“And when short February’s done …”

1 February 2016, Minneapolis MN USA

Welcome to Leap Month … nephew Christopher came over for dinner, and we laid out some plans for our Scotland trip in June.  He made reservations for him and Jen to fly to London and stay there two nights before taking train to Edinburgh.  I’ll fly from Warsaw and made my reservations plus two nights in an Edinburgh hotel.

This will be a month at home, enjoying the companionship of MN family and friends and planning future travel.  Don’t get too bored!

2 February, Groundhog Day

For the first time in years, Punxsutawney Phil didn’t see his shadow.  Spring will arrive on time, sometime after the blizzard that arrived this afternoon.  I had lunch with friend Ted today, overcast day when we entered Olive Garden and six inches of snow when we left.  Took me 55 minutes to make my 20 minute drive home.  Hunkering in.  Did talk to my old boss Roland.  I had hoped to invite him to coffee but with all the snow, we decided to postpone.  He and Merle have moved into their new apartment, which is above the Lunds & Byerlys store in Northeast Minneapolis, a frequent stop of mine because it has off-street, indoor parking and sells Peet’s coffee.

3 February

Our driveway was plowed and so was Third Avenue South, but it just didn’t look like a good day to head out for water ex.  My paper had arrived, time for coffee and the paper.  

By late morning I decided to go ahead and attend the house party for Chelsea Clinton.  My concern that the snowfall might reduce attendance was unfounded.  The place was totally mobbed.  Didn’t see a soul I knew, but it was fun.  She is such a poised, bright, warm young woman, and very articulate: not an “um” or an “er” in her prepared remarks and direct answers to all of the questions.  I’m glad I went.

Chelsea autographs her book for woman next to me

5 February

Over lunch yesterday I finally caught up with Jan.  We had lunch at the restaurant at Macy’s Ridgedale and set a date for knitting; she’ll contact Marilyn.  Started the day with water ex and then stopped to see Janet; she and Ed had been in Key West for an economists’ meeting.  They had the same windy, rainy weather that Inga endured in Miami.

Today I finally got to Northfield to visit with Lois.  I took the freeway rather than Cedar Avenue in case the stretch south of Apple Valley was windy.  It’s flat, open farmland with few houses and nothing to stop blowing snow.  

Later

Just before Chris and Jen arrived with Lily and Tomery texted that she was en route home, I had a text from nephew Craig.  My nephew Mark in Fargo is hospitalized and in an induced coma.  I sent a text message to Mark’s younger brother Jeff who replied there’s nothing to do but wait.

Took Tomery her “promotion” gift (she is now a senior regional something at LifeTime) — two funky bar stools that look like they’d fit her loft style.  She had seen the photo I sent from TurnStyle resale shop and thought she’d like them.  She can have the seats recovered (or her mom, who’s done some upholstery before, can do that).  Glad she liked them.

Lilly’s already hiding under the bed.  I’m keeping the TV room door closed so she can’t eat my computer cords.  She loves to gnaw on rubberized cords.  My vacuum cleaner cord has a swath of silver duct tape where she bit into it previously, and I’ve had to replace Mac cords due to her obsession.

7 February, 50th anniversary of Beatles’ arrival in USA

A day that my generation will remember well.  I have some great photos the women in my freshman dorm watching them on The Ed Sullivan Show.  

Last night I saw Jesus Christ, Superstar for the first time.  Kinda amazing that I’ve never seen it on stage or film, but I haven’t.  Friends Darryn and Kim’s son Chase is in the production, and it was very well done.  The theater was way out in Maplewood; I was delighted that Darryn offered to pick me up.  Kim and their daughter Ella took Chase directly to the theater.  The costumes and scenery were post apocalyptic; the dancing and voices were wonderful.  All in all, a perfect way to spend a wintry Saturday evening.

Since yesterday, Susan’s been having cable and TV issues so she cancelled lunch.  Instead my sister and I went to see Hail, Caesar!, the new Coen Brothers film.  Loved it.  I had seen so many of the films they parodied — from Esther Williams’ synchronized swimming extravaganzas to Gene Kelly dancing in New York, Paris, etc. to Spartacus.  

Lily’s come out of hiding long enough to slink to the front coat closet, paw the bi-fold open and nestle in for a bit.

Lily's new hideout

8 February, Chinese New Year, beginning of the Year of the Monkey

And a cold, windy wintry day it is.  

