First Day of Autumn

Happy first day of autumn! 

 

We are experimenting with new ways to stay warm for outside San Diego dining.  Lighter fluid and charcoal are giving the best result so far.

Coastal Clean-up Day

Today is the fall Coastal Clean-up Day.  Gail and I chose to join a group doing a section of creek in Vista.  This creek winds its way down to our local hiking park and out to the ocean in Carlsbad.  Therefore, much of the trash would go to the ocean unless collected.  It was a joint effort with about 40 volunteers, city workers, the garbage company, and two sheriff officers who cleared the homeless out from the bushes and from under the bridges. 

Gail found a new packaged Go Phone that caused a little stir among the sheriffs as well as two signs.

It was a fun, feel good morning being part of a grass roots project.

Trip to St. Paul: Part Five

Monday, Nick and Cassidy had work obligations, so Gail and I headed up to Taylors Falls to canoe on the St. Croix River.  While walking around Taylors Falls, we spotted 3 or 4 Bald eagles flying right over the town.

The morning started crisply - we were told that there was ice on tents in the area.  There was no one at the launch area. 

 We pretty much had the river to ourselves.  The air warmed up and we couldn't believe our good fortune.

We weren't entirely alone, as we saw numerous turtles.

We sat on top of an island and had our lunch.

 

We beached the canoe to explore around in the woods and marshy areas.  The river level was low, so we couldn't paddle through the backwaters.

We did manage to paddle and wade up this inlet where we had minnows tickling our ankles.

 

A great blue heron fishing on the shore.

Back in St. Paul, we went to dinner at The Muddy Pig, and then off to the retro Ran Ham Bowling Lanes.  We were in a celebratory mood, as Nick had found out that he got the Whole Foods job in the produce department.

Most of the shoes looked like they had been around since the 50's.  Gail points out a hole in hers.

 

No automatic scoring here!

 

 Gail showing her winning form.

I didn't realize that Nick was running after me and making faces.  Notice my fast approach!

 

Cassidy was Doomsday, I was Danger, Nick was Johnny Fresh, and Gail was Cat Butt. 

 

Gail makes a spare!

 

Cassidy getting up off of the floor - notice pins still standing.

 

As we neared the last frames, the tension began to show.

 

Nick kept score - a mysterious job if there ever was one.

 

It was a fun game, but sad to say goodbye soon after.  Thank you for showing us such a good time!

 

The airport waiting area has iPads, free usage, throughout this area of the terminal.  I played Hangman.

 

Window seat - yeah!

 

Ho hum, do a crossword, while Gail...

 

makes lists.   It felt great to see Yummy and Penelope when we got home - thanks, Andria, for looking after our kitties!

 

 

 

 











Trip to St. Paul: Part Four

After a rainy Saturday night, and a late night at Turf Club, we took it easy in the morning.  Gail and I took in some antique stores on Selby Ave., then hung around with Nick and Cassidy, chatting and listening to music.  It was a real treat to hear Cassidy's parents on an LP that they made back in 1973, I believe. 

Nick and Cassidy came over to our motel later in the afternoon, and it was off to Minneapolis to the Guthrie Theater to see a solo performance titled Moon Show 143, by Kyle Leven.  He combined acting, puppetry, music, and other visual arts to create moon myths from various cultures.  For example, kids in parts of Asia are taught that if they point at the moon, they will have an ear sliced off that night.

The Guthrie is spectacular with its long cantilevered hallway jutting out towards the Mississippi River.

From the top of the hill you see above, Nick and Gail got a little loopy.

Looking out the mirrored windows from the 5th floor of the theater.

Window shenanigans.

Looking down at the Stone Arch Bridge from the 5th floor observation deck.

Just had to have a hand-held camera shot!

One last look before the sun goes down and off to the show.

Looking out over the city from the 9th floor.  A fun night in the Mini Apple!

 

 



Trip to St. Paul: Part Three

Saturday, Gail and I explored downtown St. Paul, which is beautiful and reminded me of Quebec.  We visited the Mississippi River National Park Visitor's Center, and explored antique shops.  Next, we drove for about an hour west to meet Nick and Cassidy at Big Stone Mini Golf.  The drive was punctuated by many lakes and forested areas.

Gail has a soft spot for bike racks - especially ones like this!

The entrance to Big Stone Mini Golf and Sculpture Garden - a miniature golf course like nowhere else. 

The artist, farmer, resident, has access to heavy equipment!

A large dragonfly.

The goats are a big hit with us.  You gotta love goats!

It was so much fun to explore around, that we didn't tee-off for awhile.

That is actually a golf hole played totally under the boat.  Those are stained glass port-holes.

Horses made from horseshoes.

Another boat to nowhere.

Dog and girl.

The group spies something more interesting going on in the weeds!

Oh yeah!!

Horse made from auto, tool, and bike parts.

Cool!  Note, we are still bonding with our golf clubs.

Beetles were busting out in mass under this one tree.

This is the artist's home.  His studio is the big yellow barn in back.

We are actually playing golf now.  Nick, wearing his game face.

In the upside down boat, playing mini golf.

Putting from a bad lie, I went on to victory, probably due to the recent golf rounds with Dave.  It's all about the win!

Intense, really intense!!

Holes that incorporate nature and sculpture - tres magnifique!!

In the evening, we had dinner in a creole restaurant, went to Izzy's for killer ice-cream (rated best in the nation), and then out to Turf Club for drinks and music.  All the bands were playing George Jones music as a tribute to his recent passing.

That wraps it up for Part Three.  Don't worry, we're not done yet!