Rendezvous at Minnehaha Falls

Rendezvous at Minnehaha Falls

April 1, 2025

Met a friend at Minnehaha Falls then caught up over coffee and fine pastries at nearby Cafe Ceres.

Walking into a peaceful place

Walking into a peaceful place

March 31, 2025

Snow-covered tables were waiting for warmer weather as I walked into Northrop Auditorium for a cuppa. While I sipped, I was struck by the hushed atmosphere in the crowded cafe where U of M students were hunched over their study materials. Occasionally, there were quiet murmurs between study partners. No one was talking on their cell phone.

A day to hunker down

A day to hunker down

March 30, 2025

Earlier rain has given way to a gentle dusting of snow, making it a perfect day to stay in and plan upcoming travels.

Cherry blossom time at Himeji Castle

Cherry blossom time at Himeji Castle

March 29, 2025

The cherry blossoms have opened at Himeji Castle, Japan, prompting an update to our LEGO model today. When I visited exactly a year ago, the blossoms were late, allowing me to experience the castle without the usual crowds.

Well, that impressed me

Well, that impressed me

March 28, 2025

On my cycle ride, I had to stop and admire the ingenuity. My youngest nephew could’ve climbed up there, not that I’m saying he would.

Dates from Coachella Valley

Dates from Coachella Valley

March 27, 2025

We have a small box of Coachella Valley dates. Today we snacked on a couple, but we’re reserving most for date ice cream and other goodies. Almost all dates grown in the US are from the Coachella Valley, with seeds originally brought from the Middle East.

Swapping spring and fall trips

Swapping spring and fall trips

March 26, 2025

Today we flew back and are getting reacquainted with home. “Now, where are the cutting boards?” The next trip was to be to Italy with family but we just learned my SiL busted a knee, so we’re rescheduling to the fall. That was an opportunity to move my fall solo Japan trip. It’ll be too cold to start in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, so while I was flying to Minneapolis, I changed the start city to subtropical Fukuoka, Kyushu, leaving in 12 days.