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.

“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.