prostrate

Flat on the ground I fell.

The ice finally brought me down, prostrate on the sidewalk. I felt my feet go out from my center of balance and did NOT feel where my arm flailed out to try and stop gravity. I'm not sure if it was the actual fall that injured my shoulder, or if it was the angle or pull from the dog leash that made it worse. In any case, I'm in an uncomfortable state.

And Patrick has a case of whiplash, says the chiropractor, from a jerky ride on his most recent flight to Denver. We are a couple of sorry looking folks.

Quote of the day from George Eliot;

"What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?"

take good care!

potent proclamation

How, on this Sunday when the Vikings are playing with Brett Favre as their star, are we not invited to a party?

After all the parties we have hosted, with all the food and booze, and the people sucking it all up, can there be no invitation.

Grrr...I'm done with entertaining and toting all that liquor from the Chi-Lake to our place. You people are all dead to me.

Quote from Confucius;

" To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it."

Pro

A rainy night indeed.

Who knew that a Friday night in downtown Minneapolis in late January would require an umbrella? Waiting for the train at the Warehouse District platform was simply surreal! What city is this? Who are these folks with umbrellas? Why do I need my rain boots?

The weather is unusual from coast to coast.

We attended the Timberwolves game at the Target Center. It had been quite some time since we'd been to a game and it was enjoyable. Pat enjoyed giving me a little basketball history lesson and pointing out things of interest. The stop at our favorite bar, Glueks, was good, although the presentation of a "happy hour" menu was confusing. The bartender placed a plastic stand containing the menu with the beers, drinks, and appetizers listed and available for happy hour. We chose and then were told there is no "happy hour" pricing because of the event (i.e; Timberwolves game). Well, why present the menu? Didn't change our order and heard him telling the same story to the patrons beside me.

Quote of the day from coach Phil Jackson;

" Winning is important to me, but what brings me real joy is the experience of being fully engaged in whatever I'm doing."

Take care.

permafrost

The ice that surrounds me outdoors on the sidewalks, bridge, steps, patio and greenway is shrinking! When the sun shines on these "mild" days of January the ice slowly recedes much like a glacier. It's odd comparing ones environment to frozen tundra. Again, I'm enjoying the Sorrels.

Don't get bitter, get better. I'm sure you've heard the phrase before. Why stop there? I say get batter! There's a cake batter in my near future, baking a birthday cake for someone special. Tonight there is a little celebration for Lisa, while further out west my good friend David turns my age. We get to be the same age for a few weeks! HBD!

Quote of the day from Madeleine L'Engle;

"The great thing about getting older is that you don't lose all the other ages you've been."

take care

pinot grigio

Bar La Grassa, a fairly new establishment on Washington Ave, was on my radar to visit. It was featured as one of the best places for food and drink in Minneapolis a few weeks ago. Who knew that last evening--a cold Wednesday---would find me 10 deep waiting to speak to the host? Does buzz from a Star Tribune article last for weeks?

What am I missing in the night scene here in Minneapolis? Is 8PM midweek a popular time to dine out? I'm confused.

Also concerned about how difficult it was to park and scale the ice cliff of snow to get on the partly icy-slick sidewalk. I'm dumbfounded about how there is not a quality sit down restaurant in our Global Market. Our experience at Ala Salsa on NYE was mediocre at best. The parking and comfort of this building offers so much to diners--and you would think owners as well. There is gossip that the restaurant Jade, which occupies a large part of the Global Market, will close soon. I long for a great dining spot to take over that space.

We discovered through an acquaintance that our good friend Tony, the sushi chef, has found a home at Fuji-Ya. That is where we first learned about sushi and how to order and eat it! Best of luck to him and we will certainly become regulars at Fuji-Ya again!

Quotes from "One Second Sermons";

"Kind words make good echoes"

"Life is a measure to be filled, not a cup to be drained"

"If you can't see the bright side, polish the dull side"

take care!

part of the season

This part of the winter season is unpleasant.

I'm frozen with anxiety about dealing with the sub-zero temps everyday.

It's just not fun.

I acquired some really nice "Sorrel" snow boots over the holiday season which keep my feet warm. The long underwear from Target is indispensable. My old coat from Land's End remains my absolute favorite, and the warm woolens from Norway keep me Goldilocks warm---not too hot, not too cold!

So why am I unhappy?

Maybe it's the ice buildup on the streets and sidewalks that makes the simple task of walking an Olympic event. Or an ode to growing up on ice skates like Lisa who credits her good balance to ice skating everyday after school. The ice presents a challenge nearly everywhere.

Then there's the temperature.

My face gets so cold and the raw air truly burns my cheeks. The dog still enjoys the snow, but she slips on the sidewalk as well! I haven't fallen yet--knock on wood-- and hope to remain upright for the duration.

My attitude does not reflect my hopes and dreams for the coming year. I am very optimistic for a fantastic 2010!

Really I am, but I can't take much more of this ice and cold temps!

Quote of the day from Jennifer James;

"If you could choose one characteristic that would get you through life, choose a sense of humor."


take care--ha ha!