tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18860457657646106912024-03-13T23:24:07.166-07:00 The Many Exploits of Minneapolis Jenny Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886045765764610691.post-79228709891728018112014-09-02T20:17:00.002-07:002014-09-02T20:22:02.093-07:00State Park #8: Whitewater SP<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I needed to get into nature--nay, I craved some nature. After visiting Colorado in August, I yearned to go hiking and climbing and do whatever else you do among trees. Not just walking around a lake; I wanted elevation! I almost gave up that I'd find that in Minnesota. Not that the parks aren't green and vibrant here. They just lack that mountain-y feel.<br />
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I got a tip from some coworkers to check out <a href="http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/whitewater/index.html">Whitewater State Park</a> near Rochester (Southeast MN) since it has bluffs with views. I had a day off from working at the County Fair so off I went on an Friday adventure. I wanted a park semi-close so I could still sleep in a bit. I had a full jumbo mug of coffee and an audiobook loaded.<br />
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I pulled into the Whitewater parking lot not knowing what to expect. I popped into the park shop, had a quick, non-informative conversation with a teenage worker and grabbed a map.<br />
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It was an absolutely beautiful day. Humidity was low, sunny but not hot, and a cool breeze. I did the Coyote Point Trail. It started with a steep climb--literally, wooden stairs straight up--that hugged the some dolomite rock walls. I squealed with glee that I was actually climbing albeit stairs. The climb led to a trail covered with oak and maple trees. Although I would have loved hiking with John or other friends, I enjoyed taking my time and going at my own pace. I could star at pretty flowers and listen to the birds. And I hardly saw anyone else around. I had <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJGSHMgbB0E">"The Only Living Boy in New York"</a> by Simon and Garfunkel strumming in my head (Thanks to The Current) which made for quite a nice one-song soundtrack to my day.<br />
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I sighed with relief and contentment at the first bluff I perched on. This is exactly what I needed. I needed to look down on the world to feel at home *insert joke about me being judgmental*. Whitewater has plenty of overlooks, but it also has surprising meadows that pop out of nowhere, too, full of wildflowers and bird boxes.<br />
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After finishing the Coyote Trail, I didn't want to stop hiking so I kept chuggin' to the Chimney Rock outlook. Then I saw I was close to a lookout called Inspiration Point. How can you not go to a place called Inspiration Point? Worth it! My faith in Minnesota has been restored.<br />
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I'm very satisfied to add Whitewater State Park to my <a href="http://minnejenny.blogspot.com/p/state-parks-count-down.html">state park countdown</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first flight of forest stairs</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock beats paper? </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chimney Rock</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whitewater River</td></tr>
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Minne Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983458431883965153noreply@blogger.com0Whitewater State Park, Altura, MN 55910, USA44.0538944 -92.0518154000000144.0082479 -92.132496400000008 44.099540899999994 -91.971134400000011tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886045765764610691.post-76993306583398686822014-08-16T19:53:00.000-07:002014-08-16T20:02:06.756-07:00Kayaking in Wisconsin Back in one of those cold months like February or March, I saw a Groupon for kayaking with <a href="http://www.riverguidekayaks.com/">River Kayak Guides</a>. What do you do in winter but dream of the things you'll do when it's not winter? And a 2 for 1 kayak trip sounded just right! I immediately purchased one for me and John then convinced my co-worker/conspirator to buy one for him and his wife.<br />
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Then months went by....<br />
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Then I realized we only had like 3 weeks to use these suckers! It was summer!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect beer holder</td></tr>
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John, Steve, Cerina, and I played hookie on a perfectly warm June Friday and headed towards Wisconsin. Our half day water excursion started in River Falls, WI, which from what I hear is quite the party area. As Cerina said, "[Kayaking] is the most grown up thing I've done in River Falls!" Our kayak company met us and four others to unload boats and push off down the Kinnickinnic River. It's mostly protected along the riverbanks so you don't see cars or roads or any other civilization. As the Kayak Guides website informs us:<br />
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"The lower canyon of the Kinnickinnic River is a natural spring-fed class I trout stream that runs approximately eight miles from River Falls to the St. Croix River. The river has little to no development and is actively protected by the Kinnickinnic River Land Trust."</blockquote>
Our 8 mile adventure couldn't have been better....well for everyone but John. The water was moving steadily, our kayaks had beer holders, and the weather was a perfect 80 degrees. I can't image the river being any shallower, which apparently, it gets. Our boats hit the bottom multiple times. John hadn't been kayaking in a looong time (maybe never, but he won't admit it), so he was a little rusty. He did alright for the most part except for a tree that wanted to take him out. Luckily, Steve was near by to help him out. Damn trees.<br />
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I had a fantastic time! I recommend River Kayak and the Kinnickinnic River. It took about 3 hours to float down. We topped off our adventure with a Diary Queen Blizzard. Best Blizzard of my life! Don't ask how we felt the next day. It wasn't pretty.<br />
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Summer <a href="http://minnejenny.blogspot.com/p/things-to-do.html">To-do #20</a>-- Done!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is an inside joke for Alicia.</td></tr>
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<span id="goog_865240735"></span><span id="goog_865240736"></span><br />Minne Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983458431883965153noreply@blogger.com0River Falls, WI 54022, USA44.8613563 -92.62380819999998544.771322299999994 -92.785169699999983 44.9513903 -92.462446699999987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886045765764610691.post-3105901993514220762014-08-07T19:18:00.002-07:002014-08-07T19:19:27.180-07:00Rockin' the GardenThe high mark of summer in Minneapolis is checking out the line-up at <a href="http://www.thecurrent.org/feature/2014/04/15/rock-the-garden">Rock the Garden</a>, a festival sponsored by <a href="http://www.thecurrent.org/">The Currect</a> radio station and the <a href="http://www.walkerart.org/">Walker "Arts" Center</a>. This year they stretched the one day fest into a two-dayer, June 21-22. Sadly, even with two days chalked full of diverse music, none of the bands really appealed to me. I would've chosen Sunday for Spoon and Guided by Voices, but John and I wanted to spend the annual event with our co-Garden groupies, Rachel, Jenna, and Sarah. Saturday was when they wanted to go, so be it!<br />
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Rock the Garden is nestled on the hilly green next the arts center. In case it's not obvious, the fest is all about spending hours lounging on a picnic blanket, drinking beer and listening to music. We had a perfect spot on the lawn that was graced by the shade first.<br />
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John and I used our earned adulthood to have not just one but TWO Talenti ice creams as our main meal. Sarah B. devoured an extra-long corn dog. I also enjoyed Nitch's Kitchen's New Zealand meat pie. Yum! We were in luck this year since a friend of a friend was in the VIP tent where the Summit beer flows free.</div>
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The only band I though I might like to see was Best Coast, a surfer rock band that reminds me a bit of The Breeders. Sadly, I wasn't really impressed. They played fine but it was nothing to get excited about. Jeremy Messersmith put on a good performance but it's not my thing. Lizzo and De La Soul were respectable acts that I probably would have never seen if it hadn't been for Rock the Garden. The band that did rock my socks off was Matt and Kim. Holy Mother. They were amazing! They owned that audience. Kim stood on her drums to play them. They gave out balloons to the audience to heighten the visual stimulation. They had people crowd surf backwards. Cats and dogs were living together. Mass hysteria. </div>
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I, of course, was impressed with the recycling and composting managed by Eureka Recycling with a zero-waste goal. They work with the vendors before hand to make sure the only things served are recyclable or compostable. There were a few surprises like the Talenti ice cream wrappers and balloons that Matt&Kim threw out to the crowd.<br />
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<a href="http://minnejenny.blogspot.com/p/things-to-do.html">Things to Do #10 done! </a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah B and her 'dog</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't beat the view</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girls with Post-It mustaches</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt and Kim rocking out</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free water from City of Mpls</td></tr>
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Minne Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983458431883965153noreply@blogger.com0Lowry Hill, Minneapolis, MN, USA44.96959530008035 -93.28834533691406244.963978300080349 -93.298430336914066 44.975212300080351 -93.278260336914059tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886045765764610691.post-16076417927227917432014-07-02T15:08:00.000-07:002014-07-02T16:02:30.782-07:00Movie + Park + FriendsThis is the best representation of Movies in the Park from the always-right-on <a href="http://www.theonion.com/articles/nations-boyfriends-dreading-free-event-in-the-park,17654/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=SocialMarketing&utm_campaign=LinkPreview:NA:InFocus">The Onion</a>: <br>
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<em>Nation's Boyfriends Dreading 'Free Event in the Park' Season</em></h4>I wonder if John feels the same. I'll err on the safe side and just not ask. I'll assume he enjoys it as much as I do. <br><br>
