Spring has sprung … we hope

1 April, Northfield MN

My oldest Minnesota friend is not doing well.  Lois, 90, is having more pain in her knee and has had some periods of disorientation and confusion, probably due to all the meds she’s taking.  Thankfully her daughter Sarah had already planned to be with her part of this week.  Lois is now required to have someone with her 24/7 until an assessment of her faculties can be made.  She also needs to have an MRI of her knee.

When Sarah called, I readily agreed to stay overnight tonight until Lois’ niece arrives midday tomorrow to take over.  I need to be home because I’m taking my sister Barbara to “A Night With Janis Joplin” at the Ordway tomorrow night.  Lois’ pastor brought take out from a local Japanese restaurant for dinner and stayed for a while.  Now that Lois is in bed with her Talking Book, I’m going to bunk down on the sofa.

3 April, Minneapolis MN

“Janis Joplin” was awesome — the voices of the cast were incredible.  And I learned a lot about her life and influences that I would never have guessed.  Like her normal middle-class upbringing.  Barbara, a Janis fan since the beginning, said the lead singer really caught Janis vocally.  The “back up” singers were excellent too, especially singing individually as Janis’ inspirations — Odetta, Nina Simone, Etta James.  Quite a bit of tie-dye and feathers-in-the-hair in the audience.  Lots of clapping and singing along, encouraged by the cast, and a few spontaneous standing ovations with favorite numbers.   

Book club tonight at Ann’s.  I actually read the book, an historical novel about the battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War.  Interesting read though a lot more detail than I can tolerate for long; I just skip over that.  

I finally made a Genius Bar appointment at the Uptown Apple.  I have got to figure out why my iPhone calendar won’t record new events when I add them.  Thus, needless to say, they don’t show up on my MacAir or iPad.  Double argh!

6 April

Calendar mystery solved.  I use the “home” calendar but had not set that as my default calendar.  As a result, my iPhone events were going to the default.  The Genius fixed that and checked the iPad and MacAir to be sure all were in sync.

Must stop now as friend Jan’s coming for knitting and dinner.  I’m making a big chef’s salad since I have a crisper full of fresh veggies and some leftover Costco rotisserie chicken.  Think I’ll make corn muffins too.

7 April

My life is revolving too much around food!  Met Elizabeth, my very first Polish teacher, for lunch today in Highland Park, St. Paul.  That’s near where she works now.  I wanted to give her the Polish texts from friend Dorota (my first Polish teacher in Peace Corps).  Always good to catch up with her — her three sons are all adults now, one an engineer, one a doctor and the youngest still trying to figure things out.  He was a toddler when Elizabeth tutored me pre-PC and spoke better than I did!  He’s traveling to Poland with Elizabeth and her husband in a week or so.

Tonight friend Marilyn and I are going to Market BBQ for ribs.  She mentioned being hungry for that when we knitted last time, and it’s made me salivate ever since.  I’m going to have the ribs for sure; last time I had chicken to lower my calorie intake and it was dry.

Tomorrow friend Janet and I are driving to Brainerd.  She’ll visit her son and his family, and I’ll go to my youngest great-niece Ruby’s first birthday party.  It’ll be a good opportunity to see everyone up that way. 

9 April, Brainerd MN

Had dinner last night with brother-in-law Steve and wife Elyse, their sons David and Craig, Craig’s fiancee April and assorted kids.  Great to see everyone; it’s been too long since I got up here.  Everyone seems to be doing well. Nephew Mark called from Fargo to talk with David.  Mark seems to be doing well in his sobriety.

Birthday party was this morning, in between Ruby’s naps.  Her mom (and nephew John’s wife) Heather is a wonderful party organizer.  Her theme of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”  was carried out all over the rec room, which was filled with aunts, uncles and cousins.  Do-it-yourself subs made it easier to stick to my eating regimen, but I did eat the yummy chocolate cupcake.

Heather, Ruby and John 

Ruby with Aunt Heidi

Ruby checks out her gifts

10 April, Minneapolis

My early Monday morning walk with Linda and Desi is so much nicer with a bit of sunlight and warmth.  Ah, spring at last.

Dr. Bella, my new family doctor, wants me to continue taking Lipitor.  I’ve agreed to take a half dose until I leave for DC, then have another cholesterol test.  She also said I have a “tennis elbow.”  That’s why it hurts when I move it sometimes during water ex.  How I have an arm band that’s supposed to help.  We’ll see.

11 April

What a great day I had with Craig and Alijah.  Craig says that Alijah loves “the city,” so we walked … and Alijah ran … the Skyways as far as we could, then finished on Nicollet Mall to the Minneapolis Central Library.  I returned a book, and we took the glass elevator to the top and looked out at tall buildings, cars and buses and people through the floor-to-ceiling windows.  We caught a bus down Hennepin Avenue to a lunch spot.  Alijah’s first bus ride.  And after lunch, a bus ride back to my place.

