Scotland, Poland, Minnesota — 

A Study in Contrasts

1 July 2016, Białogóra, Poland, on the Baltic Sea

Gorgeous weather, beautiful seaside and white sand beach, fantastic fish dinners.  I’m so glad that I decided to come here with Dorota and Franio.  I’ve even been riding a bicycle for the first time in about 30 years!

Franio in hat and friend
making sandcastle

The night we arrived Dorota insisted I try the fish and chips and compare them with what I’ve had in Scotland.  No comparison.  Sorry, Scottish relatives, but I liked the Białogóra fish better; it was lighter and wasn’t deep-fried so not greasy.  And the chips (French fries for my American friends) were above average although the ketchup came in small packets and I had to get six.  Tonight I tried the baked fish with a leek sauce … delicious.  I had the baked fish because Dorota said THE best ice cream place was opening tonight.  If long lines are any indicator, it definitely must be the best.  And I have to say, from a taste, composition and quantify point of view, it is.  

3 July, EIC Train between Gdynia and Warsaw

Dorota and I were up really early to drive back to Gdynia so I could catch the train back to Warsaw, where I’ll spend the night.  Tomorrow I’ll take a bus to Sandomierz.

Before we left for the seaside, I asked Dorota’s husband Jacek to help me make a train reservation because of the music festival in Gdynia the last couple of days.  It was called “Open-er,” a play on words:  Opener (the first-of-the-season) and Open Air (Polish pronunciation of “er”). I was sure the train would be mobbed on Sunday morning; Jacek thought everyone would sleep in and leave later.  He managed to get me a middle seat in the first class car on the 9:30 am train, which was fine with me.  

Well, when Dorota and I arrived at the train station, it was wall-to-wall slumbering festival goers.  And the corridor of this car is lined with standing-room passengers and a few floor sleepers.

4 July, PolskiBus to Sandomierz, US Independence Day and my brother Dan’s 69th  Birthday

Jacek is a Godsend.  Early this morning he helped me get an 8:30 am reservation on this bus to Sandomierz.  Sent Hala a text message re arrival time.  This is my first trip on this private bus line that leaves from a transportation hub not far from Jacek and Dorota’s apartment.  He and I drove over there last evening to scope it out but didn’t reserve my seat as I wasn’t sure if I could be up and out for the earliest departure.  But as usual, I was awake at 6 am, so plenty of time since I had packed already.  Free wifi, toilet on board that works, comfy seats.  I could get used to this!

Later, Hala’s farm in Czermin

Hala met me at the bus, and we came back to the farm.  I’m staying in the new guest house which is almost complete.  My room has a double bed and a gorgeous yellow bathroom with a window.  Only overhead lights right now, but wi fi that’s as good as at the main house.

8 July, Sandomierz

Relaxing week.  Had a mani-pedi at my favorite spot on Wednesday.  Worked with Hala on the study tour to Ohio that’s planned for September.  Worked on June blog.  Got in a couple of days of lap swimming.  A bit of shopping and lots of walking.  

Today I spent the day rambling around Sandomierz with Amanda, who was in Poland from Queensland, Australia.  Amanda moved to Sandomierz to teach English at the glass factory just after I arrived to work with the Center in ‘94.  We met in an aerobics class and became friends.  She returned to Australia a few years after I returned to the US.  

Old Town Square in Sandomierz, in
contrast to construction site (below)
next to Hotel Basztowy a few blocks away

Hala’s daughter Marta and granddaughter Tosia arrived for some respite away from construction.  An air conditioning unit is being installed in their Warsaw flat.  Unfortunately Tosia isn’t feeling well and is running a temp.  Hala and Marta think it’s a cold.  I suspect teething.   

10 July, Back on the PolskiBus, heading for Warsaw

Hala got up early to drive me to the 6:15 am bus back to Warsaw.  Tonight at the Marriott Courtyard across from the airport and fly out on Monday at the crack of dawn.

