My friend and I planned to have breakfast at this diner, but it was closed this morning despite Google saying otherwise. We ended up getting a pastry and a surprisingly decent coffee at a nearby multispecialty clinic, but the important thing was to catch up and have a good conversation. Categories: Friends Read more

For six weeks, I've been on a restrictive eating plan to eliminate any food for which I may have developed an intolerance. Now, I'm slowly adding back foods to discover any culprit(s). First back are caffeine and gluten, which I much enjoyed today at FRGMT Coffee. Categories: Health Read more

Salmon smoking on a smoldering cedar plank for dinner tonight. This is probably the last time we use the barbecue until spring. Categories: Cook Read more

Today I had to accept symmetry in my LEGO gantry crane isn’t always achievable. Here’s the hoist and grabber subassemblies, operated by pneumatic pistons. Scissor mechanisms are inherently not symmetric in operation, so I had to consider choosing symmetry in either the extended or closed positions, not both. Categories: LEGO, Design Read more

View from the lobby of Orchestra Hall while enjoying a pre-concert glass of wine. Tonight the Minnesota Orchestra featured pieces by six black composers, including two women. The art form tends to be Eurocentric, sometimes stodgy; tonight was refreshing, mixing it up. Categories: Diversity, Arts Read more

First day of my new weekly ELL (English Language Learning) gig with adult learners. Three classes, great attitudes and determination, spiffiest facilities yet. Categories: Volunteer Read more

Election Day is next Tuesday, but we already voted by mail today. This was the shortest ballot I've ever seen, with just one contest for a city council member. I've come around to Minneapolis' ranked choice voting system. Categories: In This Together Read more