Movies/Music in the Park is a full fledged must-do in the Twin Cities. I guess when you have the <a href="http://parkscore.tpl.org/rankings.php">best park system in the U.S</a>., you have to do something with them. Here are all the organization/businesses offering free movies in metro parks: <br>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.mplsmusicandmovies.com/#!full-movie-schedule/c7s7">Minneapolis Park & Rec Board</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.stpaul.gov/index.aspx?NID=3233">City of St. Paul</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.solera-restaurant.com/special_rooftop.php">Solera Restaurant</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.walkerart.org/calendar/2014/summer-music-movies-2014-playing-time">Walker Art Center</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.britspub.com/whats_on/index.php?strWebAction=event_detail&intEventID=1332">Brit's Pub</a> </li>
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Lucky for us, <a href="http://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/minneapolis/outdoor-movie-msp-calendar-msp-summer-movies?ref=facebook-869">ThrillList</a> put together all the above movie schedules into a neat little package. <a href="http://www.pocketyourdollars.com/2013/05/free-summer-activities-events-and-fun-in-minneapolis-and-st-paul-2013/">Suburban cities</a> have even gotten on this cinema bandwagon. Some items to not forget with movie-watching in the park: <br>
<ul>
<li>Blanket</li>
<li>Tarp to put under blanket</li>
<li>Bug spray!!!</li>
<li>Drinks (water and other...)</li>
<li>Snacks or cash to buy food from food trucks </li>
<li>Sense of humor--don't come to a park movie if you can't tolerate some talking, audience participation, or airplane flyovers </li>
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We just completed the grand month of June and John and I have already been to two movies in the park. That's pretty remarkable considering it's been raining almost every day and most parks are underwater. <br><br>
Our first flick was in celebration of Jess (John's sis) and Dustin's 20th anniversary. We all met at <a href="http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=4&parkid=230">Van Cleve Park</a> in Northeast for "front row" seats to <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089218/?ref_=nv_sr_1">The Goonies</a>. Although you're not supposed to bring alcohol, you can generally sneak in canned beer or disguise it in some way. It was a perfect evening of family and an 80s movie. Heeey Youuuu Guuuuuys! <br><br>
The second movie we check out was <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0294870/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Rent</a> at <a href="http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=4&parkid=266">Lake Harriet Bandshell</a> to kick off Pride weekend. We should have ridden bikes to this one because parking is always a cluster fuck. It wasn't too bad this time since we arrive way early. We staged some delicious ice cream from <a href="http://www.breadandpickle.com/">Bread & Pickle</a> (a <a href="http://www.hennepin.us/businessrecycling">Hennepin County Environmental Partner</a>) and cozied up with friends on our patchwork of blankets. I've got to say I wasn't too impressed with Rent although the singing was phenomenal; lyrics not so much. But I loved being there!<br><h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tqLjbVEo4I0/U7SPg0iiUDI/AAAAAAAAFu0/EMZD2qODmdc/s640/blogger-image--113395098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tqLjbVEo4I0/U7SPg0iiUDI/AAAAAAAAFu0/EMZD2qODmdc/s640/blogger-image--113395098.jpg"></a></div><br></h4><h4>What else should we see this summer? </h4>
Grease, Back to the Future, Top Gun, Beetlejuice, League of Their Own? Too many to choose from! <br>
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Number 3 on the Summer To-Dos knocked off! <br>
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<br>Minne Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983458431883965153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886045765764610691.post-77765211615249344612014-06-17T19:10:00.002-07:002014-06-17T19:14:14.094-07:00Peanuts and Cracker Jacks A warm September evening, John took me to my very first baseball game. It was our third date and the night I realized this was more than a new-city fling. That might be why I have fond feelings for baseball or at least the Twins.<br />
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In less than two years, I've been been to around 10 games, all at Target Field. I love going! It helps that the stadium has great recycling, diverts all its food waste behind the scenes, and reuses water for the field.<br />
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Seeing the Twins play will be on my summer to-dos for the foreseeable future. This year I made a specific task of eating some peanuts and Cracker Jacks (<a href="http://minnejenny.blogspot.com/p/things-to-do.html">#15 on the list</a>) at the game. This June 5 game was my third of the season and I was enjoyed the evening with John, my friends/co-workers and company. John and most of the group got their early to get a free Puckett jersey which is a big deal apparently.<br />
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Towards the third inning of a very looong game against the Brewers, I busted open my bag of Cracker Jacks. Sad news: no more box and an insufficient amount of nuts. Semi-good news: there's still a prize. I got myself a sparkling Orioles sticker. Oh yeah.<br />
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<br />Minne Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983458431883965153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886045765764610691.post-3648744146619394612014-06-01T21:10:00.000-07:002014-06-01T21:10:00.548-07:00The 2014 Summer To Do List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I don't want to get lazy in my second summer in Minnesota. Germaine and I agreed to make a list to live this summer as if it's our last. She might be moving in the fall and wants to enjoy every minute. I just like making lists and checking things off. Last year, I accomplished 18 of the 25. <div>
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Let the fun begin...<div>
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Check out the list of 25 <a href="http://minnejenny.blogspot.com/p/things-to-do.html">here</a>. </div>
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Minne Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983458431883965153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886045765764610691.post-19290767143687841842014-05-26T11:02:00.000-07:002014-05-26T11:08:13.349-07:00State Park #7: Lake Maria John and I wanted a weekend away since I've been travelling quite a bit or busy with work/volunteering. We spontaneously decided to get away for the weekend. We looked at B&Bs and historic hotels within a few hours of the Cities. The only one in our price range that was available was the <a href="http://www.thepalmerhousehotel.com/">Palmer House</a> in <a href="http://www.saukcentre.govoffice2.com/">Sauk Centre</a>, home to Sinclair Lewis and his <i>Main Street</i>. The hotel left much to be desired although it did have quite the Jacuzzi (yay!) and the attached pub was delicious.<br />
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On our way back home, we found the nearest state park to explore: <a href="http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/lake_maria/narrative.html">Lake Maria State Park</a> a little south of St. Cloud (about an hour from Minneapolis).<br />
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The park was just starting to emerge from winter with birds celebrating and flowers scattered about. Lake Maria is a big woods forest which means it has old-growth trees of maple, basswood, white and red elm, red oak, tamarack, and red cedar on the banks of numerous lakes. This section of Big Woods used to connect all the way to <a href="http://minnejenny.blogspot.com/2013/10/state-park-6-nerstrand-big-woods.html">Nerstrand Big Woods</a> in southern Minnesota. John and I visited that park last fall.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWESUbLULgtPJlg5-C5OXf_z8AdYqd7reukwqJ4MU7dwiwRROxuMLbCi7SZKu_Spi1bJjSN1bbpaJZQtcRT5HoeupfS7U4VIkX0XGsjVCfUZdIpcHagqYTai_eMVbsgj97azcBWY1HqA8/s1600/10359359_10152049787736640_1274914348_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWESUbLULgtPJlg5-C5OXf_z8AdYqd7reukwqJ4MU7dwiwRROxuMLbCi7SZKu_Spi1bJjSN1bbpaJZQtcRT5HoeupfS7U4VIkX0XGsjVCfUZdIpcHagqYTai_eMVbsgj97azcBWY1HqA8/s1600/10359359_10152049787736640_1274914348_o.jpg" height="142" width="200" /></a>An unexpected characteristic of Lake Maria is the endangered <a href="http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/rsg/profile.html?action=elementDetail&selectedElement=ARAAD04010">Blanding's turtle</a> that lives in park. I chuckled when we passed the "Rare Turtle Crossing" sign posted on the road. Then a mere 10 seconds later we saw a turtle crossing the road! (No wonder you're almost extinct turtle--get out the way, yo!) We found out later that guy was probably just a painted turtle. Blanding's turtles have yellow spots and are extremely shy (self conscious?).<br />
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I didn't bring adequate shoes with me so we ended up walking on a few of the "interpretive" trails. I use quotes because they weren't really interpretive. One trail had numbers that you followed but didn't really match to any info in the given brochure. Still, it was a beautiful day for a hike (walk).<br />
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First state park of the year! I'm still working towards my <a href="http://minnejenny.blogspot.com/p/state-parks-count-down.html">State Park Countdown</a>.<br />
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Signs of Spring</h3>
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engagement at the St. Patrick's Day Parade. More photos and video to come!<br />
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Jenny's perspective: </h3>
John asked me to take St. Patrick's Day off of work so we could go to the parade. I just thought it was 'cause he was a crazy Irishman. But I did it anyway (with encouragement from Rachel) to make him happy. We arrived about a half hour early to stand around for awhile with his family and a few of our friends. The parade started at noon, and it was pretty normal: a bunch of people dressed in green walking down the street; tall boys of Guinness; and bagpipes blaring. Fun to be had by all!<br />
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After about 30 minutes of the parade, the St. Paul City Council group passed by. John got in front of me and went down on one knee. I thought he was taking a picture. Then suddenly a sign from the city council group was coming towards us. I thought the parade was coming was coming at us--I was so confused! Then I saw the sign and it said "Jenny, John has a question for you". I looked down and John was holding a box and opened it to a diamond ring. He asked "Jenny, will you marry me?" I screamed/exhaled/laughed and said "yes!". He got up and slipped the ring on my finger. I hugged him and buried my smile in his shoulder.<br />
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I looked around and everyone was smiling and saying "Congratulations!" and cheering. I saw a banner being held up behind me that said "She said yes!". To add to the excitement, a large camera appeared next to us. The news heard what was happening and came over to interview us (it didn't end up airing). Crazy! I can't believe I could put together a coherent sentence (well maybe I didn't). I must have been bright red!<br />
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My friends, Germaine and Rachel, appeared out of nowhere and John's friend, Jeff. They were across the street waiting. Is this happening!!? Well we definitely couldn't watch anymore parade after that. We headed down to the pub to start celebrating!<br />
