Microblog

A train, a bus, and one of these ferries took us to Oshima, the island in the distance in the Sea of Japan. Hiked to the highest peak, then improvised the rest of the hike after discovering the path had been blocked by a landslide.

Our flight from Tokyo landed us in Fukuoka by 9:30 AM, with a great view of Mt. Fuji along the way. Hiked a new Kyushu OLLE course, opened in October, following blue and red trail markers. Having hiked most of the OLLE trails over the years, I appreciated the new path, even if our hike didn’t always follow the intended route. The day included a local train from Fukuoka, a ride on a community bus (about US$0.65), views of the Sea of Japan, ancient shrines, and bamboo groves.

Fuji-san made an appearance as we climbed out of Tokyo en route to Fukuoka today.

A draft Asahi feels so good after the long flight from Minneapolis. It’s Saturday night at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, 15 hours ahead of Central Time. We’re staying at an in-terminal hotel tonight, flying to Fukuoka in the morning.

Just 48 hours ago we hadn’t decided if we’d go to Japan. Then, after medical appointments for Dwight and me, with no follow-ups in the next couple weeks, we said “why not?” So, here we are, about to board a Minneapolis MSP to Tokyo HND flight. From Tokyo, we’ll fly to Fukuoka on Kyushu (the most southerly of Japan’s four main islands) then take a convoluted route riding the rails back toward Tokyo.

Yesterday at the National Cemetery, I was impressed by the work it must take to keep the grass short around tens of thousands of grave markers. This morning, across the road from the school where I volunteer, I spotted these deer, grazing in the oldest cemetery in Minneapolis, the Pioneers and Soldiers Memorial Cemetery. Some of those headstones mark the graves of Civil War soldiers.

Today’s cycle ride took us through Fort Snelling National Cemetery. My friend was searching for the grave marker of an aunt, the spouse of a Korean War veteran. Given the cemetery’s massive size, with over 260,000 interments, the search was a bit of a challenge. After some effort, we successfully located the headstone, and my friend was able to take a photo for his aunt’s five children.

Today I walked past this substation. It distributes power from a hydroelectric plant powered by the Mississippi at St. Anthony Falls. The plant was built in 1908 to power the streetcar system, and the same generators are still running today. It always intrigues me that the substation’s footprint is larger than the actual power plant.

Too busy enjoying a walk and chat with friends to remember to capture a photo du jour. Instead, here’s a shot of our garden on wheels on this cold evening.

An overnight dusting of snow was evident as we walked our usual Sunday morning route. Temperatures were in the 20s, along with a brisk Canadian breeze, something we haven’t experienced since March. Winter comes early in these parts, we wrapped up well.

The GE app on my phone had forgotten our appliances, so I spent too much time unsuccessfully trying to reconnect the oven via Wi-Fi. Oddly, Google Assistant still recognizes the dishwasher, allowing me to ask Google about the wash cycle status, a feature we use two or three times a year. As for the oven, not only had the app forgotten about its “smart” access, but I had, too.

​I noticed this today at the Franklin Library, where I work with an adult learner. I occasionally see someone passed out by the path while cycling, which is why I’ve been carrying two doses of Naloxone in my daypack. It’s a sobering reality, especially when considering the Sackler family has made billions from the opioid epidemic.

Marked our 5th wedding anniversary (and nearly 40 years together) with Indigenous cuisine at Owamni by The Sioux Chef. Today we’re reminded that we rushed to marry, fearing the 2020 election and the overturning of our rights. The actions of the current Administration and Supreme Court renew those fears.

Taken from the Stone Arch Bridge today, the Guthrie Theater’s architecture nods to the area’s industrial past. Its prominent “chimneys” are actually scrolling marquees. The building houses three theaters, and this evening we’ll be seeing the new play, Primary Trust, in the proscenium theater.

It was the day for the annual cycle to Reservoir Woods Park, where a 30-million-gallon water tank that supplies St. Paul stands atop a hill. My friend rarely misses a chance to cycle through a cemetery, and today was no exception. Here we’re looking out over the Hmong section of Roselawn Cemetery.

​Our neighborhood izakaya, Zen Box, is closing, sending me on a quest for decent replacement ramen. Today’s nameless stop scored a 2/10. It was supposed to be tonkotsu; the broth had the color, but none of the required texture or flavor. I took a photo, but here’s something more palatable: new copper catenary for a light rail extension, which I saw while cycling to that nameless place.