Microblog

Cycled over to SiP Coffeebar to pick up a coffee, then sit on a wall overlooking a yard where a sculptor creates. I always chuckle at the Happiness art piece. Ostensibly, this is the “happiest time of the year.” This year we can simply be grateful for what we have.

On my walk through the Minneapolis North Loop: a ghostly Nutcracker and Rat Queen in a store window. The costumes would normally be worn by members of the Minnesota Dance Theater at this time of year.

On our walk, spotted these yarn bombs. A sign reminded us today is the winter solstice, and invited us to take one of the macramé stars. We didn’t take one, a photo sufficed. “From this point forward we begin our journey back to the light.”

It was a perfect day to get outside, meet a friend, ride our bikes, and stand at our favorite perch to watch trains going by.

On my walk through the University of Minnesota’s East Bank campus, it wasn’t too cold to sit outside and enjoy a coffee.

Reviewed our unsolicited holiday gift collection: a “gifting set” from The LEGO Company (wrapping paper, card, stickers, etc.), a face mask from our state representative, and plastic champagne flutes from the Minnesota Orchestra (to be used during their New Year’s Eve broadcast).

Hiked William O’Brien State Park on frozen ground lightly dusted with snow.

Posted Learning in a Time of Covid.

With temperatures dropping to single digits (Fahrenheit), decided to stay inside and rest my joints. Spent much of the day redesigning one of my robot’s six joints.

The smell of baking taunted me all afternoon. Dwight went through 1½ pounds of butter, and I overheard him asking Google to add sugar to our shopping list. ‘Tis the season.

Movie night tonight: pure confection, with a dollop of Izzy’s ice cream in the intermission. The Prom, just released on Netflix.

On my way to a pharmacy counter, walked past extraordinary quantities of Cheez-Its that were insisting they’re 100% real.

Cancelled the one winter trip we thought might be possible: a nonstop to Palm Springs. We’ll stay home, playing the hand we’ve been dealt, grateful for our health.

Maintained social distance in the Downtown post office.

Our cycle route included several diversions to avoid construction of a light rail system. This elaborate bridge and viaduct will take the cycle trail over an existing freight track, light rail tracks, and a busy road.

Walked under a span of the 10th Avenue Bridge that had been wrapped for repair. Thought about how artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude had wrapped the Pont Neuf in Paris. For a moment, imagined our Pont Avenue Dix as art.