Microblog

Prototyped a motorized X-Y platform with a focus on simplicity, minimal height, and visual balance. This allowed me to get familiar with two components recently introduced by LEGO: a new design of worm gears (which I combined to create linear actuators) and the platform itself. The platform is easily swapped out, an important feature for the project. Meanwhile, I have a lot more mechanisms to prototype.

Last night we watched fireworks exploding over St. Anthony Falls from our balcony. This morning, a crashing then scraping sound piqued my interest during my neighborhood walk: a vehicle had dragged a traffic light into an intersection, but thankfully, no one was hurt. Meanwhile, here in the courtyard of the Mill City Museum, lively salsa music accompanied a free dance class led by an upbeat instructor.

When I became a US citizen, a conservative neighbor gave me this Uncle Sam figurine holding a slogan that ignores the beliefs of millions of Americans. Today, I substituted words that would have resonated in 1776 and align with our Constitution.

After my Thursday Teacher Tom stint, I sometimes pick up a still-warm pack of 36 corn tortillas (shown here, today, between a bowl of corn flour and a millstone) for $4 from a nearby tortilleria. They do magic with just three ingredients: corn, water, and lime. Back home, with the aroma of fresh tortillas wafting out of my daypack, I froze them in groups of six, separated by parchment paper.

Early dinner with friends at La Madre, a recently opened Mexican restaurant in our neighborhood. The food is authentic and delicious, including my Puerco en Adobo (shredded pork butt, corn, bacon, shallot, heavy cream, radish, lime, cilantro, pickled red onion). Yum!

After an overnight stay at The Confluence Hotel, a friend who used to live in Hastings joined our bicycle adventure. We watched the water rush past a mill in Hastings before crossing the Mississippi and cycling down to Prescott, Wisconsin, to the confluence of the St. Croix and the Mississippi. Back in Hastings, we loaded our bikes into our friend’s truck and drove back to Minneapolis.

We took the LRT to St. Paul then cycled to Hastings, enjoying lovely glimpses of the Mississippi along the way. A friend joined us for the last 10 miles before we checked into The Confluence Hotel in a repurposed industrial building beside the river.

Next year, we’re joining two friends in the UK to hike the Rob Roy Way in Scotland. We’re thankful we can still manage a long-distance trail, even if it means more hotels (I booked nine today) due to shorter daily sections as we get older.

Cycled over to Loring Park to join the hundreds of thousands of people celebrating Pride this weekend.

At Franklin Library this morning, I sat with an adult learner near this Pride Month book display. On August 1, a new state law takes effect, prohibiting public, university, and public/charter school libraries from removing materials based on their content or opinions.

Worked through English Language Learning materials with an adult learner who had missed yesterday’s class. I’m always impressed by the dedication and focus of adult learners, even when they’ve been working overnight and have family responsibilities.

With rain set in for the day, today’s walk was two blocks to Open Book. After an Americano and donut at FRGMNT, I explored an exhibition by an artist collective that has a workshop in the building. One piece, “Fermented Femme Underwear,” hanging by a chain from the ceiling, was probably not something you’d want to see while eating. Here’s a general shot with “it” in the distance.

Cycled a loop north of downtown Minneapolis with a friend. Here at Victory Memorial Drive, a monument honors the sacrifices of Hennepin County residents during both World Wars. Flags across Minnesota are currently lowered in remembrance of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, who was assassinated ten days ago.

A video showing a whining sound at this bathroom vent can reach 75 decibels helped to get our building’s management company to own the problem. The extraction fan is on the roof and should be silent in our home. The air is controlled by a motorized damper which makes no sound when open. Parts of the roof fan will be replaced. Over the years we’ve found this circa 1995 sound meter to be useful when addressing noise issues.

At the end of our steamy walk, two artists were putting the finishing touches on a geometric mural, its design inspired by shapes found in local historic landmarks. This softens a utilitarian side entrance to our building. Our main lobby and common areas regularly feature themed art shows by local artists. The art remains on display until the next show, and we have the option to purchase pieces.

Despite temperatures in the high 80s, we enjoyed a relaxed bike ride down one side of the river to Minnehaha Park, returning on the other. We stopped at Loons Coffee for a cuppa and to pick up freshly roasted beans. Curiously, an out-of-season theme of small Christmas trees and a poinsettia was emerging inside. Still, folks were enthusiastic about sharing their favorite summer activities.