Last night I cancelled walking with Linda today because I could already hear the roar of the wind while reading in my living room.  High winds and single-digit temp were forecast for this morning. I stayed in bed a while, then showered (hot water worked!), dressed and met Pam for coffee.  Afterwards, I  walked to the IDS building and on errands midday instead.  By then, the wind had calmed quite a bit and I knew that could always duck into the skyway system for relief.  I’d’ve been out longer but I forgot to put my credit-card wallet in my purse and couldn’t get cash, buy stamps, you get the picture.  This is why I hate to switch purses!

In the evening I attended a fund-raiser for Mixed Blood Theater with Susan, who’s a board member and past president.  Chair reading of one act of a new play preceded by some great music and humor, all at Lush, a bar-nightclub in Northeast.  Great way to spend a cold evening.

9 February

MaryAnne and I saw The Big Short today.  Very well done on many fronts but also very upsetting, angering to learn so much more about how the housing crisis happened.  

13 February

I want extra points for walking (yes, walking) in sub-zero temp to have brunch this morning with my niece Michelle, who also walked.  We ate and caught up at the Hen House, a bustling cafe that’s about midway between her and Jon’s condo and mine.  I had planned to take the Skyway system but without any real wind and with lots of layers of apparel, the walk wasn’t too bad.  And I walked home via Barnes & Noble, a few blocks farther away.

Finally caught up with Sue and Nancy at brunch this week.  Mary also joined us, and we were glad to see how well Nancy’s doing after starting chemo.  (Mary, Sue and I worked together many moons ago.)  She looks great and strong and beautiful with her bald head.  

14 February, Happy Valentine’s Day

Lily’s happy. 

Christopher is home and picked her up today.  I miss her already.  Chris said the weather in LaQuinta was fantastic — all sunshine and hot (80s) every day.  I am psyched for my trip!

15 February

Nothing like an incredibly funny play to improve a cold and snowy day.  Marilyn and I went to Minnesota Jewish Theater Company’s production of The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife last night and laughed our heads off.  Sally Wingert and Linda Kelsey were better than ever as two of the three leads.  Kelsey plays the mother of Wingert who is the allergist’s wife.  

Sent nephew Jeff in Fargo a text to get an update on his brother Mark.  Docs are still trying to awaken him and wean him from the ventilator.  

17 February

Good news from nephew Craig about Mark.  He’s out of the coma and being evaluated to determine what, if any, damage has occurred.  And my friend Dianna got good news during her most recent cancer follow up in Boston.  

And tonight I had another awesome theater experience.  Mary’s season tickets to the dance series at Northrop at the U of M include special productions.  Tonight was a screening of The Triplets of Belleville, an animated feature film done by a French group that won more than a dozen nominations and awards.  While the film plays, an orchestra plays the music and does sound effects … reminded me of watching a silent film.  The story is charming — about a grandmother’s love for and devotion to her grandson.  She buys him a dog to keep him company, then a bike.  She trains him for the Tour de France.  When he’s kidnapped, she rents a pedal boat (20 min. for 1 franc) to take chase (with the dog) across the sea to Belleville.  The drawings are wonderful caricatures. The triplets are a trio of aged, once-famous singers who house and help grandma and the dog rescue her grandson.  The chase scene is a classic: lots of wrecked cars and “dead” gangsters, and grandma, the cyclists and triplets riding off into the sunset.  The last scene is perfect — the pedal boat guy standing on shore looking at his watch and out to sea.

20 February

More excellent theater.  Marilou and I saw A Chorus Line, the third in my Broadway series tickets at The Ordway Theater in St. Paul.  I was in awe of the ability and stamina of the dancers.  And the story never gets old — the lives of people seeking their dreams.

Spent much of yesterday and today cooking for Sunday evening’s book club at my place.  The book we read takes place in New Orleans so I found some cajun recipes to try.  I didn’t go to see Lois because she had doctor appointments.  But she didn’t sound good so I called her daughter Sarah who followed up.  

22 February

Nice morning for walking Lake Harriet.  And a couple of times the lake cracked.  It sounds a little like a rifle shot as the warming ice shifts.  

Lake Harriet at 7 am

Off to the dentist this morning.  Started to feel a tender spot near where I had an abscess when I was a Peace Corps volunteer.  I remembered that past incident, lots of pain.  Talked to my dentist on Saturday and Sunday; Tylenol and salt water rinses were helped.  Yes, I have a small abscess from a dying tooth that anchors a bridge.  Penicillin for the infection, more salt water rinses and on Wednesday, root canal.  Oh, happy day.  At least my dentist can do the work (no referral to a specialist) and he won’t have to remove the crown … bridge and other anchoring crown.  Whew!

24 February

Started the day with getting my hair done and closed with the root canal.  In between, I did some laundry and picking up around the condo.  Now to put my feet up, enjoy my homemade vegetable soup and watch some mindless television.  

