Microblog

Rewired this manifold for an irrigation system for a rack of indoor plants. The system has been performing well for two years. Next, I’ll replicate this system for a second rack of plants. When we start traveling again we’ll be able to water our plants from anywhere in the world.

Installed drippers to irrigate native grasses on our balcony.

Cycled past places shaped by function in an industrial area of North Minneapolis.

Posted video of My First Great Ball Contraption.

On our walk: a mill worker depicted at the Pillsbury A-Mill. Completed in 1881, it was the world’s largest flour mill for 40 years. Today the building is well-appointed artist lofts; a hydroelectric generator, combined with geothermal, produces 75% of the building’s energy needs.

On our walk across a former railroad bridge: Memorial Day weekend flags were suspended from three cranes on the Minneapolis 10th Avenue Bridge. The 90-year-old bridge is going through a major rehabilitation.

Cycled through this space in the Crown-Arts Campus, Northeast Minneapolis.

In heavy rain, picked up three cart-loads of plants from a garden center for our balcony. Being contrarian paid off: there were plenty carts, and no lines at the checkouts.

On my cycle ride: one year later.

Walked with friends in 85° sunshine. Cooled off with a cuppa in the Emery Hotel near an incongruous fireplace.

As usual, our Sunday morning walk took us under the bridge that carries 3rd Avenue across the Mississippi. Built over 100 years ago, it will reopen at the end of 2022.

I like to cycle through this yard in Northeast Minneapolis, behind the Casket Arts Building, and observe the creative process. The juxtaposition of works in process and abandoned always intrigues me, especially when Mother Nature adds serendipity in the form of a large puddle.

Got our electric bill today: pleased with usage compared to last year. This past year, I’ve been measuring electrictricity usage on individual devices, and, in a few cases, making inconspicuous changes to reduce usage. We got a similar improvement last month. 100% of the energy is wind.

Replaced failed electronics in a powered subwoofer. However, the failure had damaged the speaker, so now I need to replace the speaker. Polk has been great: under warranty they sent me the replacement electronics, and now a speaker is in the mail at no cost.

With Dwight in Fargo, visiting his mom, eating Norwegian food, I continued my ramen journey. Zen Box Izakaya, near our home, does a fine tonkotsu ramen, but they only serve al fresco for now. It was magic to select an Asahi draft on my phone, and for it to appear a minute later.

I no longer take for granted being able walk into a restaurant and order a ramen bowl. Grateful for lunch at moto-i.