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I am completely honored and humbled that so many people would go to such lengths to make our day possible. I know John is a wonderful, caring, supportive person. And it shows in the company he keeps. I am so blessed to have him in my life. I've said it before, but I'll put it down on "paper": the universe pulled me to Minneapolis for a reason.<br />
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John's perspective:</h3>
I first came up with the idea to propose on Saint Patrick's Day (now sometimes known as John Ward Day) back in July of last year. The first people I told were my coworkers Stacey and Kelley. They thought it was a good idea. My original thought for the place to propose was at Merlin's Rest (a bar in Minneapolis) where we met back in September 2012. I was going to do it in front of the whole bar. But late last year my sister Jessica suggested I use the Saint Paul Saint Patrick's Day parade. Since we would probably know several people in the parade she also suggested we put them to use.<br />
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So over the months we formulated a plan. We would make a sign that would alert Jenny to the proposal happening. The next step was to figure out who would carry that sign in the parade. I immediately thought of my friend Nicole who works for city council member Chris Tolbert. I asked her to see if he would be interested in carrying the sign for me. Then I also enlisted another city council member Amy Brendmoen to be the other person to hold the sign. They both quickly agreed and we were off to the races!<br />
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Slowly the plan began to take shape. About a month ago Jessica and I went to Joann Fabrics and Home Depot to get supplies to make the banner. We spent probably about an hour at Joann Fabrics alone. The most difficult part was choosing what fabric to work with. Finally I decided a simple white fabric that had shamrocks in the pattern. It fit perfectly with the theme of the day. Next up we chose a few decorations to go on the fabric. Lastly, we stopped at Home Depot to buy paint to make the sign come alive with color.<br />
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Some of my family got together a few days later to put the signs together. I say signs because we collectively decided to make a second sign that I will explain a bit later. So on a cold Saturday morning my mother, father, sisters, nieces, brother-in-law, and aunt got together to make the signs. After a little back and forth we decided the first sign would say: "Jenny, John has a question for you". The second sign would say "SHE SAID YES!!". So over about 6 hours we traced, cut, played with Mircosoft Word, glued, and painted. Now when I say "we" I don't mean myself. I know my limitations and got together a crack staff of crafters. The signs came together beautifully! (Oh and special thanks to Dave Zaffrann for being my excuse for being gone all that day. We were "watching soccer" at a bar downtown.) After the sign took longer than we thought I had to tell a lie (which I hated doing) and tell Jenny that my sister's car broke down and that I had to go help her. Sigh...<br />
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Now over the past month I was able to enlist a lot of help with various tasks that I needed on Saint Patrick's Day. My friend Alex agreed to take care of all communications (texts, emails, phone calls) for the day so that I could concentrate. Nicole took care of communicating where the city council group was and let Alex know so that I could be ready when they arrived. Two of Jenny's best friends, Germaine and Rachel, were lurking in the crowd (out of sight) so that they could take pictures and then surprise Jenny afterward. My friend Jeff came down from Fargo and took pictures and also hung out with me the night before to help me remain calm. Lastly, Alex's wife Erica agreed to be my official videographer of the proposal. This was a team that had my back.<br />
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The day of the parade my father drove us down to the parade. I was worried about not getting down there on time so I had set a very firm time for us to be there. We ended up being at the designated spot at 11:30 (on time!). Some of family and Alex/Erica were already there. They had staked a terrific upfront spot at the corner of 5th and Market in downtown Saint Paul. The parade began at noon and of course I was incredibly antsy. The excitement and nervousness were both coming to the forefront but overall I was able to maintain my composure.<br />
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Nicole let Alex know throughout the parade where they were in relation to the designated spot. I was ready. The signs were ready. The City Council group made it to our spot around 12:25. I waved the group over to us as they came nearer. Then Jenny saw the sign. I've never seen a bigger look of confusion in my entire life. As she realized what was happening I got down to one knee. I struggled to get out the words that I wanted to but eventually settled on "Will you marry me?" I suppose those are the words that matter the most! SHE SAID YES! Above her Jessica and my friend Tammy unrolled the sign "SHE SAID YES" sign! It was perfect timing. All around me I could hear whooping and cheering from the entire crowd as they figured out what happened. I slipped the ring on Jenny's left ring finger. Now this was no ordinary ring. Jessica had allowed me to our Grandma Keldsen's engagement ring. She had been given it by my mother and aunt years ago. Jessica knew it was a special day and allowed this additional special thing to happen. I can't thank her enough.<br />
<br />
After the proposal was finished we were surrounded and engulfed by people. So many friends and family members congratulating and hugging us. It was amazing. I've never felt so loved or cared about. But the thing I couldn't get over was how both Jenny and I could not stop smiling. We both seem to know that this was right and that we had both found our special someone. Her and I took a moment after the parade to just look at each other and be happy. It was one of those moments I will never forget. She's the one for me and there was no doubt about it.<br />
<br />
But all of that was the easy part. Now we have to plan a wedding and life. That's going to make all my planning look like child's play.Minne Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983458431883965153noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886045765764610691.post-65375622084276567882014-01-15T19:44:00.001-08:002014-01-15T19:53:41.657-08:00Look Back and Smile Forward (Part II)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Now for the fun part: thinking about all the hanging out, trips to foreign lands, new skills and maybe a few tears.<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<h2>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Party like it's 2014</span></h2>
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: #134f5c;">Relationships <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjnDRwTsCLr1t0PKQ1jady5IEpziiIfKOoz88J8IJVjSNwId3wxKVH_v9vukPZMDBLF888CRRkBaw6gDvMYRv7C-baPI1Eex-7YJMmz0ZMlY9BCSwD8i8azxeu5LuH4F71vS5PY6DvN6P/s1600/alicia+coffee+break+6-16-13+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjnDRwTsCLr1t0PKQ1jady5IEpziiIfKOoz88J8IJVjSNwId3wxKVH_v9vukPZMDBLF888CRRkBaw6gDvMYRv7C-baPI1Eex-7YJMmz0ZMlY9BCSwD8i8azxeu5LuH4F71vS5PY6DvN6P/s1600/alicia+coffee+break+6-16-13+2.jpg" height="182" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A regular weekend coffee date with Alicia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></h3>
I can't wait to see where this whole John thing goes. Buckle up, internet! I will continue to work on our communication (me=not being condescending; him=being patient).<br />
<br />
I want to continue to keep in touch with all my friends. I miss them still and will think of new ways to let them know that. (carrier pigeon? stripper-gram?) Thank god for Skype!<br />
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I promise to go out more to meet new people. Maybe a book club, sewing class, outdoor adventure gang, boardgame nerdout.<br />
<br />
I haven't seen my Texas family in over a year. I'd like to go see them and catch up and get mad at them and then make up.<br />
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<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmA31cE1nAyLaK7FGAQggZ_kn7iHbNAfvFI8Z-ArvyDzf4EfN620AypwRAc9codCADkumNMk6jEzj-ioBZUp175VW_R4odWCzIX8_Th1QQzFmvknKW53yGT0gWWZAW8R3KFfaPOnOrS6TA/s1600/captain+planet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmA31cE1nAyLaK7FGAQggZ_kn7iHbNAfvFI8Z-ArvyDzf4EfN620AypwRAc9codCADkumNMk6jEzj-ioBZUp175VW_R4odWCzIX8_Th1QQzFmvknKW53yGT0gWWZAW8R3KFfaPOnOrS6TA/s1600/captain+planet.jpg" height="200" width="138" /></a></div>
<h3>
<span style="color: #134f5c;">Career </span></h3>
I'd like to help out more with <a href="http://northstar.sierraclub.org/">Sierra Club</a> especially the Communications Team. Maybe dabble in some outings.<br />
<br />
I want to become fluent in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop or at least make some cool flyers and edit pictures of my cats.<br />
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<h3>
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="color: #134f5c;">Home & Budget</span></h3>
<div>
John and I are apartment shopping. This will be our first time picking out a place, which might require some extra hard communicating (see above).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnUV5-L4HJBE-DEFan10PxCpnOOQbap_GWTGBKsVGVC08E9o_WaddnUB8Lv9htpToDHzjPrwKzh8egnHZzys4Js7zGXBFdk5yZlpWcJaCyVngVpIpMGMnzYL8uqZe__VholcpvEjGZqV3/s1600/cooking.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnUV5-L4HJBE-DEFan10PxCpnOOQbap_GWTGBKsVGVC08E9o_WaddnUB8Lv9htpToDHzjPrwKzh8egnHZzys4Js7zGXBFdk5yZlpWcJaCyVngVpIpMGMnzYL8uqZe__VholcpvEjGZqV3/s1600/cooking.png" height="200" width="171" /></a></div>
<br />
I want to play in the dirt again with John and maybe even grow some veggies. Our new apartment will probably not have a yard so we'll be back at the <a href="http://www.gardeningmatters.org/">community garden</a>--not that I'm complaining.<br />
<br />
John and I have continued to cook at home (with a few arguments) and have enjoyed healthy, yummy meals. Not surprisingly, we've saved some cash and cooked up some love (oh yeah). I'm hoping against hope that our new place will have a gas stove and a regular sized fridge.<br />
<br />
Continue paying down debt. As many people know, I'm not ashamed to discuss my debt and foolish spending habits. (Of course I need to spend $30 in China-dollar-zone at Target.) I pledge to keep using the <a href="https://www.familymeans.org/resources-budget-credit-counseling.html">envelope method</a> to increase my savings and pay off my Capital One card, ENT Loan and possibly my Lowe's credit card this year.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<h3>
<span style="color: #134f5c;">Spiritual & Intellectual & Physical</span></h3>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGDTBz4ykMGr6CrUnWxU1kM7juAMP3SgdGQyqVF0G_DKK0a5bqzrHtJg4WvWBg6Y29sbDkMEyPleEDolyGydsSZ_ExoFMCgXHInf7Nz5WFgQNJllk5nItbMGfQsHmP3_796ysFEaBkbC9/s1600/yoga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGDTBz4ykMGr6CrUnWxU1kM7juAMP3SgdGQyqVF0G_DKK0a5bqzrHtJg4WvWBg6Y29sbDkMEyPleEDolyGydsSZ_ExoFMCgXHInf7Nz5WFgQNJllk5nItbMGfQsHmP3_796ysFEaBkbC9/s1600/yoga.jpg" height="200" width="152" /></a>I NEED to find a yoga studio I like. I tried out 4 different places last year, yet nothing has appealed to me. I was spoiled at <a href="http://fountainofhealthyogastudio.com/">Fountain of Health</a> with inspirational instructors that I could trust. But in the Land of 10,000 yoga studios, there has to be one that fits me (and is reasonably close and affordable).<br />