Connie did her usual wonderful job on my hair. Much shorter in back for easier care while I”m traveling.  And the dentist did a great job on the root canal, pain free once the novocaine took over. He cleaned out the dead root, pushed in some meds and covered temporarily.  I return after my trip to California for a permanent closure.  Now to my easy chair.

26 February

This isn’t a political blog but when my favorite retailer behaved very badly, I had to act.  I won’t shop there ever again.  Friend Ted sent an article that Land’s End, from which a huge percentage of my wardrobe was purchased, had pulled an interview with feminist icon Gloria Steinem from its website after receiving complaints from anti-abortion activists.  Not a word in the interview about abortion.  Oh, and Land’s End will no longer support an NGO that’s dedicated to women’s equality and on whose board Steinem sits.  I am keeping the catalog which is probably a collector’s item now!

More fun theater last night as a bunch of us from water ex went to see Gilbert & Sullivan’s Iolanthe at a theater three blocks from me. Richard, a lap swimmer we meet in the hot tub many mornings, was among the House of Peers in the opera.  Cassandra arranged for tickets.  I hosted a light meal for those who could join me, then we walked to the theater.

Yesterday after lunch with Susan and Diane, Jan came over and agreed with everyone that the chair i bought online from Target is too low. (^**&*(#$%  I love the pattern, the seat size and colors are perfect … but it won’t be easy to get up from.  Sunday my sister will come over and help me schlep it to the downtown Target for return.  

Later

Just got Hala’s email that Antonia has made her entrance.  No details on weight or length, but Hala’s pride as a new grandmother (babcia in Polish) shined through her voice.

28 February

I got tickets to Children’s Theater for yesterday for Craig’s step-son Jaiden and me.  He came in with Craig, April and Alijah for lunch and stayed over.  You may remember that a few years ago he asked me when he’d get to travel with me and I said anytime.  So we’re working our way up to a longer, overseas trip.  And he’s actually had his first plane ride last fall.

Weather was great yesterday.  We walked quite a bit, trudged through the convention center and took pix of the tiny houses for his grandmother, went to the Hilton for a Shirley Temple (Jaiden) and iced tea (me).  Today we decided to see the mummy exhibit at the Science Museum.  Somehow Iissed the forecast for today’s cold, windy and wet (rain AND snow) weather.  It was drizzling when we left so I gave Jaiden a Gore-Tex windbreaker of mine and wore my rain coat.  We took the light rail to St. Paul and were under-dressed.  But at least we had rain gear, and though it was still cold and windy, it was dry on the way home.  We caught the free bus to the convention center and ogled the tiny houses once again.  If I were 20 years younger …

Jaiden has picked London for his overseas trip.  We talked about him traveling with me to Poland summer of 2017, then we’d go on to London. 

 Jaiden during one of our traipses through the convention center.

29 February, Happy Leap Day

Years ago when I went to the Northwest Y for “Adult Fitness” at 6 am, the desk clerk was a woman named Jimmie, whose birthday was today.  I was in my late 30s … she was approaching her teens.

Sunshine is back but in Minnesota, that only means bright blue skies and that it’s very cold outside. Oh, and it’s still windy.  

Happy Leap Year: 2016

1 January 2016, first day of a new year, a leap year no less, Minneapolis MN USA

Wonderful start to a new year:  my sister, Janet and Ed, their son Thom, their daughter Peggy and her husband John were here for my annual pork-and-sauerkraut dinner.  My dark-haired sister Barbara arrived first, a less conventional “first footing” since traditionally it’s supposed to be a man.  And John fulfilled that role when the guests arrived.  First footing is a Scottish thing:  for a year of good luck, the person to cross your threshold on New Year’s Day should be a dark-haired man, and you should offer him a whisky.  I hope beer and vodka count!

7 January, Bethesda MD

Last few days have been busy lunching and dinnering with friends I haven’t seen in a while — Marilyn, Kathy K. who’s a grandmother now, Judy.  And since my normal cleaning-persons’ day would be while I’m gone, I canceled.  Thus, I dusted, vacuumed, washed and changed bed linens.  You get the picture.

Heading to bed shortly as SuperShuttle picked me up before 5 am for my flight today.  I’ll stay here in Bethesda for a couple of days with Inga and the girls, then Sunday go over to Arlington to stay with Mickey for a couple of weeks.  Aideen is talking about a couple of days at a fancy spa in Middleburg when she gets back.  That would be a special treat for sure.