14 April

Jan and Marilyn came over for dinner and knitting tonight.  It was fun to cook a meal; I made Cajun catfish, brown rice and beans, corn on the cob and salad.  We had some Greek yoghurt cheesecake for dessert; it was leftover from Sunday dinner with Barbara and Tomery and still light and delicious.  Must remember that for future dinners.

15 April

I get an email from Thrillist and occasionally find something of interest, like the most recent one which included a link to “every state’s most important food innovation.”  Minnesota gave the world the Juicy Lucy, a calorie-laden and tasty burger.  Here’s what they had to say:

“Minnesota

Juicy Lucy

Instead of forcing us to eat smelt-stuffed herring, the Suspiciously Nice Nordics of Minnesota gave us something much more wonderful: a burger stuffed with melted cheese. And though it’s only gained real national prominence in intense burger circles, or amongst those who like to pick a side in the 5-8 Club vs. Matt’s Bar, it's a cheesy, beefy gift, especially when you look outside and see 178in of snow.”

And here’s the link in case you’d like to check out your state:

https://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/every-states-most-important-food-innovation

16 April

Today is the day I switched clothes:  Spring and summer things are now in their rightful spots and winter things are either bagged in the closet or ready for the dry cleaner.  It’s been so nice this week that I’ve had windows open, sun tea brewing on the deck and worn capris and tees instead of jeans and fleece.

Lois is doing better although she said she was unable to have the MRI.  Her leg wouldn’t stay still enough.  They’ll reschedule when she can be given an anesthetic.  Next week her brother and sister in law are visiting.  Her sister in law is a jazz pianist and playing a concert for her facility.

Allah's new haircut

17 April

Another glorious spring day.  Off to Target to pick up a few things like cedar chips and moth balls.

“Bullets Over Broadway” last night was good fun, not fantastic but a lovely way to spend an evening with friend Jan.  Dinner at The St. Paul Grill before the play was delicious.  And the weather? Well, it was perfect.

Saw a piece in the Washington Post about climbing an active volcano in Guatemala.  It reminded me of my pre-dawn climb in August 2006 of a different Guatemalan volcano, Pacaya, which had had a lava flow a week or two earlier.  Our group of mostly 20/30-somethings watched the sun rise over the three volcanos, then everyone but I did the optional climb to the top.  My legs were killing me although my breathing had finally settled near normal.  I had forgotten how far above sea level we were at the start, let alone the finish.  But I’m glad I did the climb.  It was an awesome sight and incredible feeling.

18 April, Patriot’s Day

The day of Paul Revere’s midnight ride to warn the Massachusetts Colony of the impending British invasion “by land or by sea” … and of this year’s Boston Marathon.  

Boats are out at Lake Harriet

Sitting on the deck having my coffee and protein shake this morning, the scent of freshly baking cinnamon rolls hit me.  Not sure if it was a neighbor in the building or the cook at Minnesota Teen Challenge, but it sure smelled good.

20 April, Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday

Happy birthday, QEII.  The big celebrations are in June which is why Christopher had trouble getting a room in London.

A day of good news.  Halina received a positive response to her email proposal for a study trip for Center staff to look at US-based business incubators.  It was a “blind request” to someone at an organization related to a former major donor to the Center.  Moreover, her contact sent her message on the a key contact at the foundation to consideration.

And the US will soon have its first female on paper currency — Harriet Tubman who replace Andrew Jackson on our $10 bill.  Tubman escaped slavery to become a Union spy during our Civil War and an ardent abolitionist and humanitarian. Jackson, a war hero, was our 7th president.  Initially there had been a proposal to replace Alexander Hamilton, founding father and secretary of the treasure, with a woman.  But it seems the popularity of the new Broadway show Hamilton secured the $20 for him.  Aside:  Hamilton is a distant “shirt tail” relative on my grandfather’s side.

21 April,

I’ve been wanting for have a massage for ages and finally bought a Groupon for one at a place that’s near where my niece Tomery lives.  I think I’ve found a replacement for Ann-Elyse, the massage therapist that Janet and I love and who moved to Florida several years ago.  

Returned home to find no Internet (called Comcast and it’s working again) and a message from Susan that Prince (the Minneapolis-native singer-songwriter-etc, etc.) had died unexpectedly.  She called because the Mixed Blood Theater fundraiser we’re attending in May was to be at Prince’s Paisley Park.  Price was a music icon and genius who just happens to be from Minneapolis.  While I can’t say I’ve ever been a big fan of his music, I’ve watched his career since the beginning.  Two teenaged sisters who lived across the street from our house in Crystal (back in my early married days) hung out with him.  

Later

I ordered an el cheapo step counter from Amazon to give it a try.  Took a while but finally got it working, synced to my iPhone and counting my steps.  Zobaczymy, as we say in Poland.  We shall see.