Pałac Kultury i Nauki
Always says "Warsaw" to me

Later, Warsaw

Stopped at Dorota’s apartment to pick up clothes, etc. that I’d left.  Got everything repacked, then called Jacek’s mother who came over to get the key.  After settling at the hotel, I bused into town and had an early dinner with Gina.  I’m on the 6 am to AMS … again.

11 July, Minneapolis MN USA

Home sweet home.  Back in my own bed at last.  Whoopee!

12 July

Back to water ex and re-connecting with folks I haven’t seen in six weeks.  My calendar is filling.  One sad item — Roz’s funeral on Thursday.  Roz was a water ex friend who was Polish.  She was in her late 80s and had been in/out of the nursing home for several months.  But she was a feisty lady.  I’ll miss her.

13 July

Got my hair done today.  Connie cut it shorter than it’s been in years.  Will be good for summer, wash-and-wear hair.  Hurray!

Lots of theater scheduled for this month:  Calendar Girls at Park Square Theater with Jan and Marilyn, The Mikado at Lake Harriet Bandshell with water ex friends Cassandra and Marjie, Le Switch at Jungle Theater with lake-walk friend Linda, production of Summer Institute at Penumbra Theater with Mary, friend from TSPC days.

The Mikado at Lake Harriet Bandshell

Tomorrow I have election judge training after Roz’s funeral.  Cassandra sent an email while I was in Poland saying the city needed election judges, so I signed up:  It’s a way to contribute something and a chance to meet more people in my neighborhood.

16 July

St. Paul Saints’ baseball games are always fun.  It’s why I immediately said “yes” to friend/neighbor Maryanne’s suggestion that we go to a game again this summer.  Tonight was the night.  We took the Light Rail, had a great time at the game despite a bit of rain at the end.  We were going to Uber back until I couldn’t access the app … just as it started to rain hard.  We schlepped up to The St. Paul Hotel and got a taxi back to our building.

19 July

Argh!  Why didn’t my laptop Contacts update onto my phone?  I was supposed to call Mary  when I arrived at Moose & Sadie’s for coffee this morning.  (This friend Mary is Ted’s wife, not TSPC days’ Mary.)  Parking’s awful in that area.  I took the first spot I found within walking distance so I wouldn’t be late.  Went to call Mary and no phone number, just email.  Tried Ted and no answer.  Double argh.  Squelched my Contacts panic when I remembered that Mary’s office is in the same building as the coffee shop.  Phew.  We had a nice visit over coffee.  

Tonight I took part in the Friends of the Minneapolis Central Library annual meeting and monthly board meeting, went home for a quick supper, then drove to the airport to pick up niece Michelle who’s in town for the rest of the summer, off and on. Always fun to have her around.  

Walking back from the library meetings I had a almost surrealistic experience.  And while this isn’t an issues discussion blog, I can’t let this go.  It was well after 8 pm, dusk was arriving and I was walking on Nicollet Mall through the ever-present construction. As I wended my way through the hugely messy area in front of the Hyatt Hotel, I noticed a young woman ahead of me, head down and eyes probably on her cell phone, not my favorite public stance anywhere but least of all while walking around in this mess.  Because I walk fast, I had almost caught up with her when I noticed a man coming toward us.  To be honest, what caught my eye was his sweat-slick, shirtless gut actually jiggling over his belt.  He didn’t seem threatening, just funny.  Then, as he passed the young woman, he said loudly, “Black bitch,” and kept walking past her, past me.  I was stunned. I stopped, turned around and said to his back, “What did you say?”   You know my vocal volume so he had to have heard me, but he kept on going.  I wanted to catch up with hie and slug him but thought better of it.  I took a few quick steps to walk beside the young woman and apologized that she had to endure such talk.  She shrugged her shoulders and said, “That’s America today.”   I replied, “Unfortunately that’s true, but it doesn’t make it ok to do what he did. I am so sorry that this happened to you.  I hope the rest of your evening is better”  and moved on.  Perhaps that man would’ve said what he did at any time in his life, maybe he even has.  But when presidential candidates disrespect women, people with disabilities, anyone who’s different from them, many people, especially men, feel they’ve been  given permission to voice and act on their basest instincts.  America is already a great country, but as that kind of incivility spreads, it is becoming a country I don’t recognize anymore.