10 January, Arlington VA

Huge group for brunch in Bethesda this morning — Aideen and Mickey drove over, Tosia had two friends, Frankie and a friend, Inga, my niece Dyana and me. Lots of fun.  Inga drove me over to Aideen’s midday, then Mickey and I drove Aideen to Dulles.  Busy week for the kiddo — lots of music.  Mickey’s taking saxophone lessons and plays guitar in a rock band.  He’s on crutches after doing major damage to his foot cartilage while jumping off a bed.  Need to check with Regina re using our Baltimore reservations as he cannot use the pool and walking through a museum on crutches … I don’t think so.

Lunch with Susan and Oren

16 January 2016

Just saw the new Star Wars, Episode 7, in 3D at the IMax theater.  Wow!  Quite the production but I have to say, it was made for those of us who remember the original three episodes.  So much was directly derived from that.  Of course, I recognized the Millennium Falcon right away, and the Death Star, and the storm troopers and Darth Vader’s replacement (his grandson no less).  And yes, all the old stars have aged, as they should since a bit of time has passed since Episode 6.  Not sure what the kerfluffle was over Carrie Fisher — she looks great, just like a middle aged princess-general.  But some of the air fight scenes were so much like the originals.  Anyway, it was lots of fun and I’m glad I finally got to see it.  

Back home in MN, Alijah met
Chewy & Vader

19 January

Big news today … doctor has said Mickey only needs the boot, no longer crutches.  We are both very happy about that.  He’ll be able to use the pool at the spa if we go.  He needs the boot two more weeks, then may move to a brace that fits into his shoe.  

Our long weekend was busy and interesting.  On Sunday, we drove to Gaithersburg for Mickey’s school chum’s birthday party at Monster Mini Golf, a big glow-in-the-dark room with a score of active video games, a mini golf course and private dining rooms for parties.  And needless to say, dozens of kids, mostly boys in the 10-13 year old range.  Since we were early, I got Mickey a card to play a few games — he liked “bowling” (we called it skee ball at Kennywood Park in PA … you roll a ball to hit a circle-hole with point values) and a motorcycle race (you sit and steer a cycle through a chosen course; his was Dubai).  

Mickey at Monster Mini Golf

While Mickey attended the party, I drove to a nearby Barnes & Noble to check out books.  I had a 30% off B&N coupon to use, so I got three paperbacks for me and a “starting-knitter kit” for Mickey.  I’ve been making a scarf for Inga, and Mickey said he’d like to learn how to knit.  I figured the starter kit was a good way since needles, yarn and instructions were included.  Yes … and no.  The instructions were for experienced knitters.  No “how to” lessons.  The needles were 10.5, perfect for the yarn, but all of the patterns in the booklet were for much smaller needles and yarn.  All of this I discovered when we got home and opened up the “kit.”

Mickey works on his scar

Anyway, we got started with casting on using a knit stitch and knitting.  He made two small book marks with all knit stitches, one for himself and one for Aideen.  Then on Monday we worked on purling, and he competed a second bookmark for his mom.  He’d like to make a scarf for her … we’ll see if he stays focused enough.  This whole thing has been fun.

Aideen has made reservations at Salamander Spa for Sunday-Tuesday.  Hooray!  That will be wonderful.  She’s already scheduled me a mani-pedi and a massage. Dreams of heaven! 

20 January

Inga’s finalizing plans for a drive to Miami, beginning Thursday night, flying back Monday night.  Tomek and Ada, his friend visiting from Poland, will go along and drive back.  Snow storm predicted for this weekend.  Ugh!

22 January, Bethesda MD

Mickey and I have hunkered in with Beza the dog at Inga’s until the “blizzard of the century” has passed and roads are cleared, probably on Sunday.  Inga, Franciszka, Antonia, Tomek and Ada have arrived safely in Miami where it is raining.  Here, the snow has been coming down steadily since 1 pm.  Mickey and Beza spent about 30 minutes in the back yard in the snow, Mickey throwing a ball and Beza chasing.  Got some cute pix.

Mickey & Beza on Day 1

Weather report.  Arlington cancelled school yesterday because we had a bit of snow Wednesday night, and of course, cancelled today too in anticipation.  Predictions are that roads in general should be back in useable shape by middday Sunday, but who knows?  This part of the world just isn’t prepared for snow of any depth.  Friend Lauri and I cancelled lunch just in case, and it’s good we did.  She, John and Mimi live Fairfax County where schools may be closed all next week too.  Fairfax is large and has lots of small roads that’ll take a long time to clear for school buses.  In other news, Aideen had changed her flight to return today, hoping to arrive pre-storm.  Unfortunately at Frankfort, all flights to DC area were cancelled.  She was going to try for Newark; not news in the last few hours, so maybe she’s en route to NYC.

