Microblog

Cycled down the middle of what is usually a busy thoroughfare. Franklin Avenue had been closed temporarily to traffic for about 20 blocks as part of the Minneapolis Open Streets initiative.

After modest purchases at Mill City Farmers Market, we kept on spending.

Cycled across Stone Arch Bridge in the rain.

An arriving train interrupted their games.

Our nephews had a grand time trying to drown each other.

Stocked up on strawberries for our two young nephews. We’ll cut them off after they’ve chowed down two pounds of strawberries.

Posted Frame Protruding from Back of Truck.

Posted Mound with Spiral Path.

A shared brownie at Nokomis Beach Coffee gave us the energy to continue peddling.

The maneki-neko (beckoning cat) blessed my bicycle helmet while I waited for fresh ramen noodles at Tori 44 in North Minneapolis. I’ll cook some and freeze some.

Cycled the Cannon Valley Trail one-way to Red Wing where we had pie à la mode.

Walked past the remains of a travel agency. I’m grateful the Internet gives me the power to research and actualize my travel dreams.

Got my Tuesdays-only 20% senior discount at Coastal Seafoods. They have the freshest seafood: most of their business is wholesale to restaurants and supermarkets.

Cycled beyond the end of the line.

Watched “Yurusarezaru mono” (“Unforgiven”) set in Japan’s brutal 19th century frontier, Hokkaido. It parallels America’s West: settlers (from Honshu), indigenous people (Ainu), and destitute Samurai rather than washed-up gunslingers. In 2013 I visited this 1870’s frontier home.

Cycled under an orange sun to St. Paul’s Lake Como to walk with a friend. Forest fires, over 1,000 miles to the west, are degrading the air quality in Minneapolis.