<br />
Write in my journal more. I know it helps me tease out frustration and relieves some emotional constipation. I need to turn off the TV and pick up a pen!<br />
<br />
Complete my <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/challenges/1914-2014-reading-challenge">Goodreads</a> goal of 20 books. I probably could read more if those pesky <i>Game of Thrones</i> books ever ended. I read some <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user_challenges/789687">amazing books this year</a>. Fave fiction: <i>The Poisonwood Bible</i> Non-fiction pick: <i>Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks</i>.<br />
<br />
I'd like to continue to blog. I think it might just be for me. I have no subscribers and don't get too many comments. Yet I feel a little more accountable for my goals and I like sharing my new life with my old friends.<br />
<br />
More bikes, more hikes. I can't live in the #2 most bike friendly cities and not bike. I will bike to the lightrail in the summer and take that to work at least once a week. Two birds: save the world and firm my butt.<br />
<br />
I will complete some of my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/blueufoshow/">cross stitch and craft projects</a> that have been on the back burner for quite some time. They're probably burnt by now...<br />
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<h3>
<span style="color: #134f5c;">Experience & Travel </span></h3>
<div>
So many places to go, so little money and time. Hopefully my budget skills will allow me to go to<br />
these places this year:<br />
<br />
<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSW0nnVTnaOBqQSiwdCNFczZQFvdVNiGwbKZVylERNomB-rHtKGLW5TXeTsPal_JvRhsoB5MHsY_Ug3DujsHPwnrnxET1Iv-647qDm7H_n4uUbqxpveI4gchVDklzDhStCfeinM-1IMRR/s1600/friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSW0nnVTnaOBqQSiwdCNFczZQFvdVNiGwbKZVylERNomB-rHtKGLW5TXeTsPal_JvRhsoB5MHsY_Ug3DujsHPwnrnxET1Iv-647qDm7H_n4uUbqxpveI4gchVDklzDhStCfeinM-1IMRR/s1600/friends.jpg" height="155" width="200" /></a>
<li>California! in February with John to see Monica in LA, Sandi in San Francisco, Robin in Sacremento, and whales in the ocean</li>
<li>San Diego for Moriah & Kimberly lesbian beach wedding </li>
<li>Visit Colorado to see everyone! </li>
<li>The Big D to see my family (That's Dallas for everyone outside of Dallas)</li>
<li>Pop down to Branson to visit my mum </li>
<li>The big trip: Ireland in the fall with John for some Gaelic action </li>
</ul>
<div>
I will also stop into five Minnesota state parks to <a href="http://minnejenny.blogspot.com/p/state-parks-count-down.html">mark off my list</a> and get to know my state. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
More music, art and all that cultural crap. I must take advantage of Minneapolis as a nest for new acts and shows galore. </div>
<div>
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Minne Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983458431883965153noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886045765764610691.post-36844512859410046782014-01-11T17:29:00.001-08:002014-01-11T19:38:07.375-08:00Look Back and Smile Forward (Part 1)As you know, I love traditions. One activity I've been able to keep up is reviewing the past year and looking at the future every new year with my best friend, Alicia. The last two years we've had to Skype but that hasn't stopped us! Here are my 2013 revelations and my 2014 expectations.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">2013, you blew my mind! </span></h2>
<h3>
<span style="color: #741b47;">
John. </span></h3>
Simply said, I got to be with John. We created adventures, fought about trivial things (cheese?!), and decided to move all of our crap together for better or worse.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicipocShpbB2mosWMOZB80bahRvooLRPGl-72pCgXlMzIYWgYC_29Ef6HXpMpcY7gSd13LVpITy2KpW_p9Bxiu45p5See6ThMkZToxf5eKNm3_7kEzzWCRD4an9MEh_Nd1uToabw3OUQv8/s1600/JK+JW+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicipocShpbB2mosWMOZB80bahRvooLRPGl-72pCgXlMzIYWgYC_29Ef6HXpMpcY7gSd13LVpITy2KpW_p9Bxiu45p5See6ThMkZToxf5eKNm3_7kEzzWCRD4an9MEh_Nd1uToabw3OUQv8/s1600/JK+JW+collage.jpg" height="136" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<h4>
</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
<span style="color: #741b47;">Friends, new and old. </span></h3>
I made many great friends in Minnesota that I'm thankful for. Rachel, Germaine, and I have explored this strange Midwest world and had quite a few laughs because of it (you drive on ice?!). <a href="http://www.couchsurfing.org/">Couchsurfing</a>, <a href="http://northstar.sierraclub.org/">Sierra Club</a>, work and volunteering have opened the doors for me to ask the hard question, "Hey...so...you wanna hang out...or something?"<br />
<br />
I had quite a few visitors to my new home: Christina in January, Alicia in March, Julia in April, <a href="http://minnejenny.blogspot.com/2013/07/visitors-off-all-sorts-part-i.html">Mom in June</a>, and Hannah in September. I hope to have many more visitors in 2014! (Hint: get your ass over here)<br />
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<h3>
<span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: #741b47;">
Explored my new home. </span></h3>
<div>
With my new MN drivers license, I zoomed across the Cities and state to visit friends, go to events, and check off state parks. I got out during the winter to an kite festival on a frozen lake, ice fishing and ice skating. My summer was filled with <a href="http://minnejenny.blogspot.com/p/things-to-do.html">To-dos</a> (I did 18 of 25--not bad)<br />
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<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: #741b47;"><a href="http://minnejenny.blogspot.com/2013/09/how-to-turn-30.html">I turned 30! </a></span></h3>
I still feel like I'm 28. That's a good age. But alas, I'm going into my forth decade on this earth. My birthday was insanely awesome! A week of events with friends culminating in a surprise visit from Hannah for the big day. (Credit: Thanks John for my awesome birthday gift of Hannah.<br />
<br />
I had longed to go to Italy for my 30 birthday with my sister, but that idea floated away when I couldn't make the finances work. Instead, Julia and I went to Costa Rica. I had dreamed of going since I learned about the cloud rain forests in elementary school. It was an unexpected and completely amazing trip.<br />
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<h4>
</h4>
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<h3>
<span style="color: #741b47;">
Screw you, credit cards!</span></h3>
<div>
I am proud to say I met with a financial counselor from<a href="https://www.familymeans.org/"> Family Means</a>, a non-profit to help with your budget and debt management. I held to my budget and cash-only spending the whole year (a few hiccups occurred) and was rewarded with paying off 2 of my credit cards. I'm tired of being in debt and finally feel like I have control. I didn't use credit once last year even though I had many unexpected expenses pop up.<br />
<div>
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<h2>
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">And now for 2014....</span></h2>
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Minne Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983458431883965153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886045765764610691.post-91995755626194293472014-01-10T20:15:00.003-08:002014-01-10T20:15:57.116-08:00My first white Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I stayed hunkered down in the Midwest for the holidays. After spending Thanksgiving with my mom in Branson, I promised John that we could celebrate Christmas with his family. I was a little melancholy at first; I didn't have any of my traditions here. I was excited to join in John's family's traditions, but I wanted my own, too.<br />
<br />
One of the activities that I look forward to every year is a mani-pedi on Christmas Eve with my sister, our friend Kathleen, and the other lovely ladies during my Dallas vacation (wine included, of course). I would have never done this on my own--I hadn't even had my nails done before--but now I can't wait for a little girl time and pretty nails. Although I wasn't in Dallas to enjoy the polish festivities, I decided to make my own fabulous tradition in Minneapolis. Germaine and I went to get pampered and sip wine. What a great start to Christmas!<br />
<br />
Another new tradition with John: visiting the <a href="http://www.comozooconservatory.org/">Como Zoo</a> on Christmas Day. We saw a polar bear playing outside in the snow and seals playing in the water. We had to strip off layers in the Tropics area and greenhouses. We even saw a sloth! Perfect Christmas morning! The rest of the day I could share in John's family traditions: gifts, dinner, drinks and quality time.<br />
<br />
As my blog title suggest, this was, in fact, my first white Christmas. But didn't I grow up in Colorado? Yes, but surprisingly it doesn't snow around Christmas. I've had many (too many) white Halloweens, but never a snowy day on Christmas. Minnesota's holiday produces perfect, fluffy snow. It's all I could talk about!<br />
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<br />Minne Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983458431883965153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886045765764610691.post-16033384123450256412013-10-14T19:29:00.001-07:002013-10-14T19:29:56.951-07:00State Park #6: Nerstrand Big WoodsWhat kind of crazy double name is <a href="http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/nerstrand_big_woods/index.html">Nerstrand Big Woods</a>? Turns out there's a lot of history in that name. The town of Nerstrand was settled in the 1850s in southern Minnesota near a large area of forest. See where this is going? The "big woods" represents the contiguous forest of trees typical of southern Minnesota prior to those devilish European settlers. Settlers used the forest to plant woodlots for a more sustainable wood source.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"In the spring, the park is a wildflower garden where hepatica, bloodroot, Dutchman's breeches, and the dwarf trout lily bloom. The autumn brings a burst of red, orange, and gold in the maple-basswood forest, one of the last extensive stands of the "Big Woods." When winter comes, ski or snowmobile the trails through picturesque woods."</span></blockquote>
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John and I took an afternoon drive to the state park to view some colorful leaves. First we had to get me an updated <a href="http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/permit.html">state parks pass</a>. A mere $25 gets me into all parks for a year--what a deal!<br />
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It was a lovely fall day for a brisk walk around the park. The trails are super easy and even bring you by a waterfall. The trees in Minneapolis have started their transformation from green to orange, red, and yellow. The aspens were in full swing but I bet another week would've added more color.<br />
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One more state park visited! Only 62 to go!<br />
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Fall!</h3>