Later

We shoveled the back deck, steps and sidewalk at the bottom … about 4 inches of snow.  Figured that would be four less inches to heave tomorrow.  And it makes a path and place for Beza when she goes out.

And we had shoveled once already!

23 January

Mickey has been having a good time in the snow.  He’s out now for the second time today.  Earlier Beza went too.  While she doesn’t like rain, she seems to enjoy snow.  Before coming back in, she had to roll in the snow on the deck a few times.

When I trudged out to start up Aideen’s and Franciszka’s cars, both parked in the driveway, and Tomek’s in the garage, Henry from across the street and another neighbor were in the knee-deep street.  Their big dogs were having a ball in the snow.  Henry put a yardstick in a strategic location for measuring snow depth and said it was 19 inches (that was at 9:30 am).  That was when I did the second shoveling of the back deck etc. for Beza (and Mickey).  After a hearty breakfast (eggs, etc.), I went out and shoveled again.  Beza and Mickey played, which meant I got snow covered.  This all reminds me of the 2010 DC snow storm after which Regina and I went to the hospital for her foot surgery and of my childhood in Western PA.  When I was about Mickey’s age, we had a snowfall that filled our driveway (3-4 feet deep).  Have gotten several good photos.

Satellite has gone out despite cleaning off the dish, which is more easily accessible than I had realized.  Thankfully Internet is on different vendor and still works.  We’ll watch something on Netflix tonight.

Have called a bunch of DC area friends to make sure all of safe and well.  Bob’s daughter Alexis said her street in College Park has already been plowed!  Everyone’s okay.  Aideen is at a hotel near her condo in Arlington.  She flew to Newark, trained to DC, then took a cab to her condo.  She said it was one of only two vehicles on I-395 and the cabbie’s “drop” was $20!  But she is safe and warm.  Perhaps later today or tomorrow her building manager will be available to let her into her condo; he lives in the building too although the building regs don’t allow him to open a condo for an owner.  Very weird rule.

Beza loved rolling in snow

24 January

Sunshine and no snow falling.  Hurray.  Mickey and I shoveled a path around the cars to the road, which still isn’t plowed.  Henry said a big dump truck came through last night and left the ruts that , from my window, made it look plowed.  He said the plows would do a road around the neighborhood first. So Mickey and I walked up this afternoon to see; no plow yet.  Also talked to Brandon; I had left a voicemail for his wife Mary yesterday when I was checking on folks and also looking for some satellite dish advice.  Brandon’s an ER doc and I thought he might be working.  Instead he’s taxiing other docs to the hospital in his big Suburban.  

Mickey was an incredible
help with shoveling

Since I spent an hour on live chat with Dish to no avail, I gave up.  Then Inga called and said that when I moved the cabinet where all the equipment (receiver, stereo, etc.) are, I probably pulled something loose as Tomek had put things in tightly.  He’ll have to fix that when they’re back; I give up.  I found a movie on HBO that Mickey and I can watch later.  

Aideen’s still at the hotel, and I hope, getting some sleep.  She’s having a bad case of jet lag.

25 January

Got the television working. I had pulled a plug loose.  I guessed which USB port it fit into … correctly … and voila! television.  

Talked with Aideen and told her to rent a car for a couple of days and that I’d pay for it.  She got a decent sized one at Enterprise, and Mickey and I slogged up to Westmoreland Circle and met her.  I gave her the condo keys and her son.  Now she can get into her condo.  As soon as the plow does our block, I can drive her car out.  

The plow came through this afternoon and left a thick, hard wake along the front of the driveway and yard.  But at least the street is clear.  Since Inga and the girls return home tonight, I shoveled out the rest of the front sidewalk as well as Aideen’s car.  Amazingly my back and arms have not been bothered.  I take 600mg of Advil when I finish, and that seems to do the trick.  All that water ex has paid off!

26 January

Everyone got home safely and on time last night.  I had fallen asleep on the sofa and awoke when they came in.  This morning Aideen and Mickey drove over in the rental car, and I drove her car back to Arlington. Frankie came along so she could pick up prescriptions at a CVS.  Roads were wet, not nearly fully as wide as normal but drivable.  

27 January, Minneapolis MN

Home again!  My flight back was uneventful, and we arrived 15 minutes early.  Took the LRT to the Target Field station and my sister Barbara met me and drove me home.  Went through three weeks of mail, unpacked and now I’m off to bed.

