Microblog

Used a crowdsourced map to find this spot, identified as “Machine Gun Nest.” It’s actually an abutment of the former Washington Avenue Bridge. I’m looking at today’s double-deck Washington Avenue Bridge which connects University of Minnesota campuses across the Mississippi from one another.

Posted Lake of the Isles: Always Something New.

Paused preparations for our upcoming home move to seek comfort (food) at our local Japanese restaurant, Zen Box Izakaya: tonkotsu ramen. NHK (Japanese television) was showing a segment about cleaning airport toilets. “It’s good to think of others,” declared one of the cleaners.

Walked with a friend through the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota and surrounding neighborhoods. Found this original settlers’ home and windpump on the edge of the State Fairgrounds.

Explored the consequences of nationalism in pre-World War I Europe with an ESL student. Restrained myself from drawing parallels with today’s world.

Surly Furious and Summit EPA (local brews) plus Reubens. Lunch at our local (Maxwell’s), New Year’s Day 2019.

On our walk home from dinner…

An elderly woman asked me what I thought of “Nimbus,” a toroidal sculpture being installed outside the Minneapolis Central Library. I said I was trying to like it. She was less circumspect: “It’s a rusty piece of junk.””It is rusty,” I agreed.

Walked past football fans heading to the game at First Bank Stadium.

As I do every year at this time, replaced baking powder, baking soda, and spices that are a year old. Total cost: about $3.

Posted The Time I Sneaked onto a Night Train from Communist East Berlin to Prague.

The University of Minnesota’s covered walkway across the Mississippi provided a welcome respite from rain and slush. Later, I was glad to warm up on one of the light rail trains that run on the lower deck of this bridge.

Walked to a Home Depot to choose picture hangers and drywall anchors. On the way, stopped to enjoy the 1928 Art Moderne former Cream of Wheat headquarters and factory, now condos.

Enjoyed Christmas pudding, ice cream, and whipped cream. Later we had Christmas cake which a friend made in the UK and managed to get through customs.

While I walked, canoes waited for the ice to melt on Lake of the Isles, Minneapolis.

Took home a piece of Hawaii.