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<br />Minne Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983458431883965153noreply@blogger.com0Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park, 170th Street East, Nerstrand, MN 55053, USA44.3416165 -93.10465479999999244.2961945 -93.18533579999999 44.3870385 -93.0239738tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886045765764610691.post-92123185044125638002013-09-27T20:00:00.000-07:002013-09-27T20:00:54.902-07:00How to turn 30 I was dreading my 30 birthday. I don't know why; it's never been a big deal for me. But the months leading up to my Virgo birth date, brought on shortness of breath, headaches, and a few tears. I wasn't necessarily scared to turn 30 but hated to do it without my clan of friends from Colorado. I decided to not fear this ominous and irreversible event, but take it on with as much excitement as possible.<br />
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My birthday week--yes WEEK--was one to remember; however, I could never have made so many happy memories by myself. The bright red cherry on my birthday sundae was conspired by my wonderful boyfriend. He helped fly one of my <a href="http://justpeachy-darling.blogspot.com/">best friends</a> out from Colorado to share in the 30-something festivities. I can't begin to describe how much it meant to see a supportive face that has been there for me for years. I love my new Minnesotan friends. I also desperately needed some Colorado love. Dreams come true!<br />
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Bday Minus 5 Days</h4>
Germaine, John, and I enjoyed the rarely-heard-now <a href="http://www.minnesotaorchestramusicians.org/">Minnesota Orchestra</a> at the Harriet Bandshell. The sunny, breezy day was perfect for listening to classical music in the open air with thousands of other people. Germaine packed a lovely picnic basket and let the sounds roll over us.<br />
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<h4>
Bday Minus 2 Days</h4>
I was still getting over a severe head cold but couldn't resist joining my friend Rachel for dinner. Her, Ben, John, and I went to <a href="http://merlinsrest.com/">Merlin's Rest </a>for a pub meal, draught beer, and challenging trivia. This is where John and I met one year ago tomorrow. A very special trivia night that was our beginning.<br />
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Bday Minus 1 Day</h4>
My birthday isn't the only celebration this week. John and I have now been together for one year. We had a lovely evening at the <a href="http://www.artsmia.org/index.php?section_id=284">Minneapolis Institute of Art's Third Thursdays</a>. The theme was LOL with special interactive exhibits, a band, and beer. Then we went to the restaurant of our first date: <a href="http://www.tumrupthai.com/">Tum Rup Thai</a>. I've been looking forward to going back here for a year. It's so good!<br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">Birthday!</span></h3>
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John woke me on Friday with a small token to get my birthday started; a shiny necklace and earrings. Then I strolled into work with a smile and chocolate zucchini brownies. I actually always liked going to work or school on my birthday. It gets all involved (whether they like it or not). My bosses were out for my bday and it was pretty relaxed. I met co-workers for lunch at<a href="https://royalty.redrobin.com/"> Red Robin</a> 'cause I got a free meal for the occasion. John was also scheduled to meet us there. But he wasn't alone. My friend <a href="http://justpeachy-darling.blogspot.com/">Hannah</a> from Colorado followed him into the restaurant .WHAT?!?! He helped fly my friend in for the weekend. I almost screamed with glee! The rest of the lunch was a blur and I couldn't stop smiling.<br />
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I ditched work for the rest of the day and hung out with Hannah. Since she is my very 50s vintage friend, I knew it would be a weekend of exploring vintage stores and thrift shops. We stopped by a few after we got settled at my apartment.<br />
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Brewery tour to celebrate! We met some other friends in Northeast and made our hoppy way to three breweries: <a href="http://www.dangerousmanbrewing.com/">Dangerous Man</a>, <a href="http://www.indeedbrewing.com/">Indeed</a>, and <a href="http://www.612brew.com/">612 Brew</a>. By far, Indeed had the best beer and atmosphere. For some reason, you don't get free drinks after your 20s for your birthday. I know this now. Great beer, great friends, awesome birthday!<br />
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Bday plus 1 day</h4>
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Hannah, John, and I picked up Germaine after eating delicious breakfast at <a href="http://thebadwaitress.com/">Bad Waitress</a>. Off we went to the Hastings area to the <a href="http://carpenternaturecenter.org/">Carpenter Nature Center</a> to meet Sarah and Ashely. The morning was perfect for an easy hike around the St. Croix River then apple picking at the nearby orchard, <a href="http://fischerscroixfarmorchard.com/">Fischer's</a>. Fabulous start to the first day of fall!<br />
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More vintage shopping... Indian dinner...movie rental and relaxing at my apartment.<br />
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Bday plus 2 days</h4>
Brunch at <a href="http://www.moderntimesmpls.com/">Modern Times</a> and more vintage shopping. Our big tourist activity was visiting the state capitol, which surprisingly non of my other friends/family were interested in seeing. I wish we had had more time but it was fun to peek in. That got us hungry for Ethiopian food. The breezy evening and full moon motivated us to stroll along the stone arch bridge.<br />
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Bday plus 3 days</h4>
Saddest day. I had to drop off Hannah at the airport today, but first we enjoyed a frou frou donut at Glam Donuts and homeless people at the Central library. Sigh. I'll miss you my sassy friend!<br />
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Bday plus 4 days</h4>
To end the week of 30 something fun, I met friends at Acme Comedy Club. They give you and 5 friends free tickets to a show Tues-Thurs. I think laughing hysterically was the appropriate beginning to my 30s.<br />
<br />Minne Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983458431883965153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886045765764610691.post-83243572680007781092013-08-28T20:31:00.003-07:002013-08-28T20:38:43.533-07:00The Great Minnesota Get Together<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It might seem like I made up the clever title of this blog, but it was the great marketers of the <a href="http://www.mnstatefair.org/">Minnesota State Fair </a>aka The Great Minnesota Get Together.<br />
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John and I visited the annual convergence in the midst of a heat wave. The temps here have been in the 90s all week with humidity at 50-60%. That's dang hot. Apparently not hot enough to keep us away from fried foods and loud music.<br />
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The fair is much bigger than the Colorado fair (sorry, friends) and more interesting than the Texas fair (sorry, family). Over <a href="http://www.mnstatefair.org/general_info/attendance.html">100,000 visitor</a> peruse booths and entertainment every day during the 12 day celebration of everything Minnesotan.<br />
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Fun fact: Over 450 types of food are sold at 300 booths. </blockquote>
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With a fair app downloaded on my phone, we hopped on the bus after work ready to explore. I took the obligatory first-fair-experience pic at the gate and then we headed straight for the fried food. My choice: a Pronto Pup. As a non-native midwesterner, I didn't know what the hell a Pronto Pup was until a few weeks ago. I visited the Dakota County Fair with some co-workers. We were checking on the recycling containers but, of course, we had to get a snack. A Pronto Pup, so I'm told, is similar to a corndog but instead of a cornmeal outer layer it's made of half cornmeal and half flour. Before serving, the vendor brushes ketchup or mustard all over it and hands it over. It's delightful!<br />
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Next up: a whole building dedicated to environmental stuff called <a href="http://www.mnstatefair.org/entertainment/eco_experience.html">The Eco Experience</a>! Inside were displays for public transit, wind and solar energy, science research for new materials, green building info, and recycling. I could have spent the rest of the evening here if John wasn't getting hungry.<br />
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We walked around the fair for the next three hours and saw crafts in the Creative Activities Building; plants in the Ag Building; semi-wildlife in the Division of Natural Resources building; and education booths in the Education Building. We also saw Hanson--that's right, HANSON--at one of the free stages. Mmm ok. In between all this fun I had a peanut butter and chocolate shake and John had a pail o' fries.We also saw public radio in action with Mark Wheat blastin' some tunes.<br />
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To get back to our entrance, we took the Sky Ride across the park. It's a great way to see the sites and also Depeche Mode who happened to be playing at the Grandstand. To complete our fair adventure, I had a last snack of deep fried Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and John slurped down an over-sized root beer.<br />
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Our fair experience was complete!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute stitchery at the Creative Activities Bldg</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bicycle exhibit</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some recycling </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5zBwBkU6ePo/Uh69OvUJxWI/AAAAAAAAAs8/_qFrq2GUYfw/s1600/IMG_4433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5zBwBkU6ePo/Uh69OvUJxWI/AAAAAAAAAs8/_qFrq2GUYfw/s320/IMG_4433.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John, Speaker in the Hizzouse</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh My! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d6jcqDd0rVY/Uh69S90hLrI/AAAAAAAAA5g/hN2uyPrxV8M/s1600/IMG_4441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d6jcqDd0rVY/Uh69S90hLrI/AAAAAAAAA5g/hN2uyPrxV8M/s320/IMG_4441.JPG" width="198" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recycle your cans!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nTAJt4YjKLs/Uh69bdQJCnI/AAAAAAAAAvo/dkqcnzlzqD0/s1600/IMG_4457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nTAJt4YjKLs/Uh69bdQJCnI/AAAAAAAAAvo/dkqcnzlzqD0/s320/IMG_4457.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful '40s building </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gXvVoXkpObM/Uh69c5dmB2I/AAAAAAAAAwI/2aXudwVkh_M/s1600/IMG_4460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gXvVoXkpObM/Uh69c5dmB2I/AAAAAAAAAwI/2aXudwVkh_M/s320/IMG_4460.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool display about plants' roots</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qQ4Kmv0_s0U/Uh69c2I93OI/AAAAAAAAAwM/k8wUoZE3YSQ/s1600/IMG_4461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qQ4Kmv0_s0U/Uh69c2I93OI/AAAAAAAAAwM/k8wUoZE3YSQ/s320/IMG_4461.JPG" width="217" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art made from seeds. Yep</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Prg_fLZ7WAk/Uh69e4u0WJI/AAAAAAAAAwY/-5e5nq_-dCQ/s1600/IMG_4464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Prg_fLZ7WAk/Uh69e4u0WJI/AAAAAAAAAwY/-5e5nq_-dCQ/s320/IMG_4464.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We blitzed the Republican booth</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nY77BOtU4KI/Uh69kUzZGTI/AAAAAAAAAxY/qiNTs1-OckY/s1600/IMG_4477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nY77BOtU4KI/Uh69kUzZGTI/AAAAAAAAAxY/qiNTs1-OckY/s320/IMG_4477.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deep fried Reese's. So good</td></tr>