29 January, 30th anniversary of Challenger disaster

Some days you never forget where you were when … you learned JFK was shot, for example.  The day of the Challenger disaster is another one of those days.  Although I didn’t recall the actual date, I remember vividly the day.  I was in the woolen’s factory shop in the Amana Colonies in Iowa.  Iowa was a big part of my territory when I was a regional medical marketing manager for what was then the world’s largest medical malpractice insurer.  The underwriter I was traveling with and I had some time to kill before a lunch meeting with a Cedar Rapids insurance agent at a nearby restaurant.  So we checked out the stores. In the background at the woolen shop a television was on and as the Challenger prepared to lift off, our attention shifted from yard goods to space travel.  Along with a couple of clerks and another customer or two, we watched the space shuttle take off … and blow up.  The silence in the store was deafening as we comprehended what that all meant, and then announcer laid it out.  

30 January

After my eye doctor appointment yesterday, it took longer than I expected for my dilated eyes to return to normal.  I had to cancel my trip to Northfield but was able to talk to Lois on the phone. 

Tonight I went to dinner at Pazzaluna and the opera at the Ordway with friend Randy.  He took over our late friend Diane’s Minnesota Opera season tickets and has spectacular seats, second row center.  The opera was Rusalka, one with which neither of us was familiar.  But it was excellent, especially the mezzo-soprano who sang the lead.  The male lead had a nice voice but it wasn’t strong enough in comparison to hers.  But he was lovely eye candy!

31 January

Made chicken broth from the balance of my latest rotisserie chicken. So ends the first month of the new year.  

Happy Thanksgiving

For those of you who didn't see my brother's birthday present to me, here 'tis.

25 November 2015, Minneapolis MN USA

Finally, I think the good news is catching up with the bad news this month.  And I certainly hope it stays that way.  The month began with the death of another roommate — the one that another freshman-year roommate and I “found” after years of not knowing where she was.  Sudden and unexpected although she had had cancer, MS and some other health issues.  Also learned of the death of a Peace Corps friend, again unexpected (I thought he’d live forever) but he was in his 80s.  Another friend was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and the brother of yet another has the same cancer that killed my son Peter and it’s metastasized already.  A hometown friend just went into hospice.  My sister in law needed shoulder replacement surgery.  My oldest friend is now in a wheelchair because of a bad fall, and another 90-year-old friend was hospitalized. 

On the positive side, Dianna (the friend I visited in Boston during her pre-chemo tests) got a good report at her last check up, and M, who had stem cell treatments earlier in the year, is cancer free!  

One rainy, rainy day nephew Craig and his son Alijah came over a visit and lunch. They were “bach’ing it” while older son Jaiden was making a birthday visit to his dad in Denver.  Mom April went along as this was Jaiden’s first plane trip.  Alijah is such a ray of sunshine — always with a big smile on his face, an impish grin around the mouth and eyes, and non-stop energy.

After they left, I decided to clean up the emails, download some television episodes in advance of my coming trip to Poland and just relax on that yukky-weather day.  I found this fantastic mash-up in an email from Ted.  Another day brightener.  Enjoy!

http://www.slate.com/articles/video/video/2015/11/mashup_of_uptown_funk_and_hollywood_golden_era_movie_dancing_video.html 

Other positive news:  Ted is doing well with his rehab, able to manage driving to lunch today on his own.  Sue and Nancy finally got married.  Bente has a darling new granddaughter.  And Hala is going to become a grandmother in February.   Lindsay led a very vigorous water ex class yesterday morning, and Andrew’s equally calorie-burning boot camp today ended a few minutes early so he could catch his flight to Arizona.  I picked up my niece Michelle at the airport yesterday, and on Sunday she’s driving me to catch my flight to Amsterdam and onward.  And I talked to Inga today. Franciszka has been accepted at four colleges; now she has to pick where she’ll attend.

Things are looking up.

Winter sunrise on Lake Harriet

26 November, Happy Thanksgiving

We’re finally getting some snow in Minneapolis!  Okay, I know many who would not cheer at that, but I happen to love snow and always have.  I was the last kid dragged into the house at night when I was growing up, and we got some fantastic snowfalls in Pennsylvania.

Took a 45 minute walk around the neighborhood since I skipped going to the pool for an extemporaneous water ex today.  Lynn, who usually also shows up, has her grandchildren, so wasn’t going to be there.  And I hate swimming laps, which would’ve been my alternative.  The walk was invigorating and preps me for the buffet at Loring Kitchen in a couple of hours!