22 July, “Up north” at Jean’s cabin on Sturgeon Lake

When Janet and I travel, together, we always have an adventure, and this trip was no different.  Her grandson had left his iPad in her car in Minneapolis, so we traveled to Jean’s via Brainerd to return the iPad rather than Janet having to mail it.  The detour wasn’t going to take that much longer than our usual travel time … NOT.

After a brief visit with Janet’s son and grandson, we headed over to Highway 169 which would take us toward Jean’s cabin.  We stopped at a lovely cafe for lunch, I got an iPad question answered at an Apple shop that was adjacent in the same building, we used the facilities and off we went with Janet at the wheel.  An hour-plus later of bumping along Hwy. 169’s patched surface, we’d gone through Grand Rapids and just passed Coleraine when I decided to get my mobile from my purse in the back seat so that I could call Jean and update her on our ETA.  I was un-seat-belted and rummaging in the back seat when Janet said she was pulling over.  Flashing red and blue lights in the rear view mirror.  I figured it was me not being in my seatbelt until the police officer told Janet she had been speeding.  She hadn’t slowed down quickly enough when the speed limit changed (and neither had the five cars in front of us).   After checking her record (spotless, needless to say), he let her go with a warning.  Before we pulled out, I checked again for my mobile.  No luck.  Using Janet’s, I googled the cafe, then called.  Yes!  My phone was there, in a drawer for safe keeping.  I said we’d be back ASAP, then called Jean to tell her we had to make another detour.

Back we went to Aitkin, got my phone and some iced coffees, gave huge thanks to the cafe staff and off we went again.  This time we took a different route that didn’t involve Grand Rapids and Coleraine.  And we managed to find the correct turn off 169 toward the lake (unlike last summer).  However, our four-hour drive took closer to eight.

One of many young deer we saw
while at Jean's cabin

27 July, Minneapolis MN

Delightful and relaxing long weekend at the lake with Jean and Janet.  Decent temperatures, only a bit of rain at night.  We enjoyed Jean’s first venture with a crockpot — short ribs. I made BBQ’d beef for Sunday lunch with the leftovers.  Took a long walk with Jean to get the Sunday paper.  We drove to Cook near the south edge of the Boundary Waters (not much happening there) and to Bear Creek (absolutely nothing there).  I got some post cards for my Kids’ List.  And we did our annual walleye dinner at Gramma’s in Hibbing.  An all ’round lovely weekend.

Today, on the other hand … annual “clean the storage” day with Maryanne and it’s one of the hottest days since I returned.  Christopher and I had breakfast, my treat in exchange for his help moving heavy things out/in, so I got an early start.  We sweated like the proverbial stuffed pigs as he schlepped heavy boxes and the pallets out, helped me Shop Vac the floor, walls, shelves, ceiling and then put the heavy stuff back.  I did some tossing and sorting as Maryanne completed her storage cleaning.  Then we took a break and walked through the Skyway to the Hilton Hotel lounge for relaxation and libations.  Thank God for Skyways!  Lifesavers on hot days like this one, as well as cold winters.

29 July

David, a friend from my Women for Women days, and his wife Nara were in town to visit family and friends, including me. I saw them last a year ago in Paris, where they now live and work.  We walked down to Minneapolis Institute of Art for “Seeing Nature:  Landscape Masterworks from the Collection of the Paul Allen Family,” both extensive and awesome.  Several Monets that, needless to say, I hadn’t see before, including what looked like a dusk-time painting of the water lilies.  And paintings of Venice by many artists.  Lunch at my favorite Thai restaurant and a nice walk back to my place for coffee before we parted.  Next year in Paris?

30 July

Not sure what I can say about tonight’s performance at Penumbra.  It was definitely powerful, sometimes overwhelming, meaningful to contemporary issues, limited in some ways and longer than expected.

