried mushrooms (I usually prefer dried to fresh). So that’s what I’m making.

Photographed the dusty exterior of our rental car (to prove there was no damage) before returning it to Tucson TUS. Less than one tank of gas took us to every trailhead.

Last Arizona hike today. Inspired by Marie Kondo, thanked a hiking sock for its service before discarding. It should’ve departed a long time ago as it had lost most of its cushion. My feet are happy with synthetic: comfortable, they wick, no blisters, and overnight wash and dry.

Hiked Saguaro National Park West for a second day before returning to our base near Saguaro National Park East.

Layers of desert, mountain, and sky from a trail in Saguaro National Park West. We’re staying close by for a night before returning to our base near Saguaro National Park East.