Journeys 3.1

After a cuppa at Wise Owl Cafe in the University’s Walter Science and Engineering Library, discovered The Toaster, a room filled with freely available maker gear, including 3D printers, Cricuts and LEGO. Resisted the temptation then walked to the School of Architecture where students were presenting their portfolios displayed on large panels. It was then time for the second body scan of the day.

The opening of Sea Salt at Minnehaha Park for the season motivated me to cycle a loop that included Hiawatha LRT Trail, Midtown Greenway, Chain of Lakes, Minnehaha Creek, Minnehaha Park, and West River Parkway. The cooked-to-order fish tacos were undiminished and a bargain at $8.

Across the river from our home there’s an eagle’s nest. It was empty last year but on our walk this morning we spotted an eagle’s head peeking out. Sometimes one of the eagles swoops right past our apartment at eye level.

Walked as far as I could across Stone Arch Bridge to see what was going on with the restoration. What I saw was quite low-tech: wide frames on wheels on the bridge deck supported and counterbalanced platforms that raise and lower, much like the system used by window cleaners on tall buildings. Below, a pontoon was docked against a bridge pier.

The odd snowflake was flying around in the wind and gathering in crevices when a friend and I entered the warmth of a new coffee shop for flaky pastries, bottomless coffee mugs, and good conversation.

Thursdays are for volunteering: him in a university greenhouse, me with adult learners. Later we have just enough energy to walk a couple blocks to our local bar for dinner and to compare notes about our day. Last week, I learned about a smelly flowering Corpse Plant; today, Lithops (Stone Plants) which are getting ready for spring when, presumably, they’ll flower.