Penumbra is an Afro-centric theater where I’ve seen many wonderful August Wilson plays among others focused on Africa-American experiences.  The two-part program tonight was prepared and performed by the graduates of the theater’s Summer Institute, a four- or five-week educational program for young people interested in activist art and theater.  The make up of the students was very diverse.  With all of the police shootings of African-American men in the news, that was a key part of both productions.  The second-year students’ presentation incorporated other experiences, especially women’s issues, which muddied things for me.  I’m not a “dance person” and for me, some of their dance sequences just seemed to lengthen the program taking place in a packed and very warm theater.  On the other hand, the vehicle used by first-year students sharpened the focus, and I connected with it immediately.  They opened with a piece around whom we love and in whose shoes we’d like to follow.  The audience had been given cards to answer those questions on.  The cast members individually identified theirs, then asked the audience to collectively identify their own responses  In the second part of their presentation, they were instructed by their “teacher” to be any item or person involved in the recent police shooting of a black man in St. Paul and write about what that object or person saw and felt.  The bullet, his heart and other objects verbalized their piece of the experience.  Some pretty incredible writing by some of the students.  I would’ve liked to see a little more processing of the issues by both groups. For me, that would have added more breadth and context to the discussion, but it was a valuable experience.

31 July

Preparation for the BIG DAY

Tomorrow’s the big day.  Sliding glass doors and window replacement begins … and ends.  We were told they’d get it done in one day.  Hurray!  As you’ll see from the photos, I’m living in chaos and it’ll be this way at least until the painter is done next week.  Not sure when new carpeting will be installed; meeting with Costco rep on Friday morning.  

   

We'll see what August will bring, right Franio?

March roars in like a lion …

1 March 2016, Minneapolis MN

… I can only hope that it’ll go out like the proverbial lamb. 

Dusting of snow on cars this morning as I drove to water ex.  Temp down to mid teens.  Not complaining; just stating the facts.  Everyone says we can’t complain because we had such a long, mild, lovely autumn for a change.  But I am soooo glad to be leaving for LaQuinta CA tomorrow.  My brother says it’s been high 80s, low 90s.  

2 March, LaQuinta CA

Arrived at Palm Springs Airport after a swing through O’Hare.  I’m using my American Airlines ticket from last year when I was supposed to travel here with my sister, who was on AA miles.  I booked almost 90 minutes’ layover in O’Hare in case the gates were at a distance.  Not.  I left one gate from where I had landed … and a food court with Chicago ‘dogs was just across the way.  The perfect dinner.  Dan met me at the Palm Springs Airport, and at their house, Ann had the nicest array of nibbles ready for supper, including some lovely cheeses, and of course, wine. 

3 March

After 30 minutes of exercising and swimming laps in a very cold, shallow swimming pool but under the bluest skies and warmest temps, I returned to the house for coffee on the patio:  my idea of paradise.  Think I’ll make this my new morning routine.  Dan just returned from his hour-plus fast walk with his grad school friend Randy.  Randy and his wife Helen bought a place at the other end of Dan’s street a year or so ago.  I’ve heard so much about them over the years but we’ve never met.  Nice to finally have the chance to get to know them.

Morning coffee on the patio = paradise

8 March, International Women’s Day

Have had such a great week with Dan and Ann.  We don’t get to see each other often enough.  I’m glad I made this trip alone. 

The weather’s been glorious.  I’ve been sitting outside with my morning coffee every day.  What a treat after weeks of frigid Minnesota.  Did water ex a couple of times in the very cold swimming pool near the house.  Then Helen invited me to her water ex class — an hour of exercise in a warm pool.  Went twice.  Thank you, Helen.  Helen’s written a memoir about friends she’s made as she and Randy have moved around the US and the world.  She said Dan is prominent in both the grad school and LaQ sections.  Will order from Amazon.

Randy and Dan are buying the house next to Dan’s as an investment and will use it as a rental once they’ve closed.  It’s in like-new condition, nicely furnished, just needs a few odds and ends to be ready.  

Dan's morning routine

Dan and I went to the LaQuinta Art Festival one hot afternoon.  An amazing collection of art of all kinds displayed on the grounds of the art center.  My college friend Marcia who's an artist has exhibited there.