27 November

Had my first experience with Amazon Prime’s two-hour delivery today — as a package recipient, that is.  It’s a bit dear for my budget but then again, if I got into a pinch pre-travel sometime …  Anyway, my friend Sue ordered a baby present for Marta and it was at my place two hours later.  (Sue met both Hala and Marta when she visited me in Sandomierz in 2009.)  Nancy is doing well with her chemo, thank God.

Had a long email from Alfreda about her truncated trip to her new assignment in Africa.  Her Air France flight was diverted from DC to Halifax so it could be checked for a bomb!  None found but that screwed up all connections.  She traveled through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and had I known, I would’ve warned her about the long, unruly queues to have arriving baggage x-rayed.  But she made it through and was only two days (and one temporarily lost suitcase) late.

28 November

After water ex, I headed over to St. Paul and breakfast with Peace Corps friends.  Sabrina organized breakfast as Bev and John, who live in northern Indiana, were in town to visit Bev’s sister.  Haven’t see B&J in years as I was gone last time they were here.  Fun to hear about how they’ve adapted to retirement.

29 November

Niece Michelle’s in town and will be here shortly to take me to the airport.  The 3:10 to AMS is now the 3:16 (not sure why; it still arrives in the wee hours before sunrise).  It’s the Sunday after Thanksgiving so I’m going three hours early, just in case it’s the annual mob scene.

Later

Must’ve just beaten the rush because I got through baggage drop and security pretty quickly, about the same time as a usual trip.  Found some food, filled my water bottle, now to eat, check emails and read on my iPad.  This will be my first long trip with only that device for everything.  In case I don’t write tomorrow, have a great first week in December!

PS I heard Minneapolis-St. Paul was going to get blizzard-style snow tonight.  Wow, did I luck out!

Christmas is coming:  Aideen & Mickey sent this photo
of the Minnesota tree on the National Mall

Holiday Sale: Two Posts for price of one

Cousins Alijan and Ruby:  A merriest Christmas

25 December 2015, Minneapolis MN USA

Almost an entire month has gone by again, and I haven’t written a word.  I’m not sure why although I can explain why I am now.  I was getting ready to take a shower, when I realized the hot water heater had, once again, gone off.  Since I mostly shower at the Y after water ex, I only  use my own shower once or twice a week … and this was my first try this week.  I rebooted the pilot light, but no hot water until it’s had a chance to heat up the tank.  And since I’ve set the table for dinner already and I don’t feel like peeling potatoes yet, I have 20 or 30 minutes to spare.  So here I am.

Table's all ready for Christmas dinner

Old angels on mantel await holidays

Presents 'neath the tree

It’s been another month of ups and downs but perhaps more ups this month. Definitely an “up” that I had an uneventful trip to AMS on 29 Nov.-1 Dec., especially after learning of Alfreda’s plight.

My friend Jean’s cousin was in my aisle on the MSP-AMS flight.  Took me a few minutes to screw up the courage to ask if he was Harvey; I wasn’t entirely positive.  He was en route to Germany to be with Jean’s brother who was undergoing cancer treatment.  Her brother died not long after that, one of the month’s “downs.”   On the “up” side of cancer, if there is one, friends Dianna and Nancy both seem to be doing well.  Nancy’s undergoing chemo now.

My 10 days in Poland were lots of fun, and we had reasonably good weather.  A bit of drizzle and a bit of snow when I was in Warsaw, but temps that were quite manageable to this “Minnesotan.”  In Warsaw, I had a good time staying and visiting with Dorota, Jacek and Franio, who is growing fast.  I think the MN Wild shirt I got him may only fit for a week.  Also got to spend a bit of time with G and with Iza, always a treat, but Ula wasn’t in Warsaw and I couldn’t get to Kraków this trip.

Steve from the Center Board and I had dinner with Hala’s daughter Marta and her significant other Łukaś before heading to Sandomierz for the board meeting.  They are expecting a baby girl in February and are definitely aglow.  We handed over the baby things, candy etc. that we had muled over for them.

Halinka took Steve and me to the first annual Christmas bazaar in Rzeszów, then on to former Center staffer Leszek’s home and winery.  The GPS mis-navigated us, but we finally found the lovely hilltop location with some help from Leszek.  Well organized vineyards not far from the house and a nearby gazebo for wine tasting in better weather; more land to be developed, or not, later.  It was a bitter cold, windy evening so we didn’t tarry.  The winery is located in the back half of a single car garage and announced by a legally required sign on the door.  His wines are doing well.  We sipped a sample.

Before heading USA-ward, Steve and I were at Hala’s for an indoor ognisko.  Michał built a roaring fire in the Franklin store that heats the main-floor great room of their new guest house.  The renovated farm building is nearly done and beautifully put together (with the possible exception of the bordello-decor of an upstairs bathroom!).  Sandomierz was definitely an “up,” as was having friend Janet waiting for me outside Immigration/Customs when I arrived home.

