Misty Morning, Clear Vision

This morning, the downtown view from our home is completely obscured by mist, but it will eventually clear, of course. Knowing our rights are vulnerable, we got married four years ago today, a right that was won over the objections of many in our country. We don’t count this as our anniversary, our story spans 37 years. We met in a time when people like me were routinely turned away at the border.

A Warm Finish to the SHT

Our final Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) adventure took us to Leveaux Mountain and, here, Leveaux Pond. If you look closely, you can spot a beaver lodge on the left. We’ve been lucky with the weather these past six days, with today’s temperatures reaching an unseasonably warm 60’s.

Hike to the Source of the Thames: Day 1

The start of today’s hike west from Oxford was positively bucolic. Soon we were reminded of the flooding that has occurred in these parts. At one point we even walked in our bare feet for a short distance. At Ferryman Inn, our destination for the night, warm showers and pub grub revived us.

Optimism in a Black Box

On my random cycle ride down the Mississippi: a motorcade of black SUVs left Eastcliff, temporary home of our Governor, escorting Tim Walz to MSP. We’re delighted with the choice of this former high school teacher whose values align with ours. He’s authentic.

Fast-Forward to Fireworks

Aquatennial fireworks from our balcony capped off an evening of Olympic action. We’ve splashed out $15 for NBC’s (proud as a…) Peacock service for commercial-free on-demand access to every event. Paris is 7 hours ahead, so we can fast-forward through the boring bits.

Growing the Future

While Dwight was at the greenhouse managing to involve a microscope, an entomologist and a literature search dealing with this sad specimen, I assisted with English language learners. In one class we brainstormed food truck ideas—ice cream, coffee/tea, and Somali sambusa—and started budgeting. In another class we focused on job-searching skills.

A Safe Space

Kicked off Pride weekend festivities at a gathering in our building’s game room with LGBTQ+ and ally neighbors.

Taking the Pressure Off

Cycled rail trails with a friend: part of the Gateway Trail to Brown’s Creek Trail down to Stillwater. Refueled with coffee, we cycled across the historic lift bridge (and back) before heading uphill for the return journey. This was our longest ride this year so it felt good to pause and stand to take off… Continue reading Taking the Pressure Off