Fun stuff at LaQuinta Art Festival

Ann and Helen joined us a few days later for a trip to the Palm Desert flea market … definitely not what most would think of as a “flea market.”  Yes, a vast outdoor market, but lots more artisan stalls with jewelry, apparel, hats, plants, outdoor decorations than typical flea market stalls.  Dan bought a safari-style hat for better protection from the sun when he’s golfing.  Both he and Ann have had skin cancers removed recently, so they are very careful about sun exposure.  I bought another long cotton summer dress, similar to one I bought at this market a few years ago. Very comfy for hot days and for trans-Atlantic air flights.  Ann found a gorgeous handmade necklace to match a blouse she has.  I got it as a birthday gift from my sister Barbara and me.  Her birthday’s later in the month.

Ann's necklace 

I managed to break even on our day at a casino.  I do love video poker.  Good thing we don’t have any really-close casinos back home; they are all way out of the city … although they do have free buses picking up clients. …

On the way to Callaway for dinner, we stopped at a metal sculpture’s display.  Dan and Ann had found him at his original location and taken our nephew Christopher and Jen there last year.  The artist does everything out of found metals and has a whole field full of dinosaurs, assorted animals, bandoleros, cacti, fountains … and the best of all, a Wells Fargo wagon out of the old west.  Ann bought one of his cacti after they first found him.

Rain in LaQuinta

Desert blooms

One day we “bad weather” — we got a few sprinkles of rain on the patio. Mostly it was very overcast, windy and cooler.  Dan, Ann and I went to the see desert blooms along the Randall Henderson Trail.  Dan and I only walked about half a mile and saw an abundance of beautiful, colorful desert flowers, some on cacti, others on green-leaved plants. 

10 March, Bodega Bay CA

Rain, rain and more rain.  I know California needs rain but on my vacation …  It was already drizzling last night when Jean picked me up at the San Francisco Airport, and it was pouring most of our drive up here.  We’re staying with friends of Jean’s who will arrive tomorrow.

Jean and I went for a walk during what was supposed to be a two-hour break from the rain.  We got just far enough away that it was just as easy to keep going than to return when the deluge restarted.  I was drenched to my skin.

14 March, San Francisco CA

Sunshine at last!  It’s been a rainy week.  On Saturday we returned from Bodega Bay in the morning, then met Jean’s daughter Lisa for coffee and shopping at an outlet mall, nice way to spend another rainy afternoon.  Didn’t get to see my cousin Annie.  She returned from a celebratory birthday cruise with friends, then went off to Southern California for work.  

I helped Jean with some clean up at her late brother’s condo; it’s just a block from hers.  What a mess.  Her nephew went through his dad’s papers and what he didn’t want, he threw into a pile that was literally 3 by 5 feet. Not sure who left coffee and food on the kitchen counter; I’m surprised mice hadn’t invaded.  We washed some of the towels that can be taken to a shelter; more of those to do.  

Spent much of today visiting Marie in Alameda.  Marie’s son Dean and my late son Peter went to school together, and Marie was part of our Acapulco group.  Jean and I drove over to take Marie to lunch, a late celebration of her 80th birthday.  Afterwards  we took a leisurely walk around the park near Marie’s, then drove over to a new winery for a sample.  Marie had sent me two bottles of wine from there for my birthday.  I bought a bottle to bring back to my sister.

Tomorrow it’s supposed to be sunny and warm again.  Kate, Jean’s friend whose house we stayed at in Bodega Bay, is coming over for a walk and lunch.  It feels good to be outdoors again without rain!

16 March, Minneapolis MN

Home again, home again.  It may be cold but it’s home.  I have switched back to the fleece sheets for the duration.

19 March

Brunch with Peace Corps friends Sabrina and Mark and their son Mark.  They are planning a trip to southern Africa this summer. 

22 March, First coffee on the deck

On Sunday, Christopher and Jen came for dinner, and we talked about our June trip to Scotland.  Chris’ passport only took two weeks.  Jen’s hasn’t arrived yet.  After water ex, I had started to bring up the deck chairs, then got sidetracked into other things, including fixing dinner.  So Chris helped me bring up the tables and storage boxes with pillows etc.

