Microblog

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.

First Christmas gathering of the season at our nephews’ and their parents’ home. Our nephews had insisted on Christmas crackers (a British tradition). We’ve brought them up well.

British seasonal fare: Dwight made (sweet) mince pies and I made/assembled sausage rolls.

Posted A Motorized Ottoman and Other Specialized Household Items.

Took a train to Minnehaha Park, looked at the Falls, walked home.