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<br />Minne Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983458431883965153noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886045765764610691.post-13516127671752365582013-08-25T17:18:00.001-07:002013-08-25T17:19:52.666-07:00I'd Rather Be Tubing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I got an intense urge to go on the river late last week. Maybe it was the forecast of 95 degrees all weekend. For once, I didn't have too much to do Saturday or Sunday, so I convinced John and Rachel to float down a river. The closest tubing operation is <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g43323-i372-k1404940-Apple_River_Tubing-Minneapolis_Minnesota.html">Apple River</a>, but I read reviews and heard from friends that it's more like Girls Gone Wild: drinking, nudity and littering. The latter is what really disgusted me. Instead, we headed an hour south to <a href="http://www.welchmill.com/">Welch Mill</a> near Hastings, Minnesota. The employees were all very friendly and efficient.<br />
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For a mere $10 each, you get an innertube and a shuttle ride up river. Anyone who's floated the Arkansas River in Pueblo (or anywhere) knows the most annoying part of tubing is vehicle logistics. Pueblo really needs to start a shuttle operation! <br />
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We passed up the short trip of 40 minutes and opted for the longer 3.5 hour trip. In hindsight we should've chosen the 40 minutes trip and gone a few times. Over 3 hours is just too long to bake in the sun. Although each bus carried 50 people every 20 minutes, the river was never overwhelmingly crowded. Tubing was a perfect way to spend a 90+ degree day!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John is super excited!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rachel braces for the cold water</td></tr>
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<br />Minne Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983458431883965153noreply@blogger.com0Welch, MN 55089, USA44.5683003 -92.73853209999998621.6092788 -134.04712609999999 67.5273218 -51.429938099999987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886045765764610691.post-87307980166044473662013-08-23T21:05:00.001-07:002013-08-23T21:08:26.734-07:00New Kids on the Bocce<div>
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I totally stole that title from the name of a bocce league team in Minneapolis. I played my first bocce game tonight! </div>
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I met some friends at <a href="http://www.nomadpub.com/">The Nomad</a> in Minneapolis to have a beer and throw some balls. I had never even heard of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bocce">bocce </a>(pronounced botch-ee) until I moved here. You basically throw four heavy balls across a sand pit towards a smaller ball and aim to get them closer than your opponent's balls. </div>
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I have to say I did pretty well for my first time. The refreshing <a href="http://abita.com/brews/our_brews/purple-haze">Purple Haze</a> brew from Abitas might have helped, too. It's fun and a way better way to drink a beer than sitting on a lame barstool. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rachel tossin' some balls</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886045765764610691.post-11206856646010744852013-08-14T13:59:00.000-07:002013-08-14T14:01:09.976-07:00Berry Pickin' in Minnesota<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrea's prize</td></tr>
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I gotta tell ya: I had heard a rumor you could pick your own produce at farms, but I thought this was limited to Consumers Supported Agriculture (CSAs) or people with connections. Apparently I have a connection! Well a friend with experience, anyway.<br />
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Andrea, my crafting/baking/awesome New Yorker friend, regularly goes to pick produce from area farms. She picked strawberries earlier this summer (can't believe I missed that!). I was lucky enough to be invited to gather blueberries with her last weekend.<br />
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<a href="http://bauerberry.com/">Bauer Berry Farms</a> is an adorable family farm in Champlain, MN--about 40 minute north of Minneapolis. (It would have been a shorter trip if we didn't get detoured 3 times.) From their website:<br />
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"The Bauer Berry Farm has operated as a family farm since 1977. Throughout the years we have attempted to reduce our impact on the environment. We have planted wind shelter belts and rye cover crops to minimize soil erosion. A grass buffer zone around our wetland reduces run-off. We have introduced the use of many organic plant and soil amendments to our crops. We monitor our fields and apply pesticides only when absolutely necessary."</blockquote>
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Berry picking wasn't as hard as I expected. We rolled in with our containers--me, a large salad bowl and lid; Andrea, an empty beer bucket and Rubbermaid bin--and were directed to a row of bushes we could start to assault. Each family or friends had a line of about 100 feet that you could pick. The bushes are about 3 feet high so sometimes squatting or bending over can become exhausting, especially for the berries that like to hide. After an hour we were satisfied with our haul. We got our buckets weighed so we could pay. <b>I picked 5.3 lbs of blueberries for a grand total of $17! </b>Find other Minnesota options for pick-your-own <a href="http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/taste/blogs/159635625.html">here</a>.<br />
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Now to the fun part: using all those berries. Here are the usual options:<br />
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<li><a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Freeze-Blueberries/?ALLSTEPS">Freeze 'em</a>. Put berries on a baking sheet or plate in one layer and place in the freezer. Once they're frozen, put them in a freezer bag. Individually freezing them takes out the mushy factor. </li>
<li><a href="http://allrecipes.com/howto/13-top-rated-blueberry-recipes/">Bake 'em</a>. Make pancakes, muffins, breads, pie, and other delicious items while they're fresh. You can use your frozen berries later, of course, too. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.simplebites.net/how-to-make-your-own-blueberry-syrup/">Liquefy 'em</a>. With a little sugar, water, and heat, you too could have delectible berry syrup. It lasts up to three months in the fridge</li>
<li><a href="http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2010/06/raw-naturally-sweetened-berry-freezer-jam.html">Can 'em</a>. Besides making syrup, blueberries can be made into jams and jellies and sealed up nicely in canning jars. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-dry-fruit-in-the-oven-92637">Dry 'em</a>. Fancy people have food dehydrators to dry fruits and veggies. You can also use your oven; it just takes longer and is probably not as energy efficient. </li>
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Minne Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983458431883965153noreply@blogger.com0Champlin, MN, USA45.1888539 -93.39745370000002845.0993159 -93.558815200000026 45.278391899999995 -93.23609220000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886045765764610691.post-22003471846627692902013-08-07T20:40:00.000-07:002013-08-07T20:40:48.889-07:00To-do #4: Art in Powderhorn, Yo![<a href="http://minnejenny.blogspot.com/p/things-to-do.html">To-do List</a> #4: Buy some goodies at the <a href="http://www.powderhornartfair.com/">Powderhorn Art Fair</a>--DONE!]<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Arial Narrow', Helvetica, Verdana, san-serif; font-size: 10px; font-style: italic; line-height: 15.421875px; text-align: left;">PAF 2013 design based on a flag by Maggie Dobbin</span></td></tr>
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The first weekend in August is apparently art fair weekend. Three different festival were buzzing around Minneapolis: <a href="http://uptownartfair.com/">Uptown Art Fair</a>, by far the biggest and most crowded; Loring Park; and, <a href="http://www.powderhornartfair.com/">Powderhorn Art Fair</a>.<br />
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I live right across the street from Powderhorn Park so I had no excuse to skip out on visual stimulation. The 2013 fair marks the 22nd year for local, regional, and U.S. artists to sell their wares. Over 180 booths wrapped around the picturesque lake to showcase pottery, jewelry, fiber art, stained glass, paintings, and woodwork.<br />
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I wish had enough money to buy some bigger artwork or jewelry, but I could only afford a few smaller items. Several friends and family have birthdays in August and the fair provided the perfect opportunity to buy some unique gifts. Some of my favorite artists were:<br />
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<a href="http://lakestonejewelry.com/?gallery=current-items">Lakestone Jewelry</a> morphs found rocks from Lake Superior into beautiful jewelry. </div>
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I bought a simple pendent necklace</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwH12znCvpDYDCFlWElEjllQ9cyj0XnvIe2lXpERHFCpZh5J1-3Xb821SKG6XX2z3Sl59RuBgc5stIBP_WpzeDmt3mjYZ46iC-_HCww6e27KgBLco4T1NjTixbTLM6IDS-sSGVha4wJj36/s1600/little+pieces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwH12znCvpDYDCFlWElEjllQ9cyj0XnvIe2lXpERHFCpZh5J1-3Xb821SKG6XX2z3Sl59RuBgc5stIBP_WpzeDmt3mjYZ46iC-_HCww6e27KgBLco4T1NjTixbTLM6IDS-sSGVha4wJj36/s320/little+pieces.jpg" width="259" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.littlepiecesofart.typepad.com/" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">Little Pieces of Art</a><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> creates intriguing mixed media collages</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/studioegk" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">Emily Gray Koehler's</a><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> paintings explore nature with vibrant colors. <br />I enjoyed her trees so much that I bought a little piece as a gift.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX3LbE2VD1OzBpvhyphenhyphen0MdaBH1iVjJ950Dd_tJxrTsL7YPMwrpagknPApXsljbkSqNC_K8QQpFOzWCRoA0gU6XgKS9aoj_QYaQSkGyPHGGIPbtW1DL5Gv4Tv_WKZQk7yAlKiIStrkHGmBOxa/s1600/puzzle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX3LbE2VD1OzBpvhyphenhyphen0MdaBH1iVjJ950Dd_tJxrTsL7YPMwrpagknPApXsljbkSqNC_K8QQpFOzWCRoA0gU6XgKS9aoj_QYaQSkGyPHGGIPbtW1DL5Gv4Tv_WKZQk7yAlKiIStrkHGmBOxa/s320/puzzle.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/puzzlemist" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">Puzzle Mist </a><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">carves intricate, unique wood puzzles. A mere dozen pieces can be put together literally 100 different ways. And very affordable!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://ppna.org/">Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association</a> and the <a href="http://www.minneapolisparks.org/home.asp">Minneapolis Parks and Rec Board</a> puts on the event each year and, I must say, it ran very smoothly. To get as many people to all three fairs as possible, <a href="http://www.metrotransit.org/art-pass.aspx">Metro Transit</a> ran a free bus route in between each fair all day. That's amazing!<br />