Today, after I got back from water ex and coffee with the gang, I looked out at the sunny sky over my now-furnished deck and put on a fresh pot of coffee.  After gathering up a couple of fleece throws (one to keep my tush warm on the mesh chair seat, one for my legs) and my book, I poured a mug of hot coffee and enjoyed that and my book on the deck for half an hour.  Heaven!

Unfortunately when I came inside the weather report was on, forecasting 3 to 6 inches of snow on Wednesday-Thursday and perhaps hitting Minneapolis but perhaps not.  

Later

Excellent theater is one of the things I most like about living in the Twin Cities.  From Broadway road shows at the Ordway to established regional theaters like the Guthrie and Children’s Theater to smaller mission-driven venues like Mixed Blood and Minnesota Jewish Theater, you can always count on thought-provoking, well acted, professionally presented dramas and comedies, whether old or new.  Tonight friend Linda and I saw Shakespeare’s Two Gentlemen of Verona presented by an all-female cast at Jungle Theater, our first production of the new season and new artistic director.  And what an outstanding production it was.  It took about 15 minutes to get used to the Elizabethan language, but from thence it was beautifully done — acting, costumes, setting.  I’m so glad we keep getting season tickets.

23 March

I enjoyed a delightful lunch at a new restaurant with an old friend I haven’t seen in a while.  Anne was my internal liaison many years ago when she was executive assistant to the general manager at the local Marriott (we only had one then) and I was acting account executive for Minda PR.  We bonded over the many special events, promotions and publicity opportunities that mostly we conceived and she helped convince hotel staff to help execute.  She started her professional career as a Northwest Airlines flight attendant and has written a wonderful memoir about those early days in flight.  And she’s spearheading a local Northwest museum. One of the catching ups Anne and I did was over the recent death of our Marriott GM, which led to reminiscences about those early days of my PR career.  I brought her a few NWA souvenirs for the museum or its next memorabilia sale.

By the time I drove home, the predicted snow was falling steadily,  It started as I left water ex, not sticking too much at first and later resting more permanently on my deck furniture.  A good day to stay in and read … and I can’t believe that’s just what I did.  I stretched out on the living room love seat (head on one arm, feel on the other) and read ALL afternoon.  I lost track of time and finally got up to fix some supper at 8 pm.

24 March

A few snow-covered cars and partially snowy grass — remnants of winter’s last gasp (or so we’re told and hope). Friend/neighbor Maryanne and I are off to the Macy’s Spring Flower Show (a remnant of the old original Dayton’s department store that’s now a Macy’s).

A Northwoods setting at the flower show

                   Red hydrangeas at flower show

27 March, Easter Sunday

Been a busy week … mostly catching up with friends over dinners, lunches, coffee, and getting back into the routine of water exercise.  None today; Y’s closed.  

Family brunch at Heyday Cafe was lots of fun and good food too, although the service was slow.  They definitely weren’t prepared for the holiday traffic.

29 March

Friend Marilyn went shopping with me today to find a chair for my bedroom, something high enough to comfortably get out of after putting on my shoes and socks.  The one I ordered from Target sat too low so I returned it.  I’d seen some at Pier 1 and decided to try there again.  Voila!  Found one.  Right size, nice travel-oriented pattern and perfect price. 

30 March

Maryanne and I saw the most interesting documentary at the movies today.  “City of Gold” is about the food critic at the LA Times, a most unusual fellow who finds great, interesting food in the most out-of-the-way places.  He said he visits a place as much as a dozen times before reviewing it.  Gold doesn’t use disguises to be anonymous; he uses others to make reservations or shows up at the last minute to surprise chefs.  We weren’t sure what to expect and both ended up enjoying the film.  

Friend Hala in Poland is definitely a proud gramma.  She has sent lots of photos of Tosia, her first grandchild.

31 March

Busy day — estate planning seminar and lunch at Schwab, knitting with Marilyn and Jan, dinner with niece Michelle.  Sunny but cold.  Guess that’s a “lamb-ish” as we’ll get.  Ah, Minnesota.