April, Crair & Alijah

Fun time with my nephews Craig and John and their families when John, Heather and Ruby came to the Cities one weekend.  Ruby at five months is such an easy baby; she came to me without so much as a whimper.  And at the water park the next afternoon, she let me keep her while the others queued up for and enjoyed a long tube ride.  

Craig sent these family shots taken at his parents' place on Christmas.  Just missing Jaiden, who was in South Dakota.

Heidi & David
John, Sam & Evie

Heather, John & Ruby

More ups:  Good theater at Jungle, though I still cannot decide if I liked the play, and music with the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus evening of holiday songs.  I always tear up and think of my dear, late friend John when we conclude with “Walk Hand in Hand with Me”.

Dental/medical appointments are downers, but at least I got good news.  Teeth all look good; nothing new needs fixing (a replacement crown will wait until the existing non-USA made one falls apart!).  Hearing is okay; yes, I could qualify for a hearing aid, but I don’t think my hearing is that bad yet … let me know, folks!

Annual cookie baking with Jodi and the girls is a highlight of the season.  This year we baked at their place ... lots of gingerbread people made from scratch.

Lydia, Jodi & Ada

Dinner at The Commodore to celebrate friend/neighbor Marianne’s birthday was another big up.  We Uber’d — only my second time to use the service, and the first time, in Boston, I had to have then-12-year-old Tosia show me how.  But we made it and welcomed not driving to St. Paul in rush hour traffic.  

For those who don’t remember or know, The Commodore was a favorite hangout of novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda.  They lived around the corner in a row house on elegant Summit Avenue.  The bar and restaurant have been redone in the elegance of the Jazz Age.  Peace Corps pal Tom had taken me there for my birthday, and I was awed by the place.  Anyway, Maryanne and I had outstanding food and drink, impeccable service, great people watching, and thanks to Uber, sane travel.

Big “down” that Thom rescued into a major “up” … carpet cleaning.  Had arranged for pre-Christmas rug cleaning of two bedrooms, and with Thom to help furniture moving so the entire carpet could be reached and cleaned in both rooms.  Long story short, the cleaner had a “major catastrophe, a huge crisis” and at the last minute wasn’t able to do the work … and me with kitchen and living, dining and laundry rooms full of stuff.  Thom brought over Janet’s industrial strength carpet cleaner and did a beautiful job on both rooms.

Arranged to go to DC for three weeks in January, two of which will be taking care of Mickey while Aideen travels to Ethiopia.  Mickey and I will go to Baltimore for MLK weekend, and we’re hoping my Peace Corps Bestest Susan Snelson will fly in from Texas to join us.  I’ll spend some time with Inga and the girls too.  Another “up” of the month — Franciszka was accepted at Indiana University, her dad’s alma mater, and three or four other universities.  Way to go, Frankie!  Oh, and Antonia turned 13.  Tosia as a teen … hmmmm

28 December

Christmas went well although Chris’ sweetie was ill and couldn’t join us.  Roast prime rib has become a family tradition, and Lunds’ directions continue to produce a perfect medium rare.  Boxing Day saw my sister Barbara, niece Michelle and me investing in the economy of the North Loop.  After we all exercised in our own way, we met and checked out the unique shops in the neighborhood … and each bought a thing or two.  Three in my case — a long coat-sweater, a comfy tunic for travel days and a royal blue knit tunic/dress that I wore to the Guthrie last night.  Early supper at the Red Cow before we parted.  

Coconuts at the Guthrie was a perfect tonic for this crazy world we live in.  It’s based on the Marx Brothers film of the same name, and the three actors who played the brothers were spot on.  Lots of broad comedy, too many plays on words to count, a real “feel good” night.  Although I was sorry Jan got sick, resulting in my going with Marilyn, I was definitely glad I’d gone.

Now to get ready for the new year.  Decided to get ahead and shopped today for my annual New Year’s Day pork-and-sauerkraut dinner … necessary for good luck, according to my late Hungarian father.  Must arrange for a First Footing: for Scottish good luck, the first man to cross your threshold must have dark hair (not an easy task in Scandinavian-German Minnesota!).

31 December, Happy New Year’s Eve

Soon it’ll be 2016 — a leap year, no less — but I shall be sound asleep.  I am so sorry to miss fireworks from Pam’s rooftop, but I’m pooped and the bus schedule just doesn’t work (cannot imagine driving on a night like this).  So, off to bed.  See you next year!