Walked around a chilly Downtown, mainly indoors, with friends. At the reimagined former Dayton’s flagship department store, visited a Winter Makers Market. Tomorrow my friends celebrate 55 years of marriage, how time flies. Read more

Completed an online ELL (English Language Learning) training course this afternoon as part of the annual training requirements set by the Minnesota Department of Education. Categories: Learn, Volunteer Read more

The bacon sausages are from a farm near Minneapolis. I improvised gravy with a base of chicken broth from the freezer and some heavy cream. The veg was slow-braised cabbage to which I added several umami boosters including fish sauce and tomato paste. Somewhat monochromatic, but good on a cold, windy night. Categories: Cook Read more

A light dusting of snow was forming as we walked to Theatre in the Round for an adaptation of an Agatha Christie novel. Predictably, the playbill cautioned us to expect gunfire and murder. Categories: Arts, Our Neighborhood Read more

With Thanksgiving behind us, Christmas selling is kicking into high gear. As I headed to get a haircut, I noticed a manger scene on sale outside an antique store. The ensemble is priced at $295, but can be purchased piecemeal. A baby Jesus that lights up is a mere $40, the manger is extra. Categories: Christmas Read more

It's finally time for dessert: Dwight's apple crisp and whipped cream. Life is good. Grateful. Table centerpiece by LEGO from a kit, rolling plant racks by Dwight with lighting by Tom. Categories: Thanksgiving, Apartment Gardening Read more

My friend figured out Band Box Diner is only open Wednesday through Saturday, so today was the day, in the words of the establishment’s slogan, to “Grease for Peace.” The counter seats were occupied by regulars, so we observed the scene from a table. Breakfast was good and substantial. Categories: Eat, Minneapolis Read more