Microblog

Early morning cycle, Tower Tunnel, Minneapolis North Loop.

Worked on expanding our houseplant irrigation system. My work (automated irrigation and lighting) is almost invisible. Dwight’s work (interior landscape) is very visible. The chairs are meant for the balcony, but, particularly in this hot weather, we’re happy to sit here.

Today’s forecast high is 102°—A good reason to fill up a growler to take home from a nearby brewpub.

Suddenly, early morning cycle rides are appealing. I was on the trail, today, soon after 7:00 a.m.: the temperature was already in the 70’s and it was delicious.

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.