22 April

Busy day that ended in 4,500 steps from my condo to Spoon & Stable restaurant where we celebrated Jen’s five years of sobriety.  My counter seems to be working.  I have more than 9,000 so far, and that doesn’t include water ex.

Wild turkey in Janet & Ed's backyard

23 April

Angelique Kidjo was marvelous.  She has an awesome voice and incredible back story.  When Mary invited me to go, I had no idea she is a Grammy-award winning vocalist-songwriter-activist who was born in Benin.  Her musical influences range from traditional African to Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin and Jimi Hendrix.  She did a tribute to Prince too.  

24 April, Chicago IL USA

At 6 am, Janet and I departed for the Windy City to spend a couple of days, then bring two friends from Macedonia back to Minneapolis.  We traded off driving every two hours and made it with ease, having missed rush hour in Chicago too.  We had dinner with my college friend/sorority sister Barbara at Fig & Olive, a Mediterranean restaurant near our hotel that I found on OpenTable and definitely recommend.

Tomorrow Iva, who lives in Skopje, and Marija, who has moved to Chicago after winning the green card lottery a few years ago, will join us for breakfast, then we’ll sightsee while Janet heads for the exurbs to visit an old friend.

25 April

Did you know that Van Gogh painted his bedroom in the Yellow House in Arles three times?  None of us did.  The Art Institute of Chicago has an exhibition of “Van Gogh’s Bedrooms,” featuring all three.  Interesting, comprehensive exhibit — and educational!  The original is in the D’Orsay in Paris and because it was done in a hurry, sustained water damage.  The other are at AIC and the Van Gogh in Amsterdam.  When you seem them side by side, you can tell they are different most easily because the paintings on the wall by the bed are different in each.  They are miniatures of Van Gogh portraits and helped date the bedrooms.

Marija & Iva, dressed for the weather

Later

What a day!  Windy and cold but such fun.  After Iva, Marija and I finished with Van Gogh, the Impressionists and Contemporary Art, we walked back toward the hotel and lunch in the John Hancock Building (lower level).  Dinner was at Pelago, an Italian restaurant a couple of blocks from the hotel; I’d eaten there a few years ago when I met friend Kathy B. in Chicago.  Janet’s friend Joana who works for the EPA joined us. 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/anyone-in-the-midwest-will-tell-you-things-in-this-country-arent-so-bad/2016/04/27/9b8bc7c8-0c9f-11e6-bfa1-4efa856caf2a_story.html?wpmm=1&wpisrc=nl_opinions

Our waiter was from Serbia and he had the chef pull out all the stops for our Macedonian guests — sample appetizers, sample pastas before our mains.  After all that food, I was glad I’d only ordered the risotto starter.  We shared a cannolo, one of my favorite desserts, and delicious as it was, two bites was enough.

Oh, I walked more than 18,200 steps today ... off to bed!

27 April, Minneapolis, Rain, rain, go away.

Despite numerous GPS devices with directions, it took a bit to get on the road from Countryside IL where Marija lives.  But we made it and had a routine freeway drive all the way to Minneapolis.  Stopped for early lunch at an Oasis, the Illinois Tollway’s service plazas that span the highway.  You can eat and watch cars speed below, a big thrill when we were kids.

After settling Marija and Iva in their hotel, I gave them a general tour of the city and out to Costco in St. Louis Park to fill the gas tank.  Then we met my sister at her favorite eatery, Red Cow, and Marija and Iva got to taste some local brews.

28 April

More rain.  A good day to hit the Mall of America.  ‘Nuff said.

Took Marija & Iva
to see Minehaha Falls

Many of you know I’m not a Garrison Keillor fan; he’s the creator of A Prairie Home Companion on Minnesota’s and other public radio stations.  But his op ed in the Washington Post yesterday was spot on, offering New York refugees a place to stay in Minnesota when the NY water system crashes.  Enjoy:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/anyone-in-the-midwest-will-tell-you-things-in-this-country-arent-so-bad/2016/04/27/9b8bc7c8-0c9f-11e6-bfa1-4efa856caf2a_story.html?wpmm=1&wpisrc=nl_opinions 

29 April, Sunshine at last!

After visiting Janet and Ed at home and walking with them around part of Lake Harriet, we drove to Northfield for lunch with Lois, who loved having the company.  We returned in time to get them to the airport for their return flight.  It took me an hour to drive home.  Every freeway looked like a parking lot with construction zones everywhere causing detours.

Big news — Franciszka, my first adopted grandchild and the daughter of friend Inga and the late David, is graduating from high school on 1 June, and I’ll be there with bells on.  She has chosen the University of Georgia after being accepted at four or five universities! Congratulations, Frankie!

Franciska during our visit to Penn State

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.