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John and I volunteered for the morning shift on Sunday. We worked at the information table and sold t-shirts and tried to answer questions. Fair attendees were all around happy-go-lucky (except for the 2 assholes we had to deal with). This was the first year the event tried to go waste-free, but I have a feeling it didn't go so well. I'll just have to volunteer next year to help out with that!Minne Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983458431883965153noreply@blogger.com0Powderhorn Lake Park, 3400 15th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55407, USA44.942961783138877 -93.25672421219485444.940152283138879 -93.261766712194856 44.945771283138875 -93.251681712194852tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886045765764610691.post-20222842389101859442013-07-31T21:13:00.002-07:002013-07-31T21:16:19.201-07:00People Do This!? People decorate their cars here! Well not everyone, only the cool people and you can see them all at the annual <a href="http://www.artcarparade.com/">Art Car Parade</a>. I've been looking forward to see all the art-on-wheels roll by all at the same time. The "parade" is more of a thrown-together take-over of a street that hugs Lake Calhoun for cars and bikes decked out.<br />
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John and I were also enjoying the last of Aquatennial on Saturday. We missed all the other events during the 10-day celebration of Minneapolis mostly because....I forgot it was happening. But we did catch the free admission day at the <a href="http://www.thebakken.org/">Bakken Museum</a>. (Side note: this museum is awesome! I recommend adults and kids going for hands on learning/fun about electricity.) We relaxed on Lake Calhoun before the parade starting by getting some grub at <a href="http://www.breadandpickle.com/">Bread n' Pickle</a> and laying around on a blanket in the grass. Sigh....good times. </div>
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The parade was cool for the mere 20 minutes it lasted. We saw about 15 cars with themed paintings and adornments including one wiht dominoes glued all over it, a VW Bug decorated in fairies, and a car-turned-Yellow-Submarine. Noticeably missing were the vehicles seen around town decorated all year: the van covered in astro turf, the car with seashells, etc. Enjoyable on a summer's eve but nothing I'd get turbo-excited about. I am excited about decorating my car for next year!!!!<br />
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19. Check out the Aquatennial (July 12-20) Kinda done</div>
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21. Gawk at the Art Car Parade (July 20) DONE!</div>
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The Cars </h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow Submarine with Beatles music blaring </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This guy makes bikes that also transport your dog!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A turtle car--not E.T. as I had originally thought</td></tr>
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Minne Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983458431883965153noreply@blogger.com0Irving, MN, USA45.263186373575977 -94.83052282695314345.240837873575977 -94.870863326953142 45.285534873575976 -94.790182326953143tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886045765764610691.post-41072545893965723552013-07-20T20:41:00.000-07:002013-07-23T21:53:23.282-07:00Canoe the High Seas...or How to Save Your Relationship<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27c6j-TYt8VdhyphenhyphendC8zX4miqFHmD9GpMfbdmLmzVlTjJZsXyCoj_od7U9Yvq0ZXbFrSa2USxoizrV8eCTWFPcc63aMmGq9Ky3fEFzwPBQbdKPmH-U2whx6-129HbJIs3HbBgJKu9zCHu-o/s1600/1070332_10151490709021640_1313514482_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27c6j-TYt8VdhyphenhyphendC8zX4miqFHmD9GpMfbdmLmzVlTjJZsXyCoj_od7U9Yvq0ZXbFrSa2USxoizrV8eCTWFPcc63aMmGq9Ky3fEFzwPBQbdKPmH-U2whx6-129HbJIs3HbBgJKu9zCHu-o/s320/1070332_10151490709021640_1313514482_o.jpg" width="270" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rachel, me and John</td></tr>
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John and I wanted to get out this fine weekend (and apparently everyone else in Minneapolis did, <br />
too). Let's go canoeing! My co-worker had urged us to borrow her canoe anytime this summer so it wouldn't sit idle. After hunting down her flotation device, we were ready to go a-canoeing. We flopped into the water in a silver apparatus ready to own that <a href="http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=4&parkid=258">Lake of the Isles</a>. Boy, were we unprepared.<br />
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First of all, kayaking skills do not transfer easily to canoe. I know that now. We ran into my friends as they were headed to shore and they gave us some tips. Apparently, the person in back steers (me) while the person in front is the muscle (John). We set forth with this knowledge and this knowledge only. I tried to use my rafting "skills" to call out paddle strokes to John, but that didn't work as well as I thought.<br />
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We somehow got to the the Cedar Ave. canal, a beautiful canal with a stone arch entrance that leads to another lake. Normally, we would ooh and awe at the <a href="http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/aquatic_plants/floatingleaf_plants/white_water_lily.html">white water lilies</a> and canopy of trees. This trip down the canal was filled, instead, with the noises of John and I snapping at each other "paddle this way!"; splashing water at each other with paddles; and the slow bang of our canoe running into sides of canal/trees/kayakers. Then, finally, silence of me not talking out of frustration and humiliation. Just breathe....<br />
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Once out of mass hysteria in the canal (20 minutes), we actually were doing a better job. We started too big, I think. We got to the shore in more or less a straight line without hating each other. John put up with my frustrated grunts-followed-by-silence. Afterward, he even said "Your impatience won't drive me away". That filled my heart with joy since anyone who knows me knows that my impatience can be bountiful.<br />
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We promised we would try it again with someone who knew what they were doing....but maybe not anytime soon.<br />
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18. Canoe or Kayak or Both DONE!Minne Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983458431883965153noreply@blogger.com0Lake of the Isles, Minneapolis, MN, USA44.955093 -93.30964344.93262 -93.3499835 44.977565999999996 -93.2693025tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886045765764610691.post-8471352088267323242013-07-16T21:48:00.001-07:002013-07-23T21:47:20.273-07:00State Park #5: Savannah Portage I almost didn't count this little gem for my <a href="http://minnejenny.blogspot.com/p/state-parks-count-down.html">State Park Countydown</a>, because of only being able to spend a mere 30 minutes roaming around this wilderness--but not for lack of trying! John and I went "up north" for the 4th of July weekend to spend time at his family friends' house. On our drive back from McGregor, we planned to hike at the nearest park,<a href="http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/savanna_portage/index.html">Savannah Portage State Park</a>.<br />
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The highlight of Savannah Portage is walking the Continental Divide. Now, a girl from Colorado knows about Continental Divides; you can't avoid it--it's a mountain range! But in Minnesota the divide is slightly more subtle. From the state park site:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"Walk the Savanna Portage Trail, a historic trail traveled by fur traders, Dakota and Ojibwe Indians, and explorers more than 200 years ago. Savanna Portage State Park has 15,818 acres of rolling hills, lakes, and bogs. The Continental Divide marks the great division of water: water to the west flows into the Mississippi River; water to the east runs into Lake Superior." </span></blockquote>
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My plan to see bog wildflowers and walk along a great division of water did not go so swimmingly. We arrived in the early afternoon knowing it would be a bit hotter. The heat was not the problem. As soon as we rolled across the park line, we were attacked by a swarm of insects. We thought we'd take a shot at hiking anyway in case they might buzz off. They. did. not. We made it about 8 minutes along the ingrown trail before we couldn't stand it anymore. We jumped back into the car tried a different area.<br />
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Maybe the lake would be better. Although the calm, reflective water was charming, the bugs were not. I did spot some wildflowers but the horseflies were too much. We walked for about 10 minutes around the edge of the lake before cutting our visit short.<br />
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BUGSSSS</h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John swatting at flies</td></tr>
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Flowers
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</td><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-RC5EgESYlOhiRy5rPFUVU3wgSnvA1G7YexGEZ_C_LIYXgPLdpKnhQ4FQqFEJWgKbAIc59k0tbibEBZ9gLTbGGIUNxiWMKjR6Q-7VtQz2NyZnorv5uv-SsbSfy0CSXOEeOyqR1NOOUqY/s1600/1066157_10151479046496640_1414889510_o+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-RC5EgESYlOhiRy5rPFUVU3wgSnvA1G7YexGEZ_C_LIYXgPLdpKnhQ4FQqFEJWgKbAIc59k0tbibEBZ9gLTbGGIUNxiWMKjR6Q-7VtQz2NyZnorv5uv-SsbSfy0CSXOEeOyqR1NOOUqY/s320/1066157_10151479046496640_1414889510_o+%25281%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ljvzF4CwY4ogxci0dj6fAiPsQHKXGkK62z5D640j7IAOCh8MGNgDHLk_ha2X8tiO9fhCeUmLdcFxtCqJmpqwXm9PWUVWhyphenhyphenkrhwRUN7VlGm-RR_HInyaL8pz2f2q6CGabL8k9egGyc5R4/s1600/1060114_10151479044991640_1324727010_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ljvzF4CwY4ogxci0dj6fAiPsQHKXGkK62z5D640j7IAOCh8MGNgDHLk_ha2X8tiO9fhCeUmLdcFxtCqJmpqwXm9PWUVWhyphenhyphenkrhwRUN7VlGm-RR_HInyaL8pz2f2q6CGabL8k9egGyc5R4/s320/1060114_10151479044991640_1324727010_o.jpg" width="240" /></a>Minne Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983458431883965153noreply@blogger.com0Savanna Portage State Park, 55626 Lake Avenue, McGregor, MN 55760, USA46.8499483 -93.14868919999997846.6760838 -93.471412699999973 47.0238128 -92.825965699999983tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886045765764610691.post-20454602232539685362013-07-11T20:26:00.001-07:002013-07-11T20:28:22.250-07:00Visitors of All Sorts, Part Deux We last left off with my mom somehow hobbling along after me trying to wear her out with too much to see and do. She's a trooper!<br />
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Day 4: Holy Father- & Mother-in-law<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathedral of St. Paul</td></tr>
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Where do you take a Catholic visiting the Twin Cities? To church of course! More specifically, St. Paul's Cathedral. We went to mass on Sunday morn to the European-style cathedral.<br />
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Fun fact: The cathedral started to be built in 1904 by the main architect from the 1904 World's Fair and was based on cathedrals in Paris and PĂ©rigueux. </blockquote>
After mass, we met John and his parents at <a href="http://daybyday.com/">Day by Day Cafe</a>, a quaint diner. John said the staff are recovering addicts although I can't find any reference to that online. Wonderful food and very friendly service!<br />
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The next part of the day John would have nothing to do with. Mom and I wanted to go to the aquarium which happens to be John's worst nightmare. (Something about the glass might break and the fish that are angry for being in captivity will eat him... or something.) Since mom had never ridden public transit before (I know!), we took the Minneapolis lightrail to the Mall of America to visit the <a href="http://www.mallofamerica.com/attractions/view/sea-life-minnesota-aquarium">SeaLife Aquarium</a>. At first, I was not impressed: scant life to look at; tanks not fully labeled. But once I hit the 300 ft. long ocean tunnel, I was hooked. Sharks, giant fish, and turtles were all around you; enveloping you. I also appreciated the descriptive label every 10 feet or so. They called out if the species was threatened, vulnerable or not at risk.<br />
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Day 5: Bon Voyage! </h4>
Mom, John, and I met up at Harriet Island in St. Paul to take a cruise down the Ole Mississippi. <a href="http://www.riverrides.com/">Padelford Riverboats</a> is one of many companies that offer hour tours up and down the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers. We chose Padelford because of its Monday Madness sale--$8 per person! The evening was absolutely gorgeous with just the right amount of breeze wafting through the open-air top deck. Although we couldn't hear the historical announcements over the intercom due to ambient noise and people talking, we had a relaxing and very Twin Cities evening; a perfect end to a trip with my mom.<br />
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<br />Minne Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983458431883965153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886045765764610691.post-20647622449447523922013-07-09T21:45:00.000-07:002013-07-23T22:00:28.159-07:00Visitors off all sorts, Part I<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A-top Foshway Tower in downtown Minneapolis</td></tr>
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Whilst my mum was visiting in June, I needed to figure out activities that would appeal to her. I had my usual list of museums, art exhibits, concerts, etc. that I gave to my more youthful visitors. (see my <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PFbnVtVRtek8tvn0igzmkO_TmNhALc_xB08TP0LBI2U/edit?usp=sharing">Twin Cities suggested sites</a>) My mom drove up from Branson MO (aka Old People Vegas) to visit me in my new city. Mom, who doesn't get around as easily anymore, was a tad more challenging to create a fun-filled itinerary for than other visitors. Walking around the parks, biking, and drinks on a rooftop bar were off the table. My mom's list of fun activities: playing music at church, going on scenic drives, and...other activities that I'm supposed to know because I'm her daughter. Time to be creative!<br />
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My mom picked a few activities from <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PFbnVtVRtek8tvn0igzmkO_TmNhALc_xB08TP0LBI2U/edit?usp=sharing">the list</a> I sent to my sister and visiting friends and added a few of her own from scouring the internet. I would never expect her to want to be atop the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&ved=0CFUQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffoshaymuseum.com%2F&ei=g3TbUfCxGaiFywHmj4DwDA&usg=AFQjCNGvvij8zxJpkSqj6AYs2usN9lebwA&sig2=Xl-Z77DeFIb7O-yEmr8nRw&bvm=bv.48705608,d.aWc">Foshay Tower</a> or visit the <a href="http://www.bellmuseum.umn.edu/">Bell Museum of Natural History</a>!<br />
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Day 1: Play Ball!</h4>
Her visit started as soon as she parked the car. We rushed her to free seats at the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrHVRO8Uwky95LKruttW1-kqC55y459tZe186VgvO4mQVESIp6gwieYMaKenOVcRvmiQhg9afzOjjw3PsOFM7PNGTvgnU-MkDHayYjoXNe6MKX2a2kUOxi2csTDvcpTdDNmHsFT4DyBgY/s1600/base0.jpg">Twins vs. Kansas</a> City Royals (thanks Germaine!). She had never been to a baseball game before--although I hadn't either before John took me on one of our first dates.<br />
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Day 2: MinneAwesome <div style="text-align: right;">
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The next day, we had our mother-daughter bonding time with a full day of roaming Minneapolis: <a href="http://www.omgfactsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/images/washington-monument.jpg">Foshay Tower</a>, <a href="http://fyeahbadtaxidermy.tumblr.com/post/6136798621">Bell Museum</a>, and a driving tour of the Mill City area. She appreciated the diversity of Mpls and the cache of museums/theaters/parks we have to offer.<br />
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Day 3: Birds, Buttons & Bowls </h4>
We spent a beautiful Saturday morning in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CC8QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dnr.state.mn.us%2Fstate_parks%2Ffort_snelling%2F&ei=SuXcUYqSAsT_ygHVjYHQAQ&usg=AFQjCNGFVj74l0GmZf9Jz3OS4BwCbnQqeA&sig2=B4kR7ZtHKcAn1UYNpWNYHw&bvm=bv.48705608,d.aWc">Ft. Snelling State Park</a> at the Birds & Binoculars free tour. I'm not much of a birder but I enjoyed learning about the Minnesota's vast aviary. I've never seen so many adults staring into the trees trying to hear harder.<br />
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John and mom humored me by going to the first-ever <a href="http://www.hennepin.us/fixitclinic">Mend-It Clinic</a> sponsored by Hennepin County. Perfect place to learn how to mend zippers and sew on buttons! For lunch, mom wanted something she wouldn't normal have in Branson (but no Indian food). We took her to a hole-in-the-wall in my 'hood that serves <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQbFq3pzUZFLjqQkx5vBs8QBXFuiw4Ben-TEbK4utshEBOc7GYFSPsjILmrrf6yGI6ivnyD2QsfZE1wQun-XBb3oMgZYQogJKrSj7dGlxWhk4Ux7csKxubZjXqAH1QOOR3bfXhyNqCdOc/s1600/Ethiopian-food3.jpg">Ethiopian</a>. I am so proud of her for trying a food that you eat with your hands in a dank place that we had never been to. Go mom!<br />
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Then we ditched John and headed to the <a href="http://eaganartfestival.org/">Eagan Art Festival</a>. Lack of money didn't hinder my enjoyment of ceramic bowls, paintings, and lawn sculptures. (Pssst. I secretly wanted to go to check out their recycling. The coordinators had received a funding from my job to set up recycling during the event.)<br />
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<br />Minne Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983458431883965153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886045765764610691.post-3179972444564370212013-06-29T11:34:00.000-07:002013-07-23T22:03:12.593-07:00The Great Tree Collapse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If a tree falls in a park, does it make a noise? Um, yeah and it was freaking loud.<br />
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The Twin Cities has a massive storm last Friday, June 21. My house guest, John, and I were about to head out to a music festival when the wind picked up, the rain started pouring and the pressure dropped. The tree outside my 3rd story apartment pressed on the electrical lines with every major gust. Then--bam!--the power went out and we suddenly saw an explosion out of one of the windows. It must have been a transformer.<br />
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There's no way to describe the wind other than intense and frightening. John, knowing the start of tornadoes, herded us quickly out of the apartment and into the basement. Opening the door from my apartment to the hallway was actually a struggle the pressure was that forceful. The stairwells were covered in water from the nearby open windows. In the pitch dark basement with only the harsh light of our cell phones we ran into my neighbors. I've never seen so many of my apartment dwellers in one place!<br />
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The storm only lasted 30 minutes to an hour but was extreme. Over 600,000 people were left without power; most not getting electricity for a day or more. We headed to John's house in St. Paul where we found out the storm wasn't as bad. Getting to St. Paul was a bit dangerous; all the lights were out and we had to drive through a labyrinth of toppled trees. I'm impressed that Xcel Energy responded so quickly. They estimated that my area would get power Monday or Tuesday but we were turned on late Saturday.<br />
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Later that day and for the next week, we started noticing the damage created. The National Weather Service says several communities experienced gusts up to 60 mph. Trees old and young couldn't withstand winds of 50+ mph. Luckily most trees fell in parks or took out fences and garages; however, a few houses and cars were not so lucky. Minneapolis Parks and Rec has counted over 3,000 trees uprooted just in the park system.Minne Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983458431883965153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1886045765764610691.post-41949495905779461482013-06-28T17:40:00.004-07:002013-07-23T22:04:45.634-07:00One year ago today...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One year ago today I flew to Minneapolis to have two interviews for <a href="http://www.co.dakota.mn.us/">Dakota County</a>. My last day of work at the <a href="http://www.pueblohealthdept.org/">Pueblo City-County Health Department</a> was technically Friday, June 29, 2012, but I had to use a few vacation days to come to Minnesota. Yep, I had my interview on my last day of work. Kismet? I think so.<br />
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It hit me today while touring around my visiting mom. We paid the absurd fee of $8 to shoot up to the 30th floor of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foshay_Tower">Foshay Tower</a> in downtown Minneapolis. It has a surreal panoramic view of the cities. I thought about the last (and only) time I had been to the historic landmark. And it hit me: one year ago today!<br />
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My life has surely changed in 12 months: new job, new friends, <a href="http://minnejenny.blogspot.com/2012/11/finding-my-new-home.html">new city</a>. I'm grateful for this adventure, indeed.Minne Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02983458431883965153noreply@blogger.com0