Microblog

Posted Steamy Minneapolis.

Woke up to “off-the-chart” cold weather. Schools, universities, and many businesses were closed. The furthest I got was the trash room, a few feet from our door. There’s two chutes: one for material destined for the city’s trash burner, and the other for recycling.

Looked out the window at this scene. “Steam” rises off St. Anthony Falls in the bitter cold, and power poles recede into the distance from a hydroelectric plant. With the air temperature descending to -27°F (-34°C), I will not be going outside until Thursday.

Walked to this view along a road I had never walked along before. I had previously, incorrectly, thought the road, connecting two University of Minnesota district heating plants, was private.

Moved the final load from our former apartment: mainly cleaning materials. The apartment is squeaky clean for the next occupants.

Installed smart lighting controls I’d bought on Cyber Monday.

Prepared for warm weather: assembled chairs for our balcony. They’re based on a design by Minneapolis architect, Ralph Rapson, and manufactured in Duluth, Minnesota. They’re made from recycled plastic milk jugs, and weigh about 40 pounds apiece. They will

Realized we still have a few ties. I have not worn one any time in the entire 21st century.

Hovered at the Japanese candy display at United Noodles, an Asian supermarket: one less reason to visit Japan. The KitKats are matcha-flavored, and are rather fine.

Posted The Liberation of Writing for Myself.

Today, I have one less reason to visit Japan: installed washlets. They’re ubiquitous in Japan.

Our shortest move, ever. Movers moved our stuff one block.

As the temperature soared (slightly) above zero (Fahrenheit), emerged to buy supplies for dinner. Walked past the mound with spiral path at Gold Medal Park, which was devoid of snow.

First night in our new home. Tried to keep track of a movie featuring Marvel Comics characters.

Set up our old computer in its new home. Threaded cables down a conduit in the wall.

Took delivery of furniture, including this bench for our entry. I love the asymmetry and the playfulness. It’s built from a 1939 design by Ralph Rapson (1914-2008), Minneapolis modernism architect. It looks ready to rack, but it’s